"Keys" to success!!

There are quite a few things discussed in training that can’t be repeated to those not employed by the company, but what I can tell you is how much Disney stresses something referred to as the Four Keys. If you ever work for Disney you will hear this term so many times it will probably make you ill. The Four Keys are basically just an illustration Disney has invented to describe their top priorities as a company. The Four Keys are as follows: Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. Not only were these values stressed to us day in and day out, we were told it was important to remember that they are reason these “keys” are in that order. They are lined up in order of importance. You see, Safety is the top priority at Disney World. Safety for the guests and safety for the employees. One day we spent a good hour watching training videos just on how to lift heavy objects without straining our backs. Now Efficiency is also important to the company, but you should never endanger yourself or others around you by discarding Safety to achieve Efficiency, and so on and so forth. Personally, my favorite “key” was Show. We were taught that everything at Disney is a performance. That is why the areas the guests can’t see is called “backstage” and the park is called “onstage.” You don’t have a “job” you receive a “role.” You don’t wear a “uniform” you wear a “costume.” The people are not “customers” they are “guests.” All of these terms were taught to us and they really stressed the importance of using them and truly adopting the idea that your time spent with Disney is more or less, a production. On your last day of training at Disney University your trainer takes you to Magic Kingdom for your first official tour of the park and of course, the first time you are ever allowed backstage as you are now an employee. Complete side note for those that may be doing the College Program- You will be expected to wear business casual clothing throughout all of your training. Let me stress to you, on the day of your tour, WEAR DRESS PANTS AND BROKEN IN FLATS. The park is huge, and it’s usually hot, and you are standing and walking the entire time. You do not sit once during your tour. (This is probably dependent on your trainer, but we certainly did not.) If you wear a dress you run the risk of your inner thighs being raw by the end of the day. If you wear heels, you will absolutely want to die. I’m so serious. One of the girls in my group wore heels and another girl wore flats that she had just gotten. But the end of our tour her blisters were bleeding so badly it was dripping down her shoes, and the girl in heels had actual bruises on the bottom of her feet. Keep it in mind.
Next week we will get into our onsite training so stay tuned! Let me know if there are any specific questions you would like answered!!