Best Wishes from WHO?

For those of you who don't know, and trust me, there are many who do not, the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I know, many think it's summer, because, let's face it, summers are busy and hot and crowded. But in the summer, at least, there's a divide as to when families may take their vacations. Some prefer July, others take June or August.

The families who come in the winter aren't as lucky. They have 2 weeks to choose from: the week before and the week after Christmas. So many people think the week before is busiest... that families want to be home for Christmas, so they'll do their vacations and then go celebrate with their families. But think about it: how many YouTube videos have you seen with children finding out Christmas Day that they're leaving for Disney World soon? December 26th is a traveling day. December 27th it hits like a Gaston punch. WHAM! People everywhere, people pushing, people waiting in line, people buying jackets because they thought Florida is always warm, people buying ponchos because they thought Florida is always sunny, people eating at restaurants because Disney offered free meals if you got your hotel and tickets through them. People, People, People!

So you'll excuse me if I don't post again until after my program is over. This is my last day off and I plan on enjoying the rest of it.

Real quick, I just wanted to share one amazing present my sister got me this year. During Thanksgiving a friend teased that he was going to see Alan Rickman in Seminar while he was in NYC. (Alan Rickman, if you don't know, is God. Ok, no, not really, but he has been a constant celebrity crush since I was 3... seriously). Well, my mom, hearing this, told my sister (who lives in NYC) that she should go to the theatre and get something signed saying "Thank you for loving me since you were three." My sister isn't the type who would stalk a celebrity, but she did send a letter to the theater to Mr. Rickman to let him know how I felt. A couple weeks later the mail at our PO Box had a package with a return address for Rickman in NYC, inside a signed Playbill from Seminar saying To Rory, Best Wishes, Alan Rickman. AHHHHHHHHH!

My mom also noted that there is a hair in the tape on the envelope. I'm certain it's just an assistant, but Mom thinks we should get some polyjuice potion to see who it is. Oh goodness =P

Til next week!

The Last Days with Price Management

Today started like any normal day off. I took an ROS last night, which means Release of Shift. It shows up on my record card, but no point value added to it. Honestly, as long as it doesn't happen all the time, I think an ROS actually says a lot on your card. It means that you tried to come in, even though you were sick, but couldn't make it through the shift. In means that you tried.... if you just work through your shift there's really nothing to show for it.

Anyways, so today started like any normal day off. I woke up after sleeping in and could hear my roommates out in the living room. We talked a little, and I noticed they were cleaning... nothing too out of the ordinary since I thought we had inspections tomorrow. I put stuff in the trash and they told me not to, but I said I'd take it out before I left for home today. They reminded me to take down my board and I said I would, before I left. At about noon there was a knock on the door and two people from Price Management came in saying they were here for departure inspections. 2 of my roommates left this week, so I figured they were just checking their rooms... but then they changed our air filter, like they usually do, and they started going into all the rooms. I looked at my one roommate and asked if they would come again tomorrow and she just stares at me. "No, these are our inspections... it's the 15th."

Wow. Was I out of it. For the first time I was not even near ready for inspections. My bed wasn't made, there was a slight mess in the room, my second cork board was on the wall, there was trash in all the cans... and we still passed. They even gave us cookies. Wow. Let's look back on my first inspection, when we cleaned the place like crazy, when it was spotless, when I stayed up after a 4am shift because I didn't want to make my bed messy... and basically the same results. This just goes to show you how much we all seem to be over it.

At work it's more about getting through the day than making magic moments. We hang out more because suddenly the time is disappearing. In 19 days most of the friends I made here will be leaving to go all throughout the country (plus side: I know people all throughout the country now!).

Once all is said and done I'll have a full blog post reflecting on my time with the college program. But for now, looking at the experiences I've had, the friends I've made, the multiple roommates, inspections and curfews, the real question is: Was it all worth it?

Yes. A million times over and over again. No regrets. Yes.

Stitch was Lost, Now I Am

I'm so afraid of the future--I'm excited for it, but still afraid. I feel like any time I make some sort of gain in my life I then move 2 steps backward.

I can go out and have a good time, but I lament two things: 1) I just don't feel like me at these parties and 2) The people who make them most fun are leaving me in January.

Sometimes I look at my life and look at my choices and have to wonder what the hell I'm thinking. So then I ask people what they think, and they all tell me a million different things. The truth is, only I know what's best for me, even if it doesn't seem like it to everyone else. I have friends who make similar mistakes, but it's their choice to make them, their lesson to learn.

Sometimes it's just time to let go of control. Let go and let God. It's a power struggle at first, but eventually it's ok. He knows what's best after all.

My manager warned us not to get sick the week before Christmas... and I woke up this morning with a knife in my throat. I'm starting to cough a lot again and I just don't feel up to being at work, but I have to otherwise I'll have nothing in January.

I'm so lost right now. Prayers appreciated <3

The Joy of Giving

I went to EPCOT alone today.

I'm not saying this as a form of self-pity or looking for condolences. In fact, it was a wonderful experience.

I knew I wanted to see Neil Patrick Harris in the Candlelight Processional, and I knew most of my friends would either be working, or not in town to see him. My parents were going out the one night I had the opportunity to go, so I trudged along to EPCOT after work today to wait in line.

I got to the park at 3:30pm. Already the line for Candlelight was into the Italy Pavilion, almost to Germany. The first show was at 5, and there was a slight chance we would make it. Once in line another woman stood behind me. Not one to stand on my own, I started a chat with her... and then the people behind us. It wasn't until 6:30 that we finally got to sit for a show, and in those 3 hours I got to talk with these lovely people. One of my friends in particular would laugh at how Disney Cast Member I was... giving hints for what to do, sharing stories from my adolescence. Once the woman behind me had her daughters join them (one in 6th grade, the other in 1st) I spent my time asking them about their vacation, about school. I learned who their favorite characters were and what was their favorite ride. When talking with the couple behind the family I learned how they met, where they were from, what vacation they were planning next and how long they've been together.

I got to sit with all of them for the show, and it really reminded me of the magic of Christmas: bringing all sorts of people together under one common goal of joy and peace. The two little girls are planning to visit me on the Ol' Frontier on Wednesday, and I can't wait to add a little magic to their trip!

Today I learned a bit more about myself, and gained a bit of confidence in my own abilities. I was having a hard time getting in the Christmas Spirit this week, and Mom suggested to do so by doing something for others. I have some ideas up my sleeve, so excited to be able to perform the magic of giving.

You've Got a Friend in Me

As this program winds down I'm finally realizing how difficult it will be to say goodbye.

Those friends that you can call and walk straight over to their apartment won't be around. Those friends who are there at work to listen to your problems, to give advice, to let you cry on their shoulder, who always seem to have the answer... who make each day better, who make life better... they're all going back to their lives, and I'm here. It's a small joke, that whenever they come back, I'll be here to say hi.

I'm not sure I can do goodbyes just yet. Love to everyone <3

Oh, So That's Why We Keep Journals

I'm cleaning my room at my parents' house, figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go. In doing so I found a journal. It's not long, as a often don't finish my journals, but it's interesting, and certainly one I never plan on throwing away or forgetting. But I'd like to take this time to tell myself something:

Dear Me of the Past:

It gets better. In so many ways you are correct. But you have to remember you're not always right. You need to let go and realize you're not always in control. You have so much to learn, so many experiences to encounter. You're going to meet new people, you're going to re-meet old ones.

Some of your predictions are going to come true, but not in the way you think. You think college is a huge, daunting experience, but you'll get through it just fine. You say that you're going to study hard and not just skate by, but let's be honest, skating by is how you work best. You say you're a bit of a loner, but you'll find yourself meeting all sorts of new people, and opening your mind to realizing that right and wrong are much more blurred in the real world.

You say your world is going to end, but I promise, it continues. You don't think you'll get through it, but I promise, it will pass. You'll find yourself in familiar territory, but this time you'll know what to do. You'll laugh more.

When you want to complain, your journal won't be the first place you turn to. You'll have new sources like Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Just remember, when you go back and read your journal you won't be proud of what you wrote. And remember that when you post complaints on Blogs, Facebook and Twitter a lot more people will read and remember them.

Just always remember: life is full of trials and complications. Each day brings new difficulties, and there will always be times when it seems like your world is crashing, but you'll go back and see that you got through one thing, and you can certainly get through another. It will all eventually be ok, and you'll be stronger for it.

Take life one day at a time. Look for signs from God, He does know what's best. Follow your heart and don't be afraid to let it break. You'll learn how to repair it, and ice-cream is not always the answer (as much as you want it to be).

Always remember that your family loves you and sticks with you no matter what. As you continue to expand your friend circle, never let the older ones slip by the wayside: they're just as valuable. Don't be afraid to let people in. Don't bottle things up.

Most of all: be proud of who you are. Stand tall. You're going to speak your mind--people will admire you for it, others won't. So long as you stay proud, none of it will matter. Keep your moral conscience, stick with your gut, and hold on tight--life's a roller-coaster and you're never going to want it to end.

Love, You from the Not-So-Far-Away-Future <3

God Bless Us, Everyone

There is so much to be thankful for this year, but most of all I'm thankful for the unique opportunity to share this season with so many wonderful people. Unlike my last post, I'm not talking about guests and tourists. Today I'm talking about my co-workers, my friends.

When I started the program I promised myself I wouldn't get too attached. I just said goodbye to all my friends from college, packed everything up and moved on to start a new life. I knew that at the start of January any new friends I made would leave Orlando and I'd be back to square one. I figured it'd be easier to not care about anyone and then not have to go through the separation anxiety again.

Well, we all know I was fooling myself. I like people too much, I make friends easily, and already I don't want them to leave.

So many of them have to make due this holiday season--they have to attempt their mom's greatest recipes alone, celebrate on non-holiday days, make their own traditions. It really humbles me--I have my family here. My best friends are all coming home for the holidays. And I get to celebrate with my co-workers in their own special way. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many tidings of good cheer!

Yesterday one of my co-workers hosted Thanksgiving at her place--it was fabulous! "Turkey" (rotisserie chicken since none of us liked turkey), stuffing, potatoes and green bean casserole. Pumpkin Pie for dessert, sparkling grape juice for drinks. She decorated her apartment and we played games and watched the Jim Carey "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". It was Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow I'll be home with my parents, watching the parade, drinking hot chocolate, eating ravioli (tradition!), and helping cook a wonderful meal. Friday we'll pack in the car really early to do some fun shopping. Saturday evening I'll watch the UF/FSU game with some of my best friends, a tradition every year (*cough*gogators*cough*).

So thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart. I am blessed to have so many people in my life to celebrate the season.

If you know someone who might be lonely this Season. If you know someone in need of a friend or someone to hang out with, invite them to your celebration--share the joy and happiness. You too will find yourself blessed <3

Christmas isn't about candy canes, or lights all aglow, it's the hearts that we touch and the care that we show

Anyone who knows me knows that Christmastime is my favorite time of year. When I was little my parents made it extra special: bags of toys hanging from the outside trees, shredded carrots lining the porch where the reindeer waited for Santa, opening gifts one at a time while watching 24-hours of a Christmas Story, just to make the day seem longer. As we've gotten older the traditions have changed, some of which have stuck for years now. We have the same breakfast, the same dinner, I make the hot chocolate, the dog plays with the wrapping paper. We have theme stockings (this year it's our favorite books!) and one of us always plays Santa.

One of my favorite personal traditions is spending as much time as possible at Disney. If you've never been to Disney at Christmas, make sure it's noted on your bucket list. It's certainly something you don't want to miss. Between the amazing Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights, the inspiring Candlelight Processional, the beautifully lit Cinderella's castle and every single fireworks show there's just no beating it. Some of my best memories involve Disney at Christmas.

I'm not gonna lie, it's somewhat brutal working Disney at Christmas: the crowds mostly. I'm not looking forward to working Christmas Day, especially since my family's in town. I am looking forward to the wonderful paychecks that come with the long hours. I have plenty of Christmas shopping to do, and my family knows that most of their gifts are Disney-related.

What I must remember this Christmas season, when I'm at work and when the parks are packed, is that I get to be a part of that Christmas Disney Magic that I always rave about. I get to help make memories and create magical moments. Somehow it all seems a bit better when I realize what I can do for the guests. I get to share with them the Christmas magic I've known and loved, and maybe get them to return again and start their own tradition.

With the way my posts have been going, I might not post again before Christmas, so Merry Christmas in advance!

The King (Queen?) Has Returned!

Ok, it's been awhile since I last updated... Honestly, I just haven't really had the time.

It's Inspection Time again and this time it's working a little bit differently. Remember last time I told you all about how we split up the duties fairly evenly and were able to get the white glove award? Yeah, it's not so cohesive this time.

It's not like they tell us more than a month ahead of time when our inspections are... this time our inspection happened to fall when one of the roommates was out of town and another has family in town. We also have a roommate who does absolutely nothing to contribute to the well-being of the apartment, so that left three of us to do a job meant for 6 people. Oh boy.

That being said, it's been an interesting time before inspections. With inspections tomorrow, my room is spotless, as is the living room and the kitchen. After that, it's beyond my control. I'm guessing we'll only pass, no white glove, but that's just me. Honestly, after all this cleaning, I'm really indifferent and just glad to have a clean apartment again.

Now, about work. Well, work is work. It's still happy always being at the happiest place on earth, but things are starting to fall more into a pattern. We've started doing the wonderful Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and I absolutely love working the event. When I'm in upper I'm usually stocking, but it's still fun to see everyone's costumes and tell them Happy Halloween. When I'm in lower we play different games and pass out candy. There's this one great game we played that involved bending down a lot, and halfway through the night I realized I had pulled something in my upper leg... throughout the next few days it got stiffer until one day I couldn't sit without being in excruciating pain. Luckily, that was the worst day, and it got better after that.

We also had our 40th Anniversary on October 1st, and the park was PACKED. Seriously, there were lines everywhere, especially for merchandise. 'Tis the season for Pin Hunters... some people come and spend HUNDREDS, sometimes THOUSANDS of dollars on PINS. It's the limited editions (Halloween, Christmas, 40th Anniversary) and they're going like hot-cakes!

Did you know that at Disney, Christmas starts a week after Thanksgiving? Yup, my holidays are officially out of whack. Everyone keeps telling me Halloween hasn't happened yet and I just don't believe them.

We are officially in my favorite time of year. My birthday was this past Thursday (ewww, I'm old/23) and that signals the start of the rest of the year. There's Halloween and cool weather and Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping and then Christmastime! Seriously I LOVE this time of year.

I had to resist the urge to play my Glee Christmas Album this week. I WILL wait until at least Thanksgiving. I WILL wait. As for watching Love Actually, I hardly doubt I can hold off watching that... maybe I'll watch it this week. Probably... it's hard to watch it and not get in the Christmas mood though. Thoughts? Honestly, just watching Alan Rickman, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant is enough to make me happy =D

Oh! That reminds me, although I'm not sure why, this is also the season of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. I've been once already and it's quite good, but extremely filling. If there's one suggestion I can make this year it's to try the Apple Strudel. Not because I tried it, but because you'll regret it forever if you don't try it. Seriously, it will follow you everywhere.

I'm going again on Wednesday with my sister. And this time I'm gonna get the Apple Strudel.

Well, sleep calls. Here's to hoping the best for the rest of the year and this awesome season =D Who knows what might happen I guess =D

Til then, keep having faith in dreaming... one day your wish will come true (with hard work and perseverance, of course)

<3

We Are All Part of the Circle of Life

Whew. It's been awhile since I last updated this. I really should be sleeping now, since, guess what? I have another HOH shift tomorrow. I've actually started liking them, Lord help me, although I wish they weren't quite so early.

I apologize to the many of you who follow me for Disney-ness. This is not, so much, a Disney related post. In a few days, when I have enough time to sit down and really think about the past month, I'll give a nice long update about the happenings at Disney. Indeed, there are quite a few great stories that I cannot wait to share.

Today's blog, however, is more of a personal one. I've been feeling down, as you could tell from my previous posts. The big question now is "What next?". This question, sadly, relates to all aspects of my life. What next? Do I stay with Disney and work from within or do I try to find a different job? What next? Will I ever settle down with anyone? What next? Is Orlando really the place for me? What next? What will I do when so many friends leave at the end of the year? Indeed, what next? The possibilities have kept me up countless nights.

This is completely off-topic, but as this is my blog, I get to make the rules. I've been thinking a lot recently about an event that happened last January, an event I know has helped me grow up and know the person I strive to become. It was the middle of January... we had only had one Chapter meeting for my coed community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and I hadn't yet gotten a chance to talk with everyone after Christmas vacation. It was MLK day and we were going to have our second Chapter later in the day. I had a missed call from my grandlittle, so I called her back. That's when I heard:

"Rory, Shayna's dead."

The idea didn't compute in my brain. Shayna was in my family in the fraternity. We pledged the same semester. She was just then starting to become a good friend, she even had me for Secret Santa that year. No, indeed, the idea was completely implausible. But as head of our family, it was my duty to call everyone and let them know the awful truth. And with each call it became more and more real. And more and more painful.

That night, that week went by in a blur. Her funeral was at the end of the week, and my little and I drove down to Tampa for it. It was there that Shayna truly made an impression on me. Listening to her family talk about her life, about what decisions she made, about how she chose to treat others, about the kind of person she was... it hit me hard. That night I wrote my first letter. The idea of writing letters was always important to me. Growing up with Jane Austen stories in place of lullabies stressed the importance and significance of a well-written letter. I wrote a letter to Shayna. I told her how sorry I was that I never got to know her better. I promised her that I was going to take up her cause, that I would strive to live to forgive everyone, even those who hurt me and to never judge anyone, because who are we to judge someone who's shoes we've never walked in? I told her I missed her.

I wrote her a letter twice a month for the rest of the semester. I left them on my window-sill, because I thought she'd have a better chance of seeing them from heaven. Eventually, as graduation neared, as schedules got busy, I stopped writing them. But she always shows up on the side of my facebook. She's always there, somehow to remind me of what I need to do to be happy. That if I follow her example, if I hold no grudges and strive to understand instead of judge, that happiness would follow.

And here I am in the happiest place in the world. I've been thinking a lot about Shayna recently. I know she's happy, wherever she is. I know she'd also probably tell me, if asked, that eventually good things will happen, and until then just smile and help others. We'd probably then start discussing the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy, or talk about how awesome the last Harry Potter movie was.

If you're still reading this, thanks for letting me take you through my mind tonight. I know it's not about Disney, but it does give you a little backstory into why I think the way I do, and why I act the way I do. I promise, soon I'll update you on all the happenings in life. Until then, peace love and Mickey <3

Have Faith in Your Dreams and Someday Your Rainbow Will Come Smiling Through

I'm going to be honest: I'm having a hard time being positive these days. I'm trying not to lose all hope of finding a decent career. Sometimes I feel like I have no support at all. I've tried to talk to my managers, but there are just so many of us. It's hard to be a shining star when we're all so bright.

It's ok when I'm at work. When I stock I literally put everything I have into making sure my stores look perfect. It's hard work, it's sometimes difficult work, but I do it all with a smile. No one likes stocking, but it has to be done. When I'm on registers I relish every moment, because how often do I get to be on registers? I honestly love my job.

But it's over in January. Internships are posted, it's time to apply, and I'm just stuck on that one-note, one-point not even a month away from being gone in time. I feel so lost. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I feel like I've let myself down, my family down, and everyone I know. I wish I could photograph their faces as I tell them I work merch for Disney, that way I have evidence.

Some Natural Magic

I got some bad news since my last post. I'm a bit unwilling to go into the details, but it basically leads to the impossibility of me getting an internship for the Spring. Which leads me to beg the question:

What am I doing here?

If you were to ask me what I'm best at, I'd tell you in an instant that the thing I know most about, the thing I know best is Walt Disney World. If you asked me about the thing I cared most about I'd tell you it's happiness: my own, that of others... that's why I'm in this field after all. Happiness is so important, so essential that I do my best to find the happiness in every situation. But the more and more I think about it, the more and more unhappy I become. The more and more I think about where I am right now, in comparison to so many others, to friends and cohorts, the more dissatisfied I am.

So where do I find happiness in such a situation, when the happiest place on earth is not so happy? I go back to simplicity... my first thought is a movie, where I can escape into happy endings... well, the few I've seen in the past few days all had depressing endings... fail 1.

So then I turn to music, which for the most part makes me happy, but sometimes just reinforces the sadness...

So then I turn to nature--to the calm of a Florida summer night, to the occasional brief gust of wind, to the low rumble of thunder. Sometimes it's exactly what I need.

So where do you find your center of peace?

High-Ho, High-HOH, to Registers I Go!

So, in some movies or TV shows there's the idea that if you want to escape Death someone else must take your place. Well, apparently HOH works the same way.

This past week one of the seasonal CMs started getting HOH shifts... and then on Sunday when we got our schedules, she got the HOH shifts I usually get, and I didn't get any.

It was bittersweet, because of course I'm thrilled I don't have any, but at the same time I'm sad for her because I know that feeling of, "Oh, great, now I'm stuck with these." I really wish they would just rotate people through the shifts, that way no one gets stuck with a whole week of them. I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen though.

Anyways, so I have 2 more HOH shifts and then I'm back to registers for the time being =D It's late hours, but I'll be happy to be around people again!

Quick personal note, I love having my friends here from all sides of life: CP friends, college friends, high school friends, church friends, family. I'm really really lucky to have such a great support team. So thanks to all of you who read this, and thanks to those I don't know who continue to give me support <3

A Bruise by Any Other Name.... Would Still Be a Bruise

One of the simple joys in life is seeing a movie by yourself at a small movie theater in the morning. It's usually empty, so for the most part you have a HUGE screen to yourself, and you only pay about $5 for it!

You know how movie theaters have those railings on the side, and sometimes it's dark and you can't really see? Yeah, that's what happened to me on one lovely Monday morning when I decided to see a movie on my own. I ran into the railing. I'm not sure how, but basically I slammed my arm into the railing with such force that it left a bruise.... a bad bruise... and then the second day I had the bruise I rammed it into something else... so the bruise spread.... now it looks more like someone grabbed me by the arm forcefully. I can't tell you how many people have mentioned it looks like I have an abusive boyfriend. Freaky, right?

Anyways, back to Disney topics... I was back on registers these past 2 days and I miss them so much! Today I got to sing Happy Birthday and make sticker crowns and smile til I was blue in the face! I've gotten to work with some of my favorite people too!

I miss registers =(

Back to HOH tomorrow!

Finally Back at Regis-wait... you need me to be a stocker tonight?!?!

Today was my first day scheduled back as a normal register shift... and three hours before my shift was supposed to start I get a text from one of my roommates: Deployment just called, they need you to come in as stock tonight.

Seriously?

Seriously?

It's like someone up there is pointing down and laughing at me each time. Yes, Rory, we'll give you a little hope at something normal, but WAIT, come back and do this instead.

I mean, it was fine. Seriously. I've started taking pride in my stocking skills these days... and at least it was a non-HOH, non-morning shift and I got to work with and see some of my favorites. This is one of the hard parts of always getting HOH shifts: I never see any of my friends at work anymore ='(

I've decided if things don't change I'm going to start picking up shifts and having more 14-hour days. Register shifts are seriously *that* important to me. I wish I could make someone higher up see that, so I'll just have to prove to them that I'm a hard worker.

*Basic Story of the Day*

On my way toward my one and only break today I passed a family talking with the CM outside Splash Mtn. The CM was trying to suggest they go in the Splash store, but I stopped to let them know it was down. The guest really needed flip flops (her shoes broke!), and the only open place we sold them was Trading Post (a 5-10 min trip back and forth). So I offered to go grab the shoes and bring them back. As a result, my break was delayed about 30 minutes, but it was totally worth it, and it really made the guest happy. My closing manager was also impressed, so that's good =D

All You Need is Faith and Trust, and a Little Pixie Dust

"Think of the happiest things, it's the same as having wings!"

Today was a busy day. But I'm back. No Early Release today, no awful feeling like I might drop down with the plague any second. No, I'm back, with a little something special to prove it!

I was a stocker today, not Put Away, just a stocker, and I really liked it... for the first time I actually truly enjoyed my stock shift. My main responsibility was the Briar Cart, a small cart that sells water and squeeze breeze fans. It's practically everyone's least favorite place to work because it's out in the sun in a high guest contact area, and it was a blazing hot day today.

Perhaps one of the reasons I loved my shift today was because I was able to prove myself. So many times I hear complaints about the stockers, and I wanted to prove to those I was working with that I could be a good stocker, even with bronchitis. It was a day of running back and forth between getting ice, grabbing water, filling squeeze breezes, and regularly stocking the Briar Patch. It was a day of asking what I could do to help, a day of being friendly and courteous.

And I got a GSF. Now, in case you forget, or just tuned in, a GSF is a Great Service Fanatic card. It's given to a CM who follows the Disney Service Basics and is recognized for doing an outstanding job (either by a manager or by a fellow CM).

Now, today was a hot day. Today was a crowded day. Today was not a good day to be in a theme park, but by focusing on the positive (ie I'm getting healthy again, my life is pretty rocking right now, my best friends are almost all coming back to town this week, I'm going home to a bed that doesn't creek and a ceiling fan, just to name a few =P)... anyways, by focusing on the positive I was better able to "soar" through the day and make it a good day =D

A Day at Liberty, A Talk with a Manager, and a Cough That Just Won't Go Away

Today's been interesting, and it's only 2:45!

Today was another HOH day and we were over-staffed in Frontier and under-staffed in Liberty--so I volunteered to go help at Liberty Square today.

WOAH. What a difference. Seriously, this was an entirely different HOH experience.

In Frontierland we spend the first part of the day putting stuff away all together. We usually have 5-9 Bales worth of merch on Upper days, and about 4-6 on Lower days. We usually put away stuff in the store, and then, for the most part, put it away in the shop as well. Sometimes we'll just bring it to the stock room, where we'll individually go to for the second part of our shift. It's a lot of stuff, but it always gets done, usually early too. There's a lot of teamwork.

In Liberty we had 2 SMALL bales, and we all pretty much split up from the beginning. I was working in a shop called Yankee Trader... it didn't get a delivery today, but the stockroom from yesterday wasn't put away... at all. It looked AWFUL--2 VERY small rooms FULL of boxes and barely any order to follow. And there I was, my first time working in Liberty Square. Let's just say it was confusing and different.

I got to speak with my scheduling manager today about having so many HOH shifts. For the time being it's going to stay pretty much the same, but eventually I will get more of a balance, which I'm really looking forward to! Balance is certainly one of the most important aspects of life.

And finally, my cough. I now compare it to hacking up death or something similar. I got to work feeling awful, so I put in for an ER for noon, which I got. After I got home I changed and ran to the store to get chicken soup, ginger ale, tea and medicine. I'm now in bed propped up with pillows and watching Grey's Anatomy (the perfect thing to watch when you're sick =P). I'm seriously hoping that an almost full day of rest will do me some good. If you're the praying type, all prayers are appreciated <3

Maybe I should just wish on a star =D

Sick, Terrified and Determined

So, as you know from my other post, I've been sick the past week. For a few days it was bad enough for me to call into work (which I really don't like doing). When I was Seasonal I knew that I could call in 3 times in a row sick and it only count as one point, so that's what I did, with the goal to be better by, if not before, the 4th day.

Well, there was one little tiny eensy small detail that turned my last day of "recovery" into a sorta hellish nightmare. CPs don't fall under the normal CM guidelines... we're only allowed to be sick one day. So instead of getting one small point, I ended up racking 3. That equals a reprimand. Not good.

We get ONE reprieve. If we go to the doctor and get a note excusing us, and then bring that to health services and their nurse excuses us, THEN we can have it only count as one point. Well, the minute I found this out I was out of the apartment and on my way between Health Services and Walgreens to see a doctor and prove to the World that I really was sick. (On the plus side, I did get much needed cough medicine...)

I worked myself up that I was in BIG trouble that I actually made myself more sick... but return to work I had to on Saturday. Just as a FYI, coughing while lifting boxes should be some sort of hazard... I actually don't hate working the early morning HOH shifts.... just that I don't have any register shifts.

Today I got my schedule and saw that I was working half registers and half HOH next week! Excitement beyond words! I did, however, decide that I would make the most out of my HOH shifts. After all, it is a great opportunity to know more about the stock rooms and where everything belongs. Also, during the second half of the shift, it's really easy to talk with guests and still provide that world-class guest service!

So the moral of the story: if you call in, you better be dying (or already dead) and make the most out of whatever situation puts itself in your way. After all, isn't character defined by how we face our challenges?

Keep choosing to be happy <3 I'll let you all know more about the rest of my HOH shifts this week!

Why You Should NOT Complete a 17-Hour Day

I don't have much to say in this post because honestly, I haven't been to work since that fateful 17 hour day. I had relaxing days on Monday and Tuesday... but something started on Monday... a nasty cough. It wasn't awful, so I completed the plans I had for the day. Tuesday it got a little bit worse, but nothing I couldn't handle, until it was time to go to bed Tuesday night and like a wave I suddenly felt really sick and had to take NyQuil to go to sleep and ibuprofen to reduce my fever. I woke up and felt awful. If it had been a register shift, I might have survived, but it was a put away, heavy lifting, work fast kinda shift, and I knew that would only make it worse. So I called in, thinking I could go in for my shift today. Well, right before I went to bed last night I had this awful, shooting pain in my side. I took some medicine for it and thought I would sleep it off. Well, I woke up this morning and it was worse with the pain now going towards my back. Once again, for a heavy lifting shift and a bad back, I had to call in.

So the moral of the story? Don't work 17-hour days to try to get ahead. They will surely just push you behind.

So How DO You Survive a 17-Hour Day?

I think I'm at that point where I am BEYOND exhaustion. If my head hits the pillow I most certainly will fall asleep in an instant... but while it's still on my mind, let me tell you about the past 24 hours.

Yesterday was my first 5AM put away shift... at this point I was thinking it was the first of only 5 and it would be over soon. Soon it would be some other poor CP's task to have a week of waking up at 3:30AM to get to work. I was amazed how fast the day went, so I thought if I picked up a shift after my shift today it would be ok.

Here's my problem: I want to work in a high volume guest area. I'm a people person, I thrive on human contact... and they stick me in a tunnel with the mole people. Not saying anything against the usual HOH stockers, just that these shifts don't see a lot of guests. It was Saturday that I heard the awful news: being the only CP in my program to work this shift, I would most likely be stuck with it... for the rest of my program. WHAT?!?!?! No, no, no, no this is NOT good.

I spent the rest of the day fearing Sunday when my schedule drops. I went home. I took a short nap, which of course ruined my sleep schedule for the rest of the night. I finally got to sleep around 1:30A.... 2 hours before I had to wake up for my next HOH shift. When I got up this morning everything was fine. I double packed a bag so I had breakfast and dinner, and all the stuff I needed for both costumes, as well as for some free time in the park. I stopped at McDonald's on my way in for coffee... where even the guy at the drive-thru was amazed I was only heading into work.

Then I got to work, clocked in, and... moment of truth... checked my schedule for next week. NO CHANGE. All either HOH or early morning stock shifts. For the next 2 hours I was close to tears, thinking *this* is what I would have to do for the next few months. All my CP friends get register shifts... maybe some stock... but not all stock. After talking with some more CPs I discovered that this will most likely be my fate, unless I do something about it. And this is where I step into action.

After my HOH shift ended I drove home for a quick break before my register shift (that I picked up) for the evening. I wasn't originally planning on this, but today's HOH shift was a slight physical toll... Argument #1.

This evening I worked in Splash all night. I made sure to stay super friendly, as always, and to keep pepped up. I made sure to greet my manager and explain to him that I was back because I have to get register shifts in order to stay in practice with guest relations... he's not my scheduling manager, but it's a good start. Today was tiring, exhausting, and one of those awful days, but I didn't let it show to the guests, or to my managers. If this is what I have to do to tell them I'm serious about working registers, than this is what I'll do.

I'm going to work tomorrow on drafting an email to my scheduling manager about why I feel I should be taken off HOH shifts. It feels like the first adult email I have to send... feels almost like I'm asking for a raise or something, because I want to work with guests. I want to prove I'm worthy, and most importantly I want to be taken seriously, as a professional.

17-Hour Days? Yeah, I've got those.

Top 10 Disney YouTube Videos

So today I have off and I drove up to Gainesville to clean out the rest of my apartment. One thing I love about being up here is the space! A whole apartment to myself... quite a change from having 5 other roommates! I also have my own full size bed which is SO much more comfortable! Also, the most important aspect of my apartment right now: fast internet connection. If I hadn't mentioned it before, the internet connection at Patterson is SLOW. If I want to watch movies or tv shows through the internet I have to wait almost twice the time of the show for it to load. Hulu is absolutely useless since it reloads every commercial. Youtube is less enjoyable since you eventually get sick and tired of waiting for everything to load. So, when I'm home, or in this case in my home away from home, I like to take advantage of the high-speed access. That is why today's post features some of my all-time favorite Disney YouTube videos.

When I have decent internet, I like to browse YouTube for some awesome Disney moments. Sometimes it's fun "We're going to Disney World!" moments; sometimes it's engagements or weddings; sometimes it's magical moments. I also sometimes looking up things that you wouldn't necessarily always see at Disney... you'll see what I mean. So without further ado, my top 10 Favorite Disney YouTube Videos:

10. Star Tours: Darth Vadar Goes to Disneyland

I didn't want to have any Disney-made videos on this countdown (like the highly suspicious Musical Proposal viral video), but I just couldn't imagine a countdown without this very well made ad for the new Star Tours ride at Disneyland California. Best part hands down? Darth Vadar riding Dumbo =D

9. Disney Surprise gone wrong

I love watching videos of kids finding out their going to Disney. As a kid who grew up in Orlando, it wasn't a big deal to say we were going to Disney, but so many families save save and save to be able to spend only a few days at the resort. This video makes me scared to ever surprise my kids.... (although I love the little girl's response!)

8. SURPRISE KIDS, we're going to Disney!!

And if that last video hurt a bit, this one's a bit worse. THREE kids in this one...

7. Surprise Trip to Disney World - Christmas 2009

But there are plenty of videos around that show true joy and excitement when kids find out their going to Disney. This is one of my favorites because the way the parents presented it, and even provided a way for their children to save money for the trip! Best quote: "I always wanted to know how much money I had!"

6. Caleigh meeting Mickey for the First Time!

It's so exciting to see the pure joy in kid's faces when they first see Mickey! This little girl is a perfect representation!

5. 4 for a dollar/Return 2 Zero

This video and some of the next few relate more to my own Disney memories (though not my own videos). Whenever my sister and I would spend the day at MGM (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) we would watch the Beauty and the Beast show at least 3 times. Before each show a opening act--4 for a Dollar--performed an a cappella set. Eventually we started recognizing which group members sang which songs and developed our own favorites.

4. Funniest kids of tower of terror

It took me years to go on Tower of Terror without closing my eyes and gripping my mom's hand so she could tell me what was happening. I liked the ride, but hated the anticipation. The little boy's face in this video pretty much encompasses how I always felt.

3. Disney World Fireworks Display "Wishes" Magic Kingdom #7

The best fireworks show. Ever.

2. Surprise Proposal in WDW!!!!!!

I'm a sucker for Disney proposals. I used to hate them (long story, but suffice to say I've seen my fair share of them) but now I can spend hours watching them on YouTube. This is by far my favorite, mostly for the reaction of everyone around them. Also, for the shear simplicity. It's not necessarily my own ideal proposal, but it's cute for this couple (and also coincidentally for a friend of mine who was proposed to in the same location!)

1. Epcot American Proposal

Alright, you've watched these videos, you've got happy tears in your eyes, now prepare to weep. I'm not sure what makes this better: the fact that the couple is SO adorable, or the fact that it's a bit of Disney magic for a cast member. Either way, at the moment, this is my favorite magical Disney YouTube video. *Make sure you have tissues ready!*

"I Wish We'd Never Have to Grow Up"

Sometimes I just love that Disney is a place for kids of all ages.

I worked in Upper Frontierland today, the location where you can watch all the parades and fireworks. It was an 11-hour day, but to be honest, it didn't feel like it. I spent most of my time at Big Al's, the outdoor location. I spent most of my day playing with bubble guns and string-things and wearing cowboy hats. I was merchantaining at it's finest today, handing out special occasion pins and singing happy birthday. Today myself and my coworkers truly displayed excellent guest service.

There's a quote they say at the Magic Kingdom's opening: "Whether it is your first visit, or your one-hundredth, we know you'll have a magical day."

As someone who's been to the parks countless times, it sometimes stinks that Disney focuses so much on someone's first visit. Of course you won't forget your first time (unless you're like me and you were a baby), but I think the quote says it all. So when I ask someone what number trip it is, and they're not on their first, they usually think they won't get something. Instead I take a marker and make a 1st visit pin say 15th visit instead.

Today I got to be a kid at work. I played with all the toys and gadgets, and I got to watch the parade and fireworks. Wishes always makes me nostalgic, I absolutely love it. And for the second Electric Light Parade I was the only person on my side of the street, so all the characters waved at me, and Mickey even drew a heart with his hands and pointed at me. Yup. It made me happy.

This goes back to saying what I said before: if you choose to be happy, you most certainly will be!

Late Nights and Early Mornings

It is currently 8:45PM. I LEAVE for work in 30 minutes. I start work in 90. I get off work at 4:15AM. Ah, the life of a Disney CP.

In Frontierland most CPs get the late hours. My sleep pattern is used to that, to staying up til early morning and sleeping til early afternoon.

Starting Saturday, however, my sleeping pattern is going to change. Instead of late nights, I'm working early mornings. And no, I don't mean 7AM or later, no. I'm talking about 5AM-1:30PM shifts. 5 of them. And the one that I have next week that isn't a 5AM shift? Yeah, try 6:45AM. Somebody clearly hates me.

My hope is that after this sort of hell week, I'll be able to go back to the late nights. That is, at least, my hope. We'll see how it goes.

Just as Happy When You Leave?

At work today I got to merchantain with a stuffed animal Paschale from Tangled. I had fun with him, with my coworkers, and overall had a pleasant time at work today. On the bus, however, something odd hit me. I wasn't happy.

I couldn't tell you why. I can't seem to pinpoint what's disturbing me, even now. Sometimes we say we unscrew our smiles when we step off-stage. That's exactly what today felt like. Sometimes, you're just not happy.

If 10 years ago someone asked me where I thought I'd be, I would never have thought I'd be working for Disney. Better yet, I'm pretty sure I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be working for Disney, for minimum wage. 10 years ago I thought that at this point in my life I'd be in law school and married (yup, because Annie Banks became Annie Banks McKenzie when she was 22... don't know the reference? Look it up =D ).

Well, times have changed, my life has changed, and I'm nowhere near where I'd thought I'd be. I do, however, firmly believe that in order to be happy you must first decide to be happy. That's what we do everyday at work, and that's why on stage we're always happy. It's just time to bring a little bit of that Disney magic back home with me.

Magic Kingdom v. Hollywood Studios

Ok, so I've been flabbergasted for a bit about how much more on theme Magic Kingdom is. Just the mere thought of walking into Fantasyland in my hoe-down gear slightly scares me, however I always see Mania and Sunset people walking all over DHS. And then it just hit me:

At Magic Kingdom the idea is Fantasy... you need to be totally immersed in you're own land. But at DHS the idea is Hollywood, on with the show... and what happens on a hot set? Actors walk around, all over the set in costumes from whatever show. All of DHS is like a hot set, or a movie studio with costumed actors walking to their scene. It's totally still themed!

A Non-College All-Nighter?

Good evening/morning depending how you look at it! I got off work at 3:15AM and I haven't gone to bed yet. It's now 6:30AM, and we have inspection today.

For those of you who don't know, CPs living in Disney housing must go through monthly apartment inspections to make sure we're not making a mess of the place. There are 4 categories that you can fall under during inspections:

1. Fail - your apartment grossly does not meet Disney cleanliness guidelines. Consequence: They take pictures of your apartment and send them to your work leaders and also send in a cleaning crew (which you will have to pay for).

2. Simple Pass - your apartment is tidy, though not necessarily clean. There are smudges on mirrors/dust on the TV/the bed isn't made. It's not bad enough to constitute a fail, so you get a simple pass with no reward or consequence.

3. Pass (Looks Good) - your apartment is clean and tidy, although only one thing might hold it back from the next level. This can be someone forgot to put a dish away, or something small. Reward: small snacks for the roommates.

4. White Glove Award - the most prestigious award for cleaning the apartment. Your apartment must be spotless, nothing out of place, nothing with smudges. Reward: a box of Ferraro Roche Chocolates.

This is my apartment's first inspection. We decided about a week ago to split our tasks. There are 6 of us, 2 per room. This is how we split our tasks:

Kitchen - trash/dishes; own side of room

Kitchen - counters/floors; own side of room

Living Room - vacuum, dust, clean; own side of room

Bathroom 1; own side of room

Bathroom 2; own side of room

Bathroom 3; own side of room

I can't say it went off without a hitch, especially now that it's the morning of inspection and we're not yet White Glove-worthy, but I would definitely consider our apartment clean. I hope we can keep it looking this way, because it looks lovely right now.

I just deleted a long paragraph about roommate relations and cleaning. Let's just say that everyone should clean up after themselves and there would be no issues.

So it's almost 7AM right now and where am I? Watching the sunrise on my balcony. It can be easy to take the Florida scenery for granted when you've grown up with it, but our sunrises and sunsets often take your breath away.

I've gotta figure out now what I can do to stay awake for the next 3 hours before inspection. Luckily I have the day off, so once they swoop by I'm going right to bed!

Til next time!

UPDATE: We got the White Glove Award!

It's a Zip-a-Dee-Do-Da Day

Once again, seems like it's been awhile in between posts. I always seem to remember to post on Saturdays.

Work's been great. I'm still loving Frontierland, although, as always, there are some disadvantages. For example: Splash Photos and Gifts is at the exit to Splash Mountain. When the ride breaks down (or shuts due to weather) all the people on the ride or far in line at the time still have to exit through our shop. This means we get many angry, upset guests. Here's an important note you should remember: Merchandise and Attractions are two separate departments (both hard working, however not with each other). Also: It is not our goal as cast members to purposefully break a ride.

It is, however, our goal as Merchandise Cast Members to Merchantain our guests to the best of our abilities, and to make the best out of unfortunate situations. You can imagine how disheartening it might be in one of these situations where you get told by guests "Thanks, you just ruined my child's day", "Happy now? You made my children cry," and, my personal favorite: "Go f*** yourself". It's a great lesson in guest service, which is an area in which I'm highly interested.

One last note: never ever ever ever ever take the ice from a cart that's open for everyone and put in in your mouth or in a place where it will eventually end up on your face. SO many people put their hands, their hats, their rags in these ice bins that it is in NO WAY sanitary. Please, for your own health and safety, never do this. It is our duty as cast members to warn you, but we can't actually stop you from taking the ice.

Tomorrow I have work from 9:15PM - 3:15AM. Suffice to say, I'll update again next week =P

Upper v. Lower

I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted! Time sure does fly by when you're working at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Today ends my week-long stint working in Lower Frontierland (the Briar Patch and Splash Down Photos and Gifts). Of course most of my shifts will be in this area, but this was the first week where I worked here, free of a trainer. I'm happy to say I enjoy it almost as much as I enjoy working in Upper. In Frontierland Merch there seems to be a divide - most CPs enjoy Lower better, most Full Timers enjoy Upper better. Honestly the one reason I truly enjoy working at Upper is because I love working at the Trading Post, where guests come to buy and trade pins. I love seeing all the different pins, hearing what they're looking for, and most of all, I like being able to hear the parades and fireworks. I do very much miss working at Upper.

Lower has its perks and quirks as well. The best part about Lower is, of course, the pictures. At Splash Down Photos we get to see all the photos of people on the ride. Selling them, printing them, and setting them up for Package Pickup or Resort Delivery is really fun. The only two parts I don't enjoy about Splash Down is Preview (where guests first see their picture and get their number) and Register 2 (which is all by itself and not at all involved with pictures, just merch that no one really buys). Preview would be better if it wasn't outside, but in general you just have people flashing pictures in your face and screaming in your ear. It's not their fault; they're excited, they're on vacation, they don't realize you're there.

Briar Patch is fun, but when it rains the store becomes WAY overcrowded!

I'd write more, but I gotta run to work. Story of my life these days =P Hopefully I won't be too tired to write some more tonight <3

All Children Grow Up

Hm. I guess it's been a while since I last posted. Between my last post and today I had 2 days off and 3 days of work (2 of which were training days).

I spent my days off relaxing. My first day I went home to do laundry (the joys of being from Orlando!) and then saw Illuminations at EPCOT and Wishes at Magic Kingdom with my roommate, Michelina. While we were at MK we also rode Aladdin's Magic Carpets and Splash Mountain. We had the best time on these 2 rides, the first of which we probably had a little too much fun with. Something exciting about spinning in the air while controlling whether we go up or down! On Splash Mountain we made 2 hysterical faces for the picture, but of course we have no money, so it was no picture for us. When we first started traveling home we figured we'd be getting up early for a day at Animal Kingdom the next day. Yeah, that idea didn't make it past the night. We decided sleeping in would be our best option.

Wednesday was a lazy day, but we did make it over to Property Control to get a $25 television for the apartment (among other discounted items). We had to move the TV ourselves, which proved to be quite the challenge! Aside from getting Michelina's head stuck between the car roof and the television, it was somewhat of a success. I also got a fun 50 cent pair of sunglasses, as well as a $1 bag. (We ended up going back the next day and found even more sale items... it's a dangerous place!) Wednesday night Michelina and I met up with some of my pre-CP Orlando friends. I love that I don't have to leave so many things behind, and I loved that I was able to mesh the two friend groups together =D

Of course, after 2 days off it's hard to go back into work, especially if you don't have work until late in the evening. This was my Thursday. It felt like such a chore to show up to work, but I got there eventually, and of course loved being there. This rain is awful though. Every day it rains (welcome to Florida summers) and the crowds push into the stores where they stand in the worst possible places, buy nothing, and are amused by nothing. We do our best to keep them entertained though. On Thursday I got to declare one little girl "Trivia Princess of the Day" and gave her a celebrating badge and Magical Moment certificate. Her family was so happy I got to take a picture with her (yay!!!).

Friday I spent training on the cash apron cart over by Briar Patch. Let's just say that the heat makes many people need either water or squeeze breeze fans, and those are all that we sell at that cart.

Today was fun, save for waking up at 5:30AM to be at work for a 7AM shift. Today I trained on Cotton Candy and Leather Treaty. We started the morning by bagging 55 bags of blue cotton candy, which, though tedious, was very easy--even the clean up! In the afternoon we learned how to engrave leather bracelets and put in rivets or buttons. We even got to practice on a little strip that would make a good keychain.

My little keychain leather strap, made it myself!

Today was my favorite training day because I trained with another former cast member, so our trainer knew from the start that we knew what we were doing. She showed us how to do everything first, and then basically let us work the stations on our own. She was, by far, my favorite trainer. It down-poured just as I was leaving work today, and then I couldn't find my car! Even when I found it I did not remember parking there this morning! I headed straight to West Side AMC 24 to meet my dad for a Fork and Screen presentation of Bad Teacher. The movie was, surprisingly, hysterical. I also felt a sense of empowerment, meeting Dad after work and then paying for dinner and a movie. It made me feel adult, which is, after all, what I am these days. As much as working for Disney makes me feel like a kid, I'm here because I'm ready to start my career. After all, all children grow up, except one =P

PS: One of the parades that passes us is the afternoon, Celebrate a Dream Come True parade. The music gets stuck in my head most of the day =P Check it out.

Rewards of the Job

So it's been a bit since I last posted. I've been pushing myself through this last hump of work days in my 7-day straight work schedule. Tomorrow is the last one, and I cannot wait for the break!

These past few days I worked in the Trading Post, the biggest pin store in the park. Let me tell you, I wasn't into pin trading before I started the CP, but now I'm all invested! I love my pins, and it actually sort of pains me to trade some of them. As soon as I can I'm gonna buy my own starter set so I can actually keep some pins!

I wish I had the time to blog at the end of each work day. There are always so many stories I want to share! One from Friday shines above all the rest, though. On Friday I got my first GSF! A GSF is a Great Service Fanatic card. Any of your fellow employees (esp. managers) can give them to you when they see you, or hear about you going above and beyond to make a guest happy. Earlier last week I had been jealous because I knew 2 people who got GSFs on their first day of in-costume training and I never got one at DHS. Today I got one for going and getting toy guns from the closed cart outside so the people could buy them. It wasn't too big of a deal, but my manager was impressed. As soon as I got backstage I started jumping up and down and skipping to get my lunch. I was THRILLED. I'm really excited about the management team I'm working with. They all seem really happy and I can feel that they'll help me achieve my goals within the company.

Today was both wonderful and exhausting. I had a 9 hour shift, which shouldn't have been too bad, but a few people called in, so all our breaks were late and I had to extend a tiny bit so I could close Big Al's. I also had a moment today where I had to ask a coworker to take over my register for a minute so I could go backstage and vent out a little bit of frustration. Let's just say it's not always laughs and smiles when talking with guests.

My first part of today was spent greeting on the porch. I handed out lots of Mickey stickers and talked a lot with two young girls before the parade. One of the boys I gave a sticker to handed me a card that said "You deserve an award!" and had his name and hometown on it. SO adorable! It meant so much more than getting a GSF. Really we're in the business to make guests happy, so it's great getting feedback from them!

Towards the end of my porch shift I had a manager come up to me and talk with me about how great an attitude I have and what a great example I set for the new CPs. Like I said earlier, I kind of love my management team.

Tomorrow I get off at 8, so hopefully I'll have more time to blog about what exciting things happen then! Until next time <3

Hey Howdy Hey, I'm Taking Those Bubbles Away

My feet are officially killing me. I had bought the Dr. Scholls for heel support, but they kept slipping in the shoe today and giving me blisters on the back of my heel. So much for heel support.

Let it also be official that I am acclimated to the Frontierland way of life. Yup, it's happened: I greeted someone with "Howdy" when not on the clock. It has become the new way to greet people. Forget "Hey," "Hi" and "Hello". What kinda character do those greetings have?

Today was my first day working on my own without a trainer, and I feel for the most part I did a good job. I have to say though, rarely is my patience tested while on the job. Usually I keep an upbeat attitude... but today I almost snapped at a guest. It was 30 minutes before the Main Street Electrical Light Parade when someone came up to purchase a bubble gun.

---Side Note---

Before this job the last time I encountered a bubble gun was waiting for the Light Parade. A little girl I was sitting next to kept blowing bubbles and the wind kept blowing them in my face and also on the professional camera I had that day. Now bubbles are NOT water. They are NOT harmless... they are STICKY! The little girl's parents said nothing, even when I asked her to stop. This is where my favorite phrase "You need a license to bring children here" came from.

---Flash Forward---

Without giving too much away (I really shouldn't since this is a public blog) let's just say that the Bubble guns are NOT a good investment. And when someone asks you too many questions about an object that you honestly can't stand, it's hard not to just tell them to walk away from the object.

That was really the only bad parts about today (Bubble guns and sore feet). I did enjoy spending my first break in the West Side Grab-n-Go, which has very few tables. I sort of liked this because it forces you to talk with other people in your area, instead of sitting at a 4 person table by yourself, like at Hollywood Studios.

I also noticed today that many people thank you when you ask to see an accompanying ID with their unsigned credit card. This was something I did not expect, as many people just want to purchase things as fast as possible so they can get on the rides.

Forgive me, my thoughts are quite scrambled today. Personally, the day didn't start out that great. My mom left a message on my phone that my Uncle was in the hospital with some severe condition and he wasn't doing that well. I can't say Disney and work were at the forefront of my mind at work today. As of right now, no more news on that subject.

The best part of my day was after I clocked out. While on the bus back to the parking lot I kept hearing this bangs that sounded like something was caught in the wheel of the bus. I couldn't understand why no one was reacting, until I looked behind me in the window and saw the beginning of Wishes, the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom! After I got off the bus I got right in my car and opened the windows and watched the rest of the show. Wishes, if it's possible, is even more spectacular without the music. The pure sound of fireworks made watching the show a bit surreal. In it's own way, it was magical.

And then when I got home the new Harry Potter trailer was up. I can't believe it's less than a month until it premieres! SO wickedly AWESOME!

Magical Moments

Today was a much better day. With the same trainer as yesterday, finally we had an understanding that yes, I've been here many times before, and yes, I have worked for Disney, and yes, I am a fast learner. Today was wonderful!

We started the day off at Big Al's, our only outside cart. This is the place where we sell the controversial fake guns, among other things. Despite the disturbing images of teen guests picking up the guns and pretending to shoot me (seriously... how WRONG is that?), this is by far my favorite location. Perhaps it's because my job at DHS was outside, perhaps it's because you get to greet guests who don't normally come by your store, but the reason I loved it is because of the magical moments. In Merchandise, Magical Moments are more like magical opportunities to make a guest feel special. This can be by playing a game with them in the store, giving them free stickers, or sometimes we give out special certificates. Well, today at Big Al's we got to play horseshoes. This alone was fun, but one of our many players was able to get both his horseshoes right around the little pole. After congratulating him I got him a little certificate for him being a Sharp Shooter and then made this announcement: "Hear ye! Hear ye! I would like everyone here to please join me in congratulating Kian for being awarded Sharp Shooter of the Day! Yeee-hawww!" (Yup... just like that). I swear, at the end of this program I'm going to end up talking with a Southern Drawl.

Later in the day we took (and passed!) our assessments that meant we're now officially certified to work Merchandise, meaning I can now pick up shifts anywhere else on property! Yeee-haww! Whoops... that's gonna keep coming out now, isn't it? We also worked in the candy shop where I've decided cutting candied apples is the most dangerous thing I've ever done. We have to wear hairnets in the candy shop... yeah, moving on.

We had our manager's meeting today about policy and procedures. This time our manager was Michael, our cast recognition specialist. I can tell that I'm going to enjoy working with him! He's very personable and reminds me of my old leader, Sam at DHS. He also works in cast recognition, so he's in charge of creating parties for the cast members in our area, which is really awesome. In school we studied about employee morale and ways to create a unified workforce, and in Frontierland Merchandise it certainly seems like everyone gets along well! Today was so much better in terms of positive attitude, friendliness and overall I'm now SO excited to continue working here.

After my shift ended I went into the Cast Learning Center, where we have a mini-library full of books and movies (books are either Disney or work-related, movies are all Disney). Here I rented The Black Cauldron DVD, Once Upon a Mattress DVD (with Matthew Morrison and Zooey Deschannel), and a book entitled The Imagineers' Guide into Disney's Hollywood Studios (what can I say? I just can't leave it alone!)

I'm looking forward to a quiet evening at home tonight, possibly watching one of the movies and flipping through my book. I don't have work until 1:30PM tomorrow, so sleeping in will feel WONDERFUL!

Until next time <3

Well Howdy Partner! Happy Trails!

Today was my first day actually on the registers and working with guests in some of the Frontierland shops. Unlike Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom is VERY big on themes... so today was full with bunches of Howdys, Partners, and Happy Trails. At first I didn't understand why these specialized greetings were so important (we didn't really use them at DHS) but every time I ended a transaction with "Happy Trails" the guests all smiled to themselves and the adults looked like children. And there's the magic of the Magic Kingdom. It really is a place where adults can be kids again and where dreams do come true.

That being said, I was around a lot of negative people today. I had trainers and stockers and other cast members who, instead of greeting us and trying to welcome us told us everything they hated about the company, the park, our area and our managers. It certainly wasn't a very Disney welcome, and it filled me with bits of trepidation at the idea of starting anew in this area, but I think in the end it will all work out.

My trainer gave me a hard time today because I kept trying to go one step ahead of her. Needless to say, I've been like that kid in third grade who really should have been in fourth, so I act like a know-it-all. I'm also a quick learner, so what I didn't know, I learned in 5 minutes. I really try to tone it down, but I can't pretend that I don't know how to use a cash register when there are guests in need of assistance. I can't pretend I forgot to ask about package pickup because I did. At one point my trainer even asked a guest if I was lying about asking her about package pickup. Seriously? I know it was a joke and all, but it's becoming obvious that this training program just isn't prepared to work with transfer Cast Members. Once again, they assume I know nothing and go from there.

A lot of guests asked questions about DHS and Fantasmic, which is really my forte. At least my trainer accepted I knew a bit more in this area. =D

Tomorrow is my assessment, so wish me luck!

Training and Playing and Resting, Oh My!

A week ago I moved into Patterson Court and what a week it's been! Between meeting new people, running to the parks, working and settling in I've barely had time to get my head on straight.

This post is going to cover a bunch, so be prepared!

Day 1 Merchandise Training - In Costume - Magic Kingdom

On Friday I had my first day of in costume training. It ran from 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM and in ways was a very laid back day. I met my trainer at costuming and she had me pick out a few more skirts. We then went into the Utiladors where I found my locker and placed said skirts. Then I was issued my very first pin lanyard, from which I could pin trade with the guests! This was the aspect I most looked forward to with Merchandise.

The day was spent learning more about the Utiladors, learning about all the shops I'll be working at, and e-Learning. Well, not really with the e-Learning. Most CPs will do e-Learning a lot their first few days, but a lot of my e-Learning was up-to-date thanks to being a previous CM. My trainer took me through the park and pointed out different locations, like where you can find Tiana, or how to describe the Haunted Mansion. If you read my previous post you must be realizing where I'm heading with this point. I spent most of the day trying to think of a polite way to explain to my trainer that I already know the entire layout of the MK, including rides and character locations. Failing to string proper words together, I simply smiled, nodded and let her believe I was learning new information. When I got a chance I would interject my own little tidbits or sometimes provide information about Hollywood Studios, my previous park. I think it worked well in the end, and despite myself, I did learn some new information about Magic Kingdom.

At the end of the day I had a meeting with one of my managers who asked who my favorite Disney character was... this is one of my least favorite questions as it changes so often, but I told him it used to be Belle, but currently it's Maximus from Tangled. He then taught me that Tangled, being the 50th Disney Animated Feature, has references from all 49 previous films. I'm planning to watch the film a couple times over the next few weeks so I can name some next time I see him.

During our meeting with the manager we went through the four Disney Service Basics, the last of which being: I go above and beyond. This is my favorite basic as I feel it encompasses what Disney service should always be. Not to mention, I love finding ways to go above and beyond. I'm excited in the coming weeks to put this basic into practice!

Merchantainment - Professional Attire - Disney University

The next day one of my roommates and I had the Merchantainment class (Merchandise + Entertainment = Merchantainment). I thought this meant we'd be learning about using merchandise to entertain our guests and create magical moments, but basically we just learned how to use the cash registers. This was mixed with some videos, powerpoint presentations and, yup, e-Learning. Well, this meant I got to go home 1.5 hours early, which was nice since this was the start of my 2 days off for the week. (I found out the next day that after Monday I'll be working 7 days straight before my next day off!)

Playing in the Park - Disney Hollywood Studios and Fantasmic!

One of my roommates got off early the same day I did Merchantainment, so we decided to go check out the last Star Wars Weekend over at Hollywood Studios. The park was surprisingly not as packed as I would have expected. We went straight over to Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage about 15 minutes before the show and still got decent seats. Afterwards we headed over to Muppets, which was walk-on, and then over to Toy Story Mania, which had a posted wait time of 70 minutes. We thought this was a decent time, so we got on the line. Well, just after we got on the Fast Pass attendant let TWO Brazilian Tour Groups (BTGs) into the FP line. This extended the wait to 110 minutes! Well, we had nothing else to do, so we decided to wait anyways.

Side Note: For years I have despised the BTGs and their LARGE parties, loud chants and cheers and rude attitudes towards others guests and Cast Members. Even the Brazilian CMs I know cannot stand them. The idea of letting TWO huge groups into Fast Pass at the same time was incomprehensible to me!

While we were in line the children all around us used the blocked off areas as play pins... this led me to issue one of my catch phrases: You need a license to bring kids here. Sometimes I wonder at parents who let their children run wild in a public setting, especially in blocked off areas. My feelings, I'm sure, have something to do with the way I was raised, but still: just because it's the Happiest Place on Earth does not make it the Safest Place on Earth. NOTE: There were also many well-behaved children in the park, more than misbehaving.

After we got off the ride we made our way over to Fantasmic for the 90+ minute wait for the first show. As soon as we got in the theatre we got caught up in not one, not two, but THREE BTGs who were all fighting to sit together. Sigh. We lucked out though. Just before we resigned ourselves to the fact we'd have to sit among the groups, the Ops CMs opened another column of seats which we were able to climb down and claim THIRD row seats! Later in the evening the BTGs were running up and down and around the stadium trying to start the wave, and then they kept chanting with each other. Eventually the new Brazilian Super Greeters and Ops Manager talked with their group leader to calm them down. The BTGs booed the CMs, but I was so excited that for the first time in 10 years, Disney seemed to be standing up to these groups!

Fantasmic was just as awesome as always, although it should be noted: if you're in the first 5-10 rows, you WILL get wet.

Days Off, Apartment Issues, Time at Home

Sunday and Monday were my days off, so I enjoyed being in the apartment most of the day yesterday. Some things any future CP should know about Patterson: the Internet is SLOW, so don't plan to play any games or watch many videos. Also, our cooking equipment is subpar, with not nearly enough pots and pans to cook a decent meal. If you can, bring some of your own knives, pots, and mixing bowls. Also, cookie sheets and cupcake pans.

Sunday night I went home to watch the Tonys with my dad and I'm here now finishing up this blog so I can return to my apartment. It's been wonderful being home, but I'm excited to go back to my new apartment with my roommates. Having 2 homes in Orlando? I can get used to that!

Between training and real work, I'm not sure when I'll get to post next, so until next time!

New ID, Fun at MK and First Day of Training

Between yesterday and today I am totally wiped out (sensing a common theme with these posts yet?) It's been an awesome past few days though and I'm excited to share some of it with all of you!

Yesterday was the Traditions day for all the new CPs, but since I'm a current CM I didn't have to take it. That meant a day off for me! At Traditions new Cast Members get their name tags and Cast IDs. If you remember from my post about move-in day, this was something I was slightly worried about because I knew I needed to get the CP version of these 2 objects (my name tag was given to me at Casting). I was also sad because my new ID would no longer have my picture on it.

With that in mind, my new friend (and returning CP), Mary and I went down to Access Control on Wednesday morning to get our new IDs. The line was fairly long, but apparently it was the first day they were giving out the new ID badges. Well, this was wonderful! Not only did I get the new all-blue ID card, but the guy who gave it to me (and to a select few other CPs) gave me an ID with my picture. Mary didn't get the same guy though, and they gave her a non-photo ID. I guess it's because the process was new, so there's a chance they may have me change my ID again, but for now I'll enjoy still having a photo-ID!

Last night my roommates were finally able to get into the park, so we decided to head over to MK for Wishes! and The Magic, the Memories and You. When we got to the park though, none of their passes worked. So when they went to ticketing they told them that they wouldn't be active for 24-hours. We had been told we'd be able to get in, and apparently the lady at the window was a, for lack of a better word, total bitch. So we decided to watch the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian, but 5-minutes before they started we found out that other new CPs were getting in. Some of the group went to the park to check it out, while 2 of us stayed behind to watch the fireworks. If you haven't guessed by now, I'm OBSESSED with fireworks! After the fireworks ended we caught the boat from the Poly to the MK and were able to get in after asking a much nicer lady from ticketing. We enjoyed some smaller rides and were able to get some ice-cream at the parlor on main street. One of my roomies, Michelina got a candied apple in the shape of Mickey!

As much fun as last night was, we didn't get home til about 1AM, and I had to be at Disney University at 7:15AM! Let's just say waking up was NOT an easy feat to accomplish! Magic Kingdom park training is called "Once Upon A Time... Begins Now!" After hearing about this training and seeing the start of it previously, I was really excited for this training! Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. Most of the new information was not new for me. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I couldn't help feeling like I was above the training. I knew how to greet guests with the different badges, and I knew how to keep a smiling face. The one thing I was truly interested in was learning how to operate the Utiladors, but even that was lost since we never really explored them. The day was hot, the sun was bright and we were all in dress clothes. After spending my whole life in the theme parks, I absolutely abhorred being forced to keep opening my map to check for things. I am not a fan of the Disney maps.

I'm sorry. This probably sounds elitist to all those who don't really know me. I should probably update the About Me section to include more about why I know so much about the Disney parks. I still greatly appreciated the parts of training that I didn't know, like fun stories about Liberty Square and the communications board in the tunnels. And both my facilitators for the tour were highly positive and encouraging. If this was your first cast tour of a park, I'm sure you would have enjoyed it much more than I did.

I also got my costume today... pictures to come at a later time to be determined.

After getting out an hour early, I decided to head to Wal-Mart to get my costume shoes, stockings, and a few other essentials. I made it back to the apartment around 1:30PM and had to leave for my next shift at 5:20PM. Yup, today was another first: my first 2-park working day. About a week ago I picked up a Fantasmic shift at DHS, since I didn't have Traditions to help supplement my income this week. I was able to squeeze in a small nap in between shifts, so that was lovely! Now back at home I always left an hour before I had to clock in and made it to work in time. After traveling to and from Disney from my new apartment I figured I could leave 40 minutes before my DHS shift and still make it in time. Well, note to self, traffic sucks during rush hour. I got to the cast parking lot with 13 minutes left to park, go through the casting building and get across the park! It involved power walking and shin-splints, but I made it to the trailer with 2 minutes to spare! Go me!

Now, one thing they tell you at MK training is that their park is the best. It is the one that most people associate with Disney World, which is totally understandable. Their purpose, during Once Upon a Time... Is Now is to instill a sense of pride in MK. That being said, I missed my family at DHS. Even though I only worked maybe a total of 4 months with them, my time at ODF will always be my first Disney experience. It's always nice walking in the door and recognizing people and acting as though you never went away. I'm excited to work Fantasmic shifts when I can, even if it does mean more work. I am, however, also excited to see what kind of home I can make at MK Frontierland, and what connections I might make there. I love hearing everyone's "Disney story" (how they started and have moved through the company), so hopefully I'll hear a few more of those.

So tomorrow I start Frontierland Tier 1 Merch Training before starting Merchantainment on Saturday and then having 2 days off. Look for a post, if not tomorrow than definitely on Saturday. Til then!

An Orlandian Perspective

I love Disney. I wouldn't be here if I didn't love Disney. I love the magic surrounding everything--from the movies, to the parks, to the fireworks shows. I am SO in love with everything Disney.

That being said, I grew up at Disney. I've had an annual pass most of my life, and going to the parks feels more like going home. I certainly understand that most of the people here don't get to attend as often, if at all. I certainly understand that they want to go into the parks straight away and have fun and ride the rides and see the merchandise. In fact, I encourage them to share in the magic!

For some reason I just can't be as excited. Now, I love going to Disney at night. I don't know why it feels so different, but going to the parks at night doesn't bug me. But going in the middle of the day just feels like a chore to me. I find sitting outside on the porch with a good book and glass of lemonade more exciting. I enjoy my alone time because I know I won't have much of it in the coming months.

In some ways I feel slightly guilty. I'm a 25 minute drive from my parents, 25 minutes from some close friends in town. I'm going home on Sunday to watch the Tonys with my dad. It's a gift that shouldn't be taken for granted. At the same time, I feel at home. This isn't in anyway a vacation for me. It's an opportunity. Of course I'm still going to make friends and have fun and enjoy myself, but it's just not the same experience. I hope this blog will serve as a good example for future Orlandians who want to participate in the CP, because as far as I've read and seen and met, I'm the only one.

Check-In and Move-In

Hello! Today has been as hectic as they get! I left the house at around 8:15 AM and it wasn't until 7:30 PM that I was able to sit down and eat something! But all is done, so now I'm better able to recount what the past few hours have been like.

Living in Orlando, packing isn't so much of a big ordeal. A few days ago I started putting books and DVDs in boxes and figuring out pictures for the frames I had. So yesterday all I really had to do was pack as though I was going on a long trip: clothes, toiletries and essentials. Well, instead of that I just created a new corkboard for my room as well as frame all the letters I got for graduation.

My newly designed corkboard

All the graduation letters I got =D

My haul of items to toss in my car... not at all organized! =P

So this morning I planned on waking up at 5:30 AM to finish so I could leave the house around 7:30 AM. Yeah, that didn't happen. 5:30 AM became 6:00 AM became 6:30 AM became 7:00 AM. So 7:00 AM came around and I still wasn't packed. Still, I was able to pack, shower, and load the car all in time to leave at 8:15 A.M. I had heard from several sources to get to Vista Way EARLY for check-in (they tell you to arrive between 9:00 AM and Noon). While originally my idea to get there around 8:00 AM, I later decided that it couldn't be awful if I only got there a few minutes before 9:00 AM. Boy was I wrong!

When I got to the check-in area at Vista they gave me a stick-on nametag and ushered me to a line (the first of many for the day). The lines all took me to meet and greet, paperwork, room assignment, housing ID, parking decal and casting bus time assignment. By the time I got through them it was 10:30 AM and I had one hour to drive over to my new home at Patterson Court and start unpacking my car.

This is where it would have been good to get to check-in early. My ideal living place, from internet research and personal preferences, was a 2 bedroom in Chatham Square. This would give me 4 roommates at an apartment complex with a bus-stop. Of the three complexes (Chatham, Patterson, and Vista) the absolute worst for my taste is Vista. This complex is known for partiers, old furniture, and a pool you're warned not to go in). When I got to the room assignment location, all bright eyes and smiling, the very nice employee told me I had a choice between a 3 Bedroom (6 roommate) apartment in Patterson, or a 2 Bedroom (4 roommate) or 3 Bedroom (6 roommate) apartment in Vista. None left in Chatham. Well, there was no way I was going to live in Vista, so Patterson it was!

The only reason I didn't choose Patterson in the first place was because I read it was a long walk to the bus stop. I've gotten off work feeling sore before, I didn't want to have to make the long trek to my apartment after a hard day at work. As soon as I got in my apartment, I loved it. The guard at the gate welcomed me home, and the one flight of stairs to the 2nd floor doesn't even feel like exercise! I got in my apartment, and no one was there! Out of 6 roommates, I was the first one to arrive. So, with only about 30 minutes before I had to leave to make the so-called long trek to the bus stop, I brought up the stuff that was visible in my car and staked out my bed. Soon I had to leave to go catch the casting bus, and no roommate had arrived yet.

The walk from Patterson to Chatham is no where near as long of a trek as some people seemed to think it was. Perhaps this is coming from a large college campus... for those from UF reading this, it's similar to the walk from the Reitz to the Florida Gym. Perhaps I just got lucky with my building's placement, but hey, it works =D

Waiting for the bus at Chatham was my first experience with the Disney College Program Bus System... ie, not on time and lots of waiting. But waiting 30 minutes for a bus was a great bonding exercise in meeting some new CPs. When we got to casting we waited in, you guessed it, another really long line. In this line we found out our work location. Just as I had thought, I'll be working Merchandise in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom! Some other roles assigned to those close in line with me: MK Custodial, Caribbean Beach Merchandise, Pecos Bills QSFB, Beaches and Cream QSFB (extremely jealous of this one!), Safari Attractions (also extremely jealous of this one!), and World of Disney Merchandise (I actually met several people with this role today).

During our 90 minutes at Casting we traveled through several lines for our role assignments, background checks, paperwork, and information about our training schedule this next week. Since I'm a current cast member, I won't have to complete Traditions. Instead, I got my long-coveted University of Florida Disney nametag today, as well as instructions on how to pick up my new ID. Sadly I have to return my old ID, so no more special photo ID for me =(

My new nametag!

A special note: during our Disney Look session several people were pointed out for having "unnatural" dyed hair. The rule is your hair must look natural, not actually be natural. One guy in my session was called out for have subtle blonde highlights, and others I spoke with are making plans to go buy dye at the store.

Once we finished at casting the day was ours to do as we please. We got back to the apartment around 2:45 PM and I was delighted to see that I had roommates! 4 of the 5 others girls had started moving in. The last girl, my roommate, accidentally had been in the wrong room up until about 8:30 PM. For a bit I thought I was going to be by myself tonight! I'll post more about my roommates once I let them know about my blog.

The rest of my day was spent unpacking, shopping (I only did food shopping for 2 days since I don't get paid til Thursday), and getting to know my roommates.

My first walk-in closet!

Dresser with TV, frames and bears

My night-stand

My room in full view =D

Tomorrow we have our housing information meeting, and then an entirely free day. For now, I'm exhausted!