Guest Interactions

It's crazy to think I've been here for more than a month already!  It seems much longer, yet I know it's going to fly by even faster.  With that said, I can start to share the buildup of the laughable moments I've had at work with the guests in small, scattered stories.

Interactions

• When I was ringing up a guest, they gave me their discount card.  It looked a little different so I looked at it closer and saw that they worked for ABC.  I commented saying how it must be cool to work for such a big, well-known company.  He looked at me with a strange look and replied, "You work for Disney...."  Still hasn't clicked in, I suppose!

• Next, I am SO thankful that I took 3 years of Spanish in high school.  Seeing I was not planning on going to a Spanish-speaking country any time soon, I doubted it would really come in handy.  I just had always thought it'd be fun to learn the language.  But after being here for a month, I honestly feel like I've been all around the world!  Not just speaking of Epcot, but I didn't really realize how many countries would be represented here.  I just try to chime in with the "de nada (thank you), por favor (please), lo siento (i'm sorry), un momento (one moment)" etc. phrases because if they ask me if I speak Spanish and I say "un poco" (a little) then they rattle off like a firework and I cannot understand anything past the first word; therefore, I learned my lesson that way.
• I realized also that Portuguese and Spanish can sound very similar.  Some guests do not know one lick of English, which makes me wonder how they even got here or if they even know what the heck they are doing.  Therefore, they will continuously talk in their language when I clearly respond unknowingly of their wants.  One incidence a man talked Portuguese (I think) the whole time I was checking him out (and by that I mean ringing him up..),  and at the end I smiled and said "Buenos noches!" (Have a good night in Spanish), and he laughed and walked away... oops.

• However, some guests seem to still hold truth to the core American beliefs, if you will.  One dad I rang up came rushing in and got a 6-pack of beer and a toothbrush.  He commented saying, "You only need the essentials on vacation!"

• An odd occurrence happened when I saw that a fellow co-cast member was from Michigan.  I asked whereabouts in Michigan she was from.  She answered South Haven and I perked up and said I was from Grand Rapids.  Strangely enough, she asked where that was.  I showed her on my hand, as it's a Michigan thing, that I go to school on the opposite side of the thumb.  She gave me a puzzled look and asked what I was doing with my hand.  She's lived in Michigan her whole life...interesting.

• One of my favorite tasks to do at work is to stock!  Most people don't seem to be quite fond of it; however, I crave it.  Any job I've ever had I've always loved to stock because it makes you feel like you did something and made a difference.  You can physically see that the store has products to offer, is easy to find, and isn't slacking.  Who cares how clean your store is?  Obviously you don't want it to look like there's dust bunnies who have hourly parties there...but if there's no products out, how are you going to make money?  Even if your store had some dirt here and there, it's not like it's going to prevent those who need a product from buying it.  
• Speaking of stocking, filling the coolers is one of the jobs if you do floorstock.  (which people will pay over $30 for a 6-pack of coronas! Even Epcot knows this as they have beer holders in their hoodies. They are serious about their beer..orrr just have kids).  The only downfall when filling the cooler is the anxiety that overcomes me. Knowing that the temperature is 26 degrees and that there is an emergency handle in case you get locked out frightens me just a tad.

• I lied. 2 downfalls.  This one may even top the former downfall.  This is the awkward moment when you are filling the cooler and someone on the other side is getting a drink out.  You see them, but they cannot see you.  You calmly just pause, waiting for them to finish.  If you really want to have fun, you will stock something that's really empty like the milk or water (#1 seller in Disney), so that your arm reaches all the way to the front as you await the yelp from the guest.  That is always fun.  And to top that off is when you make eye contact with them from the other side and slowly disappear...

• I probably am the jumpiest person out of anyone I know.  With that said, one of my co-cast members thought it'd be fun to stick his hand through the cooler and wiggle his fingers around onto something I was just about to fill.  Not only was I terrified by a wiggling hand from inside the cooler, but to look up and to see his bugged eyes looking at me created a slight fright, I would say.

Lastly, I also was just asked to be in Port Orlean's Mardi Gras parade, since that is our theme.  I was very excited and didn't know what to expect since I've never been in one before.  One of my fellow workers shared this link with me that will show you a glimpse of what it looked like.  It was, obviously, a smaller parade since it was just one resort and not Magic Kingdom, but still cute to see the little golf carts!  We were in the red golf cart, with the theme of the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios (former known as MGM).  We had Indiana Jones, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, and others presented.  I was asked to be the Wicked Witch.

This is me trying to practice my scary face.   
It didn't work out so well, but at least my eyes match!

The after-effect...freaky, I know

This is me with my cute Dorthy.
They didn't have a green hand though :(

Coming in March, I will be having a total of SIX (favorite #) different visitors at different times so I will be super busy and am super excited!! :) Good thing I'm here during Spring Break, huh!

Last week I watched Cinderella for the first time in years.  Despite not remembering what exactly happens, I came to the conclusion that Cinderella is a lot like Tom and Jerry..or in the beginning of the movie at least..which I love!

INTERRUPTION!

I just posted a new blog, but this a special edition! We had a special visitor come to Magic Kingdom yesterday and I got some great footage..or so I'd like to think.  It's on my facebook, but for those reading this without, here is a small clip I put together.  It is of Eli Manning, the MVP of the New York Giants who won the Super Bowl this past weekend.  I hardly know 2 facts about him-- and that is the previous statement, and that everyone likes Tom Brady better.  However, he still is famous and this was a rare opportunity.  And he also was the MVP before..so this isn't new to him!

Port Orleans Resort

Now that the anticipation is over, here is the rest of the info! 

My job is to work in merchandise at the Port Orleans Resort in the gift shop. 

I had more training than I could have imagined!  I assumed it was going to be very organized, since there are over 70,000 employed Disney cast members, but it was pretty much overkill.  The first week I worked was 43 hours, followed by the next week of 44 hours.  Definitely something I wasn't used too. Thankfully the hours decreased to around 35, which freed up some more time to enjoy the parks!

There are 2 different sides to Port Orleans: Riverside and French Quarter.  They are both extremely different on the outside, but the individual rooms look identical. Riverside was built in a way to reflect the classic plantation style mansions from the south. It was originally named Disney's Dixie Landing Resort, but was shortly changed after.  When my GPS came up with "Dixie Land" as the search results, I thought I'd for sure get lost again since I didn't know what that was !
French Quarter was opened a year earlier and was built to replicate New Orleans.  It only can host about 1,000 guests, whereas Riverside hosts double.  Because of this, RIverside is extremely, extremely busy and French Quarter is not at all.

Riverside has multiple activities that guests can enjoy.  There is a fishing hole stocked with blue gill, catfish, and bass.  There are boats and bikes guests can rent out for their enjoyment.  And every night there is also a big screen TV outside that will play a movie, followed by jazz music on weekdays that are extremely popular with guests.  Lastly, you can also take a carriage ride around the resort!

Next, French Quarter is my favorite to look on the outside, as you can see in these pictures.  I love how distinct the doors look since they are all different colors.  When we were on one of our many tours, they said that the architects painted them differently because of the close replication to New Orleans.  Since there is so much partying in New Orleans, it may be hard to find your door at night.  This way, you can just remember having a bright yellow door, by visually seeing it, instead of remembering a set of numbers. (pretty smart, I'd say!)  

In addition, they also print the names of the streets on the sidewalks, so it's easier to find home.

As most people know, Disney wants everything to come to life as part of their show.  So since Mardi Gras is the theme, they have multiple ways to show this.  Here are just some examples:

 

 

But then you also have creepy pictures like this that are approximately 428x your body weight that will scare the kids... (and me)..

But I do have to admit, they do have a really sweet pool for the kids at the French Quarter!

We also hand out beads, as beads were very popular for Mardi Gras, which I will show in future posts, because I am learning to make designs out of them!

And lastly, here is another video showing the resort live and in action!  This video is worse than the others...mostly because I'm not sure if I was allowed to take videos in my costume, so I just did them really quick and in disguise!

Next update will be about what we actually do at work and guest interactions...pretty humorous!

If anyone would like to send special life-sized bubble wrap over here, that would be greatly appreciated. One of my roommates has bronchitis, one has a sinus infection, upper respiratory infection, and mild bronchitis, and another one that lives in my room sounds like coughing is her laugh.......help!

Costuming

I cannot even tell you how many people have asked me what my costume looks like.  Obviously since Disney does not have regular work attire, you have no idea what to expect.  So without further ado, the fashion show begins!

Costume, complete with bowtie!

This is how I greet guests.

But I still remain happy!

Here is what I look like in my sweater
over extremely puffy sleeves.....manly                                              

And oh! I forgot, but these are my pins!
The kids love these for trading.

And sometimes I try to be cute.

I was going to add all about my job and the resort, but it will be quite lengthy, so I will put it all on the next one with short clips and pictures of the resort! 

It's also extremely nice you can check out 5 complete costumes at once, and return them at the end to get 5 more.  They wash and iron them so you don't have too! This mostly is because the "Disney look" is so important and they want all costumes to look in tip-top shape.

But here's just so you guys can stop being so antsy! :) 

But basically, it could've been worse....

Until next time... 

and I secretly might have wanted the last costume just to be even more super cool.

Random new findings

As the topic above mentioned, I already have learned a lot of new findings.  Instead of posting a video or showing a new part of my time here, I thought it would be interesting to share the new facts or experiences I have had.

This isn't really going to be organized in any particular fashion. It will just be nice for me to look back on after I'm done with this and I'm sure will bring me a few laughs!

First, everything is in military time.  Our bus schedule, work schedule, and even CVS Pharmacy.  So there is me sitting in my room with the bus schedule laid out in my hand, looking at the numbers on my work schedule to match up, and looking at this friendly schedule they gave me to help convert the time! :

If I don't have this piece of paper with me (which should very well be laminated) then I am at the bus stop, discreetly counting on my fingers how much longer the bus is going to come. 21:34 - 12 = "12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,.. ah how much was that?.. 12, 13, 14, 15.. ooh that's a cute French boy... MAN! what is 21-12!?" etc.

Funzie Facts about Disney Shtuff:   

• Water is the most purchased item in all of Disney.
• Tampa, Florida is considered the thunderstorm capital of the world.
• The Disney resort is located on 30,000 acres or 47 square miles, which is about the size of San Francisco or twice the size of Manhattan.
• Animal Kingdom covers over 500 acres of this.  Animal Kingdom is so large that it can fit Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios (MGM), and Epcot into it and STILL have room for it's 6,000 available parking spaces!  Now, those animals take up room!
• Orlando is also very big on helping endangered sea turtles which reminds me of the movie The Last Song and I laugh every time.

Buses: 

Let's just say these are not the standard Grand Valley buses.  Seeing everyone in all their costumes daily is hilarious!  In a summary:

Grand Valley buses: no one talks and everyone's on their phones pretending we are texting everyone we know at 8 in the morning.

Disney buses: whoever you sit with strikes up a conversation, finds out where you work, where you live, what your major is, where you're from, etc.  it's lovely!

The major thing they do have in common is that if the bus is leaving and you run after it, they will not stop and it's a very unfortunate thing.  Unlike Grand Valley where the buses come every 5 minutes (normally), Disney only comes every 20-60 minutes depending where your location is at.  Because of this reason, having a car means you have about 9 million friends automatically.

Disney lingo:

We don't use language that any other company uses.  By this I mean, we have no "customers", "co-workers", and we certainly don't go to "work".  Of course these need to be true of any business, however we look at it in a different light.

When Walt first created Disney, he wanted it to be a place to go to that would cast away all fears of the real world, a time to relax, and a time to be put into a fantasy world.  There are no clocks or newspapers out in the open to help escape this reality.  Everyone comes for different reasons to Disney whether they are wanting to just get away for awhile, be soaked up in the sun, a celebration of an anniversary or birthday, or a terminal illness that one wants to see the happiest place on earth.  There are so many worries and stresses in life that this is a place to set them all aside and enjoy life and family.  

He wanted this to be as a part of a show.  Because of this, guests come to a show.  There are no workers in a show; there are only cast members.  And we are not "working"; we perform our role.  We also have onstage and offstage.  Onstage means that you are out performing, or working, where other guests can see you.  Offstage means that you are on break or behind the scenes where no one can see you.  And we don't have "uniforms"; we have costumes.  They don't have "receipts"; they have tickets.  We make sure that this "lingo" is used when we are onstage to make sure that the guests really feel like they are living in a fantasy land.  We also ask for their "autographs" instead of their signature when in need of a credit card receipt. (which I think is so cute!)

Magical stories: 
Magical stories are a big part of Disney.  These basically include anything that involves going above and beyond to our guest.  These could include giving them a Happy Birthday button, simply playing games with a child, or even more memorable, fulfilling a dream of theirs.  I have heard of many magical memories, even from when I first started going to the meetings 2 years ago.  They are all so precious and each one is different in many ways depending on the individual.  These included of when they upgraded a young girl's hotel room to see right out of her resort to see the perfect view of the fireworks at Cinderella's Castle on her birthday to a child wanting to specifically take a picture with the cast from Toy Story when he learned he was diagnosed with cancer and didn't have long to live.  Instead of just the original cast, they not only got the entire cast together, but they got every toy soldier as well, and even prolonged the daily parade to do so.

One in particular is one of my favorite stories I heard from my trainer:

He was working at the Front Desk/Concierge in a resort and having the worst day ever.  His boss asked him to hurry and go to the airport to pick up a guest's pair of shoes that they left.  He said he would gladly do it, although was not in the mood at all.  He had a time limit to be back by 5 p.m.  He learned the name of the company that held his shoes for him, but stopped at the wrong location.  45 minutes later he arrived at the correct location after given wrong directions.  As this was increasing his frustration, the horrific traffic on top of it during rush hour and a distinct time limit to be back was not helping one bit.  He was cutting it close on time, but somehow made it right before 5 p.m.  He raced up to the hotel room and a man in a tuxedo opened the door.  With a puzzled look on his face, he looked towards the back of the room where he saw who appeared to be his mom balling and running up to him to give him a hug.  Still confused, the woman proceeded to cry out, "We thought you weren't going to make it!! We didn't know what to do!!!"  He looked at the man in the tuxedo and he shook his hand with great delight as he continued to say that his wedding was at 5 p.m.  As you can tell, my trainer had instant delight and by making them blissful, in turn, made his awful day turned into one of the greatest memories of his life.

Random stories:

I have met multiple people from France, Australia, and New Zealand.  It's so fun to talk to them and learn about the cultures.  For example, my friend Micael (pronounced as Miguel) said how weird it is for him to come to the United States and to be underage all of a sudden.  He said that the drinking age is 18 in France and so is to drive!  Talk about a big birthday party by being able to drink and drive on one birthday! (obviously not at the same time, either!!)  Of course, driving isn't as big of a deal there because Americans have cars everywhere, where in Europe, as I saw when I visited the Netherlands last year, they have multiple forms of transit.  I thought that was interesting.

Another instance.  I was talking to a new girl I met from China named Kiko.  We were on our lunch break so I proceeded to pull out my english muffin with melted cheese, bowl of fruit, carrots, and Special K bar.  She looked at me and asked if I was on a diet.  I started cracking up and said I wasn't.  She said I had such healthy food she was surprised if I wasn't dieting.  This made me laugh, but then after, I thought to any international students they probably think we just eat hamburgers and french fries every single day (which many of us do).  My friend Tegan (love the name!) from New Zealand couldn't even finish a wheat sandwich with tuna that she bought from the cafeteria.  I saw her took 2 bites out of it then set it aside because it was too sweet. (and it didn't have any condiments on it either!)

There was a girl in my traditions group that got engaged at Cinderella's Castle!! She is a Disney fanatic and wants their ceremony and honeymoon to be there.  Talk about loving Disney!  Apparently if you eat at Cinderella's Castle on the upper level, then that automatically means someone is going to purpose!  They are special reserved just for that and the ring comes out in a slipper!  So if you are sitting on the top in the castle at the dinner, you're gonna get proposed too!  Sorry if that actually happens and I just ruined the excitment for ya..

Friday Funnies:

• My first ride was Carousel of Progress and could not have put enough of a smile on my face when the little girl in front of me threw her hands up in the air as the carousel rotated to the next scene, as if it was a thrill ride!
• The 5 scary heads that pop up on the side of The Haunted Mansion look like our presidents and it's freaky.  I don't like that ride and I haven't even been on Tower of Terror yet...although Nick Carter went on it and loved it, so I suppose I will too. 

I still have so much information!  I knew this was going to happen to me. But just wanted to update what I have so far, hopefully weekly I will.

Next blog will be what my "costume" is, work location, and such!  You'll be in for a real treat!


I was going to add something witty here, but I cannot think of anything.  I can say that Betty White just turned 90 years old a few days ago and is still looking hawt. Go Betty!

In the words of McDonald's ..

I'm LOOOOVIN' it!!

Wowwwwza! What an experience already! And it's not even been a week yet! 


First of all, I just wanted to say how thankful I am to have such nice and supporting friends! So many people have told me they're looking forward to my blogs coming up, which I had no idea people would be that interested! So thank you! Puts a smile on my face :)


So here it is:

Wednesday I checked in.  I was actually super surprised at how smoothly the line was going.  They have over 7,000 employees, but I assumed they figured out the most precise way! Got there only an hour early and just went through lines and more lines of getting all the information and housing settled.  Parents were given a tour at this time and just waited ever so patiently.  Then we were automatically shipped off to turn in alllll our paperwork.  And boy, there was a lot.  Got fingerprinted and failed because my hands were clammy and wouldn't register.. but after about 30 minutes of that, I was finally free. Yada, yada, yada.

They don't tell you where you are going to be working at besides the general idea (merchandise, food and beverage, etc.), but not where or your location.  I was anticipating a park or the big Disney store or something like this, but I got to work in the gift shop in merchandising at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort!! Funny, but I told them on my phone interview that I would prefer a resort because I've heard amazing things about them from previous people who have done the program.  The interviewer said that the chances are really slim I would work in a resort because the people who work in resorts are either A) A hospitality major, B) have worked in a hotel before, or C) are a senior.  I was neither of those so I assumed I wouldn't be in a resort, but now am SUPER excited because I heard it's gorgeous there and haven't been there since I was real little.  (Plus, I think I wear an O-K outfit, where most of the outfits are nottt soo attractive as I will show pictures later..so that's a plus!) And it has it's own river cruise right next to it to downtown disney I believe !


Anywho, we get into our housing complex, which is called Patterson Court.  You could choose out of 3 complexes which you'd prefer to be at, by word of mouth and by seeing pictures, and this seemed like the best fit.  Even better, we got exactly the roommates that we wanted AND the perfect location.  The pool, front desk, and gym are literally in our backyard.  On the flip side, the laundry room building and garbage are in our frontyard.  Worked out lovely!  My parents were actually shown a tour of a different complex that was much smaller so they didn't think 1/4 of my stuff was gonna fit..but everything did, AND had room for more! :) ..(somehow!)

My roommates are all really fun!! There's no weirdos at all .. (unless I'm the weird one like in Dane Cook when he talks about Karen...;/), so everyone gets along real well.  They're from all over, and there are a variety of personalities too so it's fun!  Feel like I've known them for years.  More on them later.


Here is my recap video! It's a little longer, but it has multiple parts to it.

Here is my picture I got from him. 

I already have 92934928374 things I could add to this, but I want to make that into the next blog.  First day of actual working at the resort starts in the next couple days!!! YAY! :)

and.... I couldn't help myself.

Seriously, the last one of these. I promise. I couldn't resist! .. you'll see whyy!

                                                                                  

I don't wanna put my address on here for obvious reasons, so text or facebook me it if you want it ;)

My goal from the last blog: Failed.  No time and too much pressure to put stuff up!  At least I kinda added pretty borders in the movies.....and when I start working 30-40 hours a week, don't expect any better.

4 Days until check-in!!

ALMOST THERE!

Just starting to put things all together... so overwhelming! 

There is just ..

                              

Seems like I have been waiting for this week to come since senior year of high school when I first learned about it ..! ... oh wait, I have !!  :) 
  
So, a few bagillion people have asked me why I'm going and what's up with my schooling, and I'm sure plenty more will be when I come back.  So let me just lay it all out there for ya.

Point uno: My major is Exercise Science with a Health/Fitness emphasis that requires 5 core classes, each with a pre-requisite course.  The class that I needed to take next for this winter was full, therefore, even if I stayed here to continue schooling, I still would not be able to take the one class that would advance me.  Essentially, the same spot as if I didn't do Disney.  Because of this, I will be taking an early release from Disney 4 or so days early and moving back right into my apartment to take the class since it is offered in our spring semester.  So I will still be right where I should be.  ;)

Point dos: I took spring/summer courses every year that has allowed me to take a semester off.  I will not be taking any classes through Grand Valley or through Disney.  Since I am already ahead, there are no classes for me to take so I'm basically just going to take a semester off school, work a ton, and hug Mickey a lot !  There are some "seminar" based classes that I am definitely interested in they offer.  These are classes that are completely free for cast members, and are only a few hours on a given night.  The topic could range from anything Disney whatsoever- from animation, to the movies, to show how they made the parks, or history of Walt and his brother Roy.  I love learning the fun facts and behind-the-scenes so I'm very interested in those!

Point tres: I found a subleaser thankfully! So that was a huge relief! Her name is Shanell, and wants to leave as soon as the semester is done, which works out perfectly for me to be there for my spring class. Oh, and not to mention, she is saving me over $1500 ! Yay Shanell!

Point quatro: Ever since I heard about it senior year of high school, I knew for sure I wanted to do it.  It was just a matter of when and how.  I was debating the options between doing it fall or winter semester.  I thought, "Hmm..by doing it in fall I will miss my birthday (Sept 18), Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's".  Essentially one big event every month.  Now looking back at it, I thought it would have been even MORE fun to do it then! Yes, it would be out of the ordinary to be all those holidays without my family, but they have such HUGE extravagant events! I have a few friends there that did it in the fall and looking at their pictures of all the scary houses for Halloween and the humongous Christmas lights put up made me a wee bit jealous I didn't do it then.  But this way I will only miss Easter, Steve's 23rd birthday (does that even count??), and spring break, which helloooo spring break everyone's coming to me!! (no..but really.. ;D)


Now that that is settled, here is my oh-so-slight progress:

                               

                                      

Next blog will be from my new apartment, and showing the palm trees overlooking the pool!! :)

All I have to do is get through this 3-day journey of long car rides, sadness when all my electronics die 3 hours in, and car-sickness from mom's driving. #doable

Goal for next blog: To talk slower and clearer during videos, and in person for that matter, create a more appealing and mature look to texts inserted instead of using 5th grade jargon by putting explanation points before words (i.e. !!!AWESOME!!), and to have some sort of Disney memorabilia.