Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I got a job!!!!!

SO after going though marathon interviews, plus all of my other work, I finally have an answer. I got the Professional Internship at Disney as a Cast Services Specialist. This means that I will be helping out other cast members with problems they have and help out with special events at EPCOT. I am so pumped to work somewhere different and not be on stage all day!

I am currently sick, and dealing with guests when you already feel like crap is miserable. Yesterday, I had to work 11 hours and all I wanted to do was cough up a lung. I don't know what it is, but it seems like people are more retarded when you are sick. Also, the dumbest stuff that normally doesn't bother you, sends you through the roof with anger.

Also, I heard back from the housing people and I can move out early and not pay my last week of rent!! Which is great because where I live is stupid. The new girl that moved in a while ago burnt food on the bottom of 2 pots, didn't clean it, and then put them back in the cabinet like they were clean. And her roommate got me sick, which I am not a fan of. I think its karma though because we told her that she had an STD from oral sex and she doesn't, shes just sick. The doctor she went to didn't give her any meds so I had to find some legit place here in  O-town to go that wasn't urgent care, but no worries, I finally found a doctor that would see me and I go Monday.

I think that's about all for now. My mom comes into town for Thanksgiving tomorrow and I will be out of internet range for a few days. We are going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Sunday night and I am so pumped!!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I feel like interviewing is a full time job!!

Of all the Professional Internships I have applied for, I am still in line for 5 of them. The one I really want is the Destination's Digital Marketing Internship. They have never had an intern in their dept. before because it is so new. I have talked to 3 people over there including the VP of Digital Marketing, talk about an intimidation factor. They were all really sweet, I am just looking to hear either way. I should know by Thanksgiving so keep your fingers crossed. The Destination's team works with marketing the domestic destinations and gives an online voice to the parks and events.

In other news, me and my roommate, Kelsey, have been really into going to things lately. The other day we went to the Food and Wine festival over at EPCOT and had a blast eating and drinking around the world. If you haven't been to this Disney festival yet, you should just go ahead and put it on your bucket list because it is so worth it. That night we also went to this tapas place called Tu Tu Tangos and had some of the best food I have had in a long time. It was kind of Mediterranean based, but so so so good! Today we also went to Cat Cora's restaurant, The Kouzzina, for breakfast and it was amazing. I had scrambled eggs with an amazing sauce and olive toast! YUM!! Then we went to The Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney. It is basically a huge art show that lines the streets. There was new media, oil, watercolor, wood work, wind chimes, street sign art, and basically anything you could ever hope to find art-wise.

Also, our new roommate cooks the grossest food and ends up smelling up our entire apartment so we have to break the rules and open the windows. (This place has the weirdest rules)

Oh, and guess what?? My car is broken!! I think its a fuse that has to do with my break lights, but regardless it is acting weird. My aunt took it from me the other day to get it fixed and I am currently driving my uncle's car because he is in Saudi Arabia.

Friday, October 21, 2011

No, I don't speak Spanish

All I am going to say, is sometimes I get annoyed with tourists.

With that said, it has gotten a lot colder here....like 65. I know that's not really cold, but I am used to sweating to death in 95 degree heat.

The new roommate is getting on everyone's nerves. She is dirty! She doesn't do her dishes, apparently has never seen a dishwasher, and when you ask her a simple yes or no question be prepared to sit and stay awhile because  she will talk to you for an hour. It is so obnoxious. And she leaves the tv on in the living room while she is on her computer singing to herself....which is terrible. No one likes her. I would feel bad for her if she wasn't so annoying.

Also, I haven't heard anything from the professional internship people. They say "no news is good news" but this waiting around game is nerve racking. Its been 2 weeks and they said that I was going to hear something by now, but I haven't. Keep your fingers crossed, send prayers, and send hope that I get the internship that will actually help my career.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

when it rains, it pours

Yesterday I was in Fantasyland at Friars Nook "cooking" and it was raining outside. It was miserable! It was straight up pouring like it would back at home, plus it was cold. I say that because it normally rains here everyday at 3pm because it is normally so humid. Needless to say, no one was at the park, and I say "cooking" because the people that were at the park weren't ordering food to eat. I walked into work and they immediately asked if I wanted an ER (early release). I said sure because it seems like every time I cook, I end up getting sick. I worked about 2.5 hours yesterday and then I went back to bed because it was one of those days that all you want to do is curl up and watch movies, so that's what I did.

Today, my alarm went off at 9:20 and I got a phone call from deployment at 9:30 asking me if I wanted to stay home today because park attendance was so low. I of course said that I would stay home because I needed a mental health day. So here I am taking advantage of a lazy Sunday. I woke up fairly late and made some coffee and decided to catch up on my blogs. I may see if the fam is doing anything tonight, but mostly I will be chilling all day and loving it! I need to do some laundry or buy some more socks. Don't really know what the day holds.

I also had my interview for my professional internship the other day and I think it went well. I went to my aunt's house to do the interview since it's quiet there and it was a phone interview. I walked the dog after I was done, and then ended up locking myself out of the house and I left my phone inside. I finally found a neighbor that allowed me to use their phone and my aunt came by and let me in. Not one of my prouder moments in life!!

Also, we got a note on our door of our apartment yesterday saying that we are getting a new roommate soon. I hope they don't suck!! HAHA!! I feel kind of bad for them because all the people in my apartment get along and have a really good dynamic going. Oh well, we shall see. I'll keep you all updated.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Oh I forgot

There was a contest at work to see who could sell the most promotional mugs with ice cream for Halloween. Since I'm a marketing major I got really into because I wanted to win the mystery prize! In 3 hours I sold 18 mugs but then I got moved. I ended up coming in 2nd because after I left someone sold 10 to 1 guest! I can't compete with that haha! But the prize was just a promo mug and food from friars nook on their break. My manager said that he was going to give me a fanatic card though. These cards are for positive things you do for the company and they go on your permanent record card.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

running in circles it seems

I got a free cupcake for the Magic Kingdom's 40th birthday!! I love getting free stuff at work! Aside from the free stuff I get, I though I owed everyone that actually reads this an update! Keeping up with 2 blogs gets kind of crazy sometimes!

So, the people that live above me are freaking elephants, I don't know how people walk that heavy but GEEZ!!! Other than my neighbors, my roommates and I are still getting along. We have a really good dynamic. Yeah, we are going to have drama, but 5 girls are living together....what did you expect!? I say 5 because one of them moved out a while ago. I can't remember if I said anything about that earlier, but she moved home because of "family issues."

One thing I have noticed about Orlando (other than their drivers are terrible) is that the ads down here use fear and are more liberal. Typically (in KY) PSA's don't use fear to the extent that people in FL do. I also used to think that my aunt drove like a mad woman, but after living here for a while I have realized why she had to learn to drive like that. I would probably go nuts driving at home with a 1/4th of the people on the road during rush hour. This brings me to the weather. The humidity has been WAY down, plus its gone down like 10 degrees. I hate to admit it, but it feels kind of cold! I know I'm crazy, but I really think my blood is thinning!

I also applied for the professional internships that I wanted and I got a preliminary phone interview! I went to an information session about them and learned a lot about the new website and how applying this year is a little bit different. I am really glad I went and I hope that my interview goes well!! FINGERS CROSSED!!! (and pixie dust) 

Other than all of that, work has picked up a little, but nothing has really changed. Lunching Pad re-opened (which is always crazy busy), but all I had to know there is how to close and how to assemble a specialty hot dog.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Much needed update!

Last we talked, I told you about how I got to blow bubbles at work. Now onto something new. I now have this habit of waiting until the last possible moment to get out of bed and get ready for work. This has led to me almost being late to work for the past week and a half! Thank god I don't ride the bus other wise I would have been late, and possibly even fired for it.

Yesterday I was running a bit behind, but at the entrance of the tunnel to go to work.....they were handing out MICKEY ICE CREAM!!!!!!!! I was so pumped!! I love Mickey ice cream, but I almost never get it in the park because its normally really hot, and it gets very messy!

Today, I applied for some professional internships as well as some full time jobs at Disney! I really hope I get the professional internship because I have wanted it for so long! Today, I am also at my aunt's house doing some laundry and catching up on my blogs. I can't believe how behind I am on some things! It doesn't take long!

Work is very much the same! Although, right now until November we are having Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and let me tell you, those are some fun nights to work!! The park closes at 7 for anyone not attending the party and people get really into it. A couple of nights ago one older guy dressed up like the older guy from Up, balloons and all!! One family dressed up like the characters from Toy Story, the mom was Little Bo Peep, the dad was an army figurine, the baby was an alien, the boy was Woody with Bullseye, the other boy was Buzz Lightyear, and the girl was Jesse. Seeing everyone in their costumes is hilarious! I also get to play games with everyone, which is really fun!

On to my love life! I get hit on all the time at work, sometimes its okay, but other times its just kind of awkward! I am not really ready to date, and with everyone at Disney its really hard to tell who is legit and who is not! Everyone has to be conservative and "Disney Look" at work, but when they show up in their own clothes, it is kind of surprising! I just got out of a really long relationship that took a lot out of me. I also just turned my life upside down by accepting this job and moving down here. I really don't know which way is up and I really don't want to add dating crazy people into my life right now. People don't understand this, but for the most part I don't understand them, so I guess that makes us even. This is why I love going out with my new friend Ethan! He is so chill and awesome to talk to. Added bonus: he doesn't try to hit on me! Why can't I have guy friends that just want to be friends?

I am trying to stay sane with everything going on around me. Pray that I get this internship!!!!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Best day ever!!!

My kitty paws
Place I blew bubbles today
OMG!! My day started out so bad this morning! I was supposed to be at work by 11:30am and I got out of bed when I was supposed to be leaving to go to work. I literally fly out of bed, throw my clothes on, brush my teeth, and run out the door. Emphasis on the word RUN! Once I sped to work and parked my car, I ran to the bus. Again, emphasis on run. Once I made it to The Magic Kingdom, I ended up being a little bit early. WHAT A RELIEF!! I was given my assignment and went to my location. Oh did I mention that while I was speeding and running to get to work that it was raining? Well it was, and there was like no one at the park. It was so slow that they let me be a greeter!! WOO HOO!! I have wanted to greet people since I got out of training! Greeters get to blow bubbles, talk and interact with guests, and put on the Mickey hands (in my case Aristocat paws) and wave at people. I had a blast!!! I stood outside of Storybook Treats and waved at guests, talked to kids, blew 2 things of bubbles, danced along with the music, smiled the whole time, and LOVED every minute of it! My day started out bad but ended so well. I love my job!



Monday, September 5, 2011

Story Time!!!!

The kid that wanted sprinkles
This kid wanted sprinkles on her ice cream and right before she started to cry, I told her that we had pixie dust that Tinkerbell dropped off but she had to trust me that it was there.

People with buttons
I go out of my way to be as friendly as I can be with guests, but when they have a birthday button on with their name on it, I don't care if you are 25 feet away, I will yell "Happy Birthday ______" at you. I also go out of my way to figure out what people are celebrating. Prepare yourself, because I am not the only one :)

Fireworks
When I have to take the money to GT at the end of the night, I get to see some of the fireworks. They never get old, and get to me every time!! I love them so much.

My days off
They consist of lounging, cleaning, hanging out at the pool or with my family. The last few days that I have had off, consist of this. And a very bad date.

One of my roommates grubbin'

The bad date
This guy loves comic books, sci-fi, and doesn't experience anything in life. He offered to take me to Wendy's after we were already out. Needless to say I had to text my roommate to get me out of it. The down side was that she called in the middle of a parade, and leaving when that is going on is virtually impossible.

Talking to princesses
I love it when kids dress up and come to the park, it makes my job so much better! I love to talk to them like they are that character, and 9 times out of 10 they play along. Calling kids "space ranger" and "princess" is the highlight of my job!

Character auditions
They are this Thursday and I am going! The worst thing that could happen is they say no. It isn't going to be like I am jobless and homeless. The only great thing about pageants is that they have given me thicker skin. I just really hope that I get it!

My roommates
ARE AWESOME!!! One is already moving out though. Not sure about that, but for the most part we all really get along. I got really lucky!!

The family that come back 3 times for ice cream
This family was PRECIOUS!! They were from the UK and were on holiday with their 3 kids. They were so confused about our currency, but after I took the time to figure out what they needed and went over currency with them, they were so grateful and happy that I could help them.

The family that questioned the college program
I probably took 10 minutes explaining what the college program is and how much I have already learned and benefited, this kid's mom was anxious to go home and have her son apply. They were so happy that I could take a little time to promote my program and to see how passionate I am about Disney. People love to see HAPPY cast members, and I don't know how people go to work in a bad mood.

All in all I am having a great time and cannot wait to talk to a couple of my managers about the professional internship. Keep your fingers crossed that I get in, I've heard that it is really competitive.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

My first week of work on my own

I have pixie dust instead of sprinkles, I see princesses and space rangers instead of kids, I smile all the time, I believe in the magic, and I am the face that people see! I love my job!!

Since the last time I wrote I have so many cool stories about the guests I interact with everyday! Sometimes you get people that are a little rude, but for the most part if you talk to them and get to know about their day they will love you and tell you fun things that they have done.

Things that I have learned since coming here:

  • to appreciate the differences in people 
  • to smile and be happy ALL the time
  • to fry things in a fryer and not burn the food
  • to be patient 
  • to be helpful and courteous
  • to get along with everyone 
And those are just a few of the things that I have learned. I feel like this experience is just what I needed to get my feet wet in the real world. All of my managers have been nice and helpful, and the people that I work with are fun and make work seem like fun. I actually look forward to going to work. Who wouldn't want to dress up like a spaceship driver and go to work?! I love my costumes!!

Sometimes the language barriers are hard and sometimes I get frustrated, but at the end of the day I know that my smiling face has made someones day. I have a lot more stories that I want to share, but I wanted to give you all an update. My life is great!

Monday, August 29, 2011

I am crazy busy! And I'm done with training!!

Since I have last written, the hurricane didn't even rain on Orlando, I have completed my training and have officially earned my ears as an official Disney cast member. I have learned proper sizes of everything, cook times, holding times, how to work the clocking in systems, and so much more! I "learned" how to take apart (and put back together) the fryer, the ice cream machine, slushie machine, and the whipped cream machine. The reason I put quotes around learned is because my trainer was new and everything I took apart, with the exception of the fryer, had to be fixed. I get that he is new, but during my assessment when I thought I knew all the right answers, I didn't. He taught it to me wrong so I looked like I didn't know what I was talking about.

Today was the last day of training!! That's the good news. Here is the bad: the schedule that everyone told me to go off of, told me to show up at 1pm. I got a call at my apartment from a manager asking where I was because I was really supposed to be there at 11am!! I was mortified!! I get that I am an adult and that I should know what I am doing and how to read a schedule. The good that came out of this is that I am new and didn't know any better because everyone above me didn't tell me that I may or may not have another shift other than my assessment today. I am just really glad that I don't get any points off, and if I do it will only be a half of a point.

Tomorrow is my first day on my own and I am working in Fantasyland! I love that land because I create magic everyday! I know that sounds corny, but this is why I wanted this job in the first place. I love seeing families experiencing the magic of Disney. I am going to work super early tomorrow so that I can hit up costuming and get to work early! I am so glad that I don't have to wash my own costumes! Until next time...

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Being a big kid is over-rated

For the past 2 training days that I have had to go to, I have had to wake up at either 5am or 6am. I have had to pack my lunch, set my coffee pot, pick out my clothes, and set my alarm all so that I will be ready that early. Today was no exception! I have to wake up around 2 hours before work so that I have enough time to get ready and have time to ride the bus to work. For the next 5 days I will be working everyday! Enough complaining about how much I don't want to grow up, I am after all a college graduate and have to get used to corporate America eventually.

Today I did some e-learning courses, got some free shoes to go with my costume, and watched a movie on how to handle food that people eat. A pretty easy day compared to some other ones I've had recently! The real work was when I came home today. I had to deal with my college loans, set up some stuff on "The Hub" (the Disney intranet), and set up my online banking so that I can get paid! This has taken around 4 hours to figure out, and I am exhausted. I am going to text my family later to see what they are up to and maybe meet up with them tonight.

Some fun news!! I figured out the code on my schedule and found out some places that I will be working. In Tomorrowland I will be working at The Lunching Pad (specialty hot dogs) and Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies (smoothies and soft serve). In Fantasyland I will be working at The Friar's Nook (hot dogs and freshly made chips). Hot dogs, ice cream, and chips are my 3 favorite food groups and I am going to have to be careful not to gain 6,541,587 pounds while I am working here.

Some scary news!! Hurricane Irene is supposed to hit the East coast nearest Orlando on Friday as a category 3!! I really hope they close the park if it gets bad! I will keep you updated.