Saturday, January 21, 2012
Week One: Training
10:42 PM | Posted by
Unknown
I know I still have to update on Traditions and DAKlimations, but I just wanted to document that week one of training is now complete! I have toured all of the Kids Discovery Clubs and Animal Positions, toured the backstage areas, learned where to pick up my bug boxes and what to do when an animal escapes. I have a ton of radio codes, animal facts, directions, and rotations to memorize. Oh yeah, and I also have to remember to feed and bathe myself occasionally too. I don't even think I remember what sleeping is.
Despite the hard work and stress, this is definitely the coolest job I have ever had. I get to learn all about Animal Kingdom and the amazing animals and insects that live there. Hopefully by the time this internship is over, I will have gotten to know these fantastic creatures on a more personal level and know this park inside and out. I really want to do well, and will try my best to succeed at this job. I'm a little at a disadvantage because of my lack of a zoological education, but I'm hoping that my enthusiasm with Guests makes up for that.
More updates to come!
Despite the hard work and stress, this is definitely the coolest job I have ever had. I get to learn all about Animal Kingdom and the amazing animals and insects that live there. Hopefully by the time this internship is over, I will have gotten to know these fantastic creatures on a more personal level and know this park inside and out. I really want to do well, and will try my best to succeed at this job. I'm a little at a disadvantage because of my lack of a zoological education, but I'm hoping that my enthusiasm with Guests makes up for that.
More updates to come!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
First Days
Well, it's official! I am now a Disney Cast Member!
The first few days have been a little chaotic, but extremely exciting. I left for Orlando Wednesday morning and checked-in to the All-Star Music Resort with my dad and sister. That night I met my roommates Kerstin and Heather, along with their families, for dinner at Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have to say, meeting them definitely calmed my nerves a little bit. They were both very sweet and we bonded pretty quickly. We all have a love for reading, Disney, and Harry Potter, which, frankly, rocks (that sentence had a lot of commas).
The next morning, I checked in to Cumberland Park Apartments at 8 am. I have to be honest, I was very anxious that morning. This was my first time moving into an apartment with roommates, and having to navigate around Orlando by myself. I received my key, free t-shirt, goody bag, and housing I.D., and then we all sat in the clubhouse theater for a short spiel about the apartment rules. The complex is absolutely beautiful, complete with two pools, a gym, a pool hall, and lots more. I am in a two-bedroom apartment on the third floor. Our room comes with a walk-in closet and a glass shower, two things I am very excited about.
Later that day, I went to casting, filled out all my paperwork and got fingerprinted, and then went to a meeting with some of the Animal Programs managers. We received our schedules for the first week, and got a nice little packet of information that included helpful things like maps and phone numbers. Later that night me and my roommate put our room together and just relaxed. We were running on pure adrenaline by that point, and little by little it was starting to run out.
To be continued...
The first few days have been a little chaotic, but extremely exciting. I left for Orlando Wednesday morning and checked-in to the All-Star Music Resort with my dad and sister. That night I met my roommates Kerstin and Heather, along with their families, for dinner at Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have to say, meeting them definitely calmed my nerves a little bit. They were both very sweet and we bonded pretty quickly. We all have a love for reading, Disney, and Harry Potter, which, frankly, rocks (that sentence had a lot of commas).
The next morning, I checked in to Cumberland Park Apartments at 8 am. I have to be honest, I was very anxious that morning. This was my first time moving into an apartment with roommates, and having to navigate around Orlando by myself. I received my key, free t-shirt, goody bag, and housing I.D., and then we all sat in the clubhouse theater for a short spiel about the apartment rules. The complex is absolutely beautiful, complete with two pools, a gym, a pool hall, and lots more. I am in a two-bedroom apartment on the third floor. Our room comes with a walk-in closet and a glass shower, two things I am very excited about.
Later that day, I went to casting, filled out all my paperwork and got fingerprinted, and then went to a meeting with some of the Animal Programs managers. We received our schedules for the first week, and got a nice little packet of information that included helpful things like maps and phone numbers. Later that night me and my roommate put our room together and just relaxed. We were running on pure adrenaline by that point, and little by little it was starting to run out.
To be continued...
Thursday, January 5, 2012
One Week
In exactly one week from now, I will be checking in at Disney and moving into my new apartment. The nerves are starting to kick in big time. I've begun the rigorous process of packing, and during this time it's finally started to hit me that this is it. I'm leaving home, and fulfilling one of my dreams. No matter what happens, I know that this experience will change me...hopefully for the better.
There are so many things I'm going to miss. My friends, my two dogs, my family, my amazing boyfriend...but I'm trying to think positive, and not let my over-analytical brain ruin things for me. I know that this new job will include long hours, long periods of standing in the hot sun, getting over my fears of doing presentations in front of an audience, and lengthy scripts for me to memorize. I know that my new apartment will include getting used to sharing a room, and working around other people's schedules. However, all of these new experiences also include being at the most magical place on earth, and a job that includes some of the best perks ever. And, if worse comes to worst, I can always drive three hours south to spend a weekend at home.
I'll try to update more once I'm actually in Orlando. Not sure if anybody is actually reading this, but I like keeping an account for myself, as a way to look back and laugh at these premature anxieties. Here goes nothing.
"Adventure is out there!"
There are so many things I'm going to miss. My friends, my two dogs, my family, my amazing boyfriend...but I'm trying to think positive, and not let my over-analytical brain ruin things for me. I know that this new job will include long hours, long periods of standing in the hot sun, getting over my fears of doing presentations in front of an audience, and lengthy scripts for me to memorize. I know that my new apartment will include getting used to sharing a room, and working around other people's schedules. However, all of these new experiences also include being at the most magical place on earth, and a job that includes some of the best perks ever. And, if worse comes to worst, I can always drive three hours south to spend a weekend at home.
I'll try to update more once I'm actually in Orlando. Not sure if anybody is actually reading this, but I like keeping an account for myself, as a way to look back and laugh at these premature anxieties. Here goes nothing.
"Adventure is out there!"
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Two Weeks!
In exactly two weeks I will be checking in to Cumberland Park and signing my life away to Disney at Casting! I will also be meeting my new roommates and moving in my crapload of stuff. I'm a bundle of excitement and nerves right now, and I still feel like there's so much to do.
I'm all done with work and school, so the only thing distracting me is reading all of the Disney blogs and message boards I can find, and making packing lists. Also, I gave my dad the URL to this blog, so if you're reading this, hi dad! Don't make fun of my writing.
Hope everyone had a great holiday and has a happy new year. Bring on 2012.
I'm all done with work and school, so the only thing distracting me is reading all of the Disney blogs and message boards I can find, and making packing lists. Also, I gave my dad the URL to this blog, so if you're reading this, hi dad! Don't make fun of my writing.
Hope everyone had a great holiday and has a happy new year. Bring on 2012.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
New Layout
Many thanks to my awesome roomie Heather and her dad for creating the new layout for my blog! It's more than I ever could have hoped for, and definitely inspires me to write more. I just love the art in Disney's Tangled, so I'm beyond excited that my blog can reflect a little part of that :)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Almost There!
Ah, three weeks left till check-in! I have no idea where the time went. After graduation, things seemed to just pass by in a blur. My last day of work is this Saturday, then on Sunday is Christmas. Even though I don't celebrate Christmas, my mom's birthday is on that day, and I love watching all the holiday specials on TV. My favorite is the Disney Parks Christmas Parade- I look forward to that every year.
On Thursday and Friday of last week, I explored Orlando with my boyfriend, as a kind of "end of semester" gift for both of us. Thursday night we crashed the Polynesian hotel, watched Wishes from the beach, and lazed around on lounge chairs while watching Tangled on a big inflatable screen. It was awesome! That was my first time in the Polynesian, and I can't wait to one day actually be rich enough to stay there. After the fireworks we went upstairs to the Kona Cafe sushi bar and pigged out on sticky wings and a massive volcano roll. It was heaven, and something I could definitely see myself doing again while on my internship.
On Friday, we went to Downtown Disney and got an amazing ice cream soda from the Ghiradelli shop. So. Good. I decided not to buy anything until I start working and can use my Cast Member discount, but I definitely spotted some things I want in the near future. Especially at the Art of Disney and the Tren-D stores. We also drove by Cumberland Apartments to see what it looked like. I was glad to see no obvious signs of danger- no unsavory characters roaming around, no trash on the streets- in fact, it looked pretty nice. I liked the fact that it was right across the street from Mickey's Retreat. I also got to creep on some of the college program apartments. Maybe it's just me, but Patterson and Chatam look so beautiful.
Saturday we came home, and that night was my holiday party at work. I'm going to miss my amazing coworkers so much- when things got crazy, we always had each other to keep sane. In case I never mentioned it before, I work part-time in a Kid's Club at a 24-Hour Fitness. I get to babysit all the kids ages 6 months to 12 years old while their parents go exercise. I've worked there for over two years, and while I definitely need a change, I'm still going to get nostalgic for the friends I've made there and the kids I've grown attached to. My coworkers gave me a huge card that they all signed, and it was just so unexpected. I'm going to keep it around for inspiration.
In Disney news, progress has been made on my upcoming adventure. I got my hiking boots, my bed sheets, my pillows, and some towels. I also booked a hotel that me and my dad are going to stay in the night of check-in. We'll be driving up the day of the 11th, staying at the All Star Music hotel that night, and then I'll be checking-in to Cumberland the next morning!
I alternate between feelings of nervousness and excitement. I'm excited because I definitely feel like I need change in my life. I love my boyfriend, but I'm getting tired of living at home. I need to be independent, and I need a different job. Even though all my coworkers are awesome, the management at that place has been getting to me for a while. And now that I've graduated from college, I feel that I deserve a better job with my degree. Disney is something I've always loved, and I just love Orlando in general (even if the I-4 does scare the crap out of me sometimes).
However, I'm nervous because I'm about to be thrown completely out of my comfort zone. I'm used to having my own room, I'm used to being around people I know and streets I'm familiar with. I'm used to a certain routine and a certain area and a certain way of life, and in a few weeks it's all about to change. A few years ago, I never would have volunteered to move away from my family and work in a job that involved public speaking. I feel like I've changed a lot from the shy, quiet girl I used to be, but even so, this internship is going to be a big change. It's going to take a lot of courage to fight the homesickness. But at the same time, I know things would be worse if I decided to back down and stay home. This experience is going to be a great and life-changing one, and all I have to do is make it through the fear of the unknown.
On Thursday and Friday of last week, I explored Orlando with my boyfriend, as a kind of "end of semester" gift for both of us. Thursday night we crashed the Polynesian hotel, watched Wishes from the beach, and lazed around on lounge chairs while watching Tangled on a big inflatable screen. It was awesome! That was my first time in the Polynesian, and I can't wait to one day actually be rich enough to stay there. After the fireworks we went upstairs to the Kona Cafe sushi bar and pigged out on sticky wings and a massive volcano roll. It was heaven, and something I could definitely see myself doing again while on my internship.
On Friday, we went to Downtown Disney and got an amazing ice cream soda from the Ghiradelli shop. So. Good. I decided not to buy anything until I start working and can use my Cast Member discount, but I definitely spotted some things I want in the near future. Especially at the Art of Disney and the Tren-D stores. We also drove by Cumberland Apartments to see what it looked like. I was glad to see no obvious signs of danger- no unsavory characters roaming around, no trash on the streets- in fact, it looked pretty nice. I liked the fact that it was right across the street from Mickey's Retreat. I also got to creep on some of the college program apartments. Maybe it's just me, but Patterson and Chatam look so beautiful.
Saturday we came home, and that night was my holiday party at work. I'm going to miss my amazing coworkers so much- when things got crazy, we always had each other to keep sane. In case I never mentioned it before, I work part-time in a Kid's Club at a 24-Hour Fitness. I get to babysit all the kids ages 6 months to 12 years old while their parents go exercise. I've worked there for over two years, and while I definitely need a change, I'm still going to get nostalgic for the friends I've made there and the kids I've grown attached to. My coworkers gave me a huge card that they all signed, and it was just so unexpected. I'm going to keep it around for inspiration.
In Disney news, progress has been made on my upcoming adventure. I got my hiking boots, my bed sheets, my pillows, and some towels. I also booked a hotel that me and my dad are going to stay in the night of check-in. We'll be driving up the day of the 11th, staying at the All Star Music hotel that night, and then I'll be checking-in to Cumberland the next morning!
I alternate between feelings of nervousness and excitement. I'm excited because I definitely feel like I need change in my life. I love my boyfriend, but I'm getting tired of living at home. I need to be independent, and I need a different job. Even though all my coworkers are awesome, the management at that place has been getting to me for a while. And now that I've graduated from college, I feel that I deserve a better job with my degree. Disney is something I've always loved, and I just love Orlando in general (even if the I-4 does scare the crap out of me sometimes).
However, I'm nervous because I'm about to be thrown completely out of my comfort zone. I'm used to having my own room, I'm used to being around people I know and streets I'm familiar with. I'm used to a certain routine and a certain area and a certain way of life, and in a few weeks it's all about to change. A few years ago, I never would have volunteered to move away from my family and work in a job that involved public speaking. I feel like I've changed a lot from the shy, quiet girl I used to be, but even so, this internship is going to be a big change. It's going to take a lot of courage to fight the homesickness. But at the same time, I know things would be worse if I decided to back down and stay home. This experience is going to be a great and life-changing one, and all I have to do is make it through the fear of the unknown.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Favorite Blogs
Since the time is getting closer to leaving for Orlando, I've began obsessing over reading Disney blogs and tumblr's. Most blogs out there are about the College and International Programs, but I've been lucky enough to find a few that relate to Animal Kingdom and the Conservation Education Presenter role. I figured I would post them just in case you're like me, and like to gather as much information as possible before starting a new job. In any case, they provide for very entertaining reads.
Previous Conservation Education Presenters:
http://wdwcollegeprogram2011.blogspot.com/
http://doingasdreamersdo.blogspot.com/
http://wdwpi2011.wordpress.com/
http://nickwdwfall2011.blogspot.com/
Blogs of those who have worked in Animal Kingdom (Various Capacities):
http://safariwanyama.wordpress.com/
http://katies-going-to-disney-world.blogspot.com/
General PI Blogs:
https://working4themouse.wordpress.com/
Favorite CP Blogs (even though I'm doing the PI and not the CP, all of these blogs have tons of helpful information about what to expect from life in Orlando):
http://disneyworldcollegeprogram.blogspot.com/ (FSFB Spring 2011)
http://calismagicalinternship.blogspot.com/ (Main Entrance Operations Spring 2011)
http://amandasfstop.blogspot.com/ (Photopass Spring 2011)
http://enchantedfuture.tumblr.com/ (Character Performer Fall 2011)
http://kaylamakesmagic.tumblr.com/ (Merchandise Fall 2011)
http://askacm.tumblr.com/ (Custodial Fall 2010)
http://wdwcpfall10.blogspot.com/ (Attractions Spring 2011)
http://whereinternshipdreamscometrue.blogspot.com/ (Hospitality Spring 2010)
http://seasonswiththemouse.blogspot.com/ (Character Attendant and Performer)
http://disneydispatch.com/content/columns/amber-earns-her-ears/ (QSFB Spring 2010)
Disney Youtube Channels (these always help to get me excited):
http://www.youtube.com/user/UndercoverTourist
http://www.youtube.com/user/PopSong1#g/u
Disney Music:
http://simpledisneythings.tumblr.com/music
If anybody has any suggestions on blogs to check out, let me know! Now that school's over and I'm all set to graduate on Friday, I have tons of free time before I start my internship. Additionally, I have a whole word document saved with links to blogs (I know, very stalker-ish), so if anybody wants more blogs to check out I can pass it along.
In other news, my bed sheets for my new apartment arrived the other day:
It's a small image, but you get the idea. :)
Previous Conservation Education Presenters:
http://wdwcollegeprogram2011.blogspot.com/
http://doingasdreamersdo.blogspot.com/
http://wdwpi2011.wordpress.com/
http://nickwdwfall2011.blogspot.com/
Blogs of those who have worked in Animal Kingdom (Various Capacities):
http://safariwanyama.wordpress.com/
http://katies-going-to-disney-world.blogspot.com/
General PI Blogs:
https://working4themouse.wordpress.com/
Favorite CP Blogs (even though I'm doing the PI and not the CP, all of these blogs have tons of helpful information about what to expect from life in Orlando):
http://disneyworldcollegeprogram.blogspot.com/ (FSFB Spring 2011)
http://calismagicalinternship.blogspot.com/ (Main Entrance Operations Spring 2011)
http://amandasfstop.blogspot.com/ (Photopass Spring 2011)
http://enchantedfuture.tumblr.com/ (Character Performer Fall 2011)
http://kaylamakesmagic.tumblr.com/ (Merchandise Fall 2011)
http://askacm.tumblr.com/ (Custodial Fall 2010)
http://wdwcpfall10.blogspot.com/ (Attractions Spring 2011)
http://whereinternshipdreamscometrue.blogspot.com/ (Hospitality Spring 2010)
http://seasonswiththemouse.blogspot.com/ (Character Attendant and Performer)
http://disneydispatch.com/content/columns/amber-earns-her-ears/ (QSFB Spring 2010)
Disney Youtube Channels (these always help to get me excited):
http://www.youtube.com/user/UndercoverTourist
http://www.youtube.com/user/PopSong1#g/u
Disney Music:
http://simpledisneythings.tumblr.com/music
If anybody has any suggestions on blogs to check out, let me know! Now that school's over and I'm all set to graduate on Friday, I have tons of free time before I start my internship. Additionally, I have a whole word document saved with links to blogs (I know, very stalker-ish), so if anybody wants more blogs to check out I can pass it along.
In other news, my bed sheets for my new apartment arrived the other day:
It's a small image, but you get the idea. :)
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