I haven't written much about the Make a Wish kids on here. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever mentioned them. However, they do have a pretty big impact. The Make a Wish foundation brings children who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses or only have months, sometimes weeks to live, to Orlando to have one "last" family vacation. It is extremely sad. These kids are distinguished usually by their buttons, but they also have very special cards to bring around with them that show us cast members who they are. It's pretty rare to see them, but we all treat those families like gold. I don't see them often, normally only to let them into the Fastpass line because their card is an automatic Fastpass onto any ride in any park all the time, no questions.
With that said, I have a story. Today, after my first break, I got my next assignment. I was sent to a wheelchair truck. I don't like driving wheelchair trucks. I don't like the drama, I don't like having to come up with extra "filler" spiel at the end when things are blocked up in the jog, I don't like pulling up to that dock since it's the hardest one to go up to... I just don't like it. On top of getting this truck, I went up to bump it and realized it had the headphones that I hate. The kinds that go around the back of your head and pinch your head to the point you get a headache. And since the cord was behind me I kept sitting on it and they kept falling off. I asked to change them and she told me the other set was broken.
Needless to say, I was not happy and actually quite whiny. I did my first three rounds happily driving guests, but being grumpy after pulling up to the dock and ripping off the headphones every chance I got. (It's okay, I pull up to the dock just fine... it's just hard and I'm always scared I'm going to miss it).
As I finished my third round I was sad to see that I didn't have a breaker and I'd have to do another round. I was hoping I could stop after three, I was hungry. I looked back and saw one family in the line to get on my truck. As they approached I noticed it was a mom and dad and four kids. And they had the Make a Wish buttons. At least, the little girl did. They were all very happy and had their faces painted and were perfectly ready and excited for a two week safari. I did my best to sound upbeat.
As they boarded my truck, we waited a bit, and Tara (who was working the dock) noticed there weren't any other guests on their way. Normally, in this situation, we load regular guests onto the truck who don't have wheelchairs or ECVs so that the normal line gets a little shorter, and my truck goes full. We were sitting at about a thirty minute wait. But, this family seemed really sweet and fun. And they were Make a Wish kids. So Tara and I agreed to go ahead and give this family their own, private safari, instead of calling for more guests. The only time I've ever done this... However, it was, quite possibly, the best decision ever!
Instead of doing a normal safari, I gave the family just a little bit of backstage information as we went around, to make it a little special. However, I stuck to the script as much as possible, basically giving them a combination of both VIP backstage tour with the normal safari meshed into one. I chatted with them and joked, and they laughed. The mom was practically rolling on the floor after one of my jokes. I was very conversational and it was quite possibly one of my best safaris yet.
At the end they clapped for me and told me it was absolutely perfect. Their kid only had weeks left, and this was their second day in their final seven day vacation as a family. I let them know how honored I felt to have not only been a part of it, but to be a great, memorable part of it. They said they felt like VIPs as well getting to ride like that.
I know it doesn't sound like much on here. But I nearly cried after I got my break after that round. The family was so happy, the kids so loving, and I was able to give them a pretty decent magical moment that they would remember. It felt so amazing. I don't know how long the little boy had left. But those kids look so emaciated from chemo and whatever treatments they've had. The mom was telling me how they only had the energy to do half days. I could tell the little boy only had a little bit left.
For the record, the vacation that Make a Wish gives them is three days in Disney, two days at Universal, and one day in Sea World. The seventh day is used for whatever extra activity the kid wants whether it be skydiving or going to the beach or visiting local museums or whatever. Usually though, this mom said they spend that day together, as a family, with no one else in the world but each other. I can't imagine the pain of losing a little kid. Knowing your child only has weeks to live, or a sibling will be gone soon. Seeing a little girl who doesn't have hair to braid anymore or this little boy who would never be able to throw around a football again because he could hardly even stand. But yet, they understand joy in a different way than I think I may ever understand.
And now that made my wheelchair truck experience totally worth it. The new perspective. The opportunity to give that family something special. Getting to meet that family. It's all worth it.
I certainly am grateful for my family. I'm grateful for so much, but health and life are some of the most important things I think I could be grateful for! I love my life! I love my job!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Which One's Best?
I'm constantly asked which of my three jobs at Disney was my favorite. Merchandise in EPCOT vs. Main Entrance in Magic Kingdom vs. Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom. Honestly, the answer to this question is not just a one word thing. I loved parts of each one, and I've dreaded other parts. And as much as I try, I can't weigh in and figure out which one, overall was my favorite. They were all just different.
I loved Merchandise because I was always able to make the unhappy guest happy again. I don't recall a single time I was unable to help out a guest in a positive way. It was a simple job, in air conditioning, that was fairly low stress and fun. My specific location was extra fun because it included the pictures that I got to take of guests. I loved getting them to pose just right in front of the green screen and then "magically" putting it onto the background of their choice. I loved the one-on-one guest interactions in this role. I also loved that I could pick up shifts anywhere on property and there were constantly shifts available for me to pick up extra hours.
There were also several reasons why I didn't like this role. I constantly felt terrible for making monetary mistakes or messing up counting or whatever. It also got extremely boring. The same old place selling the same old Merchandise every single day. And it was nothing special... it was basically just like the bookstore I used to work at. Same, easy, grunt work job that almost everyone in the world has had experience in doing at one point or the other. Nothing big or exciting or different. Plus it's sad that Figment is nearly gone, and no one hardly knows who he is anymore. And I didn't like that my hours here were entirely unpredictable. At least in my other jobs the parades are at the same times (or at least within an hours or so) and at my job now I'm off early each day... but in EPCOT I could literally have been scheduled anytime, morning, noon and night, and I had no say, whatsoever.
Now on to Magic Kingdom. I loved going between turnstiles and PAC. I absolutely loved getting the crowds energized. Hearing the music to the parades and being around such great excitement, and getting others excited was absolutely amazing, and participating in Flag Retreat was just something else. I got to watch the MK fireworks show (including the Holiday fireworks which normally cost extra, even for cast members) every single night to the point I practically had them memorized. I worked with a lot more people my own age, and overall had a magnificent time.
Unfortunately, the biggest negative to this role was the amount I got yelled at. For fairly good reason too. At the turnstiles, people freak out when their $500 paper ticket doesn't work the first time. And within the park during the parade, people are tired and exhausted at the end of the day with three screaming children and are at the end of their thread already when I have to go up to them and say, "I'm sorry, you may not watch the parade from here." Hence me being cussed out at least weekly. Almost daily. Very, very hard on me. But I learned a lot from it. Unfortunately, it changed my perspective on people, making me think more the worst of people instead of the best. I'm recovering from that and becoming more realistic day by day.
Now on to my current job! Safaris! My favorite thing about this ride, ultimately, is the people I get to work with. Everyone is just so much fun. I love how we have so many "outside" of work parties. I love playing, and being silly, and goofing off. I don't think I've ever loved a group of people so much... at least since the rescue squad I worked on. I love talking about my job. The hours are completely amazing. I'm off before 6 basically every single day. It's also amazing to get to share stories of animals and guests... and sometimes the two combined. Best thing ever!
But, it gets very boring. I'll be honest. There are times that I cringe to do another Safari, sick of repeating the same things about the same animals again and again and again. It's hard on me physically, my back sometimes aches when I get home and my voice is just gone after working just a few days in a row. I get a sore throat, and I can no longer sing. Like, at all. Which is really sad, I love singing. And it's exhausting. I never get any exercise, but I'm still just exhausted at the end of the day, not wanting to do anything. But at the end of the day, I always have the biggest smile on my face that just won't go away because I'm so happy to be with so many great people.
I just wanted this documented at some point, since this is my last CP ever, hopefully. Maybe it will help others decide what role to have. Honestly, I've both loved, and been terribly annoyed, by every single role. It really has been a roller coaster, but I wouldn't change any of my jobs for anything. I'm so grateful for the experience of working all of them. Hopefully, I'll love my new job as much as I love these.
I loved Merchandise because I was always able to make the unhappy guest happy again. I don't recall a single time I was unable to help out a guest in a positive way. It was a simple job, in air conditioning, that was fairly low stress and fun. My specific location was extra fun because it included the pictures that I got to take of guests. I loved getting them to pose just right in front of the green screen and then "magically" putting it onto the background of their choice. I loved the one-on-one guest interactions in this role. I also loved that I could pick up shifts anywhere on property and there were constantly shifts available for me to pick up extra hours.
There were also several reasons why I didn't like this role. I constantly felt terrible for making monetary mistakes or messing up counting or whatever. It also got extremely boring. The same old place selling the same old Merchandise every single day. And it was nothing special... it was basically just like the bookstore I used to work at. Same, easy, grunt work job that almost everyone in the world has had experience in doing at one point or the other. Nothing big or exciting or different. Plus it's sad that Figment is nearly gone, and no one hardly knows who he is anymore. And I didn't like that my hours here were entirely unpredictable. At least in my other jobs the parades are at the same times (or at least within an hours or so) and at my job now I'm off early each day... but in EPCOT I could literally have been scheduled anytime, morning, noon and night, and I had no say, whatsoever.
Now on to Magic Kingdom. I loved going between turnstiles and PAC. I absolutely loved getting the crowds energized. Hearing the music to the parades and being around such great excitement, and getting others excited was absolutely amazing, and participating in Flag Retreat was just something else. I got to watch the MK fireworks show (including the Holiday fireworks which normally cost extra, even for cast members) every single night to the point I practically had them memorized. I worked with a lot more people my own age, and overall had a magnificent time.
Unfortunately, the biggest negative to this role was the amount I got yelled at. For fairly good reason too. At the turnstiles, people freak out when their $500 paper ticket doesn't work the first time. And within the park during the parade, people are tired and exhausted at the end of the day with three screaming children and are at the end of their thread already when I have to go up to them and say, "I'm sorry, you may not watch the parade from here." Hence me being cussed out at least weekly. Almost daily. Very, very hard on me. But I learned a lot from it. Unfortunately, it changed my perspective on people, making me think more the worst of people instead of the best. I'm recovering from that and becoming more realistic day by day.
Now on to my current job! Safaris! My favorite thing about this ride, ultimately, is the people I get to work with. Everyone is just so much fun. I love how we have so many "outside" of work parties. I love playing, and being silly, and goofing off. I don't think I've ever loved a group of people so much... at least since the rescue squad I worked on. I love talking about my job. The hours are completely amazing. I'm off before 6 basically every single day. It's also amazing to get to share stories of animals and guests... and sometimes the two combined. Best thing ever!
But, it gets very boring. I'll be honest. There are times that I cringe to do another Safari, sick of repeating the same things about the same animals again and again and again. It's hard on me physically, my back sometimes aches when I get home and my voice is just gone after working just a few days in a row. I get a sore throat, and I can no longer sing. Like, at all. Which is really sad, I love singing. And it's exhausting. I never get any exercise, but I'm still just exhausted at the end of the day, not wanting to do anything. But at the end of the day, I always have the biggest smile on my face that just won't go away because I'm so happy to be with so many great people.
I just wanted this documented at some point, since this is my last CP ever, hopefully. Maybe it will help others decide what role to have. Honestly, I've both loved, and been terribly annoyed, by every single role. It really has been a roller coaster, but I wouldn't change any of my jobs for anything. I'm so grateful for the experience of working all of them. Hopefully, I'll love my new job as much as I love these.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Random Updates
I keep starting posts... and then never finishing them. One was where I listed things I wish all guests knew here at Disney World. Like, I wish everyone knew to walk on the right hand side of the roads/paths/streets/anywheres. I also wish they would all understand the Fastpass system before coming. It would make their vacations so much better. Seriously, you wouldn't believe the amount of people who are either entirely oblivious to it, or completely don't understand it at all (like they get their fastpasses, and then still enter the ride through the normal entrance thinking they need a ticket just to ride the ride... that dates back to a loooong time ago here at Disney when we had the E passes).
Anyway, another post was about how excited I am that the bongos are out on show now! They're pretty cool, actually and I see them almost as often as the Greater Kudu. Which is funny because they're supposed to be nicknamed "ghosts of the forest" because they're so reclusive. But I see them! A lot!
Hmm, not much else to report. The rhinos were chasing the addax the other day. I almost felt bad for the addax too, but then I remembered how often the addax stands in front of the trucks and stops up our ride... then I didn't feel so bad. Then again, the rhinos sometimes do that too. In all honesty though, the worst animal at stopping our ride is usually the ostrich. However lately the giraffes have been being annoying. Then we have the sweet little animals like the gazelles or waterbuck or the eland who never ever stop our ride or stand in the road. Why can't they all be like that?
Anyway, hope that's enough of an update! Sorry it's not very Holiday-ee. Hopefully soon there'll be more Holiday-ish posts! I am getting to see part of my family soon, so that'll be exciting! Leaving bright and early tomorrow morning! Can't wait! :)
Anyway, another post was about how excited I am that the bongos are out on show now! They're pretty cool, actually and I see them almost as often as the Greater Kudu. Which is funny because they're supposed to be nicknamed "ghosts of the forest" because they're so reclusive. But I see them! A lot!
Hmm, not much else to report. The rhinos were chasing the addax the other day. I almost felt bad for the addax too, but then I remembered how often the addax stands in front of the trucks and stops up our ride... then I didn't feel so bad. Then again, the rhinos sometimes do that too. In all honesty though, the worst animal at stopping our ride is usually the ostrich. However lately the giraffes have been being annoying. Then we have the sweet little animals like the gazelles or waterbuck or the eland who never ever stop our ride or stand in the road. Why can't they all be like that?
Anyway, hope that's enough of an update! Sorry it's not very Holiday-ee. Hopefully soon there'll be more Holiday-ish posts! I am getting to see part of my family soon, so that'll be exciting! Leaving bright and early tomorrow morning! Can't wait! :)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Ten Foot Hault
Our location is doing the DAK PAC Olympics. Yeah, I think I wrote about it on here before. Today was the "Ten Foot Hault" event. Before we took our trucks out to the ride path, we had to see who could get their truck's bumper closest to ten feet away from Tweezly, our giant plastic pet zebra. (yes, I'm being serious, this really is a true story) The reason is that out on the ride path when there's an animal in the road we're supposed to stop ten feet away from it. Well, I completely failed at that event. I was more than fifteen feet away. Completely embarrassing. I'm just hoping someone is as horrible at depth perception as I am. In my defense, when I'm actually out on the ride path, I creep up a lot closer to the animals (depending on the animal and what's going on around us). I don't actually stop that far away. I just didn't want to get into trouble for scaring animals so I tried to stay in the safe zone. Which really was a bad idea, because the people I work with are extremely chill and people don't really get mad at each other. We get enough angry guests to spread around enough anger for everyone.
Anyway, in other news this has been altogether a completely and totally awesome week. I was accepted to two PIs. I accepted the one I wanted more and in doing so have learned tons about the company. Found numerous friends who wanted me to stay with them, and actually found one perfect apartment to live in starting in January with a perfect location and even better price! I stayed up late one night and watched the midnight showing of a movie that just came out (and proceeded to make it through the next day on only three hours of sleep).
Went to the Ft. Wilderness Campfire thing last night with friends from work (not smart to play football with a bunch of guys twice my size who also happen to be made of steel), ate S'mores and talked to my boss's wife who happens to have worked in both Professional Internships I was just accepted to. Networked with her, and learned a lot about those jobs and what I'll be doing. Ended up with way too little sleep and went home early today, but today's still been awesome. I'm reeeeeally sore from the games we played (I basically ran right into a guy's leg and smashed my face in... found my glasses sitting on the ground five feet away thankfully still in one piece!) and super tired from the lack of sleep lately, but it's been worth it. On top of all of that I even got two GSF cards today! (really good compliments from guests that go on my record card and say I'm a good person basically)
Definitely so incredibly lucky, and so incredibly happy! What an awesome life.
Did I mention I work at Disney World?
Anyway, in other news this has been altogether a completely and totally awesome week. I was accepted to two PIs. I accepted the one I wanted more and in doing so have learned tons about the company. Found numerous friends who wanted me to stay with them, and actually found one perfect apartment to live in starting in January with a perfect location and even better price! I stayed up late one night and watched the midnight showing of a movie that just came out (and proceeded to make it through the next day on only three hours of sleep).
Went to the Ft. Wilderness Campfire thing last night with friends from work (not smart to play football with a bunch of guys twice my size who also happen to be made of steel), ate S'mores and talked to my boss's wife who happens to have worked in both Professional Internships I was just accepted to. Networked with her, and learned a lot about those jobs and what I'll be doing. Ended up with way too little sleep and went home early today, but today's still been awesome. I'm reeeeeally sore from the games we played (I basically ran right into a guy's leg and smashed my face in... found my glasses sitting on the ground five feet away thankfully still in one piece!) and super tired from the lack of sleep lately, but it's been worth it. On top of all of that I even got two GSF cards today! (really good compliments from guests that go on my record card and say I'm a good person basically)
Definitely so incredibly lucky, and so incredibly happy! What an awesome life.
Did I mention I work at Disney World?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Professional Internships
Last Wednesday I received an email from Recruiting asking to set up an interview for a PI. I set up the interview which took place Thursday. I learned more about that job, and hung up the phone feeling nervous despite the phone conversation going just fine.
Friday I received another email from Recruiting asking me to fill out background check info. I told them all about my previous life as a convicted felon and all the laws I've ever broken. After reading and obsessing over others who have been accepted/denied, I knew this email meant they were getting ready to give me an offer. Or, in very rare cases, change their mind and turn me down.
But this email came Friday. Which meant I had all weekend to obsess over what was going to happen.
Monday came and I missed a call from Disney because I was at work. I proceeded to play telephone tag all day, obsessing even more. My manager told me he had received a phone call from recruiting about me and that he put in a good word. I was delighted, but could hardly even show how happy I was. I think I was more in a state of bewilderment. Plus, it's hard to talk with a stomach in your throat.
Monday night my roommate and I were watching a movie and my phone started ringing. It was that magical phone call! The one where they offered me a Professional Internship! But... not the one that I had the second phone interview for... Well, she informed me I was still in the running for that one. But I was officially accepted to this one, and I had to accept within 48 hours online.
I went online Tuesday (yesterday) and accepted. The pay is higher, the job is fun, and I'll get to work at Disney World!
Today, I was just getting over that excitement and continuing to look for apartments (mainly friends to get an apartment with) when my phone rang again. This time, again, from Disney. (I'm learning that anytime a "restricted" number calls my phone it's going to be awesomely amazing!) The lady on the other end offered me the other Internship!
"I see here that you've already been accepted to this other one, but at this point you are allowed to change your mind and choose between them if you'd like. I want you to know though, that this is extremely rare. We only offer maybe ten interns two PIs each season, if that. This is a very high honor that you're allowed to choose between two." As she told me this I nearly started crying.
Even though she offered me a day to think about it, I went ahead and told her I would rather stay with the first. For one thing, I'm not really into answering angry guest emails all day. I'm kind of sick of working with guests, and will enjoy working more with cast. For another, the Workforce internship pays more per hour. And also, the apartment I'm looking at living in is closer to the Workforce internship office, whereas it's more like ten of fifteen from where the GC internship would have been. Also, Workforce will take me more in the direction I want to go long term. So it wasn't a really hard decision to make.
But really. Oh my gosh! I'm still reeling... I can't even believe it. I am seriously. So. Freaking. LUCKY!
Words can't even describe my joy right now!
Maybe I'll get Ghirardelli tonight to celebrate! Just as a test to see if chocolate can even make the happiest people in the world even happier!
Friday I received another email from Recruiting asking me to fill out background check info. I told them all about my previous life as a convicted felon and all the laws I've ever broken. After reading and obsessing over others who have been accepted/denied, I knew this email meant they were getting ready to give me an offer. Or, in very rare cases, change their mind and turn me down.
But this email came Friday. Which meant I had all weekend to obsess over what was going to happen.
Monday came and I missed a call from Disney because I was at work. I proceeded to play telephone tag all day, obsessing even more. My manager told me he had received a phone call from recruiting about me and that he put in a good word. I was delighted, but could hardly even show how happy I was. I think I was more in a state of bewilderment. Plus, it's hard to talk with a stomach in your throat.
Monday night my roommate and I were watching a movie and my phone started ringing. It was that magical phone call! The one where they offered me a Professional Internship! But... not the one that I had the second phone interview for... Well, she informed me I was still in the running for that one. But I was officially accepted to this one, and I had to accept within 48 hours online.
I went online Tuesday (yesterday) and accepted. The pay is higher, the job is fun, and I'll get to work at Disney World!
Today, I was just getting over that excitement and continuing to look for apartments (mainly friends to get an apartment with) when my phone rang again. This time, again, from Disney. (I'm learning that anytime a "restricted" number calls my phone it's going to be awesomely amazing!) The lady on the other end offered me the other Internship!
"I see here that you've already been accepted to this other one, but at this point you are allowed to change your mind and choose between them if you'd like. I want you to know though, that this is extremely rare. We only offer maybe ten interns two PIs each season, if that. This is a very high honor that you're allowed to choose between two." As she told me this I nearly started crying.
Even though she offered me a day to think about it, I went ahead and told her I would rather stay with the first. For one thing, I'm not really into answering angry guest emails all day. I'm kind of sick of working with guests, and will enjoy working more with cast. For another, the Workforce internship pays more per hour. And also, the apartment I'm looking at living in is closer to the Workforce internship office, whereas it's more like ten of fifteen from where the GC internship would have been. Also, Workforce will take me more in the direction I want to go long term. So it wasn't a really hard decision to make.
But really. Oh my gosh! I'm still reeling... I can't even believe it. I am seriously. So. Freaking. LUCKY!
Words can't even describe my joy right now!
Maybe I'll get Ghirardelli tonight to celebrate! Just as a test to see if chocolate can even make the happiest people in the world even happier!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
VoluntEARing
As with all things Disney, everything is themed and everything is cheesy. Really, really cheesy. I"m just warning you a little about this upcoming post.
So my roommate and I decided to do the Coastal Cleanup activity today. We signed up a while ago, but today was that wonderful day! I guess I should explain a little about it before moving on.
Disney is really big into the whole "service" thing. There are tons of opportunities they give cast members to serve in their communities and such. I've never done any of them because you have to register beforehand and there's always a lot of people who want to go. And by the time I know my schedule, it's too late to register or something else comes up and I can't go. But I heard about this coastal cleanup thing and I just had to do it so I gave away my shift for today to a friend so I could go.
But moving on. We arrived at the meeting place in Celebration at 7am. They said they wouldn't be providing hardly anything, but just minutes after pulling into the parking lot we were stacked high with presents!
First, they gave us a small container of wet wipes. I guess to use after picking up trash. Then the tube that looks like big bite healer stuff is both bug bite stuff and sunscreen in one! Then they gave us water bottles that poofed out when filled with water. And, my favorite, I got my very own Disney VoluntEARs t-shirt! I was soooo excited! The presents alone made the whole thing worth it (and, of course, the satisfaction of knowing I served the world, gave back to the planet, helped out Mother Nature... you know... that stuff too of course!) They also fed us breakfast and lunch. We had fresh fruit and Kashi Granola bars for breakfast/snack.
Then we headed out to Brevard County to clean up some ocean! Tons of people came and there were people with giant video cameras everywhere! As we got on the bus our "bus captain" explained the rules and what we were going to do. Get into small groups, we had to write down every piece of trash we picked up so they could keep track of what sort of trash is most common (seriously, Disney researches everything), etc. etc. At the end, our captain asked us, "So, are there any questions?" Dead silence. "Any questions at all?" Suddenly a little girl in front raised her hand. "I have a question! Umm... what... which Disney character's favorite color is purple?"
Best. Question. Ever. We were riding the purple bus, which I think it where the question came from. For the record, we ultimately decided on Daisy, but I think Rapunzel is up there, too.
So my roommate and I decided to do the Coastal Cleanup activity today. We signed up a while ago, but today was that wonderful day! I guess I should explain a little about it before moving on.
Disney is really big into the whole "service" thing. There are tons of opportunities they give cast members to serve in their communities and such. I've never done any of them because you have to register beforehand and there's always a lot of people who want to go. And by the time I know my schedule, it's too late to register or something else comes up and I can't go. But I heard about this coastal cleanup thing and I just had to do it so I gave away my shift for today to a friend so I could go.
But moving on. We arrived at the meeting place in Celebration at 7am. They said they wouldn't be providing hardly anything, but just minutes after pulling into the parking lot we were stacked high with presents!
Best. Question. Ever. We were riding the purple bus, which I think it where the question came from. For the record, we ultimately decided on Daisy, but I think Rapunzel is up there, too.
It was still pretty chilly, which is why we wore our jackets. Our group (just our bus) cleaned up 1.5 miles of the ocean's coast. Just standing back looking at it, there didn't seem to be much in the way of trash. But by the end, our trash bag was surprisingly heavy. As were the trash bags of all those around us. I was amazed at how much trash we found. Mostly, it was just little chunks of plastic (sometimes it was hard to tell the difference between the chunks of plastic and the seashells... but when you can clearly read on it "Made in China" I tend to be convinced that it is indeed plastic) and bottle caps. We also found candy wrappers, string, rope, a fishing line (it took forever to pull the kelp out of the fishing line), a hanger, and bazillions of cigarettes. Nasty! Cigarette butts actually had it's own section on the sheet we filled out.
Yeah. This is me filling out the sheet. I don't know why I'm giving the camera stinkeye. Actually. I do. The sun was shining right into my eyes... and I had no idea Pamilla was taking a picture. Anyway. Pamilla loves this picture of me and even put it up on Facebook, so I figured I'd better explain it.
The beach was beautiful. And surprisingly deserted. Especially for a Saturday. We found tons of trash and overall had a fantastic time, I'd say. I loved seeing all the Disney people with their families coming out to have fun. Kids as young as five were allowed.
Afterwards we went to the park and had a picnic. Sandwiches, chips and cookies. Then we came back home and finished watching the movie Aladdin that we had started on the way there.
Afterwards we went to the park and had a picnic. Sandwiches, chips and cookies. Then we came back home and finished watching the movie Aladdin that we had started on the way there.
It's been a great day! But I've been waking up at 5am almost every morning lately, and the latest I've slept in is about 6:30, so I'm going to bed. I know it's early. I know I'm lame. But I'm stinking tired!
Way to go Disney! Way to provide tons of opportunities to serve! I absolutely LOVED it, and totally plan on VoluntEARing again!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Judge Me By My Size Do You?
My Disney Heritage class yesterday was in the Magic Kingdom. We met there and walked around talking about the history of the park(s) and went on Mickey's Philharmagic and searched for Hidden Mickeys. Best. Class. Ever. Disney Heritage should be a major. Only, then the only job you could ever get with it would be... well... um... Meh. Never mind!
A kid in my class was wearing this t-shirt. We weren't supposed to dress professionally since the teacher didn't want us to stick out in the MK. I almost died laughing at it. It's one of those shirts where it says on the front "Judge me by my size, do you?"
But. This picture cracks me up. And that was the entire point of this post.
Now to get free Chik-fil-a (Thursdays after 4 for Disney Cast members!) and go to Grocery BINGO with my roommate. We still haven't won, but it's fun and free! Then Walmart to get milk and eggs... I can't believe I'm somehow out of both so I've been living off of dry cereal and soup. Then sleep. Oh, precious sleep!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Baby Sables!
I heard stories from the people I work with about when we got the addax a while back. They said they just came to work and suddenly there were fact cards and the leaders basically just said, "Here's a new animal. Memorize it and look for it." Done.
Well, a few days ago they mentioned our "baby Sable Antelope" were coming out on show. I didn't even know we had baby Sables. I'd only ever seen the adult.. male I think. Usually they put him over with the zebras, but once in a long while I'd spot him somewhere on West Savannah (out with the giraffes and Ankole cattle and such).
So yesterday was the magical day. Their first day on show. They put burlap all around the reserve to help protect them, just in case they got a little "lost." And we got the little cards that had random Sable facts on them. More Sable facts than the ones we had already memorized.
The only problem? They didn't happen to warn us that baby Sable Antelope look absolutely nothing like adults. I mean, seriously. Look:
So I was driving around and looked out, looking for a small group of Sables and instead saw two adults and several little reddish looking things. I wanted to say, "What in the heck is that!?" But of course, it's easy to figure out in that situation, since I knew every animal on the reserve except that one. I'm just glad I didn't misidentify a squirrel or something as a baby sable. The main thing I was worried about was that I didn't know how big the babies were, so I was scared I'd hit one. But there were trucks parked all around the reserve both keeping an eye on the sables and keeping an eye on us drivers. It all went well.
And I'm really excited for our newest addition! They really are adorable.
And in closing, something stupid I said on the safari yesterday (this could seriously be a daily thing here, stupid things I say). This comment made my whole entire truck burst out laughing. Soooo embarrassing: "The male lions of the pride are generally all females."
Meant to say, "The female lions of the pride are generally all sisters.(or at least closely related)"
Well, a few days ago they mentioned our "baby Sable Antelope" were coming out on show. I didn't even know we had baby Sables. I'd only ever seen the adult.. male I think. Usually they put him over with the zebras, but once in a long while I'd spot him somewhere on West Savannah (out with the giraffes and Ankole cattle and such).
So yesterday was the magical day. Their first day on show. They put burlap all around the reserve to help protect them, just in case they got a little "lost." And we got the little cards that had random Sable facts on them. More Sable facts than the ones we had already memorized.
The only problem? They didn't happen to warn us that baby Sable Antelope look absolutely nothing like adults. I mean, seriously. Look:
So I was driving around and looked out, looking for a small group of Sables and instead saw two adults and several little reddish looking things. I wanted to say, "What in the heck is that!?" But of course, it's easy to figure out in that situation, since I knew every animal on the reserve except that one. I'm just glad I didn't misidentify a squirrel or something as a baby sable. The main thing I was worried about was that I didn't know how big the babies were, so I was scared I'd hit one. But there were trucks parked all around the reserve both keeping an eye on the sables and keeping an eye on us drivers. It all went well.
And I'm really excited for our newest addition! They really are adorable.
And in closing, something stupid I said on the safari yesterday (this could seriously be a daily thing here, stupid things I say). This comment made my whole entire truck burst out laughing. Soooo embarrassing: "The male lions of the pride are generally all females."
Meant to say, "The female lions of the pride are generally all sisters.(or at least closely related)"
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Daylight Savings Time
America is weird. Sometimes I feel like we are the only country who does Daylight Savings Time. (Are we? I actually don't know..)
Anyway. I worked the Fastpass position today where I check the fastpasses to get on the rides. All the foreign people kept coming an hour early and I had to keep explaining to them they needed to wait an hour. And some even got mad, and pull out their watch which clearly stated that the time was "correct." Then I had to remind them about daylight savings. Some laughed as they remembered America is weird. Others completely didn't get it. Some just shrugged and left. It was one of the funniest situations, and the most odd I've ever dealt with. Really. It never occurred to me that switching an hour back or forwards would be weird... but it is, I guess.
In light of Daylight Savings, though, our ride is officially closing at 4:45 for the rest of the month, regardless of what time the park closes. This is good, because it means I'm off by 5:30 pretty much every single day. It's also bad though. Because 4:45 is a super weird time to be closing just one ride in a park that normally closes at 5 or 6 (closing times depends on the day... Disney is weird like that).
So I've been reminding people at the end of my safari if I have time. "If you all enjoyed what you saw today, you're welcome to come back and join us again with Kilimanjaro Safaris! We'd love to have you! However, keep in mind that we will be closing at 4:45 tonight, so be sure to come back before then. Thanks again for all your help catching those poachers!"
Have a hakuna matata day! Remember, no hurries and no worries! (I don't actually use that one, but a lot of people I work with do)
Anyway. I worked the Fastpass position today where I check the fastpasses to get on the rides. All the foreign people kept coming an hour early and I had to keep explaining to them they needed to wait an hour. And some even got mad, and pull out their watch which clearly stated that the time was "correct." Then I had to remind them about daylight savings. Some laughed as they remembered America is weird. Others completely didn't get it. Some just shrugged and left. It was one of the funniest situations, and the most odd I've ever dealt with. Really. It never occurred to me that switching an hour back or forwards would be weird... but it is, I guess.
In light of Daylight Savings, though, our ride is officially closing at 4:45 for the rest of the month, regardless of what time the park closes. This is good, because it means I'm off by 5:30 pretty much every single day. It's also bad though. Because 4:45 is a super weird time to be closing just one ride in a park that normally closes at 5 or 6 (closing times depends on the day... Disney is weird like that).
So I've been reminding people at the end of my safari if I have time. "If you all enjoyed what you saw today, you're welcome to come back and join us again with Kilimanjaro Safaris! We'd love to have you! However, keep in mind that we will be closing at 4:45 tonight, so be sure to come back before then. Thanks again for all your help catching those poachers!"
Have a hakuna matata day! Remember, no hurries and no worries! (I don't actually use that one, but a lot of people I work with do)
Friday, November 4, 2011
I Swear I'm Not Blond
The cool thing about Disney is that they're good at illusions. Things don't have to be real for them to be magical. Something magical about my ride is how it gives the illusion that I'm very knowledgeable about animals... when in reality I simply memorize the three facts on the little card they give me with a picture of an elephant.
The other day this old woman in the front asked me about some random white and grey birds hanging out near the hippos (after I had told everyone about the pink-backed pelicans and the cormorants). I turned off my mic, turned to look at her and told her straight up, "Actually... I'm sorry. I honestly have no idea... I know nothing about those animals." Then I realized I could probably pull this off entirely by telling the truth, "I know nothing about Floridian birds, I just know the birds here in Africa. However, we do get a lot of foreign travelers here on the reserve."
The woman and her husband could not stop laughing, clearly expecting me to know everything and anything about all animals. And quite honestly, I know very, very little about animals. Very sad actually.
But that's not what this post is about. As happy as I am to humor those guests who tell me at the end of my safari, "Thank you, you were very knowledgeable," I'm also the first one to tell you how completely not genius I am about many things. In fact, sometimes I'm downright blonde. Except that I'm a brunette.
The other day I was working prams and my friend was telling me a story about giraffes as I was trying to get the families with strollers out of the line so I could take their strollers and we could park them. I told the guest, "Hello ma'am, I'll take your giraffe right here for you... I mean kid... I mean... the stroller. Just the stroller, that's all I need." In my defense, the stroller was orange. The kid? Well.. I don't have an excuse for that one.
But the real reason for this entire post is what happened today. Again, at prams. When I work Pram 1 position I get a radio. I always clip the radio behind my back on my belt buckle. That way it's out of the way as I deal with ten thousand strollers being shoved at me from various places. So during pram today, I noticed a beeping sound, like a cell phone, coming from behind me. I turned around to find nothing there but the tree. After looking for a second, I ignored it and kept going. A few seconds later the alert came again. And again, I turned around in a circle, the noise continuously right behind me. "Where is that coming from?" I thought.
Finally the third time I turned around. Enough guests had passed by that I was sure it wasn't a guest's phone, and we didn't have a phone at our location. Just a.... radio.... ahhhh. I actually realized it because Sean, who I happened to be working with, pointed it out to me just as I was thinking about it. My coordinator was trying to reach me by radio.
Then he told me he was purposely just watching me because it was funny to watch me "chase my tail." Possibly the most embarrassing thing ever. You're welcome!
The other day this old woman in the front asked me about some random white and grey birds hanging out near the hippos (after I had told everyone about the pink-backed pelicans and the cormorants). I turned off my mic, turned to look at her and told her straight up, "Actually... I'm sorry. I honestly have no idea... I know nothing about those animals." Then I realized I could probably pull this off entirely by telling the truth, "I know nothing about Floridian birds, I just know the birds here in Africa. However, we do get a lot of foreign travelers here on the reserve."
The woman and her husband could not stop laughing, clearly expecting me to know everything and anything about all animals. And quite honestly, I know very, very little about animals. Very sad actually.
But that's not what this post is about. As happy as I am to humor those guests who tell me at the end of my safari, "Thank you, you were very knowledgeable," I'm also the first one to tell you how completely not genius I am about many things. In fact, sometimes I'm downright blonde. Except that I'm a brunette.
The other day I was working prams and my friend was telling me a story about giraffes as I was trying to get the families with strollers out of the line so I could take their strollers and we could park them. I told the guest, "Hello ma'am, I'll take your giraffe right here for you... I mean kid... I mean... the stroller. Just the stroller, that's all I need." In my defense, the stroller was orange. The kid? Well.. I don't have an excuse for that one.
But the real reason for this entire post is what happened today. Again, at prams. When I work Pram 1 position I get a radio. I always clip the radio behind my back on my belt buckle. That way it's out of the way as I deal with ten thousand strollers being shoved at me from various places. So during pram today, I noticed a beeping sound, like a cell phone, coming from behind me. I turned around to find nothing there but the tree. After looking for a second, I ignored it and kept going. A few seconds later the alert came again. And again, I turned around in a circle, the noise continuously right behind me. "Where is that coming from?" I thought.
Finally the third time I turned around. Enough guests had passed by that I was sure it wasn't a guest's phone, and we didn't have a phone at our location. Just a.... radio.... ahhhh. I actually realized it because Sean, who I happened to be working with, pointed it out to me just as I was thinking about it. My coordinator was trying to reach me by radio.
Then he told me he was purposely just watching me because it was funny to watch me "chase my tail." Possibly the most embarrassing thing ever. You're welcome!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Rearview Mirrors
One of the greatest feelings ever is when I'm driving around in circles and I look up in my rearview mirror to see every single one of my guests with a giant grin on their faces. Because I'm their driver! I feel like I've created a Disney-worthy ride experience that people actually like! (even though I totally didn't create this ride... someone else did and they told me what to say and how to drive... but still! I can pull it off!)
I love it during poachers scene, when I'm speeding around turns. That's the main spot where everyone is smiling. I normally need to keep my eyes on the road at that point a little more than usual, but I love glancing up in the mirror... especially when there's an elderly couple in the front seat or a family I wouldn't normally think would know what's going on. And they're just grinning away or laughing. The elderly couple is fully aware that I'm being silly, asking where the heck I am... sometimes a little kid will answer. I'll say, "Watch out for those geysers! Aww, man! Where are we?" and a little kids voice will come out from the back, "I know where we are! We're in Disney!" or my favorite is when they say, "Oh! We're in Africa!" But you don't have to know what's going on to enjoy my ride. It's just fun. I love Disney!
The funny thing is, though... I was driving around some friends the other day and they were sitting in the back seat. I kept wanting to tilt down my rearview mirror so I could see the people sitting in my back seat. I didn't care about those cars behind me, I just wanted to see my "guests" and make sure they were seated and having fun!
I think that'll take me a bit to get over.
I love it during poachers scene, when I'm speeding around turns. That's the main spot where everyone is smiling. I normally need to keep my eyes on the road at that point a little more than usual, but I love glancing up in the mirror... especially when there's an elderly couple in the front seat or a family I wouldn't normally think would know what's going on. And they're just grinning away or laughing. The elderly couple is fully aware that I'm being silly, asking where the heck I am... sometimes a little kid will answer. I'll say, "Watch out for those geysers! Aww, man! Where are we?" and a little kids voice will come out from the back, "I know where we are! We're in Disney!" or my favorite is when they say, "Oh! We're in Africa!" But you don't have to know what's going on to enjoy my ride. It's just fun. I love Disney!
The funny thing is, though... I was driving around some friends the other day and they were sitting in the back seat. I kept wanting to tilt down my rearview mirror so I could see the people sitting in my back seat. I didn't care about those cars behind me, I just wanted to see my "guests" and make sure they were seated and having fun!
I think that'll take me a bit to get over.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Oh The Joys! ...Of Apartment Living
A few weeks ago my roommate and I were on the couch watching a movie. Suddenly, our phone rang so my roommate got up and answered it. Apparently, the girl on the other end was yelling and cussing at her about how we were being too loud. My roommate tried to clarify which apartment the girl was trying to reach because obviously, my roommate and I weren't being loud at all... we weren't even walking around our apartment. The girl on the phone was so mad though, she just (apparently) started making fun of my roommate for not even knowing where she lived, and then my roommate hung up.
I assumed the girl on the other end either had the wrong apartment or was drunk. My roommate was pretty upset about it, but the more we talked about it the more we decided the girl probably had the wrong apartment, and I made myself feel better by telling myself that the girl probably felt bad when she realized she chewed out the wrong apartment.
Well. Fast forward to today. About fifteen minutes ago. I just got back from my class and no one else is home. There was a knock on the door and I answered it to find Price Management (the guys in charge of our apartment complex... maintenance basically) standing there ready to install our new corkboards that each apartment is getting! It's all part of the complex's idea to prevent us students from creating more holes in the walls. They're installing five giant corkboards throughout our apartments so that all the stuff we want on our walls can go onto those and we won't be creating even more damage to the walls.
So the guys came in. There were two guys and five gigantic corkboards. I'm not gonna lie, they were heavy corkboards and they kept dropping them on the ground. They asked if anyone was sleeping and I answered no, since I was the only one home. They started hammering away and shortly after our phone started to ring.
One of the guys made a joke about how "if that is my ex-wife, tell her I'm not here!" Laughing, I answered the phone. I barely said "Hello" when the girl on the other end started yelling at me about letting elephants make babies in my apartment. After I heard the third "F-bomb" I just hung up the phone, with her still screaming, and started laughing. I told the maintenance guys about it and the one mentioned, "Sheesh, I guess it was my ex."
They didn't quiet down much after that. The hammering needed to be done and the heavy corkboards were hard to move from room to room without letting them drop on the ground at least a little. But five minutes passed and they were done.
The phone rang again. I didn't bother answering, knowing I'd just be yelled at.
Five more minutes passed. There was a knock at my door.
I looked through the peephole, planning on refusing to open the door if I didn't know who it was. I didn't know who it was. But it was a security guard.
I opened the door. She asked me if I was making much noise. I showed her how I was on my computer (actually in the middle of the first paragraph of this post), and was the only one home. Then I explained how the guys were literally just here installing the corkboards (they were only next door) and how they were here when the girl downstairs called so she could ask them as well. The security lady asked if I knew the girl's name who called, but I didn't. Then she told me to have a nice day and left.
I think my neighbors downstairs hate me. What's more, this whole situation reeeeeeally makes me want to do jumping jacks and parade around my apartment stomping on the floor.
But I won't. Cuz I'm the bigger person.
Also, I'm pretty sure I should start being careful about where I park my car. I'm really worried if they find out which car is mine they'll key it or slash tires or something. But then that's probably just my anxiety talking.
I assumed the girl on the other end either had the wrong apartment or was drunk. My roommate was pretty upset about it, but the more we talked about it the more we decided the girl probably had the wrong apartment, and I made myself feel better by telling myself that the girl probably felt bad when she realized she chewed out the wrong apartment.
Well. Fast forward to today. About fifteen minutes ago. I just got back from my class and no one else is home. There was a knock on the door and I answered it to find Price Management (the guys in charge of our apartment complex... maintenance basically) standing there ready to install our new corkboards that each apartment is getting! It's all part of the complex's idea to prevent us students from creating more holes in the walls. They're installing five giant corkboards throughout our apartments so that all the stuff we want on our walls can go onto those and we won't be creating even more damage to the walls.
So the guys came in. There were two guys and five gigantic corkboards. I'm not gonna lie, they were heavy corkboards and they kept dropping them on the ground. They asked if anyone was sleeping and I answered no, since I was the only one home. They started hammering away and shortly after our phone started to ring.
One of the guys made a joke about how "if that is my ex-wife, tell her I'm not here!" Laughing, I answered the phone. I barely said "Hello" when the girl on the other end started yelling at me about letting elephants make babies in my apartment. After I heard the third "F-bomb" I just hung up the phone, with her still screaming, and started laughing. I told the maintenance guys about it and the one mentioned, "Sheesh, I guess it was my ex."
They didn't quiet down much after that. The hammering needed to be done and the heavy corkboards were hard to move from room to room without letting them drop on the ground at least a little. But five minutes passed and they were done.
The phone rang again. I didn't bother answering, knowing I'd just be yelled at.
Five more minutes passed. There was a knock at my door.
I looked through the peephole, planning on refusing to open the door if I didn't know who it was. I didn't know who it was. But it was a security guard.
I opened the door. She asked me if I was making much noise. I showed her how I was on my computer (actually in the middle of the first paragraph of this post), and was the only one home. Then I explained how the guys were literally just here installing the corkboards (they were only next door) and how they were here when the girl downstairs called so she could ask them as well. The security lady asked if I knew the girl's name who called, but I didn't. Then she told me to have a nice day and left.
I think my neighbors downstairs hate me. What's more, this whole situation reeeeeeally makes me want to do jumping jacks and parade around my apartment stomping on the floor.
But I won't. Cuz I'm the bigger person.
Also, I'm pretty sure I should start being careful about where I park my car. I'm really worried if they find out which car is mine they'll key it or slash tires or something. But then that's probably just my anxiety talking.
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