My DCP Journey: Earning my Ears .... Again

I finally had another day off on Sunday and I decided I needed too get out of the house for part of the day. I started my day off by going to 9:30am mass. After church, I went back to my place and did some homework before I headed out to HS. I went to get my costume for my new role first and then I went to scope out where I would be working. After that I went on Rockin Rollercoaster as it is going under refurbishment at the end of the month. There was a long line up for the ride so that took up the bulk of my time. My friend came and picked me up and we headed back to housing to so he could change. Then it was off to Epcot to see the Plain White T’s in concert. I don’t know much of their music besides their hit single ‘Hey There Delilah’. They had 3 different sets and sang a variety of songs. Alex and I went to their second set and they were excellent live. We were supposed to wait until our other friend Sandra was off and head to MK to see the last electrical parade as it has now left Disney World. Unfortunately I wasn’t feeling well so Alex drove me home and the two of them went on their own.

Monday was my first official day of training for my new role as an attractions cast member. I had to attend class again and it was my welcome to operations class. I was fortunate enough that Gabby and Stephanie also had class with me so we all sat together. A representative from UCR was in town for his mid program check in. He was trying to get together with as many students as he could and set up a meet at Epcot. So after class, the 3 of us headed over to Epcot and met up with him and some of our fellow students. We walked around the world showcase and found some other students too. It was nice to see some familiar faces that I haven’t seen in a long time.

After I was done with them, I met up with Sandra and Alex and we found a spot to watch the fireworks. I managed to try some foods from the food and wine festival and crossed them off my list. I still have so many places I have not had a taste of yet so my goal by the end of food and wine is to have tried a food or drink from each country. I have a month left to do this so I hope I can accomplish that.

Tuesday and Wednesday were my first days at Star Wars Launch Bay. Attractions is very different than food and beverage so it will take me some time to get adjusted. The roles at Launch Bay are not difficult but they all involve speaking loudly and insuring guests know where to go. I also have a position in Theatre that requires me to make a safety speech at the beginning of the presentation. This was very daunting the first day even though I am a good public speaker. I managed to do it once before the end of my shift and my trainer was pleased. As I am not a Star Wars fan, it is hard for me to pick up the themed language they want me to use. Luckily, I listen to my fellow cast members and I am able to pick stuff up pretty quick. I also think the more I work there the more it will come natural to me.

Thursday was my class day. After class Sandra and I had a girls day. We went to have a pedicure and then did a little shopping. I ended of the week training again and had 2 more days of training. They were much of the same and I felt very confident in all of the positions. I also felt confident I could answer all the answers on the written assessment perfectly. I couldn’t wait to not be “earning my ears” again.

That's all for my recap for the week but I do want to highlight something that I have realized since being at Disney.

I am able to interact with guests a lot and it really is humbling when I hear and see families spending time together at Disney. Talking to guests and discovering why they chose Disney is also very fascinating and families always tell me that it took a lot for them to get their families to Disney. I truly believe it. Like any vacation, there are so many elements that need to be taken care of before stepping foot into a resort or park. But it’s not the tangible things they care about…. It is the memories they are making. So I just want to say that I am beyond grateful that I have been able to experience this wonderful place guests rave about and also that I was and still am able to experience vacations with my family. Whether it be at Disney or not, time spent with family is like no other and those are the memories that last a lifetime. So thank you Mom and Dad for choosing to make memories that I will never forget and especially allowing me to experience this memory.

Much love,

Michelle

xoxo