Sunday, February 23, 2014

Feb 10th-Feb 23rd

It's been quite some time since I've had a chance to sit down and write out a nice little post. Since my training everything has been going wonderful. I've met amazing people and have learned so much. I typically work 5 days a week at about 6-7 hours per shift. Normally I get a closing shift or a shift that is essentially closing  without having to do all of the cleaning. I've learned that Disney is very clean, and they care a lot about the presentation of what's being given to their guests. Working in food has given me such a great perspective on one of the largest parts that make up Walt Disney World. I've also learned a lot about multitasking also. Taking orders, filling orders, and everything in-between. My memory has done pretty well here so that helps a lot.

I honestly believe I am so lucky to be put in East Stands. Everyone from managers, to coordinators, to my co-workers are all very kind. I've already learned so much from each one of them. I work mostly in Fantasyland, which is cool with me because no matter where you are  you can see the fireworks. You may not actually see them, but you get to see the sky light up in those magical colors every night you work. Even though they scare me almost every night, hearing the guests go "ooooo" "aaaahhhh" reminds me why I'm so lucky to me working in such a wonderful place.

I also began my class of Disney Heritage, which is where I learn the ins and outs of the Walt Disney Company from beginning to a little after Epcot opens. I've only had two classes thus far and have already learned so much Disney knowledge, that my brain is just oh so very happy!

The most important thing of all, playing in the parks!! Being able to go to whichever park I want whatever day is amazing. I've been to Magic Kingdom a lot mainly because it's open the latest. It's just so nice to go to the park for a few hours and not feel rushed to do everything like you would on a vacation. It's one of the best perks of working here. That is all I have for now!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Training!

Training Day 1: We took a tour around our location to all of the places I will be working at over the next 4 months. We learned about each place and the types of things that are served there, where the closest restroom is and just the basics. It was fun to be able to see everything, and we even got asked a few questions by guests along the way. The first day was super simple and there was not much to it.

Training Day 2: On this day we went to Gaston's and Friar's Nook. At Gaston's we learned about the holding time for all of the foods, how to make Lefous Brew, and this was our first day on the register. It was really fun to interact with guests and hear all of the questions that they had. Gaston's is a lot of fun there multiple roles at this location, and occasionally we get visit from Gaston himself!

Next was Friar's Nook. Here they sell Gourmet Mac and Cheese, hot dogs, and other little snack things. Here we didn't work on the register, but practiced filling orders and making the different kinds of Mac and Cheese! Also here we learned how to close this location and the different steps you have to take in order to pass your walk. A walk is after you have finished cleaning everything you call for a manager and they come and make sure everything is clean and ready for the next day.

The best part of training trying food!! At Gaston's we tried Lefous Brew, Pork Shank, Chocolate Croissant, and Cinnamon Roll! So yummy! At Friar's we tried the different Mac and Cheeses. Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese, Bleu Cheese with Balsamic Vinegar, and Mac and Cheese with breadcrumbs on top. They were all very interesting.

Training Day 3: Cheshire Cafe this place is super simple. Its just drinks and muffins. There's this cakes in a cup that are Mad Hatter, and the Cat. But they are pre made so no cooking!

Storybook Treats: Here we make specialty sundaes, regular sundaes, cones, and cups. I will be working on my swirl over the next couple of days, but it's been pretty good. The hardest part here is making the perfect swirl.

We got to try a specialty sundae and I had a raspberry lemonade slushy from Cheshire!

Training Day 4: Today we spent the whole day at Auntie Gravities. Here there smoothies and ice cream and floats, such things like that. It's super fun to work at. You either are on reg or fill the orders instead of doing both. It's a lot of fun, and I'm really excited to work here more! I chose not to try anything here just because I wasn't in the mood.

Training Day 5: We were at Launching Pad all day. Here we have a Philly Dog, Coney Dog, Chili Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, Cheese Dog, Regular Dog, Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel, Mickey Pretzel, and different types of slushies. This place seems fun. You walk away smelling like hot dogs at the end of the day, but it's relatively simple tasks to achieve. I tried the Coney Dog, Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel, and a Mickey Pretzel. All very very delicious!!

Training Day 6: Review everything and take an assessment. Which I passed and have now earned my ears yay!!!

My first day on my own is tomorrow! I'm nervous, but I know I have an amazing team behind me.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Jan 30-Feb 1st

These last three days have literally been so crazy! On the 30th, I went through traditions which is the general program orientation. You learn about what Disney expects of their Cast Members, and it's your first official day as a Cast Member. There are fun things that you get to do during this time, such as get your name tag, and go into the Magic Kingdom for a little bit. This ran about four hours and the girls did a really good job at making it fun to learn. This was day 1 of getting up early for me, and if you know me I'm no where near a morning person, so it's been quite the struggle!!

On the 31st, I did my first day of training. This was just a class to grasp the basic concept of what the Food and Beverage area is at the Walt Disney World Resort. This was also four hours and even more of a struggle for me to keep up with than traditions. At the end of this day however, I was given my free shoes for work! Since Food and Beverage need a specific type of shoe they provide them too you! This day was just a very general training day, and nothing too exciting. I did however learn a few new things about the Food and Beverage area that I didn't know before!

On the 1st, I had my theme park orientation! I got to take a tour of the Magic Kingdom, and I learned some things that I never knew before and it was just amazing! I really learned that I will be working at the most magical place in the resort, because when people think of Disney World, they think of Magic Kingdom. I believe that everyday will be so rewarding, even though I'm just in Food Service. Kids look forward to their Ice Cream. I officially found out my location today. I will be working in Breaker&StoryBook Circus, New Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland!

This includes places like, Friar's Nook, Storybook Treats, Cheshire Cafe, Gaston's Tavern, Lunching Pad, Auntie Gravity's Galectic Goodies, Cool Ship, and Space Dog. I'm really excited about the fact that I will get to change locations and not be in the same spot every day! I'm SUPER pumped about Gaston's Tavern! Oh my goodness!

I start my training tomorrow, and officially have an "earning my ears" thing hanging from my name tag! I will be finished with training on February 9th! I'm so excited to start training and do something I've never done before!!! I hope you continue to follow along with me and read about my journey!