Fall Registration

After my 6:00pm - 12:00am shift, I went right home to register for fall courses. I was able to register for the two classes that I wanted to take, Exploring Marketing and Exploring Leadership.

My Fall Course Schedule 

I have my undergraduate degree in Marketing, so Exploring Marketing really appeals to me. I am very excited to learn about how Disney views marketing and hearing from the several guest speakers.

The short description of Exploring Marketing is: 
"Gain a deeper understanding of how we maintain customer loyalty by both staying true to our brand and marketing our new Guest experiences"

The syllabus can be viewed by clicking here.

My long term career goal is to be in some sort of leadership position, that is why I wanted to take Exploring Leadership. I am hoping to gain insight and tips on being a successful leader.

The short description of Exploring Leadership is: 
"Discover how our leaders balance the needs of Cast, Guest, and Business to create the most magical place on earth, and learn about different leadership styles"

The syllabus can be view by clicking here.

Since I have started my program, I have been really enjoying the time I have spent learning in the workshops and my Disney Heritage class. This is why I have decided to take two courses in the Fall.

"I Love Nails & Spa"

Saturday, June 21 

I decided to check out the "I Love Nails & Spa" today. This Spa is located on Vineland Avenue right near Chatham Square and Patterson Court. It is in the same shopping center as the Panera Bread. The atmosphere is very welcoming and calming. It is also very clean.

They offer several services. I went for the spa pedicure and eyebrow wax. They have several massage spa chairs for pedicures. The women doing my pedicure was very friendly and did a great job. All of the waxing is done in rooms located towards the back of the spa. The only negative was the lack of nail polish color options.

Pedicure Station

Cast Members receive a 10% discount.

Here are all of the prices for the services they offer:

Fist Welcome Event & DTD

Thursday, June 19

Today I had work from 12:00pm-6:00pm. I was runner/stocker the whole time. It was nice to leave work and it still be daylight outside! After work, I got a chance to talk to my sister Kaitlin who was graduating from High School in a couple of hours. Congratulations, Kaitlin!

Congratulations Kaitlin! 

When I got home I started to get ready for the first welcome event for the Fall Advantage program. All of my roommates had off, so we all planned on going together. My roommate Kats lifelong friend, Christina, also went with us. The theme for the welcome event was "Off to Neverland" and it took place right down the street from our apartment in Chatham.

When we first got there we waited in line for pizza and then found a table to sit at. After eating, we decided to wait in line for the characters. You either got the opportunity to meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee or Peter Pan and Wendy. The line was super long! We were about two parties away from meeting the characters and it was Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, so I was kinda disappointed because I wanted to meet Peter Pan and Wendy! But then, Peter Pan and Wendy came running in and we got to take our picture with them!

Me, Christina, and Kat meeting Peter Pan & Wendy

Goofy shot 

After meeting Peter Pan and Wendy, Kat, Christina, and I decided to go to Downtown Disney. We did some shopping and I traded two of my Vinylmations at Pin Traders. We were also hungry, so we at at Earl of Sandwhich. I got my usual which is the Hawaiian BBQ. Kat ordered the summer salad, which looked really good! Once we were done eating all of the shops were closing down for the night. 

We started heading back to the West Side to get drinks at Splitsville. I bought the souvenir bottle there which was $12 with my cast member discount. If I bring the bottle back for refills it will be $10 plus my discount. Me and Kat both ordered the Pina Colada...we give it a 4.5 out of 10 rating. Christina is under 21, so she was nice and was our DD. Christina's brother, Jeff, then met up with us, who is also a Cast Member. We are planning on going back to bowl! 

Me and Kats Pina Coladas 

Tonight was the best night since I have been here. 

Exploring Disney Heritage Day 1

Wednesday, June 18 

My first day of Exploring Disney Heritage was today. It took place in one of the classrooms in my apartment complex, Chatham Square. The class is from 1:30pm to 3:30pm every Wednesday. I was notified prior to class about the attire, which is business casual or you can wear your costume. You also need to make sure to wear your name tag.

The classrooms are just a short walk down the street from my apartment, which is really nice! I left about twenty minutes early to give myself time to sign-in and get a seat. I sat next to two really nice girls, Eve and Emily. Eve works at Kilimangaro Safari and Emily works Food & Beverage at Port Orleans Riverside Resort.

Class started promptly at 1:30pm. That is when I met my instructor, Jeff. Jeff started his Disney career by doing the College Program and working at the Haunted Mansion. From there he worked Guest Relations and then started facilitating Traditions which transitioned into being an instructor for the Disney Internships and Programs. He is very enthusiastic about the company and shared his understanding of the highs and lows we all will experience on our program.

After Jeffs introduction, we had an ice breaker with the people we were sitting with. Emily, Eve, and myself shared our favorite/first Disney memory and why we wanted to take this course. I have so many favorite Disney memories, so it was hard to pick just one!

Jeff then explained the expectations for this course, such as arriving on time and the no cell phone policy. He also shared an overview of what we will be learning for the next eight weeks. This course will cover the early years of the company to the opening of Epcot.

The weekly breakdown looks like this:
June 18 - Introduction to Disney Exploration Series 
June 25 - Walt and Roy: The Original Dream Team 
July 2 - No Class: Labor Exception Period (Independence Day) 
July 9 - The Very Beginnings of the Walt Disney Company (Guest Speaker Michael Lyons) 
July 16 - Early Milestones in Disney Theme Park History 
July 23 - The Man, The Mouse, The Dream - Magic Kingdom 
July 30 - The Florida Project (Guest Speaker Christopher Stewart) 
August 6 - Heritage Competition - Disney's Hollywood Studios 
August 13 - Disney Exploration Series Closing Session 

I am so excited for all of these sessions!

To close the class we got into groups of eight and played a "Who wants to be a Millionaire" trivia style game on Disney history.

Team Disney

Friday, June 13

This morning I let myself sleep in! I have been so tired lately! After I ate breakfast, I decided to do some laundry. While I was in the laundry room it started torrential downing pouring! Thank God I brought my rain jacket with me. After I did my laundry, I headed over to Team Disney to check out the Company D store.

Team Disney

Team Disney is right across from Downtown Disney. It is such a nice building! I bought myself a "Earned my Ears" pin and Cast Member Vinylmation.

Company D Purchases

When I got back to the apartment I made myself lunch and then talked to my family and Pete. Then it was time to get ready for work. I had work from 5:00 pm - 1:00 am. My position tonight was Cash in To-Go. I also had to close To-Go at the end of the night, which includes cleaning the entire station. Now I am home ready to fall asleep!

End of Training & Earning My Ears

Tuesday, June 10 

Today was my last day of training! My shift was from 5:00 pm to 12:30 pm. I trained with Rebekah on runner/stocker. This position entails running dirty dishes to the dish room, running clean dishes from the dish room to the restaurant, stocking the toppings and ice cream for in-house and to-go. This position consists of a lot of running around, hence the title "runner", but I really like this position because the time goes by so quickly.

Wednesday, June 11 

This afternoon I had my assessment at 3:00 pm. After my assessment, I worked until 12:30 am. My assigned position was for To-Go cash.

Thursday, June 12 

Today I was scheduled 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. When I got to work I was assigned to be the runner/stocker. After a couple of hours my manager told me that I was extended until 9:00 pm, due to several call ins. At 5:00 pm I changed positions to be the breaker. In the position you break the closers that need a break, and take over their positions until they get back. This position is nice because you are not doing one thing all night. After work, I went home talked to my family and then just relaxed.

I also found out today that I got a 100% on my assessment. I have officially earned my ears!

Resume Writing Workshop & DAK

Monday, June 9 

Today was my second day off! I registered a week ago on the Hub for a two hour Resume Writing Workshop at the Vista Way classrooms for this morning at 10:00 am. The facilitator for this workshop was David, he has dedicated 19 years to the company as a recruiter and facilitator for Disney Internships and Programs. He taught us how to customize and tailor our resumes for future employment opportunities. This workshop was so helpful! I highly recommend it. I am planning on taking the rest of the workshops that are offered throughout my program. If you take five out of the six workshops you receive a certification!

After the workshop, I went back to the apartment to have lunch. Then I went to the Post Office to ship a package back home. Once I was done that I took the next bus over to Animal Kingdom. My first stop was Expedition Everest. I haven't been on this ride in years! The single rider line was only 10 minutes, so I went on four times in a row.

Entrance to Disney's Animal Kingdom

Tree of Life

Expedition Everest 

I walked around Asia some more and then headed over to Dinosaur. This ride still scares me! I explored some more and then headed over to Kilimanjaro Safari. This attraction definitely wins the award for being the most immersive experience on property. It feels like you are actually on an African Safari! I saw most of the animals, except for the lions who were hiding!

Safari Truck

Zebra!

A Flamboyance of Flamingos 

When I got off of Kilimanjaro Safari it started to thunder storm, so I headed for the bus back to Chatham. I decided to go home to have dinner and then go back out after to  Downtown Disney. Once I got back to the apartment I didn't feel like going back out, I was too tired. I FaceTimed with my family and then Pete. Now I am just relaxing before I get some sleep! I get so sleep in tomorrow! :) 

First Day Off

Sunday, June 8 

I had off today! This morning I slept in, which felt amazing! When I woke up I did my laundry. When all of my laundry was done I went grocery shopping at the Super Target.

Loving the Palm Trees everywhere

Once I put away all of my groceries, I FaceTimed with my Mom and Dad. I then decided to head over to Downtown Disney for some shopping and dinner. I picked up a couple of goodies and then decided to eat at Wolfgang Puck Express. I ordered the rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes, which was delicious! Plus I got a cast member discount!

Half Rotisserie Chicken - Garlic Butter & Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Topiary in Downtown Disney

After dinner, I walked over to the AMC theater to see Maleficent. I lucked out, because when I got there the next showing was only in twenty minutes! There is also a Cast Member discount at this theatre. I loved the movie! 

My Maleficent Vinylmation

Then I headed over to check out D Street, the Vinylmation store located on the West Side of Downtown Disney. I bought a Star Wars blind box in hopes of pulling a Stormtropper. To my surprise thats exactly what I pulled! Yey! I never have good luck when it comes to blind boxes, so I was supper shocked! 

Star Wars Series 4 - Stormtropper

I then treated myself to a Very Berry Hibiscus at Starbucks and sat down to relax. The back of the Starbucks at Downtown Disney Westside overlooks the water and Characters in Flight. I called my sister to tell her I pulled the Stormtropper. She bought me my first Star Wars Vinylmation blind box in hopes that I would pull a Stormtropper, so she was happy to hear that I pulled one. 

By the time I left Starbucks Downtown Disney was super packed, so I decided to head home. Now I am FaceTiming Pete before I go to sleep. I have off again tomorrow. Yey! 

Epcot & Training Day 4

Saturday, June 7

Today I had plans to hang out with my cousin Anthony and his girlfriend Kayla. They were doing four parks in one day! I told them that I would meet them at any park. They started at Animal Kingdom and then headed over to Hollywood Studios. By that time I had gotten ready and started to head over, until I realized that this weekend there is a blackout for all cast members for DHS. This is the first year Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skywalker, was going to be at Star Wars Weekend. So, I am sure that is why we were blocked out from Hollywood Studios this weekend.

I headed over to Epcot from the Beach Club. Anthony and Kayla were going to that park next, so I figured I would just hang out until they got there. When I first walked in there was a Joffreys stand and I just had to get that frozen strawberry drink again! So delicious! I then headed over to The Land to grab lunch at Sunshine Seasons. I ordered a Turkey Sandwich on focaccia bread with potato salad. So yummy!

Fresh Turkey with Lettuce, and Chipotle Mayo on Focaccia Bread

The Land 

After I ate, I talked to my Dad on the phone and then FaceTimed my Mom and Katie. It was very nice talking to them and it was just what I needed. I miss them and everyone else back home so much. It is very hard being away from my family.

I then went over to MouseGear to torture myself with all of the Disney merchandise. haha! I wanted to buy everything! I then headed over to Spaceship Earth, because Anthony and Kayla were starting to head over to Epcot. I rode Spaceship Earth and then waited outside for them.

Spaceship Earth and Palm Trees

It was so great seeing them! We headed over to Test Track. It was a 40 minute wait, but it was good because it gave us time to talk! After the ride, we started to head over to the UK pavilion. I had to walk back to the Beach Club to get ready for my fourth day of training.

For my fourth day of training I worked the entire time on the register in To-Go. I like this position the most, because of the guest interaction. Towards the beginning of my shift Anthony and Kayla came to visit me! After they left, the line was out the door until 10:15 pm! I was scheduled until 12:30 am, which is considered the closing shift. After we close at 11:00 pm, we need to clean everything! Heather taught me how to clean the To-Go station. Once we cleaned everything we got to go home. I clocked out at 12:45.

As soon as I got home I went right to sleep! I have the next two days off! Woo!

Training Day 2 & 3

Thursday, June 5 

Today was my second day of training. My shift started at 9:00 am and ended at 5:30. I wore my Beaches and Cream costume for the first time today! It is surprisingly very comfortable, including the shoes. I was trained on the in-house section. This section is responsible for making all of the ice cream dishes for the tables. I really enjoyed it! I got to make a bunch of sundaes and learned how to make the famous kitchen sink!

First Day in my Beaches & Cream Costume!

After work, I made myself dinner and then decided to go to the pool with my roommate Kat. This was my first time at the pool and it is beautiful. It is also a short walk from our apartment. We spent about two hours in the pool before we started to get cold and went home.

The pool at Chatham Square

Friday, June 6

Today I had my second day of training. I worked 1:30-11:00. My trainer today was Nickie. She first trained me on working the register for the to-go line. It is going to take some time to get use to this position, but I really enjoyed the guest interaction. I had a 45 minute break. When I came back Nickie trained me on the potium. This is a position I will never do, I am just being trained to gain a general understanding of the position. Towards the end of my shift I could see the Symphony in the Stars fireworks! After work I headed straight home and went to sleep.

First Day of Training

Wednesday, June 4

Earning My Ears

Today I had my first day of training at Beaches and Cream. I was scheduled 11:00 am - 5:30 pm. My first day of training was all about Culinary. I trained with one of the chefs, Julie. She was so awesome! Coming in today I was soooo nervous! My boyfriend has spent majority of his professional career in the kitchen, so I know how tough it can be.

Julie calmed my nerves from the beginning of my shift. She cooked on the flat top and she had me prep the sandwiches, burgers, and kids meals. It was tough work, but I really enjoyed it. I love working in a fast paced environment. My shift flew by!

Before the end of my shift, Julie went over what I need to know for my assessment, which is next Wednesday. Once I pass this assessment I will have officially earned my ears!

After work, I cooked myself dinner and prepared for my second day of training tomorrow. For the rest of the night I plan on taking it easy and then going to bed. I have in-house house training tomorrow, which includes learning how to make the sundaes and the famous kitchen sink!

Welcome Aboard! & MK with Kat

Tuesday, June 3 

What I wore to "Welcome Aboard" 

Today I had orientation at the Yacht and Beach Club. The class was called "Welcome Aboard!". It started at 8:30 am and I was done around 4:00 pm. 

The first part of class was all about the resort. Yacht and Beach Club resort is a Deluxe resort on property located across from the Boardwalk and in walking distance from Epcot. 

The resort has a nautical theme that is inspired by the summertime seashore hotels of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island in the year 1880. 

The Lighthouse at Yacht and Beach Club

I get to use themed language such as "Welcome Aboard" and "Ahoy". This resort is such a great fit for me, because I am in love with all things nautical and beachy. 

After learning all about the resort we took a tour around both the Yacht and Beach Club. This resort is a classic example of the immersive experiences that Disney offers. The theming throughout the entire resort is flawless. They also pointed out some hidden things, such as nautical flags in the Yacht Club that spell out Disney. 

My location, Beaches and Cream, is set on the Beach Club side in front of the Stormalong Bay pool. This pool is absolutely gorgeous! Resort guests come back year after year just to swim in the beautiful pool. 

When we came back from our tour we got a visit from the General Manager, Mim. This is a real treat as most general managers do not take the time to welcome the new cast members. Mim talked about the culture of the onstage and backstage areas of the resort. Every time we pass a resort guest we are to greet them and the same goes if we see a fellow cast member backstage. She has created such an amazing work atmosphere. 

Once Mim left our facilitators wrapped up the class. We were then told individually what we needed to do the rest of the day. On my schedule was to take a 30 minute lunch break, do some e-learning and then take a tour of my work location.

My e-learning was about the guidelines of serving alcohol and working the cash register. 

I then went on a brief tour of my location and saw where my manager's office is. After that it was off to costuming to get my costumes. I got four of my Beaches and Cream costumes and one culinary costume. I have culinary training tomorrow, so I needed the costume for that role. I will not be doing the culinary role, but I still need to be trained for it. 

After costuming I clocked out and called my Mom and Dad. It is their 25th Anniversary today. Love you, Mom and Dad! 

When I got home I talked to my sister and then Kat got home from her training. We decided to go somewhere on property to grab dinner. We couldn't decide so we freshened up and got on the next bus to the Polynesian. 

Once we were at the Poly we hopped on the monorail and decided to eat somewhere in the Magic Kingdom. All of the table service restaurants were reservation only, so we decided to go to a quick service location.  

Kat has never been to Pecos Bills! I had to take her there, so she could experience the amazing toppings bar. I ordered the Deluxe Cheeseburger and Kat ordered the Taco Salas. We both ordered frozen Strawberry Lemonades. Yum!

My Deluxe Cheeseburger 

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade 

Kat's Taco Salad 

From there we went on Pirates of the Caribbean, which was only a 15 minute wait! We walked around a little and made our way to New Fantasyland.  We checked out the gift shop next to Gastons Tavern. They have beautiful and unique Beauty and the Beast merchandise. 

We then went on the Little Mermaid ride and Dumbo. I haven't been on Dumbo since I was a small child. I felt like I was reliving my childhood!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant 

We headed for the monorail to take us back to the Poly right before wishes. While we were on the monorail we could see the fireworks! We waited for the bus to take us back to Chatham. I am home now FaceTiming Pete before I fall asleep. I have culinary training at 11:00 am tomorrow morning. 

First Schedule

Today I went onto the Hub to check out my schedule. I also had to add my mailing address, so that when they send out my main gate passes they arrive here and not in New Jersey. Which wouldn't really be a problem, but I don't want to inconvenience my parents.

All of the scheduling is done in military time. It is taking some time getting use to it. The way to convert it back into regular time is to subtract by 12. I converted my schedule to regular time and wrote it down in my planner so its easier for me to remember. 

I am so excited to start my on the job training!

I am also happy that I have off Sunday, because my cousin Anthony and his girlfriend Kayla are coming down for vacation. So happy I have some time off to spend time with them!

Tomorrow I have "Welcome Aboard!" at the Beach Club. This will be my third day of orientation. So excited to learn more about the resort I will be working in!

Second Day of Orientation

Saturday, May 31 

Today I was scheduled for my second day of orientation at Disney University. I had "Welcome to Operations!" at 7:30 am this morning. Today was my first day I wore my name tag and clocked in! The class material was dry material, but the facilitators made it as interesting as they could.

At 11:30 am I got a thirty minute break for lunch. They have a cafeteria where you can buy lunch, but I just packed a sandwich and snacks for myself. After I ate I went up to the second floor for my second class, "Welcome to Food and Beverage".

This classroom was a computer room. The first part of the class talked about the different categories of the Food and Beverage role, such as Quick Service or Full Service. The facilitators applied the four keys basics to Food Service. We also learned about ways to create magical moments for guests in our role.

We got a five minute break and then we registered for The Hub. The Hub is a resource for all Disney Cast Members to find out things like your schedule, request time off, discounts, and so many other things. After we were all registered we all had to take an online module about general safety guidelines when working with food, such as cleanliness and food temperatures.

After we were done with our modules we were sent to Magic Kingdom Costuming to receive our free slip resistant shoes. Going into costuming for the first time was another great CP moment. After I received my shoes I clocked out and was able to go home.

Slip resistant shoes supplied by Disney

My outfit for my second day of training 

Traditions!

Friday, May 30 

Today I had Traditions! I was scheduled for the second group at 2:30 pm. Kat and Marysa also had this time so we all went together. We caught the bus in front of Chatham at 1:30 pm. Once we got there we got separated. They divide the group into smaller groups depending on a number on the back of your program guide. 

I do not want to give too much away on what exactly happens at Traditions. I read A LOT of blogs about it, so every surprise was pretty much ruined for me. 

Traditions is an introduction to the Walt Disney World Company. It takes place at Disney University. You learn about how the Disney company started and how it turned into the amazing company it is today. You also learn about the companies rules and regulations. These are taught by the facilitators and various videos. One of the videos is of parents surprising their children with trips to Disney World. I cried the entire video! haha If you are an emotional person like me I suggest you bring your tissues! 

During one of the breaks I went into the cast member only store. I bought a new lanyard for my Disney ID, that I had received in the beginning of Traditions, and a college program pin. 

After the break the facilitators talked about the four keys; courtesy, show, efficiency, and safety. Then we headed over to the Magic Kingdom to spot some examples of the four keys in the park. We took a bus over and entered through the Utilidors. The Utililors are tunnels underneath the park for Cast Members to get to each land. That is why you will never see a Tomorrowland Cast Member in Fantasyland. 

When we got back from the park we talked about the examples we saw of the four keys in the park. I gave an example for efficiency, so I received a cute Daisy Duck figure. Then we got a special surprise  that included receiving our name tags. I have been waiting for this moment forever and it was amazing. I couldn't stop looking at it! Then I took the bus back to Chatham. 

Traditions is exactly what I needed to reassure me that I made the right decision and why I love this company so much. I am so happy that I am now apart the Disney family and I can't wait to start creating the happiness for guests from all around the world.

Chip and Dale 

My new ears

My outfit for Traditions

Dads last day in FL

Thursday, May 29 

Today was my Dads last day in Florida. I picked my Dad up in the morning at the car rental place. We then headed to over to the Polynesian to have breakfast. This was our first time trying out the Kona Cafe. We both ordered the Tonga Toast, which was amazing. 

After breakfast we walked around the Poly and Grand Flordian. When we were at the Grand Floridan we took the monorail back to the Poly. Then we headed to the Wilderness Lodge where my Dad was going to get on the Magical Express to take him to the airport. This is my families favorite resort! We walked around inside and outside and then sat in the lobby and talked. The lobby is so beautiful. 

The first survey marker I took a picture of. My Dad pointed it out!

We headed back to my car to get his bags and wait outside for the magical express. The bus pulled up twenty minutes early and it was time to say goodbye to my Dad. It was so emotional and I really didn't want say goodbye. I felt so alone after he left. :( 

When I got back to the apartment my roommates were getting ready to check out the bus routes. We took the bus that took us to Disney University. It was good to see how long it would take and which stop to get off at. 

After that we went to a pool party that was going on in the Commons. They had hotdogs and sodas for us. Who doesn't like free food?! haha We hung out there for a little and then headed back to the apartment. 

When I got back I did a couple things in my room and then started to cook dinner for myself. I made myself an egg sandwich with strawberries. This is one of the first time I cooked myself dinner. It is definitely going to take some getting use to. 

I watched the DIS unplugged, did some laundry, ironed my clothes, and waited for Pete to get done work so we could FaceTime. Then it was time for bed.