Getting Started

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.

~Steph:)

Final Preparations

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!

~Steph :)

A Day of Wonder

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!

~Steph :)

"On With the Show"

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.

~Steph :)

Traditions of...

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.

~Steph :)

Rain Rain All the Time!

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

~Steph :)

Let the Games Begin...

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.

~Steph :)

Day 1 of Many

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:)

~Steph :)