I am so happy (as you can tell) that I have finally begun my training at Tower of Terror! It really is amazing to actually be at the place I have loved so much for so long! Of course, I cannot be sure of what's in store for me but I can be sure that I will try to make it the best experience that I can. Hopefully I will not be an outsider for long as it is always a little awkward making your way in a new place. I have always seemed to adjust pretty well to each job I have started, although it never gets easy no matter how many times it is done. I am also eager for my training to be completed even though I really don't mind it so much since it is where I want to be. Only time will tell the future and I'm pretty sure it looks fairly bright ;)
The picture at right is the place I will be spending a significant amount of my time for the next 4-plus months. It is clearly a good place for me since I have chosen to live it up here in the past, but I will obviously be here to work & not just to play. There is a little bit of worry that I won't be seeing it the same way as I did before I started working here, although that doesn't mean it has to end up in a negative way. There is always some risk involved when going to work at a place you love so much as a guest simply because of the fact that the insides of it (literally & figuratively) will be exposed. Of course, there is also the possibility that I may love it even more when it comes time to leave...& I choose to hope for the best.
Tomorrow will be my second day of training for Fantasmic! & I hope all goes well even though I am not too excited about taking on this particular job. I do want to do well, though, at my assignments because even if I am not fond of the work, the guests do not need to know that. All they should see is a cast member who is proud to work at Disney World. Of course, acting this way would be a little more difficult if I were not looking forward to switching locations/jobs. But even with first working crowd control for the show (& later the 3:00 parade & High School Musical show) I get to spend a significant amount of time around my favorite location in the park which is the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster courtyard also near Tower of Terror. It is always nice to earn money for being at a place you love.
So yesterday was my first day of location training. There was so much to take in in terms of instruction. Without actually seeing how things are done it can be very hard to learn the proper procedures, but I just have to try the best I can. It can be rather tough to show enthusiasm for this beginning part of my work as I am not yet at Tower of Terror. (I start there on Monday.) Right now I am basically an usher at the Fantasmic! show which is alright but not my ultimate goal. Thankfully, though, I have my anticipation for the fantastic Tower of Terror keeping me happy. And, as odd as it seems, I have another two days off with today and tomorrow. I really do want to get into some sort of work routine so I can feel more comfortable here.
This was a day for me to prepare to start work by getting the shoes I need to complete my costume. Even though I'm pretty sure, I hope I have all I need to get started on the right foot. I know that I will be nervous right before I begin, but some of that should also help me to adjust to the new surroundings. I still have a week left before I get to work at Tower so I guess that just means I can use that time to get more excited for what is to come. It may not always be easy or fun but I hope I enjoy it nonetheless and that I will show it in my performance. Also, just because I may not always be working at Tower of Terror does not mean I should slack off & not be concerned with the job I do. Working at Fantasmic! does not excite me nearly as much but I still need to make sure that I do a job I can be proud of. And, if nothing else, at least I get to see the show a few times!
So it's kind of funny to be having an off day when hardly any work has been done. I have only had 2 training classes which didn't really take too much energy. It has been nice to have some time to enjoy the parks, though, & I always love visiting them & going back to the places I love the most or seeing new ones. My roommate & I were actually going to go to Animal Kingdom first today but we didn't get started early enough so we just went to EPCOT with a couple other roommates. It was a nice time, as always, & I enjoyed spending time with the roommates who were there. Though we didn't experience it today, I am particularly looking forward to seeing the newly redone Captain EO for the first time. Because I have such a love for Michael Jackson I am just thrilled that Disney decided to pay tribute to him by bringing the '80s attraction back for guests to enjoy once again! (I will no doubt be back to report on how fantastic it was:) Other than that there are, of course, many other attractions I am happy to experience again, particularly Ellen's Energy Adventure since I am so in love with her. Hopefully I won't have an excessive amount of extra time on my hands, though, since I would like to work plenty of hours, but I am definitely looking forward to my free time spent in the beloved Disney parks!
Today was the day I toured Disney's Hollywood Studios, where I'll be working this fall. Because this will be my first time working in a park at Disney World I am especially excited about it. It will be nice to spend so much time in the middle of everything...& I know that it will be even nicer to spend that time at the Tower of Terror :D I am still having a hard time believing that I will actually be working where I have wanted to for so long & I just know it will be a fantastic experience for me! Obviously it won't be perfect, as no job is, but I am starting out really energized for it so I know that will help. I am NOT ashamed of my costume, which is kind of a first, & I look forward to actually putting it on. First, though, I will be working at the Fantasmic! show just for extra training (I guess) since that seems to be what the others in my area of the park are also doing. After about a week there I will start at the Tower & I am eager for that time to come.
On day 4 in Florida I was able to start getting paid which really is a lot of the reason I came here ;) Of course, I have been trying to have my chance to work at Tower of Terror but I do like getting paid for the work I do here as well. I wish it didn't require sitting through training classes so much but that's just how it must be & what helps to set Disney apart from other, competing companies; in the end, it really will pay off for those who truly care about their jobs & being successful at them. I, for one, do enjoy learning about the history of Disney & being reminded of its creator's legacy. It is always nice to know how the place you work for came to be, &, of course, Disney has a pretty good story to tell. Like any job [location] this one's not for everybody, but it's nice to know that I'm one of the ones it is. I, naturally, look forward to starting my training at my specific attraction & to form a routine that I can follow throughout my internship.
On day 3 in Florida this rain just won't let up! Yes, I am used to it from the last two times I was here, but that doesn't mean I prefer it. Thankfully, though, it doesn't affect park operations too much as most attractions are indoors. (Not that I mind being down for weather;) Since fall is on its way I do hope the weather will straighten out before it gets here. Today was another grocery day where the roommates were all working to get what we felt we needed in our apartment for the time being. It seems like we have a lot of food now but I know it won't last long enough. Oh well - such is life. I almost can't believe I'm going on 4 days being here but, at the same time, it sometimes feels like a bit longer. I'm constantly being told time will go fast, & it has for me both times before, but somehow I always seem to think that this time will be different. Anyway, tomorrow is the first day of getting paid so that means it's down to business, but I'm pretty ready for it since I am eager to get to my location, put in a good word for myself, & start work at the Tower of Terror :D
So here I am, once again living in the apartment complex of my choice: Chatham Square. I lived there both times before & was really hoping to do the same this time around. Not only am I at the same complex but I am in the building right behind both of the other buildings I was in for my last programs AND I am in the same room as well. Yes, I am pleased with how things have turned out in that respect & I do hope those living arrangements will assist in my having a good time at Disney. Also, I have been assigned the work location of Sunset Attractions at Hollywood Studios which is either Tower of Terror or Rock 'N' Roller Coaster! As you might imagine, I am overjoyed at the results of my efforts to continue with the program until I received the job location of my choice. I truly do look forward to starting work & I hope that it will greatly exceed my expectations for the semester.
I have now arrived at the point in time where I can actually write based on what is currently going on with me at Disney. I check-in tomorrow morning but arrived in Florida around 5 p.m. this evening. Of course, I am quite tired & not sure when I will be able to get a real good night sleep since life never seems to slow down in the college program. I do look forward to many things but it is always an adjustment for me to reaquaint myself with this somewhat odd & unfamiliar place. Thankfully, though, I do know my way around the area pretty well, even if I don't have a car to drive it. On the way to the hotel I was able to see 2 of my greatest loves in life which are the Tower of Terror (of course!) & my old place of employment at Cirque du Soleil. Both are/were very moving to see & I so look forward to spending more time "with" them. And speaking of Tower of Terror, I am a bit nervous to find out where I will be working for the semester, whether it's the specific ride or park. Naturally, I have my hopes but I don't want to get too cought up in them just in case I am disappointed. Even so, I am glad to finally be working with attractions at Disney World this time around:)
Magic Kingdom is indeed the park that comes to mind when people think of Walt Disney World. There is good reason for this, though, since it was the first park built for the popular vacation destination & is also quite similar to the original Magic Kingdom at Disneyland. Its opening in 1971 was the opening of Disney World as a theme park resort. As you already know, this park is made up of several different themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, & Mickey's Toontown Fair.
No matter which Land guests are enjoying, though, there are several "must-do" attractions within the park which include Mickey's PhilharMagic, Cinderellabration, Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, & The Haunted Mansion.
Another major part of Magic Kingdom, though not actually within the park, is the Transportation & Ticket Center. This section of park operations is quite important as it is relied on by ALL guests. Because the park is over a mile away from its parking lot, this is an essential element that provides convienience for guests. To get to Magic Kingdom they are given two options: travel through the Seven Seas Lagoon on a ferryboat or over the lagoon by monorail. (Trams are available to take guests from their vehicles to the ferryboat or monorail.)
Despite the fact that Walt Disney was not alive to see the opening of the park, he was quite active in the planning of it, even calling it The Florida Project. A major part of this plan was the intricate set of tunnels upon which the park is built. These tunnels allow for cast members to move around freely without being seen. They cover the entire park so cast members can be anywhere at anytime, whether in costume or not. It has also been said that this unseen section of the park is like an underground city, which is not too far off the mark. The Magic Kingdom tunnels have everything a cast member will need to report to work, all literally under the radar of any guests. It is quite a sight to see & one that will never be duplicated.
It is a common thought that this Land is only for kids, but the whole point of going to Disney World is to bring out the child within you, so it should really appeal to almost anyone. In Toontown, guests can be sure they will "run into" their favorite characters as this is where Mickey & Minnie's houses are, & there is another permanent location where other beloved characters reside. I would recommend this Land to anybody who is a child or wants to be one in a place with plenty of fun for all:
Mickey's Country House-"Here's your chance to tour the 'cartoony' abode of the 'Big Cheese' himself."
Minnie's Country House-"The house is decorated in Minnie's favorite color: pink!"
The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm-"Here, would-be pilots have the 'opporTOONity' to fly above Goofy's farm & right through his barn."
Donald's Boat-"An interactive fountain anchored in a blue duck pond."
Mickey's Toontown Fair Depot-"Hop aboard the steam train & journey around the Magic Kingdom Park."
The Barnstormer is a cute & fun roller coaster that is my favorite part of Toontown. I like it because it is a silly roller coaster that anyone can enjoy. It is not meant to be anything other than fun in the simplest of ways, not to mention it belongs to Goofy himself. What an enjoyable time this is to just be a kid once again or even for the first time:)
The future that never was is finally here. If you love the thought of a totally out of this world future then you will be a fan of Tomorrowland! Such a place is loaded with fun based on imaginative concepts that call for a much needed suspension of reality. Believing in the impossible is what Disney is all about, but this Land of Tomorrow takes that one step further & actually does it. So much is based on the imagination that can only take place in the mind, & yet there is room to give those thoughts a place to grow...in Tomorrowland, with some fantastical attractions:
Space Mountain Attraction-"Blast off for a superpower rocket ship ride through the galaxy."
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin-"Hitch a ride with some of your favorite 'Toy Story' characters."
Timekeepers (open seasonally)-"Meet famous inventors & visionaries of the Machine Age."
Astro Orbiter-"Pilot your own spacecraft high above Tomorrowland Area."
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway-"Drive your own race car around a twisting, turning track."
Tomorrowland Transit Authority-"Tour Tomorrowland Area aboard ingenious transportation."
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (open seasonally)-"A tour of technological progress from the beginning of the 20th century to the near future."
Ever since the first time I went to Disney World, at age 9, the Carousel of Progress was a highlight for me in Tomorrowland. I still enjoy it very much & love the story it tells! It is fun to look back over time & see how life has changed, especially in terms of technology. Parts of the attraction are humorous, particularly when it comes to the things they never thought possible that seem like no big deal today. It is also a relaxing break from the outdoor elements that are so unpredictable.
Here is a Land that brings the fun like no other! There is truly some uniquely delicious food & are plenty of can't-miss attractions. Spending time in Adventureland is like walking through an exotic jungle that is filled with happiness! Aladdin & Jasmine are there, along with Timon & Rafiki, & you may even be able to find Captain Hook & Captain Jack. (Do not forget Mr. Smee, either!) Guests are guaranteed to cherish their time spent here & will hopefully make time to return to a few of the best-loved attractions Adventureland has to offer:
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin-"Ride a magic carpet into a world of make-believe & adventure."
Pirates of the Caribbean-"Take a wild voyage with the lovable Pirates of the Caribbean."
Jungle Cruise-"Travel on the rivers of four different continents."
The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management-"Join Iago & Zazu on their latest adventure as managers of The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management."
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House-"Relive the Disney classic 'Swiss Family Robinson'."
J.P. and the Silverstars-"Get into the rhythm of the West Indies with this Caribbean steel drum band."
As someone who loves Adventureland & every part of it, it can be hard to pick a favorite attraction out of all it has to offer. But I have come to favor one over the others, & that is the Jungle Cruise. It is a delightful boat ride that is something like a comedy show on the water. This ride is perfect entertainment for ANY age & will surely be remembered by all who choose to embark on such a lively adventure!
Even for those who are not a fan of country music or the old west, this Land ignores that & brings all kinds of people together to enjoy it. It is such a fun place to spend part of your day at & also has some tasty food to eat. And though the sun may beat down on the blacktop walkway, there is opportunity for relief. No two attractions are the same in this Land which is guaranteed to provide a fun time for each person who visits:
Splash Mountain Attraction-"Scream into the Briar Patch on a five-story drop."
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Attraction-"Zip in & out of a deserted gold mine on a runaway mine train."
Country Bear Jamboree-"Music performance by twenty life-sized bears."
Frontierland Area Depot-"The Walt Disney World Railroad Frontierland Area Station."
Frontierland Area Shootin' Arcade-"Use infrared rifles to hit targets & trigger silly sight & sound gags."
Tom Sawyer Island-"A retreat designed by Walt Disney himself."
Frontierland is definitely the Land where I have the most trouble identifying a favorite attraction, simply because each one is so different from the others. Right now, I would say it is a tie between Splash Mountain & Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (though I love Tom Sawyer Island, too). Those two rides are the most similar so maybe that is why I enjoy them both about the same. I favor Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for the simple reason that it is a roller coaster, even just a small one. With Splash Mountain, there is a big hill & a few smaller ones, but I mostly love the story that is woven into the ride which is a fun [& adorable] experience!
Even though this Land has one of the most beloved rides in the park, it is often forgotten; the fact that it is so small may have something to do with this. Liberty Square is an important part of the park in that its focus is the heritage of America. Essentially, it provides guests with an entertaining way to become educated about their country or the country they have come to visit. Such a Land is a great place for families to learn together & hopefully take that positive experience away with them back home:
Goofy's Country Dancin' Jamboree-"Kick up your heels with Goofy & friends, including stars of Disney Pixar's Toy Story 2."
The Haunted Mansion-"Take a chilling, thrilling romp around a happy haunting ground of startling special effects."
The Hall of Presidents-"A sweeping tribute to the office of the Presidency & the history of the United States of America."
Liberty Square Riverboat-"Tour the Rivers of America aboard this authentic three-tiered paddle boat."
Mike Fink Keel Boats-"Davy Crockett's buddy takes you on an up-close tour of the Rivers of America."
My second favorite ride/attraction in all of Walt Disney World is located in this Land & it is The Haunted Mansion. (I love it so much that I would not mind adding my spirit to such a fun atmosphere:) Whether during Halloween, Christmas, or any other time of the year, this Mansion is home to a great amount of fun that you are sure to want to experience over & over again. This ride brilliantly makes death seem much less scary &, though it is completely unrealistic, it provides a unique way of looking at something people tend to shy away from.
People will often say that it is not good to live in a fantasy world, but here is a place where EVERYONE is encouraged to live there. Life in fantasy is intended to be all happy all the time, which would normally be an impossibility; and it certainly is not practical, but that is what makes it so much fun. This Land has the most attractions which often means the most people at one time. Guests do not have to worry about being bored in Fantasyland when there is so much to see:
Mickey's PhilharMagic-"Immerse yourself in a magical 3-D adventure starring Mickey Mouse & a symphony of surprises."
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh-"Hop aboard a 'hunny' pot & get ready for adventure."
"it's a small world"-"A musical tour featuring children from nations all over the world."
Dumbo the Flying Elephant-"Whirl high above Fantasyland aboard your very own Dumbo!"
Cinderella's Golden Carousel-"Gallop around & around on one of 90 handmade wooden steeds, while listening to your favorite Disney music."
Mad Tea Party-"Board a giant tea cup & party around."
Peter Pan's Flight-"Douse yourself with pixie dust & take a fantasy voyage to Never Land."
Snow White's Scary Adventures-"The Evil Queen has taken a back seat in this favorite of Fantasyland area, featuring Snow White as never before."
Mickey's PhilharMagic would have to be my favorite Fantasyland attraction because it is such a delightful experience! Though it officially belongs to Mickey, Donald is its adorable host who travels through several different Disney classics equipped with special 3-D & aromatic effects. It is such a fun experience that all who love Disney are sure to enjoy. (I know I do!)
Disney's version of small town America in the early 1900's.
If you have never been here it is not too hard to imagine what it must be like. The ideal classical American street is filled with charm & happiness that brings people together to enjoy a time when life was much simpler. And though this popular Street does not have any rides, it does have a few well-loved attractions that guests insist upon coming back to time & again:
Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams Fireworks-"This incredible pyrotechnic display fills the sky with a rainbow of color."
SpectroMagic Parade-"Witness all the brilliant magic."
Share a Dream Come True Parade-"A magical parade of giant Disney snow globes with characters & stories that have touched hearts through the years."
Walt Disney World Railroad-"Narrow-gauge steam trains take you on a nostalgic journey around the Magic Kingdom Park."
Main Street, U.S.A. Area Vehicles-"Ride down Main Street, U.S.A. area on a horse-driven trolley, omnibus, jitney, horseless carriage, or fire engine."
Cinderella's Surprise Celebration-"This live show at the Castle Forecort Stage features your Disney favorites; meet the characters afterwards."
Without a doubt, my personal favorite is Wishes; it has such beautiful music & great storytelling that has surely helped it to become as popular as it is. As with many Disney productions, this show has some sentimental value that makes it so special, & not just to me but to many others who stay to see it. Of course, Main Street is so much more than this spectacular show, but it certainly is the most magical. I so look forward to seeing it again & living out my own sentimental wishes.
Normally, I would prefer to post my overview summary of the Magic Kingdom first, but a fellow Disney fanatic gave me the wonderful idea to write about each of the 7 different themed lands in more detail beforehand. (Rest assured, the summary is still on its way.) As someone who has been to this particular park more times than I can count, I feel as though I know it pretty well (up to 2008) & would like to share that knowledge with you here. Each land is, of course, unique & fun in its own way, although I do have my favorite. The funny thing is, though, that my favorite ride at the park is not in my favorite land; just goes to show you can find fun in every part of the park. So here's to Adventureland which is not the land of The Haunted Mansion; I look forward to returning to both!
For my first go around of the Disney College Program I was fortunate enough to receive college credit from a school I did not even attend. (I was considered a "guest student".) The school was Central Michigan University & the course credit I received was for Fieldwork from the Department of Recreation, Parks, & Leisure Services Administration. My faculty instructor/mentor was Dean Wallin who was quite helpful in guiding me through the program. What follows is the essay I was assigned to write which gives somewhat of an idea of my experience the first time around & reflects on how I felt about the whole journey. As you will be able to see, I was given a series of questions to answer based on three different topics which gave me the chance to elaborate on my time in the program. I hope that it gives you a good idea of what to expect & causes you to look forward to the College Program, if you choose to participate.
Work Experience 1) Describe your position and work site. -During my time spent at Disney World, I worked as a housekeeper at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It was located between EPCOT & MGM (now Hollywood) Studios. My position required me to work alongside about 20 other housekeepers on a daily basis for five days a week. For those five days, from 8am to 4:30pm, I cleaned 17 guest rooms with an average of five to six checkouts a day. The hotel I worked at was extremely large so about 45 minutes of my shift was spent just getting from place to place.
2) Describe & evaluate your orientation and training. From your perspective, what additions or deletions should be made? -My orientation was not terribly extensive but I did feel as though pretty much all of the important information I needed to know was covered. It also took place over several days, at several different locations, so it was never boring. Training-wise, though, I felt I received better informational training from my manager than I did formal training from my actual trainer. I spent two days working with her but I felt there was quite a bit she did not inform me of which I later, more fully discovered when I was retrained after about two months.
3) Describe and evaluate the supervision you received at your work location. -The supervision I received at my work location seemed adequate enough for me. In fact, I would have to say it was above & beyond adequate because of the exceptional manager I had, along with the other friendly housekeepers I worked with. My manager was always able to assist me with whatever I needed, & because she was so approachable I never hesitated to ask her for help. She also never caused me to feel incompetent but encouraged me on a regular basis. And even on the days she was off the managers who filled in for her were supportive as well. For me, good supervision was key in helping my job go smoothly.
4) What was the most and least enjoyable part of your position? Why? -I would have to say that the most enjoyable part of my position as a housekeeper at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort was without a doubt the people I worked with & a majority of the people I worked for. They certainly had a positive, lasting impact on my life. Being surrounded by those good people made a difference in my level of motivation, as it generally increased the better I got to know them. I definitely worked with some unforgettable people & am a better person because of it/them. Unfortunately, though, my job was not all good all the time. The least enjoyable part of my position was the pressure I felt to get done on time every day. With a maximum of 17 rooms to clean & an average of five to six of those being checkouts, my energy seemed to run out faster every day, though there were times I felt I was getting used to the cycle of work &, therefore, felt less tired; but that was not the majority of the time. Thankfully, though, this downfall did not hamper my amazing experience.
5) In regard to your own experience, do you feel you went above and beyond what was expected of you? If yes, how? If no, what could you have done? -Looking back at my Disney College Experience, I felt that I went above & beyond what was expected of me by never calling in sick. Though it was allowed & all of the other students seemed to be doing it, I just did not feel it was something I should take advantage of if I did not need to (& I didn't). (I did leave early because of the flu once, though, but I still never called in.) I also went above & beyond by not complaining as much about my job as many of those around me did, though I was not without my moments. I also tried my best to answer questions from guests whenever I was at Disney, even if they had nothing to do with my specific area of "expertise". I wanted people to see that I was a helpful person whether they knew I was a cast member or not & I think, for the most part, they did.
Learning Experience 6) Evaluate the Disney course(s) you took and compare it with other college courses you have taken. Did the course(s) meet your expectations? Why did you choose the course(s) you did? Who was your instructor and rate their teaching ability on a scale of 1-5 (5 being high). -During my time on the Disney College Program I took one class, but it was not an academic class; it was part of the Disney Exploration Series which looks at how Disney itself does business. There were a variety of classes to choose from as part of this series & I chose to take the Guest Services class. It was an enjoyable class that covered different guest relation issues such as food service, merchandise, resorts, & ride operations. The class lasted eight weeks & focused on a different topic each week. Given that it was not an officially academic class, it was far more interesting than a regular school class. It was laid back & in an ideal setting (Walt Disney World, to be more specific). The teacher, Jason Klees, was energetic & fun to listen to; on a scale of one to five, with five being the best, he was definitely a five. He really seemed to have a genuine interest in the subject, as well as a genuine interest in us as students. He also gave everyone an equal chance to speak out in class & he listened to us when we did. During the course, & looking back on it, I am glad I took it. It helped me look at guest services in a more in depth way & I enjoyed seeing how Disney approaches it, from an insider's point of view.
7) What kind of cultural experience was this for you? Why? Include an overview of your living experience. -Culturally, I definitely think that this experience was good for me. I had the opportunity to be surrounded by a variety of cultures while still in my own. I will admit it was not easy at first & it took me awhile to become open to the many differences I was surrounded by. I even learned a few things about my own culture & the great variety of people who are a part of it. My living arrangements helped me to see this as I lived in a three bedroom apartment with five other girls. It was a nice setup that was fully furnished with a cable & Internet hookup that cost just $73 a week. (I thought it was a good price for all that was included.)
8) Discuss the practical "politics" that you encountered while working in the program. What did you learn from this? -In terms of the practical "politics" I encountered while working in the program, I learned that Disney is very particular about the appearance of their cast members & want them to look presentable at all times. Disney will not allow racial discrimination & works hard to prevent it; this is more obvious in the great variety of nationalities that work there. In working for Disney, it is also clear that they care for their employees & show that through various benefits.
9) Has this experience helped you make or affirm your education/career choice? How so? What is your college major? -When I began the Disney College Program I was a psychology major who wanted to be a psychologist; now that I have finished a semester of the college program I am still a psychology major who wants to be a psychologist. Though my ultimate career aspiration has not changed, I have decided I would like to work more for Disney & maybe even combine it with psychology somehow in the future. When I started the program I was sure that would be my one & only time working for The Mouse, but I am now even more sure I want to go back because it was a priceless experience for me.
10) How does this experience help you return to college life and the classroom? -In general, it was quite an adjustment to go back to the way college life & the classroom were before I went to Disney, but it is working out alright. Of course, things have changed, & I am not the same person I was before I worked at Disney World, but that does not mean there is anything wrong with going back to my old college routine. I have discovered new & better ways to interact with others that I believe will help me back at home. I have also learned to be even more independent & to try new things without being so hesitant &/or afraid.
11) How would you justify this opportunity as an educational experience worth college credit?-I really believe this experience was worth college credit because it kept me busy & was a new experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to learn inside & outside of a classroom, & I took the chance to do both. It also helped me explore other career possibilities that are out there, even if I have so far chosen NOT to pursue them.
College Program 12) Would you recommend the Disney College Program to other college students? Why or why not? -I certainly would recommend the Disney College Program to other college students! Of course, there is no guarantee other students would like it as much as I did because a great deal of it depends on the student's attitude going in. Naturally, that attitude can, & oftentimes will, change but that does not mean a person has no control over their own experience. The college program expectations & overall experiences are clearly laid out so the students participating do not have much of an excuse as to not knowing the agenda. Going back to my recommendation, it was a positively life changing experience for me & I think it can be the same for anyone else who does it as well.
13) Were the expectations you had for the college program met? -I think the expectations I had for the college program were largely exceeded because I did make friends with amazing people, as I was told beforehand I would. I received valuable work experience from a well-known & respected company. I moved out of my comfort zone to participate in the program & came through overly satisfied with my experience. I think the major factor which determines that my expectations were exceeded is that I want to return to work for Disney, whether through the college program or not.
14) Did you participate in any volunteer opportunities (i.e. "Give Kids the World" or other programs/events)? Was it a valuable experience? -Unfortunately, I did not participate in any volunteer opportunities while working for Disney & I wish I had. I know it would have added to my already wonderful experience & I plan to make that change the next time I go there.
15) Conclusion: Give a documented overall evaluation of what this experience meant to you. What did you gain from this experience that you lacked before? What would you still like to improve upon? -Overall, this experience was by far the best thing I have done with my life up to this point. Going into it I was, honestly, terrified; coming out of it I was overjoyed. It was certainly not an easy experience but I learned a great deal from it & I know that is part of why it was such a great experience for me & want to return. I admit, though, that when I do return I want to have a better overall attitude towards my specific job as there were definitely times when I probably did not show guests my enthusiasm for the job. It can be difficult to remember that I am constantly being watched while I am working & I need to be positive at all times, especially when I do not want to. A job is a job no matter where I work & I need to do my best at whatever it is!
Summer 2008 was when I had one of the most amazing jobs I could ever have, but not at all because of the work itself (though that wasn't too bad). It was the job that personally introduced me to Cirque du Soleil, which certainly was not something I was prepared for. To me, this all-human circus was only for people well-off enough to go to Vegas or some foreign country. Little did I know, it was closer than I thought. I would even be blessed to get over my lifelong fear of clowns :)
To fully understand what this job meant to me, you have to know the mindset I was in before I began my role as a quick-service food & beverage Cast Member at the La Nouba show. To start with, I wasn't terribly excited to do food service, but it was the only role that even remotely appealed to me out of the limited few they offered for the Summer Alumni Program. The most nerve-wracking part of beginning a new job in food service, though, was finding out my work location. (And for anyone who has already done the College Program, & knows a thing or two about it, the suspense of waiting to learn where you'll work is agonizing.) So as I waited for THE NEWS with my five roommates, I was praying I would be placed in one of the parks. Well, as I would soon discover, that was not to be. I was literally devastated when I was told I'd be working concessions at Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney. All I knew was that I wanted to work in a park & it suddenly felt like I never would. And even after other people told me I was "lucky" to work at the show because it was so amazing, I still wasn't sure but that didn't really matter because I did not have a choice.
Fast forwarding about a month, after a brief time at DisneyQuest while the circus was on a break, my eyes were opened to one of the most amazing experiences I would ever have. Although most of the people in my inner circle were not familiar with such a famous & unique form of entertainment, I was & it did not take long for me to become enamoured of these incredibly talented acrobats who were able to do things no human should ever be able to do. It was not at all unusual to come face to face with any one of the performers on a daily basis & there was just something pretty neat about those occurrences. (I cannot say enough about what those confrontations meant to me!) I even had the extreme privilege of forming a very small friendship with one of the "clowns"; & what a change that was from being scared of them to having them be my favorite part of the show:)
Each day of work went by faster than the one before it & all because my life was being overrun by this fantastical circus! I had never even been able to imagine this at any other point in my life & now I was actually living it. How could I have ever doubted that this was the place for me right at this time??
Looking back on my job for Disney at Cirque du Soleil, I cannot possible see how my life would have been without it & I certainly don't want to try. I now have a new passion for this world of fantasy that can't quite be explained. I am no longer afraid of clowns like I had always been;) I look at myself as crazy to have ever thought this job would not be for me. I had no problem adapting to the job I was assigned & even ended up enjoying mine better than my roommates enjoyed theirs. (And, believe me, I did not think that would EVER happen!) I have not ruled out one day going back to work there, but a large part of me simply wants to leave things the way they were & just remember what a magical experience it was...& I'm pretty sure that what I had was exactly what Walt Disney would have wanted:)
Anticipation can often be the best part of a good experience. When looking forward to something we are excited about it seems to help other parts of life go more smoothly (for me, anyway). With the exception of what others may tell us, our view in anticipation is untainted because we have not yet gone through the experience. And even if something has been done before there is still the hope that it will be better than ever the next time around. This is the way I view my anticipation in preparing for the Disney College Program once again. Having done it before there are expectations I have because of what I have experienced before. There is anticipation for the good and the bad, though it may always be different the next time around. I may not be able to control every part of my experience but I can still try to do things differently. Some things I will never want to change, though, because of how great they were the first time; other things I will be desperate to change (or not let happen again). Some places at Disney World I can hardly wait to get back to. There are moments I will only be able to experience there and I certainly look forward to storing up some wonderful memories that may last forever. The opportunities are endless and it is so important to make the most out of this college program! There is no question that the program is what you make of it, so your level of anticipation ahead of time could help determine the amount of fun later on. Look at it in a positive light and it will be more likely to end well too. Believe in an amazing journey and this may become one!
As you might expect, the holidays at Walt Disney World are an extraordinary time to visit and are even more fantastical as a cast member! To have the entire season to celebrate at Disney is really something else! I have had the privilege to work there during this time and have chosen to return for a reason, even if I may not know for sure what that reason is just yet. People often refer to Christmas as a magical time of year and what better place to celebrate it than at the place "where magic lives"?? It is naturally more crowded during the holidays but no less enjoyable. The decorations are intricate and the celebrations are endless. It is also a fantastic place to learn how other cultures celebrate the season and the meaning that lives behind it for them (particularly at EPCOT). Christmas is infused in every part of Disney World at this time and it is certainly worth the added time and money it costs to enjoy. For many it may be a once in a lifetime experience and even more may never get to see it at all. Either way, it can not be enjoyed like this anywhere else in the world. But it hardly more than seems like the season is beginning and it's time to finish up. Not a moment can be wasted when this type of magic is in the air. Sure, it may sound pretty corny when put like that, but it is a truthful statement. Ask anyone who has been on Disney property around Christmas and they will surely tell you of how wonderful it can be.
Ok, so maybe I exaggerate a little, but I feel there are certain things I know from being in the College Program twice before that I wouldn't have known otherwise. Admittedly so, it is rather tough to say what has been learned without sounding like a know-it-all, but I plan to try. My point is to give others a heads up as to what may be expected & hopefully be of some help. Bear in mind that this is only based on one student intern's working & living at Walt Disney World & that it may not even be the same for me as I soon embark on a third time around. ~ Though most people complain about the bus system, it really isn't that bad. (Just leave early.)
~ Even if you're not a smoker, living with smokers isn't all bad. (I lived with several & never had a problem; I barely noticed.)
~ One TV in the apartment may seem like a stretch, but you learn to like each other's shows pretty quickly.
~ Putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher, instead of leaving them in the sink, is a small but very important & considerate gesture. (Far too many frustrations have arisen from this issue.)
~ Sharing your roommates' food may be totally fine, but ask anyway just to be safe.
~ Bringing your own car is certainly more convenient, but saving money on gas by leaving it at home isn't bad either.
~ If you eat in the parks everyday, or nearly everyday, your bank account WILL suffer!
~ Graduation is not mandatory, but it is a fun experience that is worth your time.
~ Be open to many "firsts" in your life during the program (as long as they don't make you uncomfortable), because they will happen & should be a lot of fun :)
~ If you're looking to accumulate a significant amount of savings from your income, then this program probably isn't for you (though there are always exceptions).
~ Taking an education course during your internship is NOT a waste of time, even if you're just doing it for fun.
~ Every apartment complex has advantages & disadvantages.
~ The most important parts of The Disney Look are little things like hair, nails, & tattoos (especially at Traditions).
~ You can always find a reason to complain about your job, but it will be a much better experience if you look for the positive.
~ Unless you have no interest in the parks themselves, take every opportunity to use your free entrance & do all that you can to get to know the many amazing man-made wonders of Walt Disney World!
~ It's best not to look at everything with clouded vision & know that real life goes on...even at Disney World.
~ Being considerate with the thermostat is just as important as everything else; just because it gets hot outside doesn't mean it has to freeze inside ;)
~ Realize that your "best friends" in the program may not stay that way & your "enemies" don't have to (stay enemies) either.
~ Even though the program is longer than any Disney vacation you'll ever take, know that it is not possible to do all it has to offer in a single season. (That's all the more reason to do it again!)
~ You will be the most-loved roommate in the apartment if you are a good cook :D
~ Despite the fact that Disney is all around you, it is easy to forget that you live & work at such a "magical" place. (There is a day-to-day grind you will go through.)
~ Roommates may change as often as cast members get new costumes (for various reasons).
~ It is best not to leave for work (or anything else) upset or angry with any of your roommates because you WILL have to face them later.
~ Do not, under any circumstances, overestimate the power of the toilets in your apartment; bring or buy a real plunger because they overflow at the drop of a hat!
Your name? Stephanie King Are you legal (over 21)? yes (will be 24 on Oct. 19) Male or female? female Gay, straight, or bi (optional)? straight Where do you live? Grand Rapids, Michigan What role will you have at Disney? Attractions! What are your arrival/departure dates/program? Fall (8/23/10-1/7/11) Which apartment complex would you prefer to live at? Chatham! How many roommates/rooms would you like (1-7 roommates, 1-4 rooms)? 3-5 roommates, 2-3 rooms Do you like to party? Will you be hosting parties in your apartment? I like to a little bit, & it depends on my roommates (but hopefully not all the time;). What's your favorite food &, more importantly, can you cook? I love anything Italian or Mexican (esp. spicy foods), & yes I can cook but I don't love to do it. If your friends could describe you i 3 words what would they be? understanding, funny, friendly What kinds of movies/music do you like? I like most kinds of music (w/a couple exceptions) & also a variety of movies except for most chick-flicks, sci-fi, or action (are always exceptions though:) ~ favorite singer is Lady Gaga, favorite group is Black Eyed Peas, favorite movie is "The Phantom of the Opera". Do you smoke &, if so, inside or outside? I don't, but I also don't mind being around those who do...as long as it's not in my face lol. Do you drink (socially or alcoholic)? socially, but I'm able to live w/out it too (& would I really tell you if I were an alcoholic? lol) Are you a night person or a morning person? NIGHT :D ...but I can be very quiet so I won't bother those who are sleeping! Are you driving or flying down? flying (unless a miracle occurs:) What do you do for fun? read & write, hang out w/friends & family a lot, listen to music, watch movies & TV, go dancing, keep up w/Disney stuff :) What is your favorite quote? too many to narrow down What are you most excited about in being in the WDWCP? meeting new people, gaining more hospitality/career experience, being reunited w/the Tower or Terror :D Favorite things to do when not working? go out to eat, sleep, watch TV, just relax, play in the parks (if at Disney) One good quality about yourself? loyal One bad quality about yourself? worrier Your college? Grand Valley State University (in MI) Your major? Hospitality & Tourism Management Any medical conditions (optional)? nothing major Are you messy or tidy? I can be both, but not in an obnoxious way, & I am very clean! Anything else you want to state? I am totally obsessed w/the Tower of Terror & have been on it over 230 times!!! Favorite Disney movie? Robin Hood How many times have you been to Disney? 3 times for Disney World & 1 time for Disneyland Favorite park? Hollywood Studios Favorite ride? guess... ;) Favorite show? IllumiNations @ EPCOT Favorite resort? Boardwalk Favorite dining? Planet Hollywood, House of Blues, & Rainforest Cafe (all @ Downtown Disney) Favorite character? Goofy :)
If you love any part of the zoo then you are sure to love Animal Kingdom, because Animal Kingdom is the ultimate zoo! This one-of-a-kind theme park has been in existence since 1998 & is certainly well-loved, though not quite as popular as the other three. Because it is so large, Animal Kingdom is split into 7 themed areas: Oasis, Discovery Island, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia, & DinoLand U.S.A. As evidenced by the titles, each area has a different focus & provides a wealth of activity for everyone in the family. Of course, the main focus of the park is its unique animal population which provides guests with many learning opportunities. There is also no shortage of education at this magical place & the animals help to make it seem more fun & worthwhile. And although there is no nighttime fireworks show due to the animals, there is a parade that takes place every day which guests really seem to enjoy. Animal Kingdom may be the largest Disney theme park in size but it only features 3 table-service restaurants & 5 quick-service restaurants. Rainforest Cafe, Yak & Yeti, & Tusker House are the sit-down restaurants; Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus, Tamu Tamu Refreshments, & Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe are the fast-food restaurants. Just like in the othetr parks, there are also food carts & stands throughout the park. Besides the fact that this zoo is also an amusement park, Disney uses this place to bring its conservation efforts to the forefront. Because of this, the park closes earlier than the others & even when it stays open later the animals are put to bed a couple hours beforehand. It is because Walt Disney was a champion of animal conservation himself that Animal Kingdom is such a special place to spend some quality time with those you love.
Why would you be a perfect fit for the specific role you want to perform?
I believe that I would be a perfect fit as an Attractions Cast Member because I have such an enormous passion for all kinds of attractions & have since I was very young! I never tire of riding my favorite rides over & over & seeing the most entertaining shows multiple times. And if I have so much fun with various attractions, how much more would I enjoy being the one who helps provide that fun to others like myself?!
If a guest wanted a room that was not available how would you handle it?
If a guest wanted to stay in a room that was unavailable I would first suggest giving them a different room. If that was ineffective, I'd see if they were okay with staying in another resort with similar costs. But if they did not like that idea either, I would try giving them a room we currently had & then transfer them to their desired room when one opened up.
How would you respond to a 4-year-old girl who wants to ride Space Mountain but is too short?
If I worked at Space Mountain & was faced with a 4-year-old girl (or boy) who wanted to ride it but was not tall enough, I would make sure she, & whoever she was with, understood that the height requirement was there to ensure safety. Knowing this might not be a satisfactory response, I would suggest another ride she could go on that was similar. I would make sure she knew that there were plenty of other rides she would enjoy. (It would also be important that I talked directly to her & not just her parents.)
What would you do if a guest wanted a certain "souvenir" & your particular shop was out of it? What if that item was not located anywhere in the park or hotel where you worked?
If a guest wanted a certain souvenir & the shop I worked at no longer had the item, I would find out if & when we would be getting more & let the guest know; if a different shop had it I would let them know that too. But if no park or hotel had it I would suggest looking online. And if the souvenir was coming in after they left, I would see if it could be sent to them at home.
How would you "handle" a child who is scared to meet their favorite Disney character?
As a Cast Member, if I came across a child who was scared to meet their favorite Disney character, I would begin by getting down on their level & letting them know that I used to be scared too. I would explain & try to show them that they are friendly & excited to see each & every person who comes to meet them!
What do you feel are the main responsibilities of a seating host?
I feel that the main responsibilities of a seating hostess include, of course, welcoming the guests into the restaurant, ensuring that their wait is as short as possible & that their seating is to their liking, help clean up any accidents or messes left by anyone, clean up empty tables & assist servers when needed, & maybe even provide a little entertainment while they wait to be seated :)
What is one specific example of good guest service?
One specific example of good guest service would be when a guest is placed in a resort room with dirty sheets &, as a housekeeping manager, I would not only make sure the room is thoroughly cleaned right away, but also find out if they would prefer to switch rooms. Of course, I would sincerely apologize & let them know that such an incident is far below our Disney standards. I may also check with other higher-ups at the hotel to see if there is any other compensation we can give them.
How do you feel about speaking in front of groups of varying sizes?
When it comes to speaking in front of groups of varying sizes, I am much more comfortable with it than I used to be, though I am definitely nervous at first. I truly enjoy interacting with & relating to people in this way!
Recall a specific positive, memorable experience you have had as a College program intern (with living, learning, or earning). One of my most cherished memories as a student in the Disney College Program is from when my roommates & I had a birthday party for one of our other "roommates". I'd say there were about 20 people there throughout the night & the party lasted till roughly 4 a.m. There was food & lots of alcohol, though no one acted out because of it. It was a fun time of meeting new people & hanging out with friends. Having more get-togethers like that is one of the things I most look forward to doing most when I return to Disney!
Who is your favorite Disney character? What is your favorite Disney movie?
My favorite Disney character is Goofy, & my favorite Disney movie is "Robin Hood".
What is your favorite Disney attraction? Which is your favorite Disney park?
My favorite Disney attraction is the Tower of Terror, & my favorite Disney park is Hollywood Studios (MGM).
What are your top 3 role choices as a College Program Cast Member?
My top 3 role choices asaCollege Program Cast Member would be Attractions, Hospitality, & Character Attendant or Main Entrance Operations.
Why would now be a good time to do the College Program?
Now would be a good time for me to do the College Program [again] because it fits in so perfectly with my major, which is Hospitality & Tourism Management. I also believe that I am ready to return to live & work there.
What would you look for in a College Program participant/applicant?
If I were interviewing College Program applicants, I would look for enthusiasm for Disney & their desired roles more than anything else. I would also try to identify as much integrity as I could in their responses that would hopefully give me a good indication of their true personality. (Prior knowledge of Disney would also be a plus.)
How would you make a guest feel special on their Disney vacation?
I would make a guestfeel special on their Disney vacation by welcoming them & letting them know I'm glad they chose to come to Disney, no matter my role or when I met them. I would give them suggestions as to what they might enjoy during their stay & also ask any children what they are most looking forward to on their trip, as well.
Which Disney resort would you most like to work in/at?
If I could work in any of the Disney resorts I would most like to work at the Boardwalk Inn because I love spending time there & it has such a neat setting!
Why, in general, do you want to work for Disney?
In general, I would like to work for Disney because I love it so much! I love how it brings together so many different aspects of entertainment to create something uniquely irreplaceable.
What are some good ways to interact with guests throughout their Disney vacation (in any role)?
Some good ways to interact with guests throughout their Disney vacation include asking them what they liked best about their time spent at the place "where magic lives". I could also ask them what they would recommend to their family & friends back home if they were to take a Disney vacation. I might ask them how I could help to make their stay better, no matter how it was going up until then. And I would certainly do my best to answer any of their questions concerning whatever area I worked in. Along with that, I can show enthusiasm for my role as I come into contact with them.
What does "character integrity" mean to you? To me, "character integrity" is more than just staying "in character" while working for Disney; it is about who you are as a person, whether working at Disney or not. Integrity reaches every part of a person's life, at work or play. If a person doesn't have integrity, it becomes impossible to live their best life.
Oftentimes, dreams are large scale desires, but they don't have to be. A dream of mine is to work as a Bellhop at the Tower of Terror. I feel that I would be the perfect Cast Member for it because I have such a passion that I have ridden it over 230 times & am anticipating at least that many more! Naturally, the ride itself is the main focus of my obsession, which I will come back to in a bit, but I am also an enormous fan of "The Twilight Zone" TV show, of which the attraction is based off. Literally ever since I can remember, I have loved that show along with its creator, head writer, & narrator Rod Serling. It was just a fantastic piece of entertainment that has not been duplicated since (though some have unsuccessfully tried). Each episode carried with it so many life lessons & gave viewers new perspectives to think upon. And although the show is over 50 years old, it is still relevant to today & continues to provide absolutely priceless entertainment. Anyway, my love for "The Twilight Zone" came first, & when I discovered the amazing Tower of Terror ride 14 years ago, on a family vacation, I knew I had discovered a true gem (even at age 9). Though I only went on it a couple of times back then, I picked up right where I left off 12 years later & came to love it even more each time I stepped in line. Working at Disney World was the perfect opportunity to "get to know" this incredible ride & a few of the inspired cast members who worked there. And, believe it or not, every time I took yet another turn on it I discovered more & more details that helped to give the Tower of Terror its appeal & make it ever more spectacular! Never once did I feel bored & by turn 200 I was more excited to go on it than ever! In fact, laying in bed at night when I worked there, I would rehearse what I might say if I were a Bellhop. I think I would be a great addition to the Tower of Terror team because my love for the ride & every facet of it runs deep. I can't imagine what I would have done with myself all those times if I hadn't ridden it, but I'm almost certain that whatever it was wouldn't have been nearly as much fun! ;)
I think that it is fair enough to start out with the fact that I have done the College Program twice before; both times were considered a success in that I made it through & look back with a great amount of fondness. Not only was i never "disciplined" on the program, but I got along quite well with the people I worked for (& with). I feel that Disney does a good job of combining that work experience with a unique living situation & valuable learning opportunities to create the College Program. It is something that no other company does, even if they do come close, & being a part of that is priceless. How else can a student live & work AT Walt Disney World, gaining experience that will surely stick with them forever?? The last two times I did the program I was a declared Psychology major, but this time around (if all goes well) I will be a Hospitality & Tourism Management major. And though psychology is a part of every facet of life, hospitality & tourism is exactly what Disney specializes in. So I feel that to directly relate school to work is a definite plus, & if I can take the opportunity to really do that this third time around i will continue to move forward in my career & gain more invaluable life experience. I truly believe that my personality fits well with the major I have chosen & because of that it is also just what Disney needs:) My love for all kinds of people spills over into every area of my life, no matter what I'm doing with it. Because I have done the program twice before I know I can successfully complete it again. I have an enthusiasm for Disney that is impossible to hide & it is immensely satisfying to put that passion to good use by working FOR my favorite company. Of course, if I'm not accepted now would not be the perfect time to continue with Disney, but if I am then I can be sure that my time IS now.
After a great deal of reasoning & consideration, I have narrowed down my desired roles to 7 choices with a couple that I favor most. I may not be perfect for every one of the roles I have chosen but I wanted to give myself a better chance of getting in & identify those roles that appeal to me in some way. Thankfully, I was able to let Disney know my top 3 choices so I could put in a good word for what I hope to do & feel I would excel at. With that said, I'd like to go through the roles I have picked starting with my last place pick. #7 Full-Service Food & Beverage Though I am not a fan of food services, mostly because I have been in it for so long, I have not had much experience with the more formal side of it & am curious to see if I would like it any better. #6 Merchandise Despite the fact that working on cash registers makes me a little nervous because I tend to struggle with coming out evenly for some reason, I would be interested to try it with items other than food. I feel it might give me a different perspective in cash handling & let me see the variety of souvenirs the Disney parks & resorts carry. #5 Vacation Planner This is probably the role I have the least amount of insight on but what I do know seems to appeal to me. The idea of aiding guests in planning & executing their Disney vacation is one I can definitely live with; & how much more enjoyable would it be to plan my own vacation with all of that insider information! ;) #4/3 Main Entrance Operations No, the weather in Florida isn't perfect, but I still think that this role would be kind of fun as I would get to welcome guests into the park. Of course, I would also be there to say "good-bye" as they left & would hope to be able to leave the best impression I could. #3/4 Character Attendant Besides hearing that it's a good role, I really do think it would be fun to follow/lead characters around through the parks & see how happy the children were to meet those they loved so much; not to mention the fact that I am sure I would thoroughly enjoy working in more than one park. #2 Hospitality Seeing how my major is Hospitality & Tourism Management I don't think I need to go into too much detail as far as why this role appeals to me. It would place me right in the thick of the hotel industry & I think Disney could give me just the experience I need. #1 Attractions By far the most popular role choice with College Program students, I too believe I would love to be right in the middle of the "action" where surely the most fun takes place! To work in an area that I myself enjoy so much as a guest would really be something to talk about! And I honestly think I would bring an enthusiasm to the role that would make me a perfect fit (especially as a Bellhop at the Hollywood Tower Hotel;)!
My name is Stephanie & I was born & raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I currently live w/my mom & younger sister while going through that lovely college/job transitioning stage (though I don't mind it so much). I am a 5th year college student b/c I realized later on that Hospitality & Tourism was my calling, more than my previous pick of Psychology.
I am so happy (as you can tell) that I have finally begun my training at Tower of Terror! It really is amazing to actually be at the place I have loved so much for so long! Of course, I cannot be sure of what's in store for me but I can be sure that I will try to make it the best experience that I can. Hopefully I will not be an outsider for long as it is always a little awkward making your way in a new place. I have always seemed to adjust pretty well to each job I have started, although it never gets easy no matter how many times it is done. I am also eager for my training to be completed even though I really don't mind it so much since it is where I want to be. Only time will tell the future and I'm pretty sure it looks fairly bright ;)
