Okay, little warning/disclaimer here:
THIS DOES CONTAIN SOME PERSONAL STYLE INFO (I.E. THIS SUCKS BECAUSE SO AND SO IS ACTING THIS WAY, ETC), SO IT'S NOT A STRAIGHT FACTUAL BLOG, BUT I JUST PASTED IT FROM MY MYSPACE BLOG AND I DON'T FEEL LIKE RETYPING OR EDITING IT. IT GIVES YOU A LITTLE BIT OF A RUNDOWN ON WHAT ALL YOU WOULD GO THROUGH ON THE FIRST FEW DAYS (because I know I was curious).
Sorry, but if I don't put that, SOMEONE will complain...
Here's what I put in my MySpace blog (www.myspace.com/lewmorris):
Okay, the first part of Disney training Since some of you have been asking, I'm going to post a little rundown of my experience so far here at Disney. For those in the cheap seats, I'm working here at Walt Disney World in Florida for the College Program internship.
Day Minus One: First Meetings
Showed up to Earl of Sandwich to meet some other College Program people from Facebook. Everyone was friendly, especially Elyse. We talked for awhile, but me and Kari had gotten park tickets and wanted to take advantage of them. We stopped, chatted, Elyse and I swapped numbers and Kari and I left. At least I got to meet a few people.
Day One: First Check In
Get to Vista Way (one of two apartment complexes exclusively for College Program students and interns) for check in. They say get there around 9, but I got there at 8:45 and was still pretty far back in line. They give us our "Program Guide" which is basically the College Program Bible so to speak. I knew coming in that I was slotted for attractions (working on a ride), but no clue which one. I don't get to find out today either. I go through and fill out the first part of my paperwork, get herded around a line to fill out more paperwork and make my apartment selection. I had done a "roommate match" so I THOUGHT I knew who was going to be my roommate and we had decided to get a one bedroom at Chatham Square - the other complex (mandatory two people per bedroom). So I told them and got my selection. More paperwork, getting my parking sticker for my complex and my housing ID. No Disney ID yet
, so no free admission to the parks. I do get my "Hub" (Cast Portal) ID and can log in with that at least. I get done with that and have a housing meeting in a few hours following. I get to the apartment, where Kari had been unpacking some stuff, and then finish unpacking. I go to the housing meeting. Meet another girl from Dallas who is in the program. Basic rundown of what to do and what not to do as well as services offered at the housing. Housing security is similar to military base security. NO entry without an ID, all guests must be signed in and their IDs are photocopied and kept on file. Disney doesn't mess around. No guests after 1am and I can't even personally get into the other Disney complex after 9pm without a resident there signing me in like any other non-Disney guest. Elyse and I kinda heckle the stuff regarding the rules over text messages (she's across the room). For those who take the College Program you'll understand our joke about "...showing up on your doorstep in my underwear while smoking a joint, holding a battle axe, asking to ride in your trunk." Anyway, that's it for the day and I get the rest of the afternoon off. Kari and I both finish setting up the apartment (to a point) and have to have the sad goodbye at the airport. Kari returns home. By the way, midway through the day I find my roommate has been switched and now I'm rooming with a 52 year old Culinary intern. Needless to say, that killed the social setup I had with my matched roommate and now the one bedroom is more of a social black hole for me since I've really got no one to "hang out" with. I go back and finish the apartment and get ready for day two check-in at 9am.
Day Two: Second Check In
Okay, I finally get to find out my job. I show up, they give us a short rundown on the Disney Look we have to have at Traditions class the next day (very important as this is the "entry" class into becoming an official cast member). We go in, fill out more paperwork and go to find out our job. I get the MGM (now Hollywood) Studios "Icon" area. Still don't know anything more specific, but at least I know which park. We go a bit further, fill out MORE paperwork, and then finally talk to representatives from the park. I'm handed a paper that tells me I'm working "Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Adventure" and "Drew Carey: Sounds Dangerous." At first I'm a little bummed not getting Tower of Terror or Haunted Mansion. Then I think about it - those are pretty much "loader" roles. No real script or interaction. My job could be more fun. Hell, if I get the talking part on Indiana Jones, I get to entertain several thousand people everyday AND they have pyro in each show. So I sign up for the Exploration in Leadership class for networking purposes (since I want to get into Imagineering) and that's it for the day. Still no Disney ID, but at least I know my job. I got to the pool party with Elyse and a few others and we watch a few people shake it on the dance floor. The highlights were Mickey doing the Cha Cha Slide and Donald Duck dancing a lot of different dances and getting down to "Bringing Sexy Back." Donald definitely can work the ladies. I feel like I'm a bit of an outsider in the group I'm with, but oh well. Elyse was still cordial to me, but I can see the cliques forming and its seeming I'm not gonna be part of that one. I go back and spend the rest of the day just kinda hanging out at the apartment.
Day Three: Traditions
Okay, the big day where we get our IDs and get to be "real" cast members. Took the bus there and met a girl from Puerto Rico named Elizabeth. She happens to live in my building. Weird, what's the chances. We talked about a few things and exchanged contact info, but ultimately, doubt I'll hear from her. No biggie either way. Long class, a lot of which talks about Disney history (which as most of you know, I'm pretty well versed in) and a lot of safety and sexual harassment videos (typical company ______ coverage stuff). Meet a couple of people at the table and yack with them. My advice for other CPs - EAT before you go or at least bring a snack. A lot of us were starving by the end - you DON'T get a lunch break. We did it at Disney University which is "backstage" at the Magic Kingdom - our first taste of being backstage at the parks. Very cool at least. We also received our official Disney ID badges and nametags (will post nametag later, don't think I can post the badge). Also got a Pin Trading: Traditions pin (cool for me since I'm a pin collector/trader). Afterwards, we were told we are now all "official cast members." Very cool moment for everyone. We had the rest of the day off, but I had a migrane from not eating and went back to the room and crashed out. No word from anyone I talked to earlier, so obviously still carried that outcast feeling. Ugh, its annoying, but I'm not going to force myself on anyone. There are lots of people here.
Day Four: My Park Tour
This part differs for everyone, but I got my tour the day after Traditions (today). Since I'm at Disney Hollywood Studios I do the orientation called "On With the Show." We got to the park at 7:30 am and started off at backstage costuming. Met Janice (edited the name now that I remember), who incidentally I had been happening to be around over the course of things from the beginning. I saw her several times at check ins and she was parked next to me at the housing meeting, but no clue who she was (she stands out, she has really long red hair). Turns out, she also lives in my building and is in a similar social hell (mainly because she has an opposite schedule to her roommate). Who knows, maybe we'll hang out, she also drives a black sports car (A Subaru WRX - I got the RX-8) and also wants to become an Imagineer. We get a short tour of the front of the park before the park opens. Then, we get to do a private ride on the Great Movie Ride. We finish that and tour the back part of the Studios. We also got to stop by the backstage cafeteria which had the Company D store (cast only store) - note to self: gotta stock up on the cast only pins and the Imagineer lithograph definitely - that'll will be a stop tomorrow. We go to the Disney Learning Center (also backstage) and find out that the Bungalows there used to house the old dressing rooms for the MMC - yes, the Britany, Christina, Justin, one. Janice and I joke about whether or not the "crazy" has been cleaned out of Britany's building. We get to sit down, log on the hub and enter informational video hell. Since I was in attractions I had about 2 and a half HOURS of videos I had to watch. They split us up and I gave Janice my contact info so I MIGHT actually have someone to hang out with. She seems to have a similar vibe to me, but who knows, it always seems the people I have the best chance of getting along with tend to flake on me and never have the chance to know. Story of my life. Anyway, she didn't have time to give me hers (I had to hastily scribble my stuff on a piece of paper and give it to her before we split off) and went off with the merchandise people. I get through it all, we go back to costuming, clock out and have the rest of the day off. Was going to go back to the park, but got tired. Elyse did text me to see how my job training was going, was nice to hear from her at least. When I wake up tomorrow I will head that way and make sure to watch the Indiana Jones show. I'm hoping I can maybe sit backstage and watch some of the production and gain an understanding of the show better before working there. Job wise, things are going ok. Social wise, eh, it's a wash.
So that's what I've been up to lately. I'll probably head to the park tomorrow, I'm guessing alone, and will snap a few pics and maybe check out a few shows.
THIS DOES CONTAIN SOME PERSONAL STYLE INFO (I.E. THIS SUCKS BECAUSE SO AND SO IS ACTING THIS WAY, ETC), SO IT'S NOT A STRAIGHT FACTUAL BLOG, BUT I JUST PASTED IT FROM MY MYSPACE BLOG AND I DON'T FEEL LIKE RETYPING OR EDITING IT. IT GIVES YOU A LITTLE BIT OF A RUNDOWN ON WHAT ALL YOU WOULD GO THROUGH ON THE FIRST FEW DAYS (because I know I was curious).
Sorry, but if I don't put that, SOMEONE will complain...
Here's what I put in my MySpace blog (www.myspace.com/lewmorris):
Okay, the first part of Disney training Since some of you have been asking, I'm going to post a little rundown of my experience so far here at Disney. For those in the cheap seats, I'm working here at Walt Disney World in Florida for the College Program internship.
Day Minus One: First Meetings
Showed up to Earl of Sandwich to meet some other College Program people from Facebook. Everyone was friendly, especially Elyse. We talked for awhile, but me and Kari had gotten park tickets and wanted to take advantage of them. We stopped, chatted, Elyse and I swapped numbers and Kari and I left. At least I got to meet a few people.
Day One: First Check In
Get to Vista Way (one of two apartment complexes exclusively for College Program students and interns) for check in. They say get there around 9, but I got there at 8:45 and was still pretty far back in line. They give us our "Program Guide" which is basically the College Program Bible so to speak. I knew coming in that I was slotted for attractions (working on a ride), but no clue which one. I don't get to find out today either. I go through and fill out the first part of my paperwork, get herded around a line to fill out more paperwork and make my apartment selection. I had done a "roommate match" so I THOUGHT I knew who was going to be my roommate and we had decided to get a one bedroom at Chatham Square - the other complex (mandatory two people per bedroom). So I told them and got my selection. More paperwork, getting my parking sticker for my complex and my housing ID. No Disney ID yet
, so no free admission to the parks. I do get my "Hub" (Cast Portal) ID and can log in with that at least. I get done with that and have a housing meeting in a few hours following. I get to the apartment, where Kari had been unpacking some stuff, and then finish unpacking. I go to the housing meeting. Meet another girl from Dallas who is in the program. Basic rundown of what to do and what not to do as well as services offered at the housing. Housing security is similar to military base security. NO entry without an ID, all guests must be signed in and their IDs are photocopied and kept on file. Disney doesn't mess around. No guests after 1am and I can't even personally get into the other Disney complex after 9pm without a resident there signing me in like any other non-Disney guest. Elyse and I kinda heckle the stuff regarding the rules over text messages (she's across the room). For those who take the College Program you'll understand our joke about "...showing up on your doorstep in my underwear while smoking a joint, holding a battle axe, asking to ride in your trunk." Anyway, that's it for the day and I get the rest of the afternoon off. Kari and I both finish setting up the apartment (to a point) and have to have the sad goodbye at the airport. Kari returns home. By the way, midway through the day I find my roommate has been switched and now I'm rooming with a 52 year old Culinary intern. Needless to say, that killed the social setup I had with my matched roommate and now the one bedroom is more of a social black hole for me since I've really got no one to "hang out" with. I go back and finish the apartment and get ready for day two check-in at 9am.Day Two: Second Check In
Okay, I finally get to find out my job. I show up, they give us a short rundown on the Disney Look we have to have at Traditions class the next day (very important as this is the "entry" class into becoming an official cast member). We go in, fill out more paperwork and go to find out our job. I get the MGM (now Hollywood) Studios "Icon" area. Still don't know anything more specific, but at least I know which park. We go a bit further, fill out MORE paperwork, and then finally talk to representatives from the park. I'm handed a paper that tells me I'm working "Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Adventure" and "Drew Carey: Sounds Dangerous." At first I'm a little bummed not getting Tower of Terror or Haunted Mansion. Then I think about it - those are pretty much "loader" roles. No real script or interaction. My job could be more fun. Hell, if I get the talking part on Indiana Jones, I get to entertain several thousand people everyday AND they have pyro in each show. So I sign up for the Exploration in Leadership class for networking purposes (since I want to get into Imagineering) and that's it for the day. Still no Disney ID, but at least I know my job. I got to the pool party with Elyse and a few others and we watch a few people shake it on the dance floor. The highlights were Mickey doing the Cha Cha Slide and Donald Duck dancing a lot of different dances and getting down to "Bringing Sexy Back." Donald definitely can work the ladies. I feel like I'm a bit of an outsider in the group I'm with, but oh well. Elyse was still cordial to me, but I can see the cliques forming and its seeming I'm not gonna be part of that one. I go back and spend the rest of the day just kinda hanging out at the apartment.
Day Three: Traditions
Okay, the big day where we get our IDs and get to be "real" cast members. Took the bus there and met a girl from Puerto Rico named Elizabeth. She happens to live in my building. Weird, what's the chances. We talked about a few things and exchanged contact info, but ultimately, doubt I'll hear from her. No biggie either way. Long class, a lot of which talks about Disney history (which as most of you know, I'm pretty well versed in) and a lot of safety and sexual harassment videos (typical company ______ coverage stuff). Meet a couple of people at the table and yack with them. My advice for other CPs - EAT before you go or at least bring a snack. A lot of us were starving by the end - you DON'T get a lunch break. We did it at Disney University which is "backstage" at the Magic Kingdom - our first taste of being backstage at the parks. Very cool at least. We also received our official Disney ID badges and nametags (will post nametag later, don't think I can post the badge). Also got a Pin Trading: Traditions pin (cool for me since I'm a pin collector/trader). Afterwards, we were told we are now all "official cast members." Very cool moment for everyone. We had the rest of the day off, but I had a migrane from not eating and went back to the room and crashed out. No word from anyone I talked to earlier, so obviously still carried that outcast feeling. Ugh, its annoying, but I'm not going to force myself on anyone. There are lots of people here.
Day Four: My Park Tour
This part differs for everyone, but I got my tour the day after Traditions (today). Since I'm at Disney Hollywood Studios I do the orientation called "On With the Show." We got to the park at 7:30 am and started off at backstage costuming. Met Janice (edited the name now that I remember), who incidentally I had been happening to be around over the course of things from the beginning. I saw her several times at check ins and she was parked next to me at the housing meeting, but no clue who she was (she stands out, she has really long red hair). Turns out, she also lives in my building and is in a similar social hell (mainly because she has an opposite schedule to her roommate). Who knows, maybe we'll hang out, she also drives a black sports car (A Subaru WRX - I got the RX-8) and also wants to become an Imagineer. We get a short tour of the front of the park before the park opens. Then, we get to do a private ride on the Great Movie Ride. We finish that and tour the back part of the Studios. We also got to stop by the backstage cafeteria which had the Company D store (cast only store) - note to self: gotta stock up on the cast only pins and the Imagineer lithograph definitely - that'll will be a stop tomorrow. We go to the Disney Learning Center (also backstage) and find out that the Bungalows there used to house the old dressing rooms for the MMC - yes, the Britany, Christina, Justin, one. Janice and I joke about whether or not the "crazy" has been cleaned out of Britany's building. We get to sit down, log on the hub and enter informational video hell. Since I was in attractions I had about 2 and a half HOURS of videos I had to watch. They split us up and I gave Janice my contact info so I MIGHT actually have someone to hang out with. She seems to have a similar vibe to me, but who knows, it always seems the people I have the best chance of getting along with tend to flake on me and never have the chance to know. Story of my life. Anyway, she didn't have time to give me hers (I had to hastily scribble my stuff on a piece of paper and give it to her before we split off) and went off with the merchandise people. I get through it all, we go back to costuming, clock out and have the rest of the day off. Was going to go back to the park, but got tired. Elyse did text me to see how my job training was going, was nice to hear from her at least. When I wake up tomorrow I will head that way and make sure to watch the Indiana Jones show. I'm hoping I can maybe sit backstage and watch some of the production and gain an understanding of the show better before working there. Job wise, things are going ok. Social wise, eh, it's a wash.
So that's what I've been up to lately. I'll probably head to the park tomorrow, I'm guessing alone, and will snap a few pics and maybe check out a few shows.
