I officially finished training yesterday! My training started last Tuesday and was very detailed. After Traditions I immediately started the classroom portions of my training. I learned about all the different animals I will staff, and I got to meet the keeper teams for those locations. I already have a favorite animal in the Animal Kingdom and it is the White Cheeked Gibbon. I probably will end up posting an entire blog post about this when things get slower.
We also began to learn about the eight locations that Wilderness Explorer Troop Leaders will staff. Each location has its perks and flaws to working with them, but I enjoy each station. Currently, the Gorilla Badge is my favorite simply because there is so much to talk about, and I love primates. The hardest for me so far is the Asia troop leader location because you are required to have conversations about forestry and then switch over to animal calls. The transition for me is still pretty bumpy, but it will get better over time. The other badge locations we staff are insect badge, wilderness explorer call/animal find, fossil badge, tracking badge, and flamingo badge.
Our classroom training also had a big component of interpretation and conversation. This was probably the most useful part to my training simply because the skills I learned here will translate into my everyday life. We learned different transitional methods, how to interact with guests, and how to read conversations. We also learned how to invite, inform, and inspire which is a great method to get guests to be interested in what you are saying. Overall, this portion was one of my favorites.
On Monday, we finished classroom training with a scavenger hunt around the park and a written assessment. I did really well and feel confident about my job. On Tuesday, we started shadowing days, I was selected to be in the only group of two trainees which I loved because that offered more chances to experience my job with a trainer because her time was not spent with another person (most groups had three trainees). I was paired with Stephanie, and we were the bomb! I also trained with her on Wednesday which was great. Thursday started partner days (which was nothing new because I was already with a partner), and I was with Jorge. We didn't have a trainer this day unless you were at a station you never worked. Jorge was great, but we had a few mess ups that could have been avoided. For instance I read my watch wrong and caused us to leave a location early and it could have been avoided if he had a watch or if I had a brain. My last partner day was Friday with Amanda! She is a super star, and I am so glad I got to work with her. My only hiccup was that I was on break and using the restroom when core team came looking for us telling us we were supposed to leave our break like 5-10 minutes early to open a location...Now I have staffed every location, and I am on my own on Sunday!
The first day by my self post will be a thing followed by a guest interaction post! I've also crossed a few things of my bucket list I just have to post pictures. I went to see La Nouba, and I've earned all my Wilderness Explorer badges making me a Senior Wilderness Explorer! YAY To reward myself for this week, I am going to Magic Kingdom today!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Traditions!
Traditions was amazing! I had so much fun! The 8 hours flew by so fast. I began by checking into Disney University. I was given the Evil Queen group. Luckily, there were a few other ASE interns there as well, so I had some friends. My traditions class was also for part/full time positions since most inters go to Traditions on the weekend. I met a lovely group of elderly women who will both be working quick service food and beverage part time. They were so kind and honestly fun. I was so glad to sit at their table. The class began with a slow monotoned video, and I never thought I would survive. The class got more interesting when the leaders began teaching. The leaders made the experience! I do not want to give away to many details, but the day is so fun and you learn so much. You may even get to visit some backstage places in the Magic Kingdom or get a visit from you boss, the mouse. You also get your blue ID and your name tag! I can finally get into the parks!
Overall the experience was fantastic! I loved seeing how efficient Magic Kingdom was with some of their utilidors. I think the best part was that my leader was a Mercer alumni, so we got to chat about good old Mercer. She has a very awesome job within the elusive entertainment department. I hope we can one day reconvene to talk more. She only works in the parks on Monday and Thursday, and I only have Tuesdays and Wednesdays off so maybe one day.
I am now beginning my on-site training. I am learning how to positively converse with guest by initiating, informing, and inspiring conservational action. I do not know when I will make up my DAKlimation or ASE orientation. All I know is everyone gets tomorrow off except me and a few others that also did not get immediate background clearance. I have to catch up! Tomorrow will also be fun because I will go to costuming and get my costume. So far I love my job, and I do not feel like I am working which is perfect! I believe this may be the thing I want to do forever, informal education.
Overall the experience was fantastic! I loved seeing how efficient Magic Kingdom was with some of their utilidors. I think the best part was that my leader was a Mercer alumni, so we got to chat about good old Mercer. She has a very awesome job within the elusive entertainment department. I hope we can one day reconvene to talk more. She only works in the parks on Monday and Thursday, and I only have Tuesdays and Wednesdays off so maybe one day.
I am now beginning my on-site training. I am learning how to positively converse with guest by initiating, informing, and inspiring conservational action. I do not know when I will make up my DAKlimation or ASE orientation. All I know is everyone gets tomorrow off except me and a few others that also did not get immediate background clearance. I have to catch up! Tomorrow will also be fun because I will go to costuming and get my costume. So far I love my job, and I do not feel like I am working which is perfect! I believe this may be the thing I want to do forever, informal education.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Short Hiccup in the Road
I had a slight roadblock in my Disney journey. On Friday night, I got a phone call from casting telling me my federal background check did not go through. This meant I could not attend traditions on Saturday and my entire training schedule would be delayed. I got another call from one of my managers that was very helpful explaining the situation. I have been very bored these past few days as my roommates have began working, and I have been at the apartment. Good thing I love my apartment because I feel like that is the only thing I have seen over the past few days. I did get good news today, though. Casting called me to tell me my background check finally came through, and I will be attending Traditions tomorrow morning. I am so excited to finally begin working. I never thought I would say something like this, but I have realized over the past five days that I need constant scheduling and interaction. None the less, I am super excited to start my training tomorrow and will post updates soon!
Friday, January 10, 2014
The First Couple of Days
The first few days were amazing. I loved everything about the process. This was what happened over the past couple of days.
January 7th: I drove down to Orlando and checked into this really rachet hotel. I pretty went straight to sleep upon arrival.
January 8th: I woke up at 7:00 to get some breakfast. I can't stress how important breakfast is because after the housing meeting you will go to casting and be standing the whole time... for hours! After breakfast, I went to the Commons clubhouse to get my housing information. They took all my DORMS paperwork and gave me my key. We then had a short meeting going over the manual. After this meeting, I had ten minutes to get to the casting building. At casting, I began my wait in the lovely entrance. I waited for someone to pull up my file, and I began by signing some forms. After this, I had my fingerprints done for the background check. I then met with two ladies about the Disney look. My appearance was cleared, and I was ready to meet with my recruiter! My recruiter went over my first day of work which would be Disney Traditions on January 11th. After this, I completed my I9 and W4 with my documents that were requested. You must bring your documents or the process will be very delayed. My information was confirmed one final time, and I am officially an employee! I was in the casting building for a total of three hours. I had a bit of a break, so I went to eat lunch with two of my roommates at Earl of Sandwich. At three, I had the animal, science, and environment interns meeting. We played a really fun ice breaker where you were given a sex and the latin name of an animal. You had to find your mate and discover which animal you are. I was a female Okapi which was easy to figure out because the latin name is Okapia Johnstoni. We then had a general welcome to the department, and the Con Ed Presenters went over our first week of training. Afterwards, I finally got to move into my apartment. When I moved into my new apartment I finally met my final roommate!
January 9th: I went to EPCOT with my sister all day then went to bed
January 10th: Made sure I was ready for training by getting groceries and running errands.
Tomorrow is Traditions and all my experienced roommates have told me it is great, but long! I'm excited and will make sure to update on the day!
January 7th: I drove down to Orlando and checked into this really rachet hotel. I pretty went straight to sleep upon arrival.
January 8th: I woke up at 7:00 to get some breakfast. I can't stress how important breakfast is because after the housing meeting you will go to casting and be standing the whole time... for hours! After breakfast, I went to the Commons clubhouse to get my housing information. They took all my DORMS paperwork and gave me my key. We then had a short meeting going over the manual. After this meeting, I had ten minutes to get to the casting building. At casting, I began my wait in the lovely entrance. I waited for someone to pull up my file, and I began by signing some forms. After this, I had my fingerprints done for the background check. I then met with two ladies about the Disney look. My appearance was cleared, and I was ready to meet with my recruiter! My recruiter went over my first day of work which would be Disney Traditions on January 11th. After this, I completed my I9 and W4 with my documents that were requested. You must bring your documents or the process will be very delayed. My information was confirmed one final time, and I am officially an employee! I was in the casting building for a total of three hours. I had a bit of a break, so I went to eat lunch with two of my roommates at Earl of Sandwich. At three, I had the animal, science, and environment interns meeting. We played a really fun ice breaker where you were given a sex and the latin name of an animal. You had to find your mate and discover which animal you are. I was a female Okapi which was easy to figure out because the latin name is Okapia Johnstoni. We then had a general welcome to the department, and the Con Ed Presenters went over our first week of training. Afterwards, I finally got to move into my apartment. When I moved into my new apartment I finally met my final roommate!
January 9th: I went to EPCOT with my sister all day then went to bed
January 10th: Made sure I was ready for training by getting groceries and running errands.
Tomorrow is Traditions and all my experienced roommates have told me it is great, but long! I'm excited and will make sure to update on the day!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
My Disney Bucket List
So, I decided I would like to have a list made of different activities I think I would enjoy while on my internship. This list is not Disney inclusive and is not intended to be completed while on my internship. I plan on constantly updating the list with new ideas and pictures after I complete a task. I hope you enjoy!
- Get SCUBA open water certification
- Dive at 3 Florida dive sites
- Dive in The Seas tank at EPCOT
- Get a hair cut on Main Street USA
- Eat my first Dole Whip
- Eat a Mickey Bar (It is may favorite, and I kinda want a picture each time I eat one for accountability...)
- Have tea at the Grand Floridian
- Experience Orlando nightlife
- Eat at Chef Mickey's hungover
- Earn all of my Wilderness Explorer badges
- Eat Ghiradelli ice cream
- Fill a Disney autograph book with signatures
- Go on a Disney Cruise
- Attend a Star Wars weekend
- Go see the Harry Potter stuff in Universal
- Go to Sea World
- Eat around the world at Epcot
- Somehow get reservations for the chef's table at Victoria and Albert's or at least eat there
- Find a new favorite Indian/Asian restaurant in the area
- Visit all parks in one day
- Visit Disney Quest
- Go to the Flower and Garden Festival in EPCOT
- See La Nouba
- Take the Behind the Seeds Tour at EPCOT
- Go to two different beaches in Florida
- resort hop to look for hidden Mickeys
- Pin Trade!
- Visit Discovery Cove
- Tour the JFK Space Center
- Read!!! (I hope to post every book I complete on my program)
This is my list for now, and I think I will remain very busy!
P.S. You will note there is now a "My To Do List" tab. This will be where I update the list with pictures and additions. This post will get lost as I add to the blog, so I feel this tab will make the list more accessible.
P.S. You will note there is now a "My To Do List" tab. This will be where I update the list with pictures and additions. This post will get lost as I add to the blog, so I feel this tab will make the list more accessible.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The Time is Near!
I leave for Disney World in about three days...The thought still has not settled. Quite frankly, not a lot has happened since I got accepted back in October. I will try to explain all the few occurrences that happened from October until my arrival.
After getting accepted I received no contact with Disney until November. Nothing...I thought I was forgotten until I realized that I was accepted very early. In November, I received my ID number and password to fill out the new hire paperwork. Disney literally sent me hundreds of pages of information and expectations for working with the company. I signed everything because I knew it was inevitable. The paperwork also included my W4 and I9 that I also submitted.
Soon after my new hire paperwork was completed, I got an email from the Animal, Science, and Environment (ASE) program trainers/managers. They will not be my daily managers; however, they gave great insight to the first couple of days on the job. They also told me I needed to buy brown leather hiking boots which made me happy because I've been wanting a pair. I decided to go with Chaco brand boots because I love everything they make, and I love the support the shoes provide. The fact that I get a 40% discount on all Chaco products made the decision even easier (Yayyyy Pro-deal and Burton 4-H!). My new managers also set up a Yammer account for the new ASE interns. It is a private social network that only the ASE interns and managers can view. This network is great because it helped me find two of the three roommates I will meet next week, and it is great for asking questions!
I then received an email about filling out the housing paperwork in the beginning of December. It was brief and required me to sign more forms. The biggest part was confirming who I wanted to be my roommates. It is a four person apartment with two people in each bedroom. I found two guys that wanted to be roommates, and I would share the room with another guy. Unfortunately, the guy I was rooming with decided to opt out of housing, so I will be getting a random roommate. This doesn't bother me though.
Two days later I got the email confirming my casting appointment which will be on January the 8th at 10:00am. Casting is pretty much Disney's HR department. They will take my fingerprints and go over all the paperwork and terms of my employment.
Today I received the last bit of information for my internship. I will be checking into my apartment at 8:00am at The Commons which is actually a Disney owned apartment complex for the College Program. Afterwards, I will have to rush to casting and it may be a tight schedule according to what I have heard from Alumni.
Now that all the pre-arrival stuff is done, there is really nothing to do, but wait for the 7th to drive down. I can't decided if I'm ready or not for the move. Part of me feels grounded; however, a larger part of me is seeking adventure. Deep down, I know I need to be living life to its fullest every moment I get. I just know there are so many other expectations of me. I literally threw my entire life in the toilet to try something new and find what makes me happy. Hopefully, this risk will pay off in the long run, and my family will see that I am living on my own agenda. If there is something that will make me happy and successful, it will get accomplished (Mainly talking about my college and career Mom and Dad).
Well, you may be wondering about the other Professional Internships that applied for earlier. I did not get another interview for any of them. I was't a bad thing because I got my first choice internship. The others were cool, but this internship was yelling my name. A weird thing happened with one of my internships, though. Most of the other internships sent me the dreaded NLIC email in the beginning of November. One internship, the Biotechnology one, waited until December the 12th to send that email. They also followed with a personal, sorry but not sorry email from the department managers. It pretty much stated that although qualified there were just better people. I totally understand because of how young I am for this program. I actually felt honored that they actually saw me as a potential candidate.
I know I promised a blog post about the character audition process a while back, but I don't know if that will happen because I got the PI right after auditioning. I never got any response about my acceptance or denial from entertainment. I may do it on a slow day later. Also, I hope to post more when I am down in Orlando. This pre-arrival stuff has been very lack luster with no pictures. I hope to do better :(
After getting accepted I received no contact with Disney until November. Nothing...I thought I was forgotten until I realized that I was accepted very early. In November, I received my ID number and password to fill out the new hire paperwork. Disney literally sent me hundreds of pages of information and expectations for working with the company. I signed everything because I knew it was inevitable. The paperwork also included my W4 and I9 that I also submitted.
Soon after my new hire paperwork was completed, I got an email from the Animal, Science, and Environment (ASE) program trainers/managers. They will not be my daily managers; however, they gave great insight to the first couple of days on the job. They also told me I needed to buy brown leather hiking boots which made me happy because I've been wanting a pair. I decided to go with Chaco brand boots because I love everything they make, and I love the support the shoes provide. The fact that I get a 40% discount on all Chaco products made the decision even easier (Yayyyy Pro-deal and Burton 4-H!). My new managers also set up a Yammer account for the new ASE interns. It is a private social network that only the ASE interns and managers can view. This network is great because it helped me find two of the three roommates I will meet next week, and it is great for asking questions!
I then received an email about filling out the housing paperwork in the beginning of December. It was brief and required me to sign more forms. The biggest part was confirming who I wanted to be my roommates. It is a four person apartment with two people in each bedroom. I found two guys that wanted to be roommates, and I would share the room with another guy. Unfortunately, the guy I was rooming with decided to opt out of housing, so I will be getting a random roommate. This doesn't bother me though.
Two days later I got the email confirming my casting appointment which will be on January the 8th at 10:00am. Casting is pretty much Disney's HR department. They will take my fingerprints and go over all the paperwork and terms of my employment.
Today I received the last bit of information for my internship. I will be checking into my apartment at 8:00am at The Commons which is actually a Disney owned apartment complex for the College Program. Afterwards, I will have to rush to casting and it may be a tight schedule according to what I have heard from Alumni.
Now that all the pre-arrival stuff is done, there is really nothing to do, but wait for the 7th to drive down. I can't decided if I'm ready or not for the move. Part of me feels grounded; however, a larger part of me is seeking adventure. Deep down, I know I need to be living life to its fullest every moment I get. I just know there are so many other expectations of me. I literally threw my entire life in the toilet to try something new and find what makes me happy. Hopefully, this risk will pay off in the long run, and my family will see that I am living on my own agenda. If there is something that will make me happy and successful, it will get accomplished (Mainly talking about my college and career Mom and Dad).
Well, you may be wondering about the other Professional Internships that applied for earlier. I did not get another interview for any of them. I was't a bad thing because I got my first choice internship. The others were cool, but this internship was yelling my name. A weird thing happened with one of my internships, though. Most of the other internships sent me the dreaded NLIC email in the beginning of November. One internship, the Biotechnology one, waited until December the 12th to send that email. They also followed with a personal, sorry but not sorry email from the department managers. It pretty much stated that although qualified there were just better people. I totally understand because of how young I am for this program. I actually felt honored that they actually saw me as a potential candidate.
I know I promised a blog post about the character audition process a while back, but I don't know if that will happen because I got the PI right after auditioning. I never got any response about my acceptance or denial from entertainment. I may do it on a slow day later. Also, I hope to post more when I am down in Orlando. This pre-arrival stuff has been very lack luster with no pictures. I hope to do better :(
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)