Yep. I accomplished pretty much nothing. I had so many plans, but I didn't follow through on any of them. I slept until 11, then I laid in bed until 2:00. At which point I got up long enough to get an apple and some string cheese for my brunch. I watched some Disney movies and sat on the internet.
That was really the extent of my day. I was going to get up and go places, but when I decided to do that there was a sudden down pour. I just figured that was mother natures way of saying, you have the day off, just stay in bed. So I oblidged. I got my hair piece set in curlers, so in another week I'll be able to wear that. I was going to dye my hair, but I keep putting it off cause it's such a pain. I watched confessions of a teenage drama queen starring Lindsey Lohan with Kim and Julie. I think I annoyed them a little, because I like to talk through movies, sort of like Mystery Science Theatre. I comment on everything and point out the obvious, I also try to guess the plot. So eventually I just shut up and watched. By the way, don't ever waste your time, it was wretched. That really was about all I did, sad I know.
Answer to Yesterdays Trivia: How many individual triangles make up the exterior shell of Spaceship Earth?
11,324
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Looooong Day
I slept late today, I did not hear the alarms go off. I woke up with about 15 minutes to get ready. I normally have an hour. And on top of it, Julie was in the bathroom, I was in my room spazzing out. I got out the door, about 10 minutes later than I wanted to, but I made it to work on time. I picked up a ride position, so I headed down there to see where we were at in the opening procedures. Turns out CDS had mis-scheduled (like that never happens) and didn't assign anybody to help open the ride, so they were behind. They already had all the opener positions taken, but I stayed anyway to watch because they were training how to open on the console, and I'm still shaky on that, so it was good practice. We got a brand new ADA car, so we had to test a few more things with that. We opened a little late, but they coordinator walked the people through slowly so we'd be ready.
I felt like I spent all day at Load 1, saying watch your step. I had a short time on load 2, which is the position that freaks me out, but Moises taught me this great joke. Now you have to read your audience for it work, you just ask them to put their seat belts on (we don't have seat belts) and they just keep looking for them and can't find them. Of course when they look up I have a huge grin on my face and they get all mad and say they can't believe they fell for it. It certainly passes time faster. Someone today told me they do the lap bar one (where you have to pull a bar from over your head down to your lap). I haven't tried that, but it would be funny to see if people really do reach for it. I of course, have to be sure there are no children around, because if they overhear to put on their seat belts and realize they don't have any, I may freak them out. So I only get to do it every once in a while, but it's entertaining.
I had a training on my schedule for an hour, but it said Soarin'. Everyone thought it might be a meeting of some sort, but when I signed in it said it was a training. Luckily, the coordinator was in the room, so she called around for me and concluded that it was a mistake, and then put me back into rotation for the hour. Once the hour was up, I ended up getting the pavilion greeter. I spent a couple hours outside doing that today, and of course since I was late this morning I didn't get the sunscreen on. Luckily it was a pretty cloudy day, we even had a few light showers while I was out there. We had a little bit of a problem on the ride and were stopped for a while, so our wait time doubled to an hour wait and just as I was about to start telling people, I got to go on my break! Yeah, I didn't have to deal with it.
CDS went down, which meant the coordinators had to figure out by hand where everyone should go and who needed breaks or bump offs. It was craziness for a while. When it was time for my bump off I was so excited. Today was 10 hours and 45 minutes. Ick. I will probably do it again though. Now, I'm horribly tired and I have tomorrow off, so I am going to catch up on my beauty rest.
Today's Trivia Question: How many individual triangles make up the exterior shell of Spaceship Earth?
I felt like I spent all day at Load 1, saying watch your step. I had a short time on load 2, which is the position that freaks me out, but Moises taught me this great joke. Now you have to read your audience for it work, you just ask them to put their seat belts on (we don't have seat belts) and they just keep looking for them and can't find them. Of course when they look up I have a huge grin on my face and they get all mad and say they can't believe they fell for it. It certainly passes time faster. Someone today told me they do the lap bar one (where you have to pull a bar from over your head down to your lap). I haven't tried that, but it would be funny to see if people really do reach for it. I of course, have to be sure there are no children around, because if they overhear to put on their seat belts and realize they don't have any, I may freak them out. So I only get to do it every once in a while, but it's entertaining.
I had a training on my schedule for an hour, but it said Soarin'. Everyone thought it might be a meeting of some sort, but when I signed in it said it was a training. Luckily, the coordinator was in the room, so she called around for me and concluded that it was a mistake, and then put me back into rotation for the hour. Once the hour was up, I ended up getting the pavilion greeter. I spent a couple hours outside doing that today, and of course since I was late this morning I didn't get the sunscreen on. Luckily it was a pretty cloudy day, we even had a few light showers while I was out there. We had a little bit of a problem on the ride and were stopped for a while, so our wait time doubled to an hour wait and just as I was about to start telling people, I got to go on my break! Yeah, I didn't have to deal with it.
CDS went down, which meant the coordinators had to figure out by hand where everyone should go and who needed breaks or bump offs. It was craziness for a while. When it was time for my bump off I was so excited. Today was 10 hours and 45 minutes. Ick. I will probably do it again though. Now, I'm horribly tired and I have tomorrow off, so I am going to catch up on my beauty rest.
Today's Trivia Question: How many individual triangles make up the exterior shell of Spaceship Earth?
I LOVE Turtles!
So, today I started out at the Seas for 3 hours. That was pretty normal, a little slow going for the morning, pretty relaxing. Then I got to head over to the Wonders of Life pavilion, I can't remember the last time I was in there, for a Turtle Talk workshop. We went over teamwork and supporting each other, interactive theatre, how to pump up the crowd, what not to do or say, some tips on making the show flow smoothly, and then we got to put it into practice and try out our spiel in front of the group. I did my spiel and Eddie (our facilitator) told me if I was his kindergarden teacher he would do anything I said. If I told him to punch another kid he'd get all excited and ask which kid. I always play my spiels to the kids, because that's who the show is about, that's who I need to get pumped and feeling comfortable. Plus, dad was so right when he said engage the children and the adults will follow, it works every time. Eddie also said that if he had his eyes closed during my spiel he would have gotten everything I was trying to get across, because my inflections were great, there was variety and it was interesting. I was so pumped, what great compliments, and especially from someone whom I respect so much.
I went back to work and when we got back the ride was down (it was down when I left yesterday as well, our ADA(wheelchair) car had a problem). So because the ride was down there weren't any jobs for us to do, so everyone kept getting tasks. I of course, went right over to Kidcot to hang out with my new bestest friend Brandon. He is a ton of fun! I spent about an hour with him. He even came back with me to get an assignment and then took me on a mini tour of the aquarium and pointed out some of the fish to me. While we were hanging out one of the other CMs said when I did my spiel he thought I could be a face character, he said my voice was just so pleasant. And then he said he thought I looked like Cinderella. I just said thanks, but I really wanted to say stop getting my hopes up!
The ride went back up and I went over to load one, where all I do is say "Go right ahead, watch your step. Go ahead, watch your step on the platform. Go ahead. Watch your step. Watch your setp on the platform. Go ahead." Yep, it's very redundant, and you can't make conversation with anybody cause there's barely enough time for a hi, sometimes there's not even that much time. The day still felt pretty short, I only had a couple hours left after the workshop and I hung out with Brandon for half of it.
I didn't have time for a nap today, I just had time to eat dinner and get ready. But, today was fantasyland so I was excited to go to the fireworks. It was a totally different group of people, and there was a different coordinator. She was nice, but she hadn't done it in a while, so she said she was kind of rusty. I was supposed to get the same position I was the first time, front of castle. But they had people helping from toontown, so because they had a different costume, they had to be the front of castle positions. I got Snow White exit. We set up ropes so that during the fireworks there was an alternate entrance and exit because the whole area is blocked off as a fallout zone. My job was to direct people where to go and make sure nobody jumped the ropes. Now, if only people listened right? I had some people who went right under and when we asked them to come back they refused, and were of course very rude. It drove me nuts because not only would people not listen, but I had a partner who was the other side of the line, and she wouldn't pay attention. We could have prevented a lot of them if she was watching and caught it immediately. There are some people who walk through that you just keep your eye on, because they look like they may jump the line. She wanted to look the other direction instead, which made it hard because I would get halfway to where she was standing to get someone back before she even turned around and realized what was happening. And then I would get yelled at because I left my post.
I had one group go through I had very clearly instructed them to go all the way to the other end of the rope. But there was a kid, probably about 12 who decided to go under the ropes and into the restricted area. I immediately ran over and told him to come back right now. Well the kid just stood there, so I got very stern and said he could not be in that area he needed to come back on the other side of the ropes right now. Well, the kids father got in my face and said don't you dare discipline my child, you ask me first and I will take care of it. To which I said, I'm very sorry sir, but it's an issue of safety, that is my number one concern. They guy flipped out and said he was tired of cast members berating his children and he needed to see a manager right now. Well I let him know I could not leave my post. So he wanted to know where the main office, clearly someone who isn't very educated on the structure of Disney. I told him to stop by guest relations, and he stared at my nametag like it would intimidate me and stormed off. I know that I was correct. Yes, most times you want to be polite, but safety is number one above all else, and I need to do whatever I need to, to keep our guests safe. The manager then came over and started to yell at me again for leaving my post, but the pyrotechnics specialist in the area came over and defended me and said I was correct, I was dealing with a guest who was in the danger zone.
The fireworks were super loud, because there was a good portion that were being lit of right in the area. I didn't even attempt to look, because I was so concerned with getting people through the area, I was afraid they may stop and try to look and then jump the line to get a better view. So I was on high alert. The other lady wasn't even phased, I don't think I'd like to work with her again. They wet the area with sprinklers in case there was any fallout, and people kept asking if it was raining. I kept getting wet though, since it was right on my back. When we finished I was putting the poles and ropes away and who walks into the Philharmagic but some of my coworkers. So I got to say hi to them and chat for a bit, and then we were done for the night. Pretty simple, although much more stress this time.
Answer to Yesterdays Trivia: How many happy haunts reside at the Haunted Mansion?
999, but, there's room for one more... Any takers, hmmm?
I went back to work and when we got back the ride was down (it was down when I left yesterday as well, our ADA(wheelchair) car had a problem). So because the ride was down there weren't any jobs for us to do, so everyone kept getting tasks. I of course, went right over to Kidcot to hang out with my new bestest friend Brandon. He is a ton of fun! I spent about an hour with him. He even came back with me to get an assignment and then took me on a mini tour of the aquarium and pointed out some of the fish to me. While we were hanging out one of the other CMs said when I did my spiel he thought I could be a face character, he said my voice was just so pleasant. And then he said he thought I looked like Cinderella. I just said thanks, but I really wanted to say stop getting my hopes up!
The ride went back up and I went over to load one, where all I do is say "Go right ahead, watch your step. Go ahead, watch your step on the platform. Go ahead. Watch your step. Watch your setp on the platform. Go ahead." Yep, it's very redundant, and you can't make conversation with anybody cause there's barely enough time for a hi, sometimes there's not even that much time. The day still felt pretty short, I only had a couple hours left after the workshop and I hung out with Brandon for half of it.
I didn't have time for a nap today, I just had time to eat dinner and get ready. But, today was fantasyland so I was excited to go to the fireworks. It was a totally different group of people, and there was a different coordinator. She was nice, but she hadn't done it in a while, so she said she was kind of rusty. I was supposed to get the same position I was the first time, front of castle. But they had people helping from toontown, so because they had a different costume, they had to be the front of castle positions. I got Snow White exit. We set up ropes so that during the fireworks there was an alternate entrance and exit because the whole area is blocked off as a fallout zone. My job was to direct people where to go and make sure nobody jumped the ropes. Now, if only people listened right? I had some people who went right under and when we asked them to come back they refused, and were of course very rude. It drove me nuts because not only would people not listen, but I had a partner who was the other side of the line, and she wouldn't pay attention. We could have prevented a lot of them if she was watching and caught it immediately. There are some people who walk through that you just keep your eye on, because they look like they may jump the line. She wanted to look the other direction instead, which made it hard because I would get halfway to where she was standing to get someone back before she even turned around and realized what was happening. And then I would get yelled at because I left my post.
I had one group go through I had very clearly instructed them to go all the way to the other end of the rope. But there was a kid, probably about 12 who decided to go under the ropes and into the restricted area. I immediately ran over and told him to come back right now. Well the kid just stood there, so I got very stern and said he could not be in that area he needed to come back on the other side of the ropes right now. Well, the kids father got in my face and said don't you dare discipline my child, you ask me first and I will take care of it. To which I said, I'm very sorry sir, but it's an issue of safety, that is my number one concern. They guy flipped out and said he was tired of cast members berating his children and he needed to see a manager right now. Well I let him know I could not leave my post. So he wanted to know where the main office, clearly someone who isn't very educated on the structure of Disney. I told him to stop by guest relations, and he stared at my nametag like it would intimidate me and stormed off. I know that I was correct. Yes, most times you want to be polite, but safety is number one above all else, and I need to do whatever I need to, to keep our guests safe. The manager then came over and started to yell at me again for leaving my post, but the pyrotechnics specialist in the area came over and defended me and said I was correct, I was dealing with a guest who was in the danger zone.
The fireworks were super loud, because there was a good portion that were being lit of right in the area. I didn't even attempt to look, because I was so concerned with getting people through the area, I was afraid they may stop and try to look and then jump the line to get a better view. So I was on high alert. The other lady wasn't even phased, I don't think I'd like to work with her again. They wet the area with sprinklers in case there was any fallout, and people kept asking if it was raining. I kept getting wet though, since it was right on my back. When we finished I was putting the poles and ropes away and who walks into the Philharmagic but some of my coworkers. So I got to say hi to them and chat for a bit, and then we were done for the night. Pretty simple, although much more stress this time.
Answer to Yesterdays Trivia: How many happy haunts reside at the Haunted Mansion?
999, but, there's room for one more... Any takers, hmmm?
Booo to Mainstreet
So, today seemed like a really short day. I started out in the Disney Basics class. I spent 2 hours learning about what they call the "soft skills". Being polite, courteous, staying in character, keeping the integrity of the show, going above and beyond... things like that. Things that I am already amazingly good at, that should be second nature for anyone in a service field, but is obviously not. The class was just fun, we got to share and play some games. Plus I got a free diet coke, nice.
Then I went over to the Seas, I only worked for 4 hours over there. I got to do one Turtle Talk show. But it was a good one. It didn't really feel like I worked much. It was kind of nice. I went home and took a nap for a while.
I worked the fireworks again, but this time I was on Mainstreet. I got there and headed to the Mainstreet deployment base where my instructions had told me to go. Turns out that was closed, I waited for someone to show up in the area, but nobody did. The message when I clocked in said the scheduling books were in Fantasyland, so I headed over there. I explained my situation to the person working there and she gave me directions to the break room at the front of the park. Well I headed onstage, and of course it's right before the parade so it's crazy busy outside. I saw a group of people dressed like me and someone who appeared to be a coordinator or a manager so I walked up to the group. I was completely ignored, the coordinator took questions from people who'd walked up way after me and then when they finished talking he started to walk away. I couldn't believe how rude he was being. I finally had to get right up to him before he would answer. He gave me some odd directions, I wasn't sure what he was talking about. So I tried my best to follow what the first lady had told me. I found the break room, but there was nobody in my costume. I found a managers office and stood in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt since he was fixing something in CDS (our scheduling system) for another CM (cast member), but he wouldn't look at me. Another manager walked by and I asked for her help. She said they'd already deployed and told me to go to the plaza outside the ice cream parlor. She started to take me out to point out where I needed to go when another CM said she was headed to her break and could take me there.
Once I got there, there was one other person he handed me a sheet and said here are the VIP names then started to walk away. I had to stop him and let him know I've never done this before and ask him to please tell me what I'm supposed to do. All I did was stand at the ropes and not let anybody in unless their name was on the list. I only had one group show up. Otherwise it was telling people they couldn't come down, pointing out bathrooms and the smoking area. It was kind of boring and I didn't feel like I was treated well. In the whole time I was there only one person said Thanks for picking up the shift, otherwise almost everyone was rude. It was a bad experience.
I finished that and we got ER (early release), but by the time we did all the walking between the Fantasyland base where we had to apply for ER and the mainstreet base which was the only area we could clock out, we only had like 5 minutes of the shift left anyway, so it was kind of a waste. Oh well.
I went home and changed quick to meet up with the roomies at Jelly Rolls. It's a cabaret style bar where they have dueling pianos. The format was similar to Erin Schwab and Jay Fuchs shows in Minneapolis at Jitters, except that I knew the songs Erin did. I only knew the Disney medley. It was some girls birthday so I had to watch her stand on stage and try to do head shoulders knees and toes while drunk. It was the most rediculous thing I've seen. And I really hate when women allow themselves to be treated with disrespect by the men in the room and actually egg it on. It's so innapropriate, and it makes men think their behavior is justified. I was pretty much checked out from that point on. It was fun otherwise, but I only knew a few of the songs. They take requests, but you have to pay them, and then wait for them to play it. It was also a bar that you could smoke in which bothered me, but it wasn't as bad as the other one. I only stayed for an hour and a half maybe and then left with Julie. Maybe a night I don't have to work will be better.
Then I went over to the Seas, I only worked for 4 hours over there. I got to do one Turtle Talk show. But it was a good one. It didn't really feel like I worked much. It was kind of nice. I went home and took a nap for a while.
I worked the fireworks again, but this time I was on Mainstreet. I got there and headed to the Mainstreet deployment base where my instructions had told me to go. Turns out that was closed, I waited for someone to show up in the area, but nobody did. The message when I clocked in said the scheduling books were in Fantasyland, so I headed over there. I explained my situation to the person working there and she gave me directions to the break room at the front of the park. Well I headed onstage, and of course it's right before the parade so it's crazy busy outside. I saw a group of people dressed like me and someone who appeared to be a coordinator or a manager so I walked up to the group. I was completely ignored, the coordinator took questions from people who'd walked up way after me and then when they finished talking he started to walk away. I couldn't believe how rude he was being. I finally had to get right up to him before he would answer. He gave me some odd directions, I wasn't sure what he was talking about. So I tried my best to follow what the first lady had told me. I found the break room, but there was nobody in my costume. I found a managers office and stood in the doorway, not wanting to interrupt since he was fixing something in CDS (our scheduling system) for another CM (cast member), but he wouldn't look at me. Another manager walked by and I asked for her help. She said they'd already deployed and told me to go to the plaza outside the ice cream parlor. She started to take me out to point out where I needed to go when another CM said she was headed to her break and could take me there.
Once I got there, there was one other person he handed me a sheet and said here are the VIP names then started to walk away. I had to stop him and let him know I've never done this before and ask him to please tell me what I'm supposed to do. All I did was stand at the ropes and not let anybody in unless their name was on the list. I only had one group show up. Otherwise it was telling people they couldn't come down, pointing out bathrooms and the smoking area. It was kind of boring and I didn't feel like I was treated well. In the whole time I was there only one person said Thanks for picking up the shift, otherwise almost everyone was rude. It was a bad experience.
I finished that and we got ER (early release), but by the time we did all the walking between the Fantasyland base where we had to apply for ER and the mainstreet base which was the only area we could clock out, we only had like 5 minutes of the shift left anyway, so it was kind of a waste. Oh well.
I went home and changed quick to meet up with the roomies at Jelly Rolls. It's a cabaret style bar where they have dueling pianos. The format was similar to Erin Schwab and Jay Fuchs shows in Minneapolis at Jitters, except that I knew the songs Erin did. I only knew the Disney medley. It was some girls birthday so I had to watch her stand on stage and try to do head shoulders knees and toes while drunk. It was the most rediculous thing I've seen. And I really hate when women allow themselves to be treated with disrespect by the men in the room and actually egg it on. It's so innapropriate, and it makes men think their behavior is justified. I was pretty much checked out from that point on. It was fun otherwise, but I only knew a few of the songs. They take requests, but you have to pay them, and then wait for them to play it. It was also a bar that you could smoke in which bothered me, but it wasn't as bad as the other one. I only stayed for an hour and a half maybe and then left with Julie. Maybe a night I don't have to work will be better.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
MK Envy
Today was kind of a low key day. I started at 8:30, which I thought meant I was going to go to our morning meeting. Nope, I got area cleaning. Which meant I had to walk around with a picker and a bucket and pick up garbage. Not exactly fun. But I did get to see the bunnies, who are very used to people so they let you get pretty close. Then I finally got a ride through! Yeah, I always wanted to get that task. After I did that for 15 minutes, I picked up the 2nd wheelchair assistance position. It was really early to pick it up, especially since there were so few guests let alone wheelchairs. But, I got to talk to TJ for a while. TJ used to work at the Seas and is now on the Epcot Dream Squad. So I was talking to him about that. I am so jealous!!!
The coordinator came over and asked if anyone wanted ER (Early Release). I obviously didn't, I've been trying to pick up more hours. Because we were overstaffed. I went to Kidcot for a short time, and then we had two people who were on modified duty who came to help out, so they dropped me and had me go over to Turtle Talk. I did all the positions outside, but didn't get to go in. I only got one show in all day. But I've never laughed harder than I did. We had a little boy that Crush asked if he had a question and this is what the boy said, "My question is, you said you were a hundred and fifty. But the thing is the oldest turtle on record was a hundred and fifty. And he's dead." My mouth just dropped, there was a gasp in the audience. And Crush gave the best face, swam over to the hydrophone and said, "Security. Yeah, is this thing on. We've got one of those kids." It was great.
It was only a six hour day and I got 45 minutes worth of tasking which made it go by pretty quick. I went over to MK (Magic Kingdom) costuming on my way home. I had picked up the fireworks shifts and so I needed to get the costumes. They were so nice in there. It was set up so much nicer and neater than ours at Epcot. They had signs in every aisle that said what was in the aisle as well as a mannequin on the end that showed exactly how the costume should look. I had an older gentleman point out where mine were and he chatted with me for a while about his career and Epcot. He was very nice. The Fantasyland costume is super comfy. It's breathable fabric, unlike the stuff we wear at the seas, and it's soft. I took a short nap when I got home and then got ready.
I was really nervous to go over for the shift because I didn't really know what was going on. When I got there, I made my way to the deployment base like my instructions had told me. There was a lady who helped me out. Apparently they don't meet in the deployment base like they tell you, I don't know why they don't change it on the sheet. But they told me where to wait and who I was waiting for. The coordinator was really nice and helpful. They had lanyards you wore that listed all the duties of your position which was really helpful. I also got the radio which saved my butt a couple of times. The people seemed really nice and were very welcoming.
I got the position in front of the castle on one of the ramps. All I had to do was rope off the ramp and prevent anyone from going up. Seems easy right. Big white rope, the Disney sign for do not enter here, surely the guests will know that and obey. Of course not, they all tried to jump the rope, walk under, some even wanted to hop the fence and cut through the grass. There is apparently a whole different breed of people who come to Disney in the summer. They are rude and have short tempers and think they can get away with anything. I had quite a few guests come up and yell at me because they couldn't get through the crowd like I'm going to wave my hands and the crowd will magically part like the red sea just for them. What did you expect with 10 minutes until the parade, you should know better. I don't know what they wanted me to do. I even had one guy who was standing at the base of the castle try to pass his child up over the railing onto the ramp. I asked him to get down and the guy freaked out. "Well he has to 'tete' are you going to come down here and get us through the crowd then so he can 'tete?'" Then he just sat back down, so I doubt he really had to go.
I did have a really nice family who kept saying what a hard job I had. They chatted with me and ended up staying the whole night. The mom was really helpful, she would stop people from jumping the rope and let me know when someone climbed on a trash can. They were such pleasant people. Although she was very technically minded and so she wanted to know all the "secrets". She asked me things like how many Cinderellas are there? What is that line coming out of the castle. I was so excited to hear that last question because I finally got to use my favorite response ever: "It's a magical line of pixie dust so that Tinkerbell can find her way home in the dark." Then I just got to watch the fireworks. That was pretty much all there was. I really enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun, I can't wait to do it again.
I also have to say that the people at MK are so much nicer. At Epcot nobody, I mean nobody will smile back at me. It's really frusterating, plus a lot of the people are just downright rude. And I don't think they have chilvary in any of the other Epcot countries because the boys are jerks cutting in front of you in line. At MK everyone smiled at me and some even said hi. It was such a change of pace and I loved it. I talked with some of the girls about what they do, they usually run the attractions in Fantasyland, so we were discussing the differences between our rides. It was fun, I enjoyed myself.
Answer to Yesterdays Trivia: How many Mickey Bars are sold at WDW each year?
3 million
Today's Trivia Question: How many happy haunts reside at the Haunted Mansion?
The coordinator came over and asked if anyone wanted ER (Early Release). I obviously didn't, I've been trying to pick up more hours. Because we were overstaffed. I went to Kidcot for a short time, and then we had two people who were on modified duty who came to help out, so they dropped me and had me go over to Turtle Talk. I did all the positions outside, but didn't get to go in. I only got one show in all day. But I've never laughed harder than I did. We had a little boy that Crush asked if he had a question and this is what the boy said, "My question is, you said you were a hundred and fifty. But the thing is the oldest turtle on record was a hundred and fifty. And he's dead." My mouth just dropped, there was a gasp in the audience. And Crush gave the best face, swam over to the hydrophone and said, "Security. Yeah, is this thing on. We've got one of those kids." It was great.
It was only a six hour day and I got 45 minutes worth of tasking which made it go by pretty quick. I went over to MK (Magic Kingdom) costuming on my way home. I had picked up the fireworks shifts and so I needed to get the costumes. They were so nice in there. It was set up so much nicer and neater than ours at Epcot. They had signs in every aisle that said what was in the aisle as well as a mannequin on the end that showed exactly how the costume should look. I had an older gentleman point out where mine were and he chatted with me for a while about his career and Epcot. He was very nice. The Fantasyland costume is super comfy. It's breathable fabric, unlike the stuff we wear at the seas, and it's soft. I took a short nap when I got home and then got ready.
I was really nervous to go over for the shift because I didn't really know what was going on. When I got there, I made my way to the deployment base like my instructions had told me. There was a lady who helped me out. Apparently they don't meet in the deployment base like they tell you, I don't know why they don't change it on the sheet. But they told me where to wait and who I was waiting for. The coordinator was really nice and helpful. They had lanyards you wore that listed all the duties of your position which was really helpful. I also got the radio which saved my butt a couple of times. The people seemed really nice and were very welcoming.
I got the position in front of the castle on one of the ramps. All I had to do was rope off the ramp and prevent anyone from going up. Seems easy right. Big white rope, the Disney sign for do not enter here, surely the guests will know that and obey. Of course not, they all tried to jump the rope, walk under, some even wanted to hop the fence and cut through the grass. There is apparently a whole different breed of people who come to Disney in the summer. They are rude and have short tempers and think they can get away with anything. I had quite a few guests come up and yell at me because they couldn't get through the crowd like I'm going to wave my hands and the crowd will magically part like the red sea just for them. What did you expect with 10 minutes until the parade, you should know better. I don't know what they wanted me to do. I even had one guy who was standing at the base of the castle try to pass his child up over the railing onto the ramp. I asked him to get down and the guy freaked out. "Well he has to 'tete' are you going to come down here and get us through the crowd then so he can 'tete?'" Then he just sat back down, so I doubt he really had to go.
I did have a really nice family who kept saying what a hard job I had. They chatted with me and ended up staying the whole night. The mom was really helpful, she would stop people from jumping the rope and let me know when someone climbed on a trash can. They were such pleasant people. Although she was very technically minded and so she wanted to know all the "secrets". She asked me things like how many Cinderellas are there? What is that line coming out of the castle. I was so excited to hear that last question because I finally got to use my favorite response ever: "It's a magical line of pixie dust so that Tinkerbell can find her way home in the dark." Then I just got to watch the fireworks. That was pretty much all there was. I really enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun, I can't wait to do it again.
I also have to say that the people at MK are so much nicer. At Epcot nobody, I mean nobody will smile back at me. It's really frusterating, plus a lot of the people are just downright rude. And I don't think they have chilvary in any of the other Epcot countries because the boys are jerks cutting in front of you in line. At MK everyone smiled at me and some even said hi. It was such a change of pace and I loved it. I talked with some of the girls about what they do, they usually run the attractions in Fantasyland, so we were discussing the differences between our rides. It was fun, I enjoyed myself.
Answer to Yesterdays Trivia: How many Mickey Bars are sold at WDW each year?
3 million
Today's Trivia Question: How many happy haunts reside at the Haunted Mansion?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Sleepy Sunday
Yeah. I slept in until 10:00. I had breakfast, some Cheerios and bananas which was really good. Then I went back to sleep until 1:00. I got ready and headed to work. It was a pretty short day. Only a 6 hour shift. Since I didn't have a dinner break I didn't bring any food so I just had a slim fast on one of my 15's. I did a lot of wheelchairs again, go figure. I only got to do 1 Turtle Talk show, but it was fun. I spent some time outside of Turtle Talk, which I enjoy a lot.
It was the day of stupid guests though. The other people said it's just cause it's later in the day, that people get tired and cranky and don't listen anymore. I had to yell at people all day, they would not listen to me, wouldn't control their kids, would push my arm out of the way to walk on to the ride even though I had told them not to. It's just so rude. In turtle talk the children are allowed to sit on the floor in front so they can get a better view of Crush and he can get a better view of them. Well, I had and adult who decided to sit on the floor as well. Sometimes I'll let one adult slide if it's a small show. But I turned around and the whole back half of the carpet was adults. So I said sorry, children only on the floor. Most of them got up and moved, but I had two women who wouldn't listen, and wouldn't make eye contact. I asked them three times before I had to single them out and finally they got up. It's just so stupid, I asked you to move nicely, why don't people listen. It's not like if you don't look at me you become invisible, I can still see you, and you're still breaking the rules.
When I finished I walked over to Japan to get some Yakitori since I hadn't eaten dinner and that's one of the few things that has sounded good to me. Then I got on the bus behind the American Adventure and headed back to cast services. I chatted with a guy who hangs out in the learning center for a while. Then I called mom on my way home.
Tomorrow is a relatively short day hours wise, I only work 9 hours. However, I start at 8:30, get off at 2:45. Then I have a break for a while, and it's over to MK to do crowd control for the fireworks at 8:00, until 10:45 or so. I'm a little nervous about that, just because I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing. Once I figure that out I'll be fine. I have fireworks 3 days this week. M-W. Then Thursday is my 12 hour day. So I should probably get some sleep while I still can.
Today's Trivia Question: How many Mickey Bars are sold a year at WDW?
It was the day of stupid guests though. The other people said it's just cause it's later in the day, that people get tired and cranky and don't listen anymore. I had to yell at people all day, they would not listen to me, wouldn't control their kids, would push my arm out of the way to walk on to the ride even though I had told them not to. It's just so rude. In turtle talk the children are allowed to sit on the floor in front so they can get a better view of Crush and he can get a better view of them. Well, I had and adult who decided to sit on the floor as well. Sometimes I'll let one adult slide if it's a small show. But I turned around and the whole back half of the carpet was adults. So I said sorry, children only on the floor. Most of them got up and moved, but I had two women who wouldn't listen, and wouldn't make eye contact. I asked them three times before I had to single them out and finally they got up. It's just so stupid, I asked you to move nicely, why don't people listen. It's not like if you don't look at me you become invisible, I can still see you, and you're still breaking the rules.
When I finished I walked over to Japan to get some Yakitori since I hadn't eaten dinner and that's one of the few things that has sounded good to me. Then I got on the bus behind the American Adventure and headed back to cast services. I chatted with a guy who hangs out in the learning center for a while. Then I called mom on my way home.
Tomorrow is a relatively short day hours wise, I only work 9 hours. However, I start at 8:30, get off at 2:45. Then I have a break for a while, and it's over to MK to do crowd control for the fireworks at 8:00, until 10:45 or so. I'm a little nervous about that, just because I don't know where I'm going or what I'm doing. Once I figure that out I'll be fine. I have fireworks 3 days this week. M-W. Then Thursday is my 12 hour day. So I should probably get some sleep while I still can.
Today's Trivia Question: How many Mickey Bars are sold a year at WDW?
Long Day, But Fun Day
So today was long. I worked 11 hours. The problem was I only got 15 minute breaks. Grrr... Which meant that I didn't have any real time to eat lunch. Plus, my breaks came so early I wasn't hungry. So I ate my sandwich and some cheese and that was it. I got to do a few Turtle Talk shows. When I had just finished one a turtle came down and said, "About that last show..." I thought I had done something horribly wrong and was so nervous. But he told me I was the best new host they had. I was shocked, he said I am really good at getting to the kids and I'm so fast at it that he can't believe it. He also said that my opening spiel is really good, it's right on target, my timing is perfect, and he understands everything I say. I said thank you like a million times, I was just not expecting it and it was so nice. Of course it helps that it's one of my favorite turtles to work with.
I did a lot of wheelchairs again, I don't know what it is about me and wheelchairs, but we spend a lot of time together. I finished work and stayed for a little bit after since Justin's trainee wanted to practice his spiels in front of people. Then I ran off to Cast Services because I had a lot to get done in an hour. I headed to Company D to get my free pin. Then to costuming to drop off my old costumes. Then I went to the learning center to return my two movies and get two more. While I was there, the lady told me to go check the shelf again and let her know if there's anything interesting on it. There was a card with Lilo (from Lilo and Stitch) and it said to bring it to the desk. Well, it turns out I won the Wishes contest at the learning center. I got a little sign with my name on it, and they're displaying one in the learning center. I also got a $5 gift card to Aramark, the company that owns our cast cafeterias. So that was pretty cool. But it took so long to get that taken care of that I was rushing through costuming to pick up what I needed.
While I was walking through the aisles a Moroccan guy came up to me and asked me if I was new here. I thought it was an odd question, but I said yes. Then he asked if we could keep in touch. I realized he was hitting on me, so I said no. Then he wanted to know why. I just said no. Finally he gave up and walked away. It was really awkward. Well I put the costume on and must have grabbed the wrong size because I was swimming in the shorts, so I had to run back and get another pair. And the costuming people aren't fast or accommodating. So by the time I finished that I was running late. I drank a slim fast so that I'd have something in me. I just missed the bus, so I decided to hoof it over to the American Adventure. I did it in less than 5 minutes, which is crazy fast. And showed up on time. Of course, nobody else was there. Only 2 other coworkers and no manager.
They talked to us for a little bit and then sent us on break for half an hour. Then we took positions, I ended up at the back of the theatre greeting guests, and stopping strollers. I had the section that was usually two people so I had to chase down a few strollers. I had one that decided to stop just past the ropes and stand in the shade. She didn't want to take the kids out and since it wasn't a fire hazard I thought it was fine. Well the coordinator came over and yelled at me and sent the lady away. It was kinda rude how she handled it. There are just some people who are good with others, and some people who are not. The concerts went by pretty fast, my feet definitely hurt, but it wasn't unbearable. I just kept moving.
When I got out I had a message from Kim inviting me out to Karaoke. I called her back and got directions. It was a little, very smoky bar. It was Kim, Julie, Ryan (Kims friend), and Ryans roommate Frankie. We chatted for a while and sang along with people. There were some pretty good singers there. Ryan and Frankies roommate showed up with her boyfriend for a while. Then Omarr came with his sister who was in town for the week. I got along really well with his sister and we talked for a while, then Omarr cut in the conversation for a while. Kim and Ryan did Waterfalls by TLC and it was hilarious!! Kim is such a riot. I did Redneck Woman, because it's my jam. And that went pretty well. There was apparently some guy who wanted to buy me a drink that Kim told I wasn't interested. Well he went up and performed later. He was a very white guy who decided to sing Fergalicious. And he knew every word by heart. It was sad. Then he came over after he sang and some lady asked him if he was gay, he said very loudly "I am heterosexual, I am a heterosexual, though you wouldn't have guessed it from that." Then he walked over to me and asked me to "slow dance". That's officially the funniest, most awkward moment I've had. I said no, obviously and Omarr told him I was his girlfriend to make him stay away.
I stayed until it pretty much closed. I've never been in a bar for last call before. I think I wound up going to bed around 3:30-ish. So it was a really long day. But so much fun. I got along with everyone, and I laughed a lot. I hope to do it again soon.
Answer to Yesterday's Trivia: How many "mountains" have imagineers built worldwide?
There are 8 mountains.
I did a lot of wheelchairs again, I don't know what it is about me and wheelchairs, but we spend a lot of time together. I finished work and stayed for a little bit after since Justin's trainee wanted to practice his spiels in front of people. Then I ran off to Cast Services because I had a lot to get done in an hour. I headed to Company D to get my free pin. Then to costuming to drop off my old costumes. Then I went to the learning center to return my two movies and get two more. While I was there, the lady told me to go check the shelf again and let her know if there's anything interesting on it. There was a card with Lilo (from Lilo and Stitch) and it said to bring it to the desk. Well, it turns out I won the Wishes contest at the learning center. I got a little sign with my name on it, and they're displaying one in the learning center. I also got a $5 gift card to Aramark, the company that owns our cast cafeterias. So that was pretty cool. But it took so long to get that taken care of that I was rushing through costuming to pick up what I needed.
While I was walking through the aisles a Moroccan guy came up to me and asked me if I was new here. I thought it was an odd question, but I said yes. Then he asked if we could keep in touch. I realized he was hitting on me, so I said no. Then he wanted to know why. I just said no. Finally he gave up and walked away. It was really awkward. Well I put the costume on and must have grabbed the wrong size because I was swimming in the shorts, so I had to run back and get another pair. And the costuming people aren't fast or accommodating. So by the time I finished that I was running late. I drank a slim fast so that I'd have something in me. I just missed the bus, so I decided to hoof it over to the American Adventure. I did it in less than 5 minutes, which is crazy fast. And showed up on time. Of course, nobody else was there. Only 2 other coworkers and no manager.
They talked to us for a little bit and then sent us on break for half an hour. Then we took positions, I ended up at the back of the theatre greeting guests, and stopping strollers. I had the section that was usually two people so I had to chase down a few strollers. I had one that decided to stop just past the ropes and stand in the shade. She didn't want to take the kids out and since it wasn't a fire hazard I thought it was fine. Well the coordinator came over and yelled at me and sent the lady away. It was kinda rude how she handled it. There are just some people who are good with others, and some people who are not. The concerts went by pretty fast, my feet definitely hurt, but it wasn't unbearable. I just kept moving.
When I got out I had a message from Kim inviting me out to Karaoke. I called her back and got directions. It was a little, very smoky bar. It was Kim, Julie, Ryan (Kims friend), and Ryans roommate Frankie. We chatted for a while and sang along with people. There were some pretty good singers there. Ryan and Frankies roommate showed up with her boyfriend for a while. Then Omarr came with his sister who was in town for the week. I got along really well with his sister and we talked for a while, then Omarr cut in the conversation for a while. Kim and Ryan did Waterfalls by TLC and it was hilarious!! Kim is such a riot. I did Redneck Woman, because it's my jam. And that went pretty well. There was apparently some guy who wanted to buy me a drink that Kim told I wasn't interested. Well he went up and performed later. He was a very white guy who decided to sing Fergalicious. And he knew every word by heart. It was sad. Then he came over after he sang and some lady asked him if he was gay, he said very loudly "I am heterosexual, I am a heterosexual, though you wouldn't have guessed it from that." Then he walked over to me and asked me to "slow dance". That's officially the funniest, most awkward moment I've had. I said no, obviously and Omarr told him I was his girlfriend to make him stay away.
I stayed until it pretty much closed. I've never been in a bar for last call before. I think I wound up going to bed around 3:30-ish. So it was a really long day. But so much fun. I got along with everyone, and I laughed a lot. I hope to do it again soon.
Answer to Yesterday's Trivia: How many "mountains" have imagineers built worldwide?
There are 8 mountains.
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