You are officially reading the blog of the latest and greatest Kilimanjaro Safari Game Driver! (minus the other CPs that assessed and passed today as well, of course!)
Yep. I passed! Thank freaking goodness! I did the driving and spieling this morning, and the rest of the day was lands. I worked every single possible position today, the driving literally only took up about an hour and a half of the 8 hour day. I had so much fun!
The paper test was the worst part, mainly because so many of the questions are poorly worded or trick questions. Or the answer is just plain wrong (it's a sort of universal test for numerous attractions, and our attraction is different than others on some things). But I had a nice assessor and we went over everything and I was able to prove that I knew it.
Surprisingly, the hardest part wasn't learning the facts, even though I was mostly afraid of that. And to be honest, I've got driving down pretty well now too. I'm thinking, now after I've worked every position, the one that's going to get me the most is Departures. That's the one where we ask how many in the party and assign them to a row. I get so flustered and stressed there. So many people don't listen, don't understand which truck they go on, make up their own rules, don't speak English, refuse to obey, walk around in circles, or whatever other variation they have. It's frustrating for me. Fortunately, it's something that always tends to work itself out with minimal annoyance from guests, so it's not too bad. So even that goes well for the most part.
I'm so stinking excited to officially work here! I love my life!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Last Day of Training... Hopefully
I was a little nervous for work this morning after my two day weekend of not going over the script at all. That is, during my conscious hours. It turned out fine, though. The very first thing we did this morning was take a truck out. There was a celebrity in the park today who I didn't drive around, but I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have recognized her even had I driven.
As I drove, I suddenly felt something on my arm. I continued talking as I reached over and flicked it off, realizing it was a giant stingy sort of bug. It scared the crap out of me, and I was really proud of myself that I continued my spiel as I silently swiped it off. But then Jeff had to get involved. He started teasing me about tourrettes as I spieled. Then I was working to not giggle as I spoke about the wildebeest. And that's when I accidentally said that "1.5 wildebeest make up the largest migration in the world" instead of "1.5 million wildebeest." Then I was teased for that. Even harder to not laugh. Thankfully, the guests didn't notice and as I listened to them speak amongst themselves, I didn't hear a word of confusion. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if none of them spoke English.
I also worked grouping today. You know, the person who stands at the front of the line and asks "how many?" Easy. Or so it seems. Except that people don't like to listen. Or they don't speak English. Or, worst, when they pretend to speak English and don't and then try to put themselves on the truck or go places they're not supposed to go. My favorite is when the following occurs:
"How many?"
*blank stare*
"How many people do you have?"
"blank stare* "....yes!"
"How many in your group?" *I hold up my fingers to show counting*
"Yes, group! We have group!"
*facepalm*
Today I also saw the big tour group coming down the line. The one where there's about 30 matching bright blue shirts with tons of noisy kids with the chaperone flags. And then the guests I'm loading start to say things like "Looks like we got here at a good time!"
My trainer wished me good luck and then disappeared. The average age in the group was about 10 years old, but the worst part was that when the first kid got to me, and I asked him how many, he responded "Twenty-four." And then I learned that "Twenty-four" was the only word in English this kid, or any member of the group for that matter, knew.
After telling me the number, the kids flooded the loading dock. Entirely out of my control. I finally decided that they'd get their own truck, and explained to one of the chaperones how I wanted the kids loaded. The chaperone, thankfully, spoke English and translated to the group. All I got across to him was "Put four people per row. Four per row!" Then we had an extra couple of rows on the truck I could load so the line kept moving smoothly. Thank goodness!
That job, and the disability area, were the final areas for me to train. We covered both today.
And so alas, I find myself finished with training. Hopefully. I say hopefully because tomorrow is my assessment day. And if I fail assessment then I have to do more training. But hopefully I'll pass. I've never met the guy who's going to assess me, so I'm just hoping he's nice. But I'm also pretty confident that I know everything I need to know as well.
So tomorrow is the big assessment. Hope I pass!
As I drove, I suddenly felt something on my arm. I continued talking as I reached over and flicked it off, realizing it was a giant stingy sort of bug. It scared the crap out of me, and I was really proud of myself that I continued my spiel as I silently swiped it off. But then Jeff had to get involved. He started teasing me about tourrettes as I spieled. Then I was working to not giggle as I spoke about the wildebeest. And that's when I accidentally said that "1.5 wildebeest make up the largest migration in the world" instead of "1.5 million wildebeest." Then I was teased for that. Even harder to not laugh. Thankfully, the guests didn't notice and as I listened to them speak amongst themselves, I didn't hear a word of confusion. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if none of them spoke English.
I also worked grouping today. You know, the person who stands at the front of the line and asks "how many?" Easy. Or so it seems. Except that people don't like to listen. Or they don't speak English. Or, worst, when they pretend to speak English and don't and then try to put themselves on the truck or go places they're not supposed to go. My favorite is when the following occurs:
"How many?"
*blank stare*
"How many people do you have?"
"blank stare* "....yes!"
"How many in your group?" *I hold up my fingers to show counting*
"Yes, group! We have group!"
*facepalm*
Today I also saw the big tour group coming down the line. The one where there's about 30 matching bright blue shirts with tons of noisy kids with the chaperone flags. And then the guests I'm loading start to say things like "Looks like we got here at a good time!"
My trainer wished me good luck and then disappeared. The average age in the group was about 10 years old, but the worst part was that when the first kid got to me, and I asked him how many, he responded "Twenty-four." And then I learned that "Twenty-four" was the only word in English this kid, or any member of the group for that matter, knew.
After telling me the number, the kids flooded the loading dock. Entirely out of my control. I finally decided that they'd get their own truck, and explained to one of the chaperones how I wanted the kids loaded. The chaperone, thankfully, spoke English and translated to the group. All I got across to him was "Put four people per row. Four per row!" Then we had an extra couple of rows on the truck I could load so the line kept moving smoothly. Thank goodness!
That job, and the disability area, were the final areas for me to train. We covered both today.
And so alas, I find myself finished with training. Hopefully. I say hopefully because tomorrow is my assessment day. And if I fail assessment then I have to do more training. But hopefully I'll pass. I've never met the guy who's going to assess me, so I'm just hoping he's nice. But I'm also pretty confident that I know everything I need to know as well.
So tomorrow is the big assessment. Hope I pass!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sleeptalking and Blizzard Beach
Apparently I've been studying for work waaaay too much. Apparently, last night I was sleep talking to my roommate. I was going on and on about some nonsense. And then I "forgot" the word I was looking for.
"I'm awake. Because I can't go to sleep because the first one can't go until the second one has the sleep."
"Dianna, are you asleep?"
"No! I just can't think of the word... it's like.... something you have to say before the next one can't go to sleep.... but... like when I say 'move all the way to the left, place your bags in the net bag by your feet, and please stay seated for the whole ride.'"
"You mean your safety spiel?"
"Yeah! You can't sleep before the second one does the spiel... thing... sleep."
So, I don't really know exactly what I said, but according to my roommate Erica, that's kind of how it went. I was so stinking tired.
Anyway, today I slept in as late as I wanted. 7:45am.
Then we went to Blizzard Beach and spent the day hanging out in the water, and I didn't even get a sunburn! We had to leave a little earlier than we would have liked because there were thunder and lightening warnings and they made us get out of the water "until further notice." But we had already done everything we really wanted to do. Then Erica and I went to Celebration and had lunch and walked around the town a bit. After that we were entirely exhausted.
I've actually been exhausted ever since, but I don't want to sleep just yet because then I'll never fall asleep tonight. Then again, maybe I'll be just awake enough to sleep talk some more.
I swear, this job is going to make it into every single aspect of my life. For the rest of my life.
"I'm awake. Because I can't go to sleep because the first one can't go until the second one has the sleep."
"Dianna, are you asleep?"
"No! I just can't think of the word... it's like.... something you have to say before the next one can't go to sleep.... but... like when I say 'move all the way to the left, place your bags in the net bag by your feet, and please stay seated for the whole ride.'"
"You mean your safety spiel?"
"Yeah! You can't sleep before the second one does the spiel... thing... sleep."
So, I don't really know exactly what I said, but according to my roommate Erica, that's kind of how it went. I was so stinking tired.
Anyway, today I slept in as late as I wanted. 7:45am.
Then we went to Blizzard Beach and spent the day hanging out in the water, and I didn't even get a sunburn! We had to leave a little earlier than we would have liked because there were thunder and lightening warnings and they made us get out of the water "until further notice." But we had already done everything we really wanted to do. Then Erica and I went to Celebration and had lunch and walked around the town a bit. After that we were entirely exhausted.
I've actually been exhausted ever since, but I don't want to sleep just yet because then I'll never fall asleep tonight. Then again, maybe I'll be just awake enough to sleep talk some more.
I swear, this job is going to make it into every single aspect of my life. For the rest of my life.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Driving With Guests! Finally!
I got to drive the truck today with guests on it! First time ever! And it was so much easier than I thought it would be. I was seriously so nervous before today as to whether or not I was actually going to be able to pull this attraction off. I felt so behind, and like such a pathetic actor. After driving the first day, I realized that the driving part wasn't so bad. And memorizing the animals wasn't even that hard. But pulling everything together was a beast!
But I did it! I actually did it! I drove the truck, with guests, and didn't even mess up! Except for that one time... when I temporarily forgot what the bontebok was called. But I remembered... eventually! My trainer kept telling me that I was going to call it a bedonkedonk.
I thought it would be harder with guests, but it was actually easier. For one thing, having the back full of people makes the truck way easier to drive around. It's less bumpy too, which is nice. Also, the guests were all so happy and excited to be there it helped me get excited about the animals. I loved telling them random facts and having them be impressed at my random figures. "Yes, the white rhino can weigh up to 5,000 pounds!" "Ohhhh, ahhh!"
I even pulled up to each dock correctly, and my trainer didn't even say a single word to help me. Everyone agrees that docking is the hardest part. Which I think is why my trainer made me dock at Cheers 2 every time we came through. It's the hardest one to dock at, and it's not uncommon to have to back trucks out of there for pulling in wrong. Backing the trucks is a pain. My trainer is really hard on me, but as frustrating as it is, it's probably a good thing.
He did have to regulate my speed and stopping during the safari, though. I kept going too fast, or forgetting the stopping points. There are very specific points during the safari that you're allowed to stop, and you can only stop at them in specific conditions, so it's hard to keep track of that while watching the guests, listening to the radio, watching for animals, talking about the animals, keeping on the ride path, and keeping up with the script.
But I did it! And I feel so stinkin' accomplished! I think I'm gonna go buy myself a sundae. Just because! Ahh, what a good day. :)
But I did it! I actually did it! I drove the truck, with guests, and didn't even mess up! Except for that one time... when I temporarily forgot what the bontebok was called. But I remembered... eventually! My trainer kept telling me that I was going to call it a bedonkedonk.
I thought it would be harder with guests, but it was actually easier. For one thing, having the back full of people makes the truck way easier to drive around. It's less bumpy too, which is nice. Also, the guests were all so happy and excited to be there it helped me get excited about the animals. I loved telling them random facts and having them be impressed at my random figures. "Yes, the white rhino can weigh up to 5,000 pounds!" "Ohhhh, ahhh!"
I even pulled up to each dock correctly, and my trainer didn't even say a single word to help me. Everyone agrees that docking is the hardest part. Which I think is why my trainer made me dock at Cheers 2 every time we came through. It's the hardest one to dock at, and it's not uncommon to have to back trucks out of there for pulling in wrong. Backing the trucks is a pain. My trainer is really hard on me, but as frustrating as it is, it's probably a good thing.
He did have to regulate my speed and stopping during the safari, though. I kept going too fast, or forgetting the stopping points. There are very specific points during the safari that you're allowed to stop, and you can only stop at them in specific conditions, so it's hard to keep track of that while watching the guests, listening to the radio, watching for animals, talking about the animals, keeping on the ride path, and keeping up with the script.
But I did it! And I feel so stinkin' accomplished! I think I'm gonna go buy myself a sundae. Just because! Ahh, what a good day. :)
Friday, August 26, 2011
I Blame Lackage of Sleep
My schedule had me starting at 10 something. But because my trainer had a class, and I like my trainer and didn't want a different one for one random day, we both switched our schedules earlier so we started at 7:30. So I had to wake up at 5:45 to catch the bus at 6:30. Meaning I hardly got much sleep last night. Or the past few nights. But it was worth it. Minus the stupid things I've done today. So let's start the list of Dianna Dum-Dums today.
It all started with me taking the bus going in the wrong direction. Now, I got to DAK okay. But once there, I thought I'd take the backstage bus to my location. It's really within walking distance, but I was tired, so I decided to take the bus. But I got on going in the wrong direction. Then, I realized this. I got off the bus at the stop that's right before where the bus turns around and starts heading in the right direction, the direction I wanted to go. As I walked from the other end of the park (really it was just the Rainforest Cafe) to my location, the same bus passed me twice more. Fail.
Later, I was going through all of the signals and codes I had memorized with my trainer. I finished with Signal 8. Another trainer from across the room threw me a random pop question. "So what's the difference between Signal 70 and Signal 8?"
I had no clue what Signal 70 was. I knew I should have known, but I didn't remember it being on my list. So I answered the best I could.
"........62?"
My trainer would have accepted that. She wasn't impressed.
And then, later, we were going around the ride path. I was driving around, spieling, and purposely talking about every animal in the Savannah except for this one that I didn't know. Of course, my trainer noticed, pointed it out to me, and asked me what it was.
"Ummm, Sable Antelope?" "Nope." "Ummm... it's definitely not a Patterson's Eland..." "Nope." "Ummm... oh! Yeah! I remember his name! But we can't say his name. Umm.. a waterbucket?"
It was a Waterbuck. But my trainer kept making fun of me about waterbuckets the rest of the day. I'm pretty sure that torment will never end. On the upside, I know exactly what a Waterbuck is now.
In my defense, the animals really do look very different in real life than they do in their pictures.
The other problem I had today was I forgot my water bottle. That's a mistake I'll never make again. I was so thirsty by the end of the day that I bought a Powerade out of one of the vending machines (I never, ever buy vending machine stuff) and drank the whole thing in one minute. And was still thirsty.
Then I was on the bus going home. Someone asked if any of my roommates worked in the MK. I told her no, realizing about five minutes later that actually, every single one of my roommates works in the MK. Fail!
Anyway, it's been a crazy day! Totally crazy! Hopefully tomorrow will go better and I'll remember things better. Not likely though, since I'm going to play tonight. :)
It all started with me taking the bus going in the wrong direction. Now, I got to DAK okay. But once there, I thought I'd take the backstage bus to my location. It's really within walking distance, but I was tired, so I decided to take the bus. But I got on going in the wrong direction. Then, I realized this. I got off the bus at the stop that's right before where the bus turns around and starts heading in the right direction, the direction I wanted to go. As I walked from the other end of the park (really it was just the Rainforest Cafe) to my location, the same bus passed me twice more. Fail.
Later, I was going through all of the signals and codes I had memorized with my trainer. I finished with Signal 8. Another trainer from across the room threw me a random pop question. "So what's the difference between Signal 70 and Signal 8?"
I had no clue what Signal 70 was. I knew I should have known, but I didn't remember it being on my list. So I answered the best I could.
"........62?"
My trainer would have accepted that. She wasn't impressed.
And then, later, we were going around the ride path. I was driving around, spieling, and purposely talking about every animal in the Savannah except for this one that I didn't know. Of course, my trainer noticed, pointed it out to me, and asked me what it was.
"Ummm, Sable Antelope?" "Nope." "Ummm... it's definitely not a Patterson's Eland..." "Nope." "Ummm... oh! Yeah! I remember his name! But we can't say his name. Umm.. a waterbucket?"
It was a Waterbuck. But my trainer kept making fun of me about waterbuckets the rest of the day. I'm pretty sure that torment will never end. On the upside, I know exactly what a Waterbuck is now.
In my defense, the animals really do look very different in real life than they do in their pictures.
The other problem I had today was I forgot my water bottle. That's a mistake I'll never make again. I was so thirsty by the end of the day that I bought a Powerade out of one of the vending machines (I never, ever buy vending machine stuff) and drank the whole thing in one minute. And was still thirsty.
Then I was on the bus going home. Someone asked if any of my roommates worked in the MK. I told her no, realizing about five minutes later that actually, every single one of my roommates works in the MK. Fail!
Anyway, it's been a crazy day! Totally crazy! Hopefully tomorrow will go better and I'll remember things better. Not likely though, since I'm going to play tonight. :)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Days Two and Three of Training
The past two days I've been training with my "real" trainer, Jeff. Yesterday was kind of boring. We didn't even get to go on the trucks at all except a tiny bit in the morning because we were opening them. Most of yesterday was spent inside with me memorizing random facts. Jeff would give me a stack of flashcards and have me memorize them. Then, when I did that, he'd give me another stack to memorize. This went on for a loooong time. I also had to read about 60 pages worth of "protocol" stuff from the training book. It's required that all new trainees read that stuff. I was falling asleep during it. Not really out of boredom, but out of sheer exhaustion. Working for Disney is tiring!
Anyway, I also went over the spiel several times yesterday and generally did a lot of memorization and such. Today was much more fun! This morning we went out and I actually got to do a lot of the land jobs. The "Land" jobs are the ones like standing at the front of the line answering questions, working the Fastpass machine, working the Fastpass line, working the disability area, seating, etc. etc. I learned all about the Fastpass machines, which was my favorite part of the Land. Plus, today was extremely slow and the guests were all very happy.
I nearly busted out laughing at the guests though at one point. When I was working the Fastpass line I literally had like five guests in a row come and ask me where the bathroom was. And by "in a row" I mean the first one wasn't even out of hearing range before the next one was asking. I seriously wondered if they were doing it on purpose to mess with me. Because I've done that with a group of my friends to certain cast members before. So funny!
After doing lands in the morning and memorizing a few more animal flash cards (there are seriously, so many of them!) I had a P&P meeting with the manager. They basically sat us down and said, "Okay newbies, if you do this, this or this, you'll get fired. Be happy. Have fun."
Then we had lunch and the rest of the day was driving! I spent three hours in the driver's seat today, but it literally felt like fifteen minutes. The first time I drove around the forest I nearly had a heart attack. I don't think I noticed a single animal the first time around. I was way too busy watching my turns and making sure to make "wide turns." They really beat the "wide turns" idea into our heads.
The second time I felt a little better and by the third time I was mostly comfortable. But I was scared to get too comfortable because that's when problems happen. However, by the third time I actually was able to look around for animals. By the fourth and fifth, and all other times (I lost count of how many times I went around, but it was probably about six or seven) I was trying to drive and look for animals. And, let me tell you, it is way harder than it sounds. Not only do you have to memorize the "speed limits" of the different zones (which they are ridiculously specific about... you can't go too slow or too fast, keep a solid 4mph in some places. it's really hard to maintain an exact and steady speed) but you have to watch for animals, do the spiel, make sure nothing's in front of you, keep the turns perfect, and watch for certain safety lights that may flash at you. And I didn't even have guests to worry about today!
I didn't "almost hit" anything because we were going so slow it simply wasn't possible. However, I drove insanely close to several animals including a giraffe, two ostriches, and a white rhino. The rhino scared the snot out of me because there's a place on the reserve where the white rhinos are basically always hanging out. At least, I've always seen them in the same place. When we went to that place, and the addax was there instead, I just figured the white rhinos had gone in or something. Then, later, at a place where I didn't even know the white rhino could get to, I went around a corner and there was a white rhino literally two feet from my truck, walking around. His nose probably came within inches.
Now, I know from training that white rhinos have very poor vision. I was watching him in my rear mirror and could have sworn he was about to walk right into my truck. Fortunately he didn't, and I was left with only a minor panic attack. Actually, I'm pretty sure my whole day was a minor panic attack.
Anyway, I love my job. A lot. In case you can't tell. I'm really, really enjoying where I work. I love all the people, I love the work, I love the animals, and I love Disney! I'm so stinking happy that I get this opportunity. This location may even, possibly beat EPCOT. Unless I get termed for getting into an accident in the truck. But I'm working really hard to make sure that doesn't happen. :) Ahhh, I'm so happy!
Anyway, I also went over the spiel several times yesterday and generally did a lot of memorization and such. Today was much more fun! This morning we went out and I actually got to do a lot of the land jobs. The "Land" jobs are the ones like standing at the front of the line answering questions, working the Fastpass machine, working the Fastpass line, working the disability area, seating, etc. etc. I learned all about the Fastpass machines, which was my favorite part of the Land. Plus, today was extremely slow and the guests were all very happy.
I nearly busted out laughing at the guests though at one point. When I was working the Fastpass line I literally had like five guests in a row come and ask me where the bathroom was. And by "in a row" I mean the first one wasn't even out of hearing range before the next one was asking. I seriously wondered if they were doing it on purpose to mess with me. Because I've done that with a group of my friends to certain cast members before. So funny!
After doing lands in the morning and memorizing a few more animal flash cards (there are seriously, so many of them!) I had a P&P meeting with the manager. They basically sat us down and said, "Okay newbies, if you do this, this or this, you'll get fired. Be happy. Have fun."
Then we had lunch and the rest of the day was driving! I spent three hours in the driver's seat today, but it literally felt like fifteen minutes. The first time I drove around the forest I nearly had a heart attack. I don't think I noticed a single animal the first time around. I was way too busy watching my turns and making sure to make "wide turns." They really beat the "wide turns" idea into our heads.
The second time I felt a little better and by the third time I was mostly comfortable. But I was scared to get too comfortable because that's when problems happen. However, by the third time I actually was able to look around for animals. By the fourth and fifth, and all other times (I lost count of how many times I went around, but it was probably about six or seven) I was trying to drive and look for animals. And, let me tell you, it is way harder than it sounds. Not only do you have to memorize the "speed limits" of the different zones (which they are ridiculously specific about... you can't go too slow or too fast, keep a solid 4mph in some places. it's really hard to maintain an exact and steady speed) but you have to watch for animals, do the spiel, make sure nothing's in front of you, keep the turns perfect, and watch for certain safety lights that may flash at you. And I didn't even have guests to worry about today!
I didn't "almost hit" anything because we were going so slow it simply wasn't possible. However, I drove insanely close to several animals including a giraffe, two ostriches, and a white rhino. The rhino scared the snot out of me because there's a place on the reserve where the white rhinos are basically always hanging out. At least, I've always seen them in the same place. When we went to that place, and the addax was there instead, I just figured the white rhinos had gone in or something. Then, later, at a place where I didn't even know the white rhino could get to, I went around a corner and there was a white rhino literally two feet from my truck, walking around. His nose probably came within inches.
Now, I know from training that white rhinos have very poor vision. I was watching him in my rear mirror and could have sworn he was about to walk right into my truck. Fortunately he didn't, and I was left with only a minor panic attack. Actually, I'm pretty sure my whole day was a minor panic attack.
Anyway, I love my job. A lot. In case you can't tell. I'm really, really enjoying where I work. I love all the people, I love the work, I love the animals, and I love Disney! I'm so stinking happy that I get this opportunity. This location may even, possibly beat EPCOT. Unless I get termed for getting into an accident in the truck. But I'm working really hard to make sure that doesn't happen. :) Ahhh, I'm so happy!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
First Day of OJT
OJT. On the Job Training.
I started at 8:15 this morning. This meant I would have caught the 7am bus. Except that when I woke up at 6am and got dressed, I realized that not only was my belt waaay too big, but they gave me the wrong belt buckle. Unfortunately, DAK is built in a terrible way (which is ironic because you'd think the later the park was built, the smarter they'd build it) because the costuming building isn't within walking distance of the park. I didn't have enough time to take the bus there, and then ride back to DAK before my shift started. So I had to drive.
Once at work, I found my trainer. He spent about five minutes training me, and then we realized that there were issues with the training schedules. Twenty minutes, a bunch of phone calls, and a lot of confusion later, we set it up so I was training with someone else. Which kind of stunk because I was then stuck with another trainee instead of getting individual attention. However, it was still a lot of fun, and I liked the girl I was training with.
We saw down at a table and my trainer started pulling out papers. "Here's the list of codes." "Here's another list of different codes." "Here's a map of the park." "Here's a map of Africa." "Memorize this." "Here's the trail map." "Here's the spiel." "Memorize that." Here's a list of safety rules." "Here's another list of codes." "Here's a bag of goodies. Yep, there's sun block and chap stick in there." "Memorize this." "This paper goes over The Basics again." "Have another list of codes." "make sure you memorize this."
After about three minutes I had a stack of papers in front of me. Just a little overwhelming. Then he pulled out another binder of papers. "Here. Read and learn pages 51-73." We ended up going through page 91. Yikes!
There were a lot of fun things we did too, though. We checked out the trucks, walked around Africa, learned about the trail, and rode the trail several times. I felt bad for some of the guests because there's a lot of trainees right now and we have to drive through the loading zone. So we drive up to the loading zone as if we're going to load, and then just leave. Empty trucked.
And then, at the end of the day, we actually got to drive the trucks! Those things are ENORMOUS! When I told people I was nervous they kept telling me "Don't worry. It's easy. They train you well." I think they talked it down so much that it freaked me out even more.
I pulled out of the spot. There's a yellow Mickey head on the ground you have to drive over to make sure the audio works. You have to drive over it just right, though, or nothing happens. I got it on my second try! It was so exciting when I heard the music start! So funny. We drove in circles backstage for a while, and then went on the track. Because of time, I didn't get to drive on much of the track. But it's kind of a good thing because I have yet to have been on the safari when there was an animal in the rode, but in the (ridiculously short) amount of trail I drove there were THREE animals blocking me. My trainer was joking that I must attract them or something. Fortunately none of them stayed long enough for me to report it, but still. Crazy!
The other good thing is I didn't go up on the curb once! However, I'm fairly certain I'm going to go up on the curb at some point because I've even hit the curb before in my car so it's bound to happen on the truck.
What amazed me most about the trucks, though, is their level of safety. I can't go into detail, but our safety standards are SIGNIFICANTLY higher than those set at the Rescue Squad I used to work at. That's a big deal. It literally did blow my mind as to the amount of safety measures we take. Unbelievable. And even more unbelievable that things still go wrong. But fortunately, there's also huge safety measures taken for things if they do go wrong, so there's like no chance of anyone with half a brain to get hurt on this ride. And those trucks are in tip top maintenance shape.
With that said, however, the ride actually did go down today! While we were at lunch we saw the trucks heading back into the parking lot. I probably shouldn't post why, but it wasn't a huge deal, and we were back up and running shortly after. The trainers we were with said the ride very rarely goes down like that. Like, maybe five times a year. If that much. But we saw it today! Maybe that means it'll be a long time before there's another problem. Then again, what are the chances that would happen my first day!?
Anyway, this got extremely long, but it was such a totally amazing day! I nearly cried out of happiness for my job and my life in general. So stinking much fun! I can't believe I'm going to be doing this daily!!! I can't even wait!
I started at 8:15 this morning. This meant I would have caught the 7am bus. Except that when I woke up at 6am and got dressed, I realized that not only was my belt waaay too big, but they gave me the wrong belt buckle. Unfortunately, DAK is built in a terrible way (which is ironic because you'd think the later the park was built, the smarter they'd build it) because the costuming building isn't within walking distance of the park. I didn't have enough time to take the bus there, and then ride back to DAK before my shift started. So I had to drive.
Once at work, I found my trainer. He spent about five minutes training me, and then we realized that there were issues with the training schedules. Twenty minutes, a bunch of phone calls, and a lot of confusion later, we set it up so I was training with someone else. Which kind of stunk because I was then stuck with another trainee instead of getting individual attention. However, it was still a lot of fun, and I liked the girl I was training with.
We saw down at a table and my trainer started pulling out papers. "Here's the list of codes." "Here's another list of different codes." "Here's a map of the park." "Here's a map of Africa." "Memorize this." "Here's the trail map." "Here's the spiel." "Memorize that." Here's a list of safety rules." "Here's another list of codes." "Here's a bag of goodies. Yep, there's sun block and chap stick in there." "Memorize this." "This paper goes over The Basics again." "Have another list of codes." "make sure you memorize this."
After about three minutes I had a stack of papers in front of me. Just a little overwhelming. Then he pulled out another binder of papers. "Here. Read and learn pages 51-73." We ended up going through page 91. Yikes!
There were a lot of fun things we did too, though. We checked out the trucks, walked around Africa, learned about the trail, and rode the trail several times. I felt bad for some of the guests because there's a lot of trainees right now and we have to drive through the loading zone. So we drive up to the loading zone as if we're going to load, and then just leave. Empty trucked.
And then, at the end of the day, we actually got to drive the trucks! Those things are ENORMOUS! When I told people I was nervous they kept telling me "Don't worry. It's easy. They train you well." I think they talked it down so much that it freaked me out even more.
I pulled out of the spot. There's a yellow Mickey head on the ground you have to drive over to make sure the audio works. You have to drive over it just right, though, or nothing happens. I got it on my second try! It was so exciting when I heard the music start! So funny. We drove in circles backstage for a while, and then went on the track. Because of time, I didn't get to drive on much of the track. But it's kind of a good thing because I have yet to have been on the safari when there was an animal in the rode, but in the (ridiculously short) amount of trail I drove there were THREE animals blocking me. My trainer was joking that I must attract them or something. Fortunately none of them stayed long enough for me to report it, but still. Crazy!
The other good thing is I didn't go up on the curb once! However, I'm fairly certain I'm going to go up on the curb at some point because I've even hit the curb before in my car so it's bound to happen on the truck.
What amazed me most about the trucks, though, is their level of safety. I can't go into detail, but our safety standards are SIGNIFICANTLY higher than those set at the Rescue Squad I used to work at. That's a big deal. It literally did blow my mind as to the amount of safety measures we take. Unbelievable. And even more unbelievable that things still go wrong. But fortunately, there's also huge safety measures taken for things if they do go wrong, so there's like no chance of anyone with half a brain to get hurt on this ride. And those trucks are in tip top maintenance shape.
With that said, however, the ride actually did go down today! While we were at lunch we saw the trucks heading back into the parking lot. I probably shouldn't post why, but it wasn't a huge deal, and we were back up and running shortly after. The trainers we were with said the ride very rarely goes down like that. Like, maybe five times a year. If that much. But we saw it today! Maybe that means it'll be a long time before there's another problem. Then again, what are the chances that would happen my first day!?
Anyway, this got extremely long, but it was such a totally amazing day! I nearly cried out of happiness for my job and my life in general. So stinking much fun! I can't believe I'm going to be doing this daily!!! I can't even wait!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
First Day - DAKlimation
First of all, DAK stands for Disney's Animal Kingdom in Disney speak. Just for all those who may not know.
Anyway, today I took the beginning class for DAK called DAKlimation. Now I've officially taken the intro class for each park except Hollywood. That'll have to come later. :)
So I woke up at 6 so I could catch the bus at 7 to get there by 8 to start training at 8:30. The bus dropped us off and I followed the crowd to the cast entrance gate. Normally, the cast entrance gates are manned by security guards and we go through security each morning. At DAK, it was like one of those giant turnstile thingy's that are more like a revolving door. I scanned my card like those in front of me, pushed on the door and.... nothing. It wouldn't budge. So I swiped my card again. Pushed. Nothing. Again. Shook the door. Nothing. Laaame. At this point the people behind me asked if they could go ahead of me. The next thing I knew, everyone I was following had gone ahead and I was stuck at the gate.
I wasn't really freaking out. I had plenty of time, and I knew very, very well that my ID was good and I was fine. But I did need to figure out how to get past the gate. Finally, I found the phone and called security. I explained what was happening. The guy on the other side looked my name up in the system, asked me some random questions, and then told me to walk back over to the machine, and simply tap my card on it. "Just tap my card?" I clarified. "Yep. It'll work." Then he hung up.
I didn't believe him. I wiped my card again. Nothing. Finally, out of desperation, and feeling foolish, I started tapping my card around the machine. Suddenly, the light turned green, I heard a noise, and pushed, and it worked!
Should have known that Disney would have more than one way of reading our ID. My card apparently has a microchip in it as well as the bar code as well as the magnetic strip. It's great!
Anyway, one of the girls in the group that went ahead of me stopped and waited for me to catch up. She noticed that we both went to the same school. I made tons of other friends too, who all work in DAK. We also got to ride the Safari, and now I'm even MORE excited, if that's even possible. Now I finally get to unpack, sit back, and relax until Tuesday when I start my first real day of training! Can't wait!
Anyway, today I took the beginning class for DAK called DAKlimation. Now I've officially taken the intro class for each park except Hollywood. That'll have to come later. :)
So I woke up at 6 so I could catch the bus at 7 to get there by 8 to start training at 8:30. The bus dropped us off and I followed the crowd to the cast entrance gate. Normally, the cast entrance gates are manned by security guards and we go through security each morning. At DAK, it was like one of those giant turnstile thingy's that are more like a revolving door. I scanned my card like those in front of me, pushed on the door and.... nothing. It wouldn't budge. So I swiped my card again. Pushed. Nothing. Again. Shook the door. Nothing. Laaame. At this point the people behind me asked if they could go ahead of me. The next thing I knew, everyone I was following had gone ahead and I was stuck at the gate.
I wasn't really freaking out. I had plenty of time, and I knew very, very well that my ID was good and I was fine. But I did need to figure out how to get past the gate. Finally, I found the phone and called security. I explained what was happening. The guy on the other side looked my name up in the system, asked me some random questions, and then told me to walk back over to the machine, and simply tap my card on it. "Just tap my card?" I clarified. "Yep. It'll work." Then he hung up.
I didn't believe him. I wiped my card again. Nothing. Finally, out of desperation, and feeling foolish, I started tapping my card around the machine. Suddenly, the light turned green, I heard a noise, and pushed, and it worked!
Should have known that Disney would have more than one way of reading our ID. My card apparently has a microchip in it as well as the bar code as well as the magnetic strip. It's great!
Anyway, one of the girls in the group that went ahead of me stopped and waited for me to catch up. She noticed that we both went to the same school. I made tons of other friends too, who all work in DAK. We also got to ride the Safari, and now I'm even MORE excited, if that's even possible. Now I finally get to unpack, sit back, and relax until Tuesday when I start my first real day of training! Can't wait!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Quick Little Update!
Sooooo excited to start my job. I'm having some issues because apparently my background check hasn't gone through yet, and I'm not allowed to work until it does. Also, my bank account that I set up said that with new account, checks are no good for 9 days. So basically I have no money for the next nine days. Except the chunk of cash in my wallet. But it's okay, because I have a full cupboard!
I'm super excited to take the classes I signed up for. I went to the education office today and got my login info for the classes. It's gonna be SO MUCH FUN!!! Especially the Disney Heritage class.
I went on the Safari ride today as a kind of precursor to where I'm going to work. And I found my old coordinator standing outside the ride! So awesome! I sat and talked to him for a bit, and he's excited for me. He was explaining some details about training and the ride and basically making me even MORE excited to work there. But still, I'm pretty intimidated by all the stuff I have to learn. He basically said that the majority of my days will be driving the trucks. Also, the trucks? Hold up to 40 people. Not 20. Daaang.
I'm meeting Heather again tonight and we're going to play in Hollywood Studios. After that I'll have been to all four parks in the past two days.
This next paragraph was supposed to be about how I was worried about the background check thing, but then they just called me and said it went through and I can indeed go to work tomorrow. Why they freak me out like that, I don't know. But I'm glad it's all good. :)
And that is all for now! I'm still running around like crazy until further notice!
I'm super excited to take the classes I signed up for. I went to the education office today and got my login info for the classes. It's gonna be SO MUCH FUN!!! Especially the Disney Heritage class.
I went on the Safari ride today as a kind of precursor to where I'm going to work. And I found my old coordinator standing outside the ride! So awesome! I sat and talked to him for a bit, and he's excited for me. He was explaining some details about training and the ride and basically making me even MORE excited to work there. But still, I'm pretty intimidated by all the stuff I have to learn. He basically said that the majority of my days will be driving the trucks. Also, the trucks? Hold up to 40 people. Not 20. Daaang.
I'm meeting Heather again tonight and we're going to play in Hollywood Studios. After that I'll have been to all four parks in the past two days.
This next paragraph was supposed to be about how I was worried about the background check thing, but then they just called me and said it went through and I can indeed go to work tomorrow. Why they freak me out like that, I don't know. But I'm glad it's all good. :)
And that is all for now! I'm still running around like crazy until further notice!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
How I Came To Find Out....
It occurred to me I never really wrote the story of how I was told I was working at DAK a few weeks ago. Lack of internet really ruins this whole blogging business. Anyway, here's a personal story to keep you entertained and my records of my life up to date. :)
It happened on July 23. Saturday. The day after I graduated from college. I was in the car making the three hour drive to our cabin in Dubois with my mom. As we went over a mountain, in and out of cell phone coverage, my phone rang. It was from an "Unavailable" number which in my past experience has always been calls from Disney. However, I didn't see why they would be calling me. I answered, and a cheerful, perky, Disney voice answered me back.
"Hello! This is 'Anne' from Disney University calling about your location of work beginning in August. Is this Dianna?"
"Um... yes..."
"Great! Yes, well I'm just calling on behalf of Disney's Animal Kingdom to inform you of your job beginning August 14th at the Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safari ride........... *click*"
"Animal Kingdom! Awesome!!! But... my contract doesn't start until the 17th! I shouldn't be working there until later! Do I have to come early now? What if I get fired!? But the Safari was my #1 choice in Attractions of where I'd want to work! That's with LIVE ANIMALS! But... why are you calling and telling me? I thought I wasn't supposed to know until later!? I'm so confused!"
".........................."
"Crap..."
The next ten minutes involved me freaking out about all the ridiculous possibilities my brain could come up with in such a short period... I have a talent for worrying. What if they fire me for hanging up on them? What if I'm starting the 14th? Will I have to show up early? How will that mess up my friends I'm supposed to drive? Will I have time to make it to the east coast? What if she's lying? What if she's just looking for info? I'm so confused!!!
We got to the cabin where we still didn't get cell reception, but we got a landline. Since I have a genius of a mom, she figured out how to use the landline to call and listen to any voicemail I had on my phone. Fortunately "Anne" (I'm not using her real name here) had left a message just after I lost reception giving me a number to call her back.
I called back immediately. When I did, before I could even finish apologizing or explaining, and even before I could tell her that my contract did not start until the 17th, she started talking about the job again. "It's fine. I'm just letting you know that your job begins the 14th... I mean... oh I see. No. You start work the week beginning the 14th. Your real first day of work will be that Saturday, the 20th."
Ahhhh, much, much better! I finished up a very pleasant conversation with "Anne" and we hung up. And then the excitement really set in! I'm working on a Safari!!!
It happened on July 23. Saturday. The day after I graduated from college. I was in the car making the three hour drive to our cabin in Dubois with my mom. As we went over a mountain, in and out of cell phone coverage, my phone rang. It was from an "Unavailable" number which in my past experience has always been calls from Disney. However, I didn't see why they would be calling me. I answered, and a cheerful, perky, Disney voice answered me back.
"Hello! This is 'Anne' from Disney University calling about your location of work beginning in August. Is this Dianna?"
"Um... yes..."
"Great! Yes, well I'm just calling on behalf of Disney's Animal Kingdom to inform you of your job beginning August 14th at the Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safari ride........... *click*"
"Animal Kingdom! Awesome!!! But... my contract doesn't start until the 17th! I shouldn't be working there until later! Do I have to come early now? What if I get fired!? But the Safari was my #1 choice in Attractions of where I'd want to work! That's with LIVE ANIMALS! But... why are you calling and telling me? I thought I wasn't supposed to know until later!? I'm so confused!"
".........................."
"Crap..."
The next ten minutes involved me freaking out about all the ridiculous possibilities my brain could come up with in such a short period... I have a talent for worrying. What if they fire me for hanging up on them? What if I'm starting the 14th? Will I have to show up early? How will that mess up my friends I'm supposed to drive? Will I have time to make it to the east coast? What if she's lying? What if she's just looking for info? I'm so confused!!!
We got to the cabin where we still didn't get cell reception, but we got a landline. Since I have a genius of a mom, she figured out how to use the landline to call and listen to any voicemail I had on my phone. Fortunately "Anne" (I'm not using her real name here) had left a message just after I lost reception giving me a number to call her back.
I called back immediately. When I did, before I could even finish apologizing or explaining, and even before I could tell her that my contract did not start until the 17th, she started talking about the job again. "It's fine. I'm just letting you know that your job begins the 14th... I mean... oh I see. No. You start work the week beginning the 14th. Your real first day of work will be that Saturday, the 20th."
Ahhhh, much, much better! I finished up a very pleasant conversation with "Anne" and we hung up. And then the excitement really set in! I'm working on a Safari!!!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Back In Virginia!
It's been a loooong time since I updated. In case you hadn't noticed. :)
In the past two weeks (and two days) I have felt very accomplished while not really accomplishing much at all.
First, I graduated. Graduating doesn't really take much of anything... it's really the work leading up to graduating that is accomplished.
Then I spent about a week with my brothers, sister-in-law (almost), and parents in Dubois, WY. There, we rode horses and ATVs, went to a rodeo, visited Yellowstone, and played games.
Then we spent another few days in Boulder, CO with my oldest brother setting up his apartments and going to the Denver zoo, which, by the way, is incredible!
Then my mom and I drove home from Boulder over Wednesday and Thursday. 22 hours in a car, 1500 miles, in 2 days! Yikes!
I've been at home the past few days figuring out my life and sorting through everything I own trying to figure out what I want to keep, and when I'll want to be keeping it. At the same time, I've been working out being my mom's slave to her extra house she rents out, sorting through stuff, figuring out computers (well, my own so far) and such. Really, it's not all that much, I just like to act like I'm working hard for her. :)
But now I'm in Virginia and I had totally forgotten how totally beautiful it is here! I love the variety of trees, the wildflowers, the wildlife, the people, the sunsets, the green, etc. etc. etc. We saw more wildlife within an hour of entering VA than we saw in Dubois/Yellowstone in an entire week! Plus, our mountains may be smaller, but they are so totally prettier. I love it here!
However, while I freely admit the Valley is prettier than Florida, I still prefer Florida and will hopefully end up there. I start my program on the 17th, and will start work on the 20th. And I can't even wait!
Also, I don't know why but I got a phone call over our trip telling me my location of work this next semester. I don't know why they did that since A) they've never done it before, B) they haven't done it yet for any of my friends who are doing the program this semester, and C) I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to do it because they can change your location up to the day you arrive.
We'll see what happens. And in case anyone's curious as to where I'm working, it's going to be in the jungles of Africa in the Animal Kingdom working the African Safaris ride! I am so stinkin' excited!!! (assuming this really does happen).
In the past two weeks (and two days) I have felt very accomplished while not really accomplishing much at all.
First, I graduated. Graduating doesn't really take much of anything... it's really the work leading up to graduating that is accomplished.
Then I spent about a week with my brothers, sister-in-law (almost), and parents in Dubois, WY. There, we rode horses and ATVs, went to a rodeo, visited Yellowstone, and played games.
Then we spent another few days in Boulder, CO with my oldest brother setting up his apartments and going to the Denver zoo, which, by the way, is incredible!
Then my mom and I drove home from Boulder over Wednesday and Thursday. 22 hours in a car, 1500 miles, in 2 days! Yikes!
I've been at home the past few days figuring out my life and sorting through everything I own trying to figure out what I want to keep, and when I'll want to be keeping it. At the same time, I've been working out being my mom's slave to her extra house she rents out, sorting through stuff, figuring out computers (well, my own so far) and such. Really, it's not all that much, I just like to act like I'm working hard for her. :)
But now I'm in Virginia and I had totally forgotten how totally beautiful it is here! I love the variety of trees, the wildflowers, the wildlife, the people, the sunsets, the green, etc. etc. etc. We saw more wildlife within an hour of entering VA than we saw in Dubois/Yellowstone in an entire week! Plus, our mountains may be smaller, but they are so totally prettier. I love it here!
However, while I freely admit the Valley is prettier than Florida, I still prefer Florida and will hopefully end up there. I start my program on the 17th, and will start work on the 20th. And I can't even wait!
Also, I don't know why but I got a phone call over our trip telling me my location of work this next semester. I don't know why they did that since A) they've never done it before, B) they haven't done it yet for any of my friends who are doing the program this semester, and C) I'm pretty sure they're not supposed to do it because they can change your location up to the day you arrive.
We'll see what happens. And in case anyone's curious as to where I'm working, it's going to be in the jungles of Africa in the Animal Kingdom working the African Safaris ride! I am so stinkin' excited!!! (assuming this really does happen).
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