Evening Fun with Drinking Games and Friends

It's time for another blog post and I think you all will be getting a good laugh with this one. The weather here has been very hot and humid. It hasn’t been raining in the evenings as much.

I don’t understand why Disney has to schedule all of our appointments at the crack of dawn. I had to drag myself out of bed at 5:30am on my day off to go to get my social security card appointment. Not fun at all. My friends and I had to get on a bus and go to the social security office. We then sat in the waiting room in a line and went to the windows one by one. It was such a waste of time and a very long and drawn out process. I didn’t get back home until 9:30am and I wasn’t tired so I didn't go back to sleep.

After that I went with my friend to cast connections. Cast connections is an exclusive warehouse for employees only. They sell seasonal merchandise they have pulled from the parks and also have a 75% off section where they have items that are partially ruined. Some of these items look like new. It's a hit and miss to be honest. Sometimes they have so much good stuff and sometimes they have nothing. This was an ok trip. After that we came back to our houses and put our stuff away. We then headed to the super target and Ross as my friend wanted to get some things there. Later that evening, we all went over to our friend’s house. One of his Canadian roommates had his friends over too and it was a PARTY!! I learned how to play some card drinking games. They are called Ride the Bus, Horserace and F*** the dealer. Such an awesome time with everyone and I even got roped into drinking Beer, which as everyone knows I don’t prefer. Headed to bed around 1am. It was a great night and will definitely happen again.

Friday was a working day as usual and I was put in the ice cream place for the first part of my shift. I loved it. After my break, which was super early, I was put on bussing (cleaning tables outside) and I hated it. I was there for 3 hours and 30 min. It felt like forever. I finally got switched to drinks and then I was bumped off at 9:15pm and I was off. It was an early night as most of my friends had to work early in the morning on Saturday.

Yesterday I headed to Wal-mart for my weekly shopping trip. I find shopping on my own takes so long and I always spend way more than I think I’m going to. I’m even being smart and using a list. I am still getting used to the fact that fresh veggies and fruits cost so much more here than at home. Its quite ridiculous. After that, my friend and I headed to Hollywood Studios and we went on Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. We also saw the Frozen show and Fantasmic. We met up with our friends that were working and they saw the show with us. After that everyone came over to my place and we started playing those drinking games again. Such a fun time with Gabby, Susan and the boys!! I had bought 2 bottles of wine that morning and they were gone in no time. When 4 of us are drinking and loosing terribly, alcohol goes like that. Note to self, buy more than you think you will need.

Today was just like any Sunday is at home. Gabby (my friend from school and roommate) and I found a basilica (Mary, Queen of the Universe) 2 minutes from our place. So we went to the 11:30am mass. It was full of people from all over the world. It felt so good to step into a church again. Mass ran until 12:45pm as their were so many people in attendance. Working tonight just like I would at home on a Sunday. It’s time to get my stuff prepared so I must go now.

Xoxo

Michelle

Working Solo

My Training is wrapping up and I worked in our last location called Hollywood Scoops. We have ice cream, sundaes and cookie sandwiches for sale. I love working in scoops but I also don’t like working in scoops. The smell in there makes me want to eat ice cream all the time. There are only 3 positions at scoops, which are register, filler and scooper. It’s very relaxing to scoop ice cream and it’s always consistently busy so time goes by faster. I enjoyed trying the different flavors we have for our guests. I also had to do bussing and condiment bar as part of my training. I don’t quite enjoy this role so much because it is quite awkward to walk up to guests and start talking to them. But you do find out a lot about their experiences at the parks when you make small talk. Some guests are also really nice about it and thank you for talking to them. This position can be very rewarding. That ended my training and I was all set for assessment day. After work I came home and got to chat with my friends. We were up late but I always enjoy seeing my friends, as our schedules are so different.

On Tuesday, I had my assessment to make sure I was ready and prepared for working on my own. I was nervous but also very excited to get it over with. My assessment was broken down into 3 parts. I had a written assessment (42 multiple choice questions), a practical assessment where I would be in different roles and have to show my trainer I knew what to do. Finally, I had to meet with a manager and walk around the area and they ask questions and let us know their expectation for us as workers. I flew through the written assessment and the practical assessment. My trainer had been one I had previously so he was asking my hard questions to challenge me, as he knew I was capable to do all of the jobs. We had our break and then we met with one of the managers at sunset names Alma. We had a walk around our area of the park and she mainly asked me questions about what we offer at different places, what evacuations plans we have and what to do in certain emergency situations. At the end of our walk she explained what she expects from everyone as workers at sunset. I passed the assessment with flying colours and that meant I was no longer “Earning my Ears”.

Yesterday I had my first shift alone with no trainers. It was very strange at the beginning but I was on register for the first part of my shift. I was happy with that, as I feel very comfortable with register. After my short 15-minute break, I was put on the drink station at our pizza place. It was so busy and so chaotic in the kitchen. We were running out of things, which put our process on hold. I have never pumped out so many drinks so fast but it was a great learning opportunity. After work I hung out with some friends and then came home.

Today was an early day so I will talk all about it in my next blog.

I hope everyone is doing well and I can’t wait to tell you more.

Xoxo
Michelle 

Training Continues

Training at Eddie’s pizza was fun but very hot. The ovens that cook the pizza and the small space in the back doesn't help matters. Our trainer Joe was great. He started our shift off my showing us where all the supplies we could possibly need are located. He then took my friends (who are also training with me) and I to the register to get familiar with the screen and the food they sell. This register is the most confusing because they don't have the meal options matching the menu so you have to know what people are talking about when they want a #1 for example. We spent a good 3 hours on register and we all rotated so we could get used to it. Since I have cash handling experience, it didn't take me long to get comfortable with the register. After that we headed inside and we began learning how to fill guests orders. It was very simple once you know where everything is located. The last thing we did was learn how to cook and prepare all the menu options. It was a very hot day at Eddie’s but also easier as there isn’t a lot on the menu.

Friday we trained at Fairfax Fare. Here you can find all your meat dinners such as chicken, ribs, hot dogs and Turkey legs. We had another awesome trainer named Jenny. She was fun and has a very vibrant personality. I loved it. Fairfax is very simple, and only has 3 positions, which are register, filler and assembler. We started off in the assembly area and Jenny showed us what all the meals looked like. She also showed us where to find all of our supplies in the shop. We spent a good 4 hours in the assembly area at Fairfax and I got very comfortable with what the orders were. Filling and register are the same so it was a breeze. Since we had extra magic hours, we didn’t close until midnight. Of course, people got in our line up at 11:59pm, which doesn't allow us to close. We ended up closing our doors at 12:15am. And onto closing…. Now closing Fairfax is the worst! We have to clean the warmers every night and they were so dirty. I had to scrub them and it took so long. But I got them clean, all by MYSELF! We clocked out at 1:15am. The latest I have ever worked.

I finally had my day of on Saturday. It felt so great to not have to get ready for work and just chill. I got up and decided I would walk to the outlets as I hadn’t been yet and they are very close to my house. I didn’t realize how close until some workers in one of the stores told me I could cut through the parking structure. So on my way back, I did just that and it only took me 7 min! It was great and the best part about that is I know have a Starbucks 7min from me. I haven’t had Starbucks for so long and now I can have it everyday if I wanted to. After I got back from the outlets, my roommate and friend Gabby and I just chilled and then we told all of our friends to come over for tea. It was nice to see all of them again, since all of our schedules have been crazy.

Yesterday was another day of training. We trained at Anaheim Produce, which is where you can find Churros, Pretzels, and other snack items. You can also buy a variety of beers and margaritas and frozen lemonades. This is the easiest place to work as there are only 2 positions, register and filler. It was a very peaceful and easy day and it was a nice change from all the hustle and bustle and the other locations. Also after working at Anaheim produce, I want to try some beer. I am normally not a beer person but I am interested to find out what this Lemon and Grapefruit beer taste like. It is on my bucket list now.

Off to work again today so that's it from me.

Xoxo

Michelle

My On the Job Traning has started!

Training has began and I am already exhausted from working 9 hour days and only getting home at midnight. But that's my life right now and I don’t mind having some leisure time before I have to head to work.

Monday was an early start and that was our Orientation called “On with the Show” at Hollywood Studios. My group and I had two wonderful leaders named Jon and Dylan. They took us around Hollywood studios and gave us some historical background about the park. They also pointed out where things are located so we can tell the guests. While on our tour we got to ride “The Great Movie Ride” and also walk through the star wars area. Both of these things are not my favorite but AC was available so it was worth it. We then headed to the computer lab and had a presentation on park safety. Following the presentation we had some online learning to do for our given role. My online component consisted of learning about food temperatures and serving alcohol. The videos were very helpful. After all that was completed we headed to costuming to get our costumes (aka uniforms). That finished our day.

That evening we headed to one of my friends houses and we had our last group hang out. We watched Tarzan, had pizza, played cards and just enjoyed spending time with everyone. This was the last day everyone would be together as our schedules are all different because of the training we have to have for our roles.

Tuesday was the first day of training. As I am working in the Sunset Complex, there are 5 different locations that I can work at. They include an all American grill (Rosie’s), a pizza place (Eddie’s), an outdoor marker (Produce), a BBQ place (Fairfax Fair) and an ice cream place (Hollywood Scoops). All of my training is in the evening as they are showing me how to close the area as well. I started my training in Rosie’s at the back with my trainer Robby.  The back is cooking the food and assembling the food on trays. I wasn't to excited about this but I am trying to think of the positive. I met many new people and a lot of Canadians, who were are really nice. My trainer Robby was also very nice and very helpful in showing us the ropes. It was a long day but I survived.

Yesterday, I was training in Rosie’s front. This includes cash, making the drinks, and checking the orders and passing it to the guests. I really liked working in the front. It was always busy and it felt like time was going by fast. Since I have experience working with cash and a cash register, that part was easy. I just needed to understand what all the buttons mean. As usual, I love doing cash. Being behind the doors and serving the guests their food can be a bit challenging at times but its part of the job and providing our guests with an amazing experience. It brought me back to working at BBW and what I have learned from my retail position.

That's all for me now. I start my training today at Eddie’s so I will be learning the ropes their with my trainer Joe. More to come in my next blog.

Until then,

xoxo

Michelle

Offically a Cast Member at Disney World!

Before I begin my blog I want to give everyone a run down of abbreviations you will see in the future throughout my posts. 

·      MK - stands for magic kingdom which is the busiest park at Disney world

·      HS - stands for Hollywood studios. This is where I will be working. 

·      AK - stand for animal kingdom. This is another park at Disney world.

·      Epcot – is the park with pavilions represented by each country. Many of the cultural exchange students work here.

Now onto my blog for today.... 

Thursday was one of the best days I have had while on my Disney journey. We had our traditions class at Disney University. The class is all about how the Walt Disney company came to be. We also learned about the core values of the company and how are roles effect our guests experiences. During our traditions class we got to explore MK and apply what we had learned in class. We were also able to experience how to get to different locations through employee tunnels back stage. I had a blast stepping foot into MK for the first time. It was very over whelming but I was also excited to be in a Disney world park. This was a very special class as we were given our Mickey ears and most importantly our name tag and Disney ID (see picture). Mickey even delivered the name tags himself and I got to get a big hug from him. That totally made my day. We also are now able to enter the parks for free!  

After the class was over we headed back to our apartments to change and eat so we could head out to MK for the evening. When we got to the parks we went on some rides and we went to see some shows as well. At 9:15pm we were in front of Cinderella's castle (see picture) and we were waiting for our very first Wishes show to begin. Wishes is the fireworks show put on every evening at MK. The show finally began and it was nothing less than I expected. They showed all the different characters from Disney Movies and the music suited the show so well. The fireworks shot out over top of the castle and it was beautiful. As I was standing there with my friends, it felt surreal that we had just began our journey a couple hours ago. The music made me think of what brought me to Disney and made me think into the future of how hard it is going to be to say goodbye. It really put into perspective my reasoning for coming here. It was also so special because some of my friends were also brought to tears for other reasons as well. It bonded our group of 12 that much more. 

Friday was another day of adventure. Since many of us hadn't slept a ton the night before, we were all exhausted and slept in. So we got a later start and headed out to Hollywood Studios around 2pm. I was so excited to go and see where I would be working. When we got to the park, we immediately signed up for fast passes to a couple of rides and shows that were still available. We then headed to see the Frozen sing along show. The show was fantastic and all of my friends and I were singing along like little kids. It was a fun time! We then headed for some rides such as the tower of terror and the toy story ride. After that we had booked fast passes to see the fireworks show called "Fantasmic". Unfortunately because it had been raining and there were thunderstorms in the forecast, the show had to be postponed. It was well worth the wait! When the show finally began, magic Mickey was out and getting us ready for the show. There were lots of animations and floats and of course Fireworks!! It was such a great show. I really enjoyed myself and I will definitely be going many more times in the future. That was a great end to a fun day! 

Getting up at 5am on a Saturday was not pleasant, but when training is scheduled the show must go on. I dragged myself to training that morning and the first half of our day was all about operations and what make up this area of the Walt Disney company. My class had about 25 students in it and there were 4 other groups also at this training session just in different classrooms. The content was quite dry and that resulted in sleepy students falling asleep in class. I didn't fall asleep but I have never ever seen so many people falling asleep in class before. The facilitators of the class had to go and tap these people on the shoulder to wake them up. It was quite pathetic that this was happening. After the morning portion of the class, we had a lunch break. It was so peaceful but as always 30 min flew by so fast! After that, we went into separate rooms based on what area we are working in. As I am in food and beverage, I went into a classroom that had computers. I then sat through a lecture about food and beverage and the basics of how this area fits into the company. It was yet again very dry information. But after sitting through a 2 hour PowerPoint, I had to complete an online learning component of basic food safety. After that I headed to get my shoes in the wardrobe bundling. 

By the time I got home it was already 5:45pm! So I made something to eat and then all of my friends came over for tea. We had great time chatting and playing cards. 

Today was my day off and it felt so good to sleep in. I got up at 9am, went to the gym for a bit and then came back to my apartment and did some things. Our adventure today was to go to AK. We got to the park and we got fast passes for some rides and the Lion King Show. I met Donald Duck, Tarzan, and Russell and Dug from the movie Up! After the character meetings we headed to ride the Dino ride. It was good and a bit scary for younger kids. After that we went on a daytime safari. My friends and I saw many animals, many that I also haven't seen before. It was great and I loved it! After that we went on the roller coaster ride called Mount Everest. I thought I would be more scared but it wasn't as bad. The roller coaster at Playland is worse. It was so hot yesterday and we were all dying of over heating, so we decided to head to the raging Rapids water ride. After waiting in line for an hour we got on the ride. Some of my friends got soaked but I managed to only get a bit wet. It was very refreshing.

After the ride it was time for us to head to line up for "the Lion King Show". We sat inside the tents and the cast members taught us a clapping routine that we would need to participate in the show. As the show began, the cast members called people from the audience to help out and of course one of my friends got chosen. He had to make an elephant sound. He did a great job and it was so great to see someone I knew get involved in the show. The show was fantastic. There was acrobats, dancing and singing. It almost felt like Cirque du Soleil for a minute. I was singing along to all the song and enjoying the experience like a child! After the show the group decided to go to do an evening Safari. It was a totally different experience than the afternoon one and we got to see the lions. We also heard the lion roar, which was insanely loud and also very cool. We then headed to Mount Everest to do the ride again in the dark. It went so much faster and it was funner in the dark! 

I am now about to hit the hay. I have another early morning tomorrow. Training starts at 8am! 

Until next time,

Xoxo

Michelle 

Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom during the day

 My Name Tag and Blue ID!!

 Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom before Wishes!!

My friends and I waiting for Wishes to Start

(from Left: Gabby, Tyler, Lucy, Becca, Stephanie, Michael, Me, Susan, and Tania)