One thing about the college program: you will be tired all the time. And that applies to me right now. I don't even go out to clubs like a lot of people here do, and I'm always so tired. 40+ hours a week, plus two classes, is a lot to endure. Work has been good so far; I had a rocky time last week because I got sick and called out, something I didn't want to do at all during my program. But an important piece of information I've learned lately is this: things happen. You can't control everything. People sleep in, people get sick, and these things are unevitable.
In other news, I really wanted to post this: if you have a car, bring it. I don't have a driver's license, and it is incredibly difficult to get around. American Coach, the company that runs the buses for the College Program, is unfortunately not the most reliable means of transportation. If you are like me, and must take the buses when you get down here, make sure you always plan ahead, and take the earlier bus than you think you need.
Alright, I think it's time for bed. I'm just so tired. Have a magical day!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
All it takes is faith and trust, and a little bit of pixie dust!
So sorry I haven't updated in forever! Things have been crazy busy.
So far, since the last post, I've been through Traditions, resort orientation (named "Welcome Home" for my resorts), First Impressions and my first two days of training (day 2 was today). I must admit, I almost cried during Traditions! The videos they show you of cast members are truly touching, and my facilitators, Annie and Amanda, made the class fun. I met a few new friends there as well! Resort orientation was fun! Arnold, my facilitator for that, was truly knowledgeable about the two resorts and showed us all the great things available at each. As he sent us off at the end of our course, he began to cry, exclaiming how excited he was that he was a part of each of our lives, when maybe one of us could end up being a Disney big shot one day. It was truly touching. I received my costumes for both resorts - 3 for Saratoga and 2 for Old Key West - and they're quite interesting. I'll make sure to post pictures soon. My Old Key West outfit is quite the sight.
A few days ago, I completed my four-day First Impressions course, an introductory training to my Front Desk role. My facilitators for that, Jaime and Kristina, who are Concierge at Coronado Springs and Polynesian, respectively, were absolutely wonderful, and were hilarious when role-playing certain check-ins. We checked in Buzz, Woody, Hamm, and a host of other Toy Story characters, even Emperor Zurg! My class only consisted of four people, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If Jaime and Kristina happen to read this, thank you guys so much for a fun-filled training class!
So far, I'm loving my role. As Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are both dedicated Disney Vacation Club resorts, I have the opportunity to work at both! These past two days, I've been training at Saratoga, learning the ropes with my trainer, Valene, who's great! I've learned where everything is there, and have checked in quite a few people, including some into our new Treehouse Villas that just opened today! The units are beautiful, and it's so exciting to see something new. I'm getting a lot of experience with different guest issues, and it's very cool to see how the whole Front Desk unit really works as a team. I'm at Old Key West on Thursday and Friday (at 6:45am each time - eek!), and am excited to try something else! The days go by fast, and though my feet hurt at the end of the day, I'm still left with a lot of energy. I truly love seeing everyone, and interacting with guests. Today I saw a little girl in our lobby dressed as Belle! She was so adorable, and it made me smile and love what I do.
Other than work, everything's been going great! I went with a few friends to see UP on Friday at Downtown Disney, and it was one of the best movies I've ever seen, animated or not. I love Pixar. Please see it! I've also been having a great time with my roommates. There have been a few issues here and there, but I think things will work out for the best in the end.
That's all for now. I'm going to try to update more often for my own sake. I have the next two days off, and am going to park-hop with the roommates!
Ta ta for now!
So far, since the last post, I've been through Traditions, resort orientation (named "Welcome Home" for my resorts), First Impressions and my first two days of training (day 2 was today). I must admit, I almost cried during Traditions! The videos they show you of cast members are truly touching, and my facilitators, Annie and Amanda, made the class fun. I met a few new friends there as well! Resort orientation was fun! Arnold, my facilitator for that, was truly knowledgeable about the two resorts and showed us all the great things available at each. As he sent us off at the end of our course, he began to cry, exclaiming how excited he was that he was a part of each of our lives, when maybe one of us could end up being a Disney big shot one day. It was truly touching. I received my costumes for both resorts - 3 for Saratoga and 2 for Old Key West - and they're quite interesting. I'll make sure to post pictures soon. My Old Key West outfit is quite the sight.
A few days ago, I completed my four-day First Impressions course, an introductory training to my Front Desk role. My facilitators for that, Jaime and Kristina, who are Concierge at Coronado Springs and Polynesian, respectively, were absolutely wonderful, and were hilarious when role-playing certain check-ins. We checked in Buzz, Woody, Hamm, and a host of other Toy Story characters, even Emperor Zurg! My class only consisted of four people, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If Jaime and Kristina happen to read this, thank you guys so much for a fun-filled training class!
So far, I'm loving my role. As Saratoga Springs and Old Key West are both dedicated Disney Vacation Club resorts, I have the opportunity to work at both! These past two days, I've been training at Saratoga, learning the ropes with my trainer, Valene, who's great! I've learned where everything is there, and have checked in quite a few people, including some into our new Treehouse Villas that just opened today! The units are beautiful, and it's so exciting to see something new. I'm getting a lot of experience with different guest issues, and it's very cool to see how the whole Front Desk unit really works as a team. I'm at Old Key West on Thursday and Friday (at 6:45am each time - eek!), and am excited to try something else! The days go by fast, and though my feet hurt at the end of the day, I'm still left with a lot of energy. I truly love seeing everyone, and interacting with guests. Today I saw a little girl in our lobby dressed as Belle! She was so adorable, and it made me smile and love what I do.
Other than work, everything's been going great! I went with a few friends to see UP on Friday at Downtown Disney, and it was one of the best movies I've ever seen, animated or not. I love Pixar. Please see it! I've also been having a great time with my roommates. There have been a few issues here and there, but I think things will work out for the best in the end.
That's all for now. I'm going to try to update more often for my own sake. I have the next two days off, and am going to park-hop with the roommates!
Ta ta for now!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
'Bout time!
I'm here! Currently, I'm sitting with my roommates in the dining room of our three bedroom at Chatham Square! These past couple of days have been so hectic and exhausting, but I'll recap a bit.
Mom and I left for Florida on Monday, driving down and ultimately stopping in Georgia at the end of the night. We got to central Florida around noon on Tuesday and I recouped a bit and got ready for the Meet N Greet dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. The dinner was a lot of fun (though it was literally hurricane-ing outside), and I met some great new people. My roommate, Jessie, and I were talking about the way everyone has already sort-of formed their groups - the tables were split in to about seven rows, and there was a lot of scatter. I had talked to a few people online, but am always nervous to go up to new people and introduce myself, even though I am somewhat outgoing - it takes me some time to get used to the situation, but once I do, I'm almost always talking. I did meet a few great new people, though! Thank you to Jaime Ray Soto for setting it up!
Wednesday (yesterday) was the longest day ever. I arrived at check-in around 7:45am, and got out of the car without realizing I had left my phone in it! I had no way of contacting the people I was going to meet up with. After some confusion, I found Jessie, who I'd met the day before, and we went through the line together. We ended up becoming roommates! We met another one of our new roommates, Joan, and then we drove to Chatham to check out our apartment, where we met another roommate, Francesca, and headed towards the bus to Casting.
Disney did something different this year - we actually registered for classes, fingerprinted, had a background check, and found out where we were working all in the same day we received our housing assignments! I am pleased to report that I am working Front Desk at....
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa!
I'm happy with my assignment - I had requested the Polynesian with my recruiter, or had hoped to get a monorail resort, but Saratoga is a great hotel, and I've actually stayed there more than any other Disney resort. I'm also happy about Saratoga because I'll be working at a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) resort! I have Traditions on Friday morning, my "Welcome Home" class is on Saturday morning, and then I don't have another class until Wednesday! In that time, I'm hoping to go to the parks once or twice with some new friends. My roommates, Francesca, Zahra, Pristina, Joan, and Jessie, are wonderful, and we all have different jobs and work locations!
That's all for now. I'll hopefully post pictures soon, and be sure to update after my first few classes if I don't fall asleep first!
Mom and I left for Florida on Monday, driving down and ultimately stopping in Georgia at the end of the night. We got to central Florida around noon on Tuesday and I recouped a bit and got ready for the Meet N Greet dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. The dinner was a lot of fun (though it was literally hurricane-ing outside), and I met some great new people. My roommate, Jessie, and I were talking about the way everyone has already sort-of formed their groups - the tables were split in to about seven rows, and there was a lot of scatter. I had talked to a few people online, but am always nervous to go up to new people and introduce myself, even though I am somewhat outgoing - it takes me some time to get used to the situation, but once I do, I'm almost always talking. I did meet a few great new people, though! Thank you to Jaime Ray Soto for setting it up!
Wednesday (yesterday) was the longest day ever. I arrived at check-in around 7:45am, and got out of the car without realizing I had left my phone in it! I had no way of contacting the people I was going to meet up with. After some confusion, I found Jessie, who I'd met the day before, and we went through the line together. We ended up becoming roommates! We met another one of our new roommates, Joan, and then we drove to Chatham to check out our apartment, where we met another roommate, Francesca, and headed towards the bus to Casting.
Disney did something different this year - we actually registered for classes, fingerprinted, had a background check, and found out where we were working all in the same day we received our housing assignments! I am pleased to report that I am working Front Desk at....
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa!
I'm happy with my assignment - I had requested the Polynesian with my recruiter, or had hoped to get a monorail resort, but Saratoga is a great hotel, and I've actually stayed there more than any other Disney resort. I'm also happy about Saratoga because I'll be working at a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) resort! I have Traditions on Friday morning, my "Welcome Home" class is on Saturday morning, and then I don't have another class until Wednesday! In that time, I'm hoping to go to the parks once or twice with some new friends. My roommates, Francesca, Zahra, Pristina, Joan, and Jessie, are wonderful, and we all have different jobs and work locations!
That's all for now. I'll hopefully post pictures soon, and be sure to update after my first few classes if I don't fall asleep first!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Are we there yet?
It has been so long since I've updated my DCP blog and talked with those of you going to the program and checking in when I am. I feel so out of the loop with the Skyping, private jokes, and vlogging. School has been really frustrating, time-consuming, and, at times, rewarding. I'd rather not talk about it, but it's time to look ahead to my excited next seven months in the Happiest Place on Earth!
My credit with school has been worked out, my On-Boarding Paperwork is finished, and my bags are packed. I leave tomorrow for a long car trip to Florida. I should be there around midday Tuesday, and have just enough time to put myself together before the Meet and Greet dinner! If you don't know what I look like, check my Facebook or Twitter for a picture of me.
I'm so excited to see all of you, and thrilled that the time is finally here to begin making magic! TTFN - ta-ta for now!
My credit with school has been worked out, my On-Boarding Paperwork is finished, and my bags are packed. I leave tomorrow for a long car trip to Florida. I should be there around midday Tuesday, and have just enough time to put myself together before the Meet and Greet dinner! If you don't know what I look like, check my Facebook or Twitter for a picture of me.
I'm so excited to see all of you, and thrilled that the time is finally here to begin making magic! TTFN - ta-ta for now!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"Concierge-Level" Hospitality
Just a little blurb.
I was reading on the Facebook DCP Fall '09 group that some Hospitality cast members are being called and offered "Concierge-Level" hospitality, a role that is not on the role checklist. I've never heard of that before, and must say I'm a little disappointed I wasn't offered this/haven't heard of it before.
Oh, well, must not frown! At least I am getting to experience this great opportunity, and soon! I just need to get on the ball with my advisors - they haven't been good about getting back to me lately.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
I was reading on the Facebook DCP Fall '09 group that some Hospitality cast members are being called and offered "Concierge-Level" hospitality, a role that is not on the role checklist. I've never heard of that before, and must say I'm a little disappointed I wasn't offered this/haven't heard of it before.
Oh, well, must not frown! At least I am getting to experience this great opportunity, and soon! I just need to get on the ball with my advisors - they haven't been good about getting back to me lately.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Disney Podcasts!
I'm not big on podcasts. I mostly read on the subway (current book: The Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life - I LOVE it so far), and very rarely listen to my iPod. Searching for Disney information one day, I downloaded a few but never had a chance to listen. I was tired on my way home last Wednesday and didn't really feel like reading, and decided to try out the "Inside the Magic" podcast, and was instantly in love. I love being able to get something accomplished during my long subway ride. Today, I'll take a lot at two very different but wonderful Disney podcasts - "Inside the Magic", and "WDW Today".
Inside the Magic
"Inside the Magic" is a Disney podcast created by Ricky Brigante. Ricky lives in Orlando and has the chance to go to Disney often. The podcast is published weekly, and includes tons of Disney information in a roughly hour-long podcast. There are tons of segments in the podcast, and Ricky has been trying to streamline them lately to shorten the show, as there's always so much information that the shows run very long! Also featured on the "Inside the Magic" podcast is Skipper Ben, a former Disney cast member who features stories about Disney as well as trivia. Many fans will also enjoy all the music Ricky plays - my favorite is the "Top For Today" music that comes from the information channel at the Disney hotels. The show is a comprehensive weekly recap of Disney news as well as a discussion of new Disney stuff!
WDW Today
WDW Today is published by four Disney lovers - Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, and Len Testa. All four are established Disney reviewers, and have published articles and books about Disney World. WDW Today differs from "Inside the Magic" in the fact that it publishes about three podcasts a week, all on different topics. They also feature one live show a month, which is great to try and get your questions about Disney answered. Lately I've been combing the archives for reviews and information on the Disney hotels, since I'll be in Hospitality, and have found a wealth of information.
I hope to post more soon - I've been going crazy with school, and when I'm not learning, I'm trying to catch up with friends and on precious sleep! I've also been shopping a bit for clothes for Disney, and may do a post for that just for us girls.
TTFN, ta ta for now!
Inside the Magic
"Inside the Magic" is a Disney podcast created by Ricky Brigante. Ricky lives in Orlando and has the chance to go to Disney often. The podcast is published weekly, and includes tons of Disney information in a roughly hour-long podcast. There are tons of segments in the podcast, and Ricky has been trying to streamline them lately to shorten the show, as there's always so much information that the shows run very long! Also featured on the "Inside the Magic" podcast is Skipper Ben, a former Disney cast member who features stories about Disney as well as trivia. Many fans will also enjoy all the music Ricky plays - my favorite is the "Top For Today" music that comes from the information channel at the Disney hotels. The show is a comprehensive weekly recap of Disney news as well as a discussion of new Disney stuff!
WDW Today
WDW Today is published by four Disney lovers - Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, and Len Testa. All four are established Disney reviewers, and have published articles and books about Disney World. WDW Today differs from "Inside the Magic" in the fact that it publishes about three podcasts a week, all on different topics. They also feature one live show a month, which is great to try and get your questions about Disney answered. Lately I've been combing the archives for reviews and information on the Disney hotels, since I'll be in Hospitality, and have found a wealth of information.
I hope to post more soon - I've been going crazy with school, and when I'm not learning, I'm trying to catch up with friends and on precious sleep! I've also been shopping a bit for clothes for Disney, and may do a post for that just for us girls.
TTFN, ta ta for now!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Lack of updates!
Just wanted to apologize for the lack of updates! Today was my first day back after a busy Spring Break. Once I have time, I will find a few new Disney/DCP things to update with.
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