On The Job Training

Your first few days of on the job training can be fairly intimidating. There is so much to learn about your surroundings and protocol and it’s a lot to take in. Rest assured they will not put you on the job to work on your own until they truly believe you are ready, and they aren’t bothered if you need extra training. Many people needed two weeks instead of one and our supervisors treated them just the same. It is also a little overwhelming when you are in the parks training and guests stop you and ask you questions, thinking you have any clue of what’s going on. And at this point, you probably don’t. That’s okay. Your trainer will not be far from you and you are given a sticker to place on your name tag that says “Earning My Ears” to indicate that you are in fact in training and not expected to know everything quite yet. I spent my first day of training in the Harambe Fruit Market in Africa. It is located directly in front of the Kilimanjaro Safari ride so there was quite a bit of traffic in this location. I remember the first day being a whirlwind. You are thrown so much information and it’s your first time out in the parks as an employee so you are feeling everything from excitement to nervousness to absolute fear. In Animal Kingdom we were always taught it was very important to know your surroundings, so as we trained for our individual location we were also filled with knowledge about the closest animal exhibits and facts about the surrounding locations. It was expressed to us how vital it was to be able to answer any guest’s questions, whether it pertained to your job or not. You needed to know the closest bathroom, the parade start time, the rides wait time, the nearest baby changing station, etc. It’s a lot. But with each day it gets easier and easier and eventually telling a women that she is not actually in Epcot becomes a regular and comical part of your day.

The Wild World of Animal Kingdom

After your last official day of Traditions you receive your schedule for you onsite training, which simply means you begin training at whichever park or location you have been assigned to. This can be a little stressful since you have likely never been backstage at your location before, but there are very clear instructions of where to go on the information they give you and you can always look at the bus schedule for the bus that is going to that location and it will always take you where you are allowed/need to go. The first day you will arrive in business casual clothes and spend your day in a training office where you are taught specific park/location facts and policies. In my case, I spent the day learning about the wild world of Animal Kingdom. On this day you also receive your costume! Costuming, in my opinion, was one of the most exciting parts of your training. And it’s also one of those times that you see a glimpse of how complex and brilliant Disney truly is. For each park, there is a costume warehouse. In this warehouse are rows and rows of clothes. Each row has a manikin hanging above it fully clothed with a sign around its neck signifying its specific role. And each role has a different costume. Outdoor Food and Beverage wears something completely different from Indoor Food and Beverage. And each ride has a specific costume and each area has a specific theme. It’s incredible. So you find your row and you are allowed to “check out” five costumes at a time. Since mine was a two piece set that meant 5 pairs of pants and 5 shirts. On your training sheet it also told you what accessories you would need and you would check those out accordingly. For example, I got to rock a pretty neat fanny pack. At any point you could return your costumes and check out new ones, some people managed to never do laundry. It was so fascinating how well it all works. You can tell they have been perfecting this system for years, and it will only continue to improve as time goes on. Once you have your costume, you are ready for your on the job training! Stay tuned.

"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!!

"Ohana means family."

Our family is no stranger to Disney World. Growing up it was always our first choice for vacations and we made frequent trips throughout my lifetime. It has gotten to the point that is almost expected every three years or so. As of this past summer it had been quite a while since we had taken a true, all out, Robinson family trip to Walt Disney World. So this past May, on the eve of my 21^st birthday, my parents surprised us all with news that we were headed to Disney in just a few short days! We were elated and it turned out to be one of our greatest trips yet. To commemorate this perfect family adventure, here are a few of my favorite shots that fill my heart with such Disney love. Enjoy!

 

 

"We're following the leader, wherever he may go."

Before we continue discussing training, a lot of people have talked to me about the stress of the first couple of days on your program. Even describing it now reminds me of how exhausting and fast paced Check Ins and moving in and the beginning of training was. BUT let me assure you that Disney has this down to a science. They don’t do anything that’s not basically perfect. So while there is a ton to do and you feel like you are being thrown so much information, they do a wonderful job of walking you through every step. They know you’ve never done this before. And most people are multiple hours away from home. For some people, this was their first time away. And no matter how many jobs you have had before or how many times you might have lived away from home, there is nothing like working for Disney. They get that. So as long as you are there and willing to strap in for the ride, you’ll be fine. Just be prepared for your first few days to be incriminated into almost seconds. But they will tell you where to be and when to be there and what to wear. Just follow the leader. On your day of Check In you will given something called a Program Guide. This little book is packed full of useful information you might need while you are on your program. It has every number you could possibly want, addresses for everything from parks to grocery stores, maintenance information for you apartment, and so much more. Read it, live by it, it’s a life saver.

Also, I mentioned my mother helping me move in. Let’s talk about the apartment complex rules specifically. You CANNOT at ANY POINT allow people to stay with you within you College Program apartments. Ever. Under any circumstances. So before you invite your best friend and grandma to come visit you, understand that they will have to stay in a hotel. Now, you are given sizable discounts on said hotel stays (which we will discuss later) but know that no overnight guests are allowed in the apartments. When friends come to see you in your apartment you must sign them in at the gate. You have to come meet them there to let them in, show your own personal apartment ID, they must show their ID, and then you have to sign them in. When it is time for them to leave, you also must go and sign them out. You are given an ID for your specific apartment complex the day of Check Ins. This is separate from your cast member ID. This ID is required for your entry into the apartment complex and your ability to ride the bus, so DON’T LOSE IT OR FORGET IT. Most people buy lanyards in which they kept both. I learned that was the easiest way to ensure I had both on me at all times.
Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions about the Check In process or apartments or the first few crazy days of Disney!! We will pick up next week with Traditions training.
See ya real soon!!

Why Disney Princesses are in fact, perfect.

I’m going to interrupt our regularly scheduled information pieces for a bit of an opinion piece, so strap in because there is potential for this to be a bumpy ride.

Let’s talk about Disney princesses.
I will preface this by telling you two important facts about me:
1. I am a feminist
2. I am in fact, not a princess. (In case there was any confusion)
BUT I have an intense passion and belief for the Disney princesses and what they stand for.
So here are 5 myths about Disney princesses that I am here to debunk.

1. Disney princesses are brats.
Nothing aggravates me more than when people try to portray the princesses as selfish and pampered little girls that always get their way. Frankly I can’t name you one from my childhood that taught me to be selfish. In fact, more often than not they were busy showing me how to be a kind and compassionate young woman. Let’s take Belle for instance. We open this story with the most attractive man in town begging for her hand in marriage. A man that could clearly provide for her and would manage to be pretty decent arm candy. But she refuses because she is in search of something more. She then proceeds to save her father from harm, take his place as a prisoner to a Beast, find a way to forgive a man that enslaved her and stole all of her freedom, and goes on to even love him enough to soften his heart and change him forever not only saving his own soul but the soul of all the people he had hurt through his actions (the random household objects she befriends)
Whoa. How dare she teach our children to be so selfish?

2. Disney princesses are always white.
OKKKKKKK. Let’s have a quick chat about geography. There is a difference in “white-washing” and just being culturally accurate. The movie Brave is set in Ireland. The largest demographic in Ireland? Irish. These people just happen to have white skin. The movie Tangled is set in Germany. The largest demographic in Germany? German. They have white skin. And let’s not forget all of the princesses that represent vastly different cultures. Pocahontas, Jasmine, Mulan. White washing would be setting “Princess and the Frog” in New Orleans but giving Tiana blonde hair and naming her Amanda.

3. Disney princesses can’t relate to modern day issues.
The official line up of Disney princesses contains 12 women. In order of release: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Anna.
7 of them are raised in single parent households, either caused by death or divorce. According to the Kids Count Data Center, 35% of American children are living in a similar situation at home. Furthermore, 3 of the princesses are orphaned at a young age leaving them relatable for an estimated 153 million children worldwide.
At the beginning of “Aladdin”, Jasmine is trying desperately to escape the cultural norm of arranged marriages, which may seem silly to us in the United States but is certainly something many young Arabian girls can still associate with. Mulan is fighting against a culture that allows little ways for women to show honor other than marrying the appropriate man. This remains an issue in the Chinese culture today. And Pocahontas is forced to choose between her father and a man she has fallen in love with because her village is unwilling to accept an interracial relationship.  There are few cultures nowadays that can’t relate to that particular issue.  

4. Disney princesses are always being saved.
Does anyone else remember the time Mulan took her father’s place in one of the most brutal wars in Chinese history? Or the time Pocahontas threw herself on top of her boyfriend so her father would bash her head to pieces instead of his? Just checking.

5. Disney princess are always being swept off their feet by a prince.
This one is just humorous. First of all, more often than not, the princesses were brave enough to go out and find their own man. Like Cinderella breaking out of her evil stepmother’s house to go to the ball. Also, she barely even mentioned the prince before she went. It’s not like she was going to the club to meet a man. She does chores all day, the girl just wanted to party, let her live, geez. She happened to look really good and a guy liked her. She can’t help that. And Ariel. Bless her heart. She was so determined to be with that boy she went to an evil sea witch to order a pair of enchanted legs and traded her voice and freedom. For a vast part of the movie she didn’t even have the opportunity to be swept off her feet because she didn’t have any. Belle falls in love with her prison warden, Jasmine plays hooky from the castle one day and literally runs into the street rat, Tiana falls in love whilst transformed into a frog (which is just altogether confusing), and Anna’s “prince” tried to kill her.
Also, points to Merida because she’s an independent woman and didn’t need a man at all.

So, let’s just all accept that the Disney princesses are perfect. Please and thank you.

"You gotta friend in me."

After receiving our roles we were sent back to our apartment complexes to get settled in. My mother and I spent the afternoon moving me in and then I returned with her to spend the night in the hotel so we could enjoy a park day together on the 16^th. As Disney employees you are allowed free entrance into the parks. You also receive something called “Main Gate Passes” that give you five opportunities to bring three friends or family members inside the parks with you for free. However, it takes a few days to process all your information and begin training so there are about 3-5 days before you are able to use your IDs to get in. As a present from my dad, we hit the park the next day as guests and obviously we went to Magic Kingdom.

I remember it being such an exciting feeling. I was really there. This lifelong dream of mine was truly being fulfilled before my eyes. I think I spent most of the day in happy tears. After enjoying the day with my mother and spending one more night in the hotel, she returned home and I made my way back to my newest temporary home, Patterson Court. You are given 3 days from your check in date to move in and calm down. The entire check in process is extremely stressful and utterly exhausting so you spend most of the days sleeping and getting to know your room mates. One evening we ventured out to Downtown Disney but for the most part we stayed in and unpacked while excitedly discussing and anticipating our future days.

Let's talk a second about room mates. With apartments comes the question of "How many?" There are the options of 1, 3, 5, or 7. You can choose from a one bedroom apartment with a single room mate all the way up to a four bedroom apartment with 8 of you. Some people find their room mates before the program begins. There are multiple forums found on Facebook that you can join to find people doing the same program as you with the same start date and you can arrange your room ahead of time. Others find their room mates as they are going through check ins. As I entered the line on the day of check ins I knew I wanted a bigger apartment. I was leaning towards a 3 or 4 bedroom preferably, but I knew no one and had no certain plans. That is when Fate intervened and introduced me to my room mates that became my very best friends and the biggest blessings of my program. I was just standing in line when Marta (you will hear about her often) walked up and introduced herself. After speaking to me for sometime she pulled her two friends aside (Rachel and Caten) And they returned to explain they needed one more room mate and would like to ask me to join! There is housing for under 21 year olds called "Wellness Housing" and because we were all 19 and under it fit perfectly. I can't tell you how wonderful knowing them has been.

Your first day of training is called Traditions. You load buses and are taken to Disney University, where all of your initial training is held. It was absolutely thrilling. In the beginning you are randomly separated into smaller groups and led to different classrooms, strictly based on alphabetical order. This is when you acquire all basic Disney training, that is given to anyone regardless of their role. I remember this day being rather overwhelming. There is so much information thrown at you at once and while they make you feel valuable, you are also acutely aware of how many people want your job, and could have it if the rules aren’t followed. The majority of the day was spent discussing Disney history and heritage, and the importance of you as an employee, carrying on this legacy. Day Two and Three were more specifically targeted at your personal role. Stay tuned!