Disney Geek

Just a sidebar. I'm pretty sure that all of my classmates have discovered that I'm a huge Disney geek. For once at least it's paying off, but still, when my professor asked if anyone knew what EPCOT stood for and I yelled it out immediately, not just because I know, but because I think it's the coolest thing ever, that totally blew my cover. Secrets out, I'm a nerd. 


Oh, in case you didn't know, it's Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow. True story.

Training Day

Today was training day 1! There's a LOT of training for my position. I'm in classes with other people from my program who are concierge and front desk. At this point all of us CP's (college program students) and ICP's (international college program, like me!) are divided up into groups by what position we are cast in. Oh, sidebar, I should fill you in on the Disney Language. Yes, I said Disney Language, capital D, capital L. There's a different language here, based upon the idea that we are all part of the the Disney show. We are not employees, we are cast members. We aren't at work, we are on stage, or back stage. We don't wear uniforms, we have costumes. We don't have customers, we have guests. It's pretty neat, it really helps to develop the corporate culture that makes Disney a fantastic place to work. So, now you'll know what I'm talking about when I say these things.

Moving along, where was I? Oh right, groups, casting. Got it. So, I'm in training with the other front office staff, just as the lifeguards are in training with the other lifeguards, etc. You get the picture. So, concierge is a very involved job. I have 4 days of training (8 hour days) at Disney University, today being day one. Then I have one day off and I begin my training within the resort, just front desk to start with, because I need to be able to function in both the front desk and concierge positions. Also next week, my Corporate Analysis class begins at Disney University. Big week!! At least all of us Canadians are in the same class, that makes me VERY happy. So then after 5 training shifts on the front desk, I go back to Disney University to train more specifically for concierge. So then I have another 3 days of training at the University and THEN, I begin my concierge position. LOTS of training. Which is great because I need to learn everything about not just Disney World, but also Orlando and the US in general. I felt really well prepared at class today, as you all know, I've been a Disney junkie since day one, so when our trainers went into detail about our resorts, I was very ready and already knew what they were talking about. That felt good, I love being prepared. I also got some work shoes today. Which is great because I really needed them, and I start work soon.

Oh, AND I have the best homework ever. Today they told us to get into the parks as much as possible to really get to know our surroundings. As a Concierge, I need to know everything about all the resorts, parks, and attractions, not just the one I'm working in. So tomorrow, Linds and I are doing some studying. The best kind of studying. Playing in Disney World!! And by playing I mean analyzing the park and making mental notes so as to be the best Concierge I can be! As they keep telling us, 'We Make Magic Moments!' I feel magically enhanced already!

Disney Traditions

So today was my Disney Traditions class, which is pretty cool. It's a class that's all about the Disney history and what they expect from us as cast members. We also got our nametags and Disney badges that let us get into the parks for FREE!!! Yay parks! It was really cool to learn all about the disney history, I'm getting really excited to get working!! Training starts tomorrow!! And then my first official day of work is next Tuesday!!

The inside of the training room

My new nametag!!

The name tag cases!!

West Hollywood

A few fun things that we did in LA, we went to the Roosevelt Hotel *click to see video* which was a favorite of Marilyn Monroe, whom  I adore (as I'm sure you already know) and many other celebrities. We also visited the wax museum!!!!

The Matrix, wax museum style!

Would you like a box of chocolate?

One of my top 3 favorite directors!!

My idol in wax. Not a great likeness, but an A for effort!!

AMAZING movie theatre in West Hollywood

The famous Roosevelt Hotel

.........

Sometimes I stop and realize that the next six months is going to change my life forever....

even just the two weeks in California (click for video link) have made an impact on who I am...I can't wait  see what happens next........

Video!!!!

So, after 3 days of me trying to make something awesome happen, I almost made it happen. Whether or not it's awesome, at least you can see what's going on here. This video is a little preview of my room, the staff recreation area (Mickey's Retreat) and some of my friends trying to pass their lifeguard tests. Just a sidebar, in each complex, we have a pool, jacuzzi, tennis court, etc. However, these are for staff ONLY. Even if you sign in a visitor, they can't use these areas. However, when we sign in visitors, we can bring them to Mickey's Retreat, where we can take paddle boats out onto the lake, swim in the pool, play ping pong or volleyball. And this lovely staff retreat is only moments away from my apartment! YES!! Check it out!!
Disney Tour!!!

Nexus

So after the Chek 6 interview, I did a little email interview for the Nexus newspaper, which is the Camosun College school newspaper. You can check it out by clicking this link right here: Nexus Article I know you want to see the photos from Universal Studiios and hear about my Disney training and see my staff accom, but for now, I'm on Christian's computer in the boys's house so I can't do any of that. We had a long day of paperwork, which I'll explain later, right now we're just cooking dinner after an hour of beach volleyball (there's courts in our staff accom) and I'm borrowing a computer. When I get home I'll work on some details! But this is just a little note!! Check out the article!!