Today, I had my Tier 3 Training at Bayview Gifts at the Contemporary. It was basically following up on what we learned in Merchantainment, which is working on the registers. My trainer started out by reviewing the Disney Count, which is Disney's way of counting back money to a guest to ensure accuracy.
After that, we were on stage for most of my shift. We went over different types of transactions I could run into working in merchandise such as returns, exchanges, shipping to resorts, and shipping home. We reviewed information that I would be asked frequently as a cast member at the Contemporary including modes of transportation around property, where the bathrooms are, etc.
I also learned that most all problems involving children can be resolved with a Mickey sticker. They sure do love the Boss Man! I am definitely starting to feel more comfortable working at my location, even though it's only been 3 days. It still feels so surreal that I'm working at Walt Disney World!!
Tomorrow, I have the day off, so I'll be going to the parks to play some more!
'Til next time!
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Day 12: Merchantainment and Cast Connections
Today, I had Merchantainment at Disney University. It is Tier 2 of my training and mainly involved learning how the cash register operates, as well as practicing basic transactions. We also did some e-learning about food safety, and alcohol/tobacco sales because I will be working in a resort that sells alcohol and cigarettes.
Though this was definitely not the most interesting day of my training, it was still really helpful to get some experience on this POS system away from guests, where I could go at my own pace a little bit.
After I was done at Disney University, I decided to check out Cast Connections and Property Control. Cast Connections is a store that provides Disney merchandise at a discounted price, as well as groceries. Property Control is for Cast Members only, and it sells severely discounted merchandise due to various damages.
I was able to get a lot at Property Control and I only spent around $20! I got a Mickey plush doll, a pair of sparkly Minnie ears, a mini Monorail (an homage to my work location!), and some other small trinkets.
When I got home, I kicked up my feet and watched my favorite Disney movie, Hercules. Tomorrow, I have training from 8:00-4:30!
'Til next time!
Though this was definitely not the most interesting day of my training, it was still really helpful to get some experience on this POS system away from guests, where I could go at my own pace a little bit.
After I was done at Disney University, I decided to check out Cast Connections and Property Control. Cast Connections is a store that provides Disney merchandise at a discounted price, as well as groceries. Property Control is for Cast Members only, and it sells severely discounted merchandise due to various damages.
I was able to get a lot at Property Control and I only spent around $20! I got a Mickey plush doll, a pair of sparkly Minnie ears, a mini Monorail (an homage to my work location!), and some other small trinkets.
When I got home, I kicked up my feet and watched my favorite Disney movie, Hercules. Tomorrow, I have training from 8:00-4:30!
'Til next time!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Day 11: First at the Contemporary
Today was my first day of on-the-job training (OJT) at the Contemporary! For merchandise, the training is done in tiers, so I started on Tier 1. We walked around the backstage areas, I saw the stockrooms, break room, cafeteria, Cast Services office, and various areas I would need to be familiar with.
We also walked around on the floor, learned where the different merchandise was displayed, and pin traded with guests. For the Contemporary, we also did a monorail loop and walked through the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts, because we sometimes deliver packages for guests staying at these resorts.
After my shift was over, my roommates and I went to Magic Kingdom, rode a few rides, and saw Wishes. This time, we were back near the entrance to Be Our Guest restaurant. It was definitely a different view but it was so beautiful!
We also walked around on the floor, learned where the different merchandise was displayed, and pin traded with guests. For the Contemporary, we also did a monorail loop and walked through the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts, because we sometimes deliver packages for guests staying at these resorts.
After my shift was over, my roommates and I went to Magic Kingdom, rode a few rides, and saw Wishes. This time, we were back near the entrance to Be Our Guest restaurant. It was definitely a different view but it was so beautiful!
'Til next time!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Day 10: Taylor Becomes a Wizard
Today, myself and two of my roommates went to Universal Studios!!! As much as I love Disney, it was nice to be able to take a short little break away and try new things. My family always went to Universal Studios more than we went to Walt Disney World, so it was very fun to be able to show my roommates around the parks.
We were all able to get Florida resident rates for the annual passes. We just went to our clubhouse and asked for a residency letter for the parks and we were out of there in minutes! My roommate Jen already had her pass so we were able to use it for free parking. Yay for saving money!!
We were able to ride a lot of different rides today because the parks were relatively empty. Considering it is January, and the middle of the week, I think we picked a good time to go. Our longest wait time was around 50 minutes, and that was for the new Harry Potter ride.
We had lots of fun battling aliens, being turned into minions, and flying with E.T. But the most fun we had was traveling to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I had been to Hogsmeade before, but not Diagon Alley. It was so cool!
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Later, we got Butterbeer and some candy before we headed home. Overall, it was a really cool day and a great way to spend our day off. I plan on heading back sometime next week, but until then, it's all Disney for me!
Tomorrow, I have my first Merchandise training shift in costume! I'll be working from 8:30-5:00pm, then I'm off to the Magic Kingdom for fun!
'Til next time!
We were able to ride a lot of different rides today because the parks were relatively empty. Considering it is January, and the middle of the week, I think we picked a good time to go. Our longest wait time was around 50 minutes, and that was for the new Harry Potter ride.
We had lots of fun battling aliens, being turned into minions, and flying with E.T. But the most fun we had was traveling to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I had been to Hogsmeade before, but not Diagon Alley. It was so cool!
Me and my roommate Kriss enjoying Diagon Alley!
Later, we got Butterbeer and some candy before we headed home. Overall, it was a really cool day and a great way to spend our day off. I plan on heading back sometime next week, but until then, it's all Disney for me!
Tomorrow, I have my first Merchandise training shift in costume! I'll be working from 8:30-5:00pm, then I'm off to the Magic Kingdom for fun!
'Til next time!
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Day 9: Legacy Day and EPCOT Round 2!
Today, I had my first shift at the Contemporary Resort. Our location orientation is called "Legacy Day", so it wasn't specific to my role, rather we learned about the resort's history, amenities, and more. Every work location has their own orientation day that includes a tour, so every cast member knows where the important and relevant things are.
Our walking tour included stopping near all three merchandise locations in the resort, so even though I've seen them before, it was still cool to learn more about what they sell and learn cool details about parts of the store. We also walked near all the pools on the resort property, we went up to the club levels, and we got to go to the California Grille! We even went into the roof outside, and got to look at Magic Kingdom for a few minutes. The view was amazing!
I was able to go to costuming after the training ended, and with the exception of my Merchantainment class, I will be in my costume from now on! It's relatively tame compared to other costumes I've seen at Disney, which is nice, but at the same time, I'd like to work somewhere with a wacky costume just to try it!
Later, myself, three of my roommates, and my new friend Tess ventured back to EPCOT. We rode on Spaceship Earth and walked around the World Showcase for a little while. It's super nice to be able to go to a park just to wander aimlessly. There's no pressure to ride as many rides as possible, or see as many characters as I can. I could get used to this!
Tomorrow, I am going to Universal Studios! I am so excited, because it's been a while since I've been. I haven't seen it since they opened Diagon Alley, so that will be super exciting.
'Til next time!
Our walking tour included stopping near all three merchandise locations in the resort, so even though I've seen them before, it was still cool to learn more about what they sell and learn cool details about parts of the store. We also walked near all the pools on the resort property, we went up to the club levels, and we got to go to the California Grille! We even went into the roof outside, and got to look at Magic Kingdom for a few minutes. The view was amazing!
I was able to go to costuming after the training ended, and with the exception of my Merchantainment class, I will be in my costume from now on! It's relatively tame compared to other costumes I've seen at Disney, which is nice, but at the same time, I'd like to work somewhere with a wacky costume just to try it!
Later, myself, three of my roommates, and my new friend Tess ventured back to EPCOT. We rode on Spaceship Earth and walked around the World Showcase for a little while. It's super nice to be able to go to a park just to wander aimlessly. There's no pressure to ride as many rides as possible, or see as many characters as I can. I could get used to this!
Tomorrow, I am going to Universal Studios! I am so excited, because it's been a while since I've been. I haven't seen it since they opened Diagon Alley, so that will be super exciting.
'Til next time!
Monday, January 26, 2015
Day 8: First Day of Training and EPCOT
Today, I had my first training shift at Disney University, besides Traditions of course. It was Welcome to Operations, followed by Welcome to Merchandise. It was in a classroom setting, with a lot of safety procedures and basic information like that.
My shift started at 07:30, so I had to be at the Chatham bus stop by 6:15 to ensure I would make the bus on time. It was raining pretty hard so it was slow going walking to the bus, but I finally made it and barely squeezed on the bus. They had to turn people away at Vista, the next stop, because it was so full.
During our class, our Merchandise administrator pointed out Cast Connections to us in the parking lot and talked about all the cool things you could find there. It's a Cast Member only store with lots of discounts on resort merchandise and sometimes furniture and even groceries. Very cool! I definitely need to check it out before my program is over.
Later that day, myself and my roommates went to EPCOT for just a few hours to walk around the World Showcase, eat some delicious desserts from France, and watch Illuminations. I haven't seen Illuminations in a very long time as my family would prefer Fantasmic! instead, but it was a very cool show! Lights, fireworks, and the rotating globe that changed colors.
Tomorrow, I have my resort orientation! I will be able to get my costume, finally. Phew. It's officially been one week since I started the Disney College Program, and I have to say, it's every bit as wonderful as I thought it would be. Here's to even better days ahead!
'Til next time!
My shift started at 07:30, so I had to be at the Chatham bus stop by 6:15 to ensure I would make the bus on time. It was raining pretty hard so it was slow going walking to the bus, but I finally made it and barely squeezed on the bus. They had to turn people away at Vista, the next stop, because it was so full.
During our class, our Merchandise administrator pointed out Cast Connections to us in the parking lot and talked about all the cool things you could find there. It's a Cast Member only store with lots of discounts on resort merchandise and sometimes furniture and even groceries. Very cool! I definitely need to check it out before my program is over.
Later that day, myself and my roommates went to EPCOT for just a few hours to walk around the World Showcase, eat some delicious desserts from France, and watch Illuminations. I haven't seen Illuminations in a very long time as my family would prefer Fantasmic! instead, but it was a very cool show! Lights, fireworks, and the rotating globe that changed colors.
Tomorrow, I have my resort orientation! I will be able to get my costume, finally. Phew. It's officially been one week since I started the Disney College Program, and I have to say, it's every bit as wonderful as I thought it would be. Here's to even better days ahead!
'Til next time!
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Day 7: Our Glamorous Afternoon at Hollywood Studios!
Today, we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios! Since we won't be getting our actual Main Gate passes for a few weeks, we have to line up at Guest Relations any time we want to enter a park. It's a hassle, but it must be done.
We started the day seeing Voyage of the Little Mermaid and going on the Great Movie Ride! One of my favorites, because I love movies. We also saw the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and my roommate Becca was picked to be an extra in the show! How exciting!
This is what remained of the Sorcerer's Hat as of 1/25/15 :(
We started the day seeing Voyage of the Little Mermaid and going on the Great Movie Ride! One of my favorites, because I love movies. We also saw the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and my roommate Becca was picked to be an extra in the show! How exciting!
No day is complete without a group selfie
All in all, it was another awesome day in the parks. I officially start training tomorrow, 7:30-2:00 at Disney University!
'Til next time!
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Day 6: Adventures at Magic Kingdom!
Saturday was my first time in the parks as a cast member! I finally got to use one of the perks and get into the parks. So all 6 of my roommates had the day off of work, and obviously we went to Magic Kingdom for the day! It was so much fun.
We were able to go on a bunch of rides, even though it was kind of busy. And I got to see Wishes for the first time ever! It was just magical. I was able to ride a bunch of rides that I've always skirted over on vacation like the Tomorrowland Speedway, PeopleMover, and the Mad Tea Party.
Most of us had the next day off so we went to Hollywood Studios! I'll be posting about that in just a little bit.
'Til next time!
The classic roommate & castle picture! [L-R: Becca, Kriss, Me, Kerry, Jen, Alayna]
We also got to meet Baloo!
We were able to go on a bunch of rides, even though it was kind of busy. And I got to see Wishes for the first time ever! It was just magical. I was able to ride a bunch of rides that I've always skirted over on vacation like the Tomorrowland Speedway, PeopleMover, and the Mad Tea Party.
Most of us had the next day off so we went to Hollywood Studios! I'll be posting about that in just a little bit.
'Til next time!
Friday, January 23, 2015
Days 4 and 5: First Housing Event and Traditions!
Thursday was my fourth day on the DCP. I only had the housing event on my schedule, so I got to sleep in a little, went to Wal-Mart with one of my roommates, and relaxed for most of the day. A lot of Professional Internship applications are opening up in a few days so I've been writing cover letters and tweaking them in order to submit my applications on time.
We went to the first housing event of the program that night. It was themed "Hollywood Glam". It was a lot of fun- free food, characters, and music. We waited in line for the characters and got to meet Donald and Daisy in their vintage gear as well as Chip and Dale, dressed like cop and robber. It was so cute!
Today, I went to Traditions! It was so cool. I left the apartment at 1:00, got the 1:15 bus for 2:30 Traditions, but didn't actually start until 3:10. There was a lot of videos, lots of cool interactive stuff like trivia, and a few special surprises. But it was so cool because I finally got my nametag!
We went to the first housing event of the program that night. It was themed "Hollywood Glam". It was a lot of fun- free food, characters, and music. We waited in line for the characters and got to meet Donald and Daisy in their vintage gear as well as Chip and Dale, dressed like cop and robber. It was so cute!
Today, I went to Traditions! It was so cool. I left the apartment at 1:00, got the 1:15 bus for 2:30 Traditions, but didn't actually start until 3:10. There was a lot of videos, lots of cool interactive stuff like trivia, and a few special surprises. But it was so cool because I finally got my nametag!
I have tomorrow and Sunday off so I'm going to go the parks with my roommates. Then I start training on Monday!
'Til next time!
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Day 3: Housing and Beaches n' Cream
So today, I had my housing meeting! There was a lot of smoke and lights flashing, so it was kind of crazy but it was pretty straightforward. They essentially went through the Program Guide we received during check-in and covered some of the topics that they are very strict on, such as weapons, alcohol, and having guests at the apartments.
It was at the Commons, so we had to walk about 10 minutes to get there from my apartment at Patterson. Everything is so close to each other! Chatham is under 10 minutes to walk from my apartment in Patterson. Vista is further away from everything, but there are buses that run constantly.
Later, we headed to the Beach Club Resort to conquer the Kitchen Sink! Beaches & Cream is such a cute restaurant! The Kitchen Sink is really huge y'all. Here are some before and after pictures:
It was at the Commons, so we had to walk about 10 minutes to get there from my apartment at Patterson. Everything is so close to each other! Chatham is under 10 minutes to walk from my apartment in Patterson. Vista is further away from everything, but there are buses that run constantly.
Later, we headed to the Beach Club Resort to conquer the Kitchen Sink! Beaches & Cream is such a cute restaurant! The Kitchen Sink is really huge y'all. Here are some before and after pictures:
After we gouged ourselves on many flavor combinations of ice cream and toppings that totally did not taste good together (pineapple and peanut butter, I'm looking at you), we walked around the Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort. We checked out the gift shops because my roommate Jen will be working there!
I have Traditions on Friday which is when I'll finally be able to enter the parks! Woo hoo!
'Til next time!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Day 2: Casting and Getting Settled
Whew, these past three days have been kinda crazy! It really is such a whirlwind of information, activities, unpacking, bonding, all that jazz. So yesterday, I officially went through check-in. Since DORMS has been implemented, everything went incredibly fast. I was in and out of Vista in less than an hour.
First, we got our work locations (Contemporary Resort Merchandise). We were then shuffled to a line where we got our housing information and key. We then got our picture taken for our housing ID. Then we went outside and got our schedule for the first couple of days. This included Casting, Housing, Traditions, and any language testing or drug testing that would be necessary.
Half of my apartment had Casting right after check-in. The other half didn't have it until the next day, myself included. Because I had the day free, my mom and I went to Magic Kingdom for our last day together before she flew home.
I then moved everything into my apartment and crashed for the night. Today, I went to Casting. Again, more lines. We got our training schedule, filled out our I-9, and did a background check (getting fingerprinted). Some of the roommates and I went grocery shopping and stocked up on everything, so now our cabinets are nice and full!
I have the Housing meeting tomorrow with one of my roommates, and then all 6 of my roommates have Beaches n' Cream reservations where we will attempt to defeat the Kitchen Sink! I have Traditions on Friday afternoon, after which I will finally be able to enter the parks as a Cast Member!
I have the weekend off, then I have 3 days of training next week.
'Til next time!
First, we got our work locations (Contemporary Resort Merchandise). We were then shuffled to a line where we got our housing information and key. We then got our picture taken for our housing ID. Then we went outside and got our schedule for the first couple of days. This included Casting, Housing, Traditions, and any language testing or drug testing that would be necessary.
Half of my apartment had Casting right after check-in. The other half didn't have it until the next day, myself included. Because I had the day free, my mom and I went to Magic Kingdom for our last day together before she flew home.
I then moved everything into my apartment and crashed for the night. Today, I went to Casting. Again, more lines. We got our training schedule, filled out our I-9, and did a background check (getting fingerprinted). Some of the roommates and I went grocery shopping and stocked up on everything, so now our cabinets are nice and full!
I have the Housing meeting tomorrow with one of my roommates, and then all 6 of my roommates have Beaches n' Cream reservations where we will attempt to defeat the Kitchen Sink! I have Traditions on Friday afternoon, after which I will finally be able to enter the parks as a Cast Member!
I have the weekend off, then I have 3 days of training next week.
'Til next time!
Monday, January 19, 2015
Check-in Fun and Finding Out My Work Location
Hey there Blogger! So I made it to Orlando in one piece. My roommate, my mom and I stayed at the Art of Animation Resort last night and we went to Downtown Disney for dinner at Planet Hollywood. We had such a great time!
In other news, I checked into Vista Way today!!! I got my first choice of apartment, a 3BR 6 person apartment at Patterson Court. All my roommates are with me now! I also found out where I'm working............. Merchandise at The Contemporary Resort! I've always wanted to stay at the Contemporary so it's very exciting that I'll be able to spend a lot of time there. 3 of my roommates are working in Hollywood Studios so I'm incredibly jealous of then since that's my favorite park, but now I'll get to visit them all the time!
My mom and I are heading to Magic Kingdom for the day since I don't have casting until tomorrow! I'll do a quick recap of check-in later tonight.
Countdown to check-in: 0 days!!!!!!!!
'Til next time!
In other news, I checked into Vista Way today!!! I got my first choice of apartment, a 3BR 6 person apartment at Patterson Court. All my roommates are with me now! I also found out where I'm working............. Merchandise at The Contemporary Resort! I've always wanted to stay at the Contemporary so it's very exciting that I'll be able to spend a lot of time there. 3 of my roommates are working in Hollywood Studios so I'm incredibly jealous of then since that's my favorite park, but now I'll get to visit them all the time!
My mom and I are heading to Magic Kingdom for the day since I don't have casting until tomorrow! I'll do a quick recap of check-in later tonight.
Countdown to check-in: 0 days!!!!!!!!
'Til next time!
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It's Off To Pack We Go!
I'm leaving in 4 days! I'll be stopping for a few days at my
grandparents house on the way. So I've been a busy little bee packing up boxes
for 4 months of fun at Disney!
I am driving so I can pack a little more
than if I was flying, so keep that in mind! I also tried to bring as much as I
could so I didn't have to buy a bunch of stuff once I got down there. But here
it is!
Clothing:
Tops
·
10 T-shirts
· 5 Tank tops
·
3
Sweatshirts/sweaters
·
5
Cardigans
·
4
Dress shirts for Traditions/Classes
Bottoms
·
2
Pairs of dress pants
·
5
Pairs of jeans
·
3
Capris
·
2
Pairs of workout pants
·
3
Pairs of shorts
Socks, underwear, bras, sports bras
1 Rain jacket
2 Dresses
Shoes
·
1
Pair of flats
·
3
Pairs of gym shoes
·
3
Misc. pairs of shoes
Technology:
1 Camera & Gear
1 Ethernet cord
1 Extension cord
1 Surge protector
iPod and charger
Phone and charger
Laptop, sleeve, and charger
Movies
Printer
Portable speaker
Extra Phone Case
Bathroom:
2 Bath towels
Razor and shaving cream
Floss, mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste
Q-tips
2 Hand towels
Makeup Remover and Makeup
Hair mousse
Hair ties
Bobby pins
Medicine- Advil, Aspirin and Nyquil
Perfume
Hand Soap
Shower Caddy
Shower Curtain
Headbands
Shower Mat
Sunscreen
Sun-in Hairspray
Bedroom:
Bedding
·
Alabama
tie blanket
·
Mattress
pad
·
Foam
mattress topper
·
Sheets
·
2
Pillowcases
·
2
Pillows
·
Comforter
Laundry basket
Detergent pods
Dryer sheets
Hamper
1 more blanket
Hangers
Mini trashcan
Wall art/paintings
Whiteboard
Kitchen
Tupperware (salads, sandwiches, dressings)
Lunchbox
Ziploc bags (Gallon and sandwich)
Silverware
Travel Mug
Water bottle
Popcorn maker
Toaster oven
Aluminum foil and saran wrap
Dish towels
Miscellaneous:
For Check-in
·
Car
Registration and DORMS Registration
·
Checkbook
·
Folder
for documents
·
ID-
SS Card and Driver's License
Band-aids
Sunglasses (3 pairs)
Pictures for corkboard
Push-pins
Wall Calendar (for everyone's work schedules)
Pens/pencils/notecards/stapler/tape/scissors
Purse
Wallet w/ $400 to get started
Trading Pins
Buttons to wear at the parks
Coupon Holder
Envelopes
Umbrella
Sewing kit w/ velcro and elastic
Mini toolkit
Wow, that's a lot of stuff! But I was actually able to fit this into just a few boxes and fill my laundry basket with clothes. And now I don't need to buy as much once I check in at Vista Way!
Official countdown to check-in: 9 days!
'Til next time!
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!
Happy 2015, Blogger! I've been home for about 3 weeks now and it feels so good to be home! I've been steadily packing up and I've actually trimmed quite a bit off what I'm planning on bringing.
Once I have everything figured out, I think I'll make a packing list post and talk about what I'm bringing. I have 15 more days until I leave for Florida!!
Official countdown to check-in: 18 days
'Til next time!
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