high plains drifter
Well-Known Member
Snack time 
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Where in the World Isn't Bob Saget?
- Thread starter PUSH
- Start date
Unfortunately I started working there long after it's prime. I hated the job. I pretty much worked every position there at some point. Started as a cashier. Moved to hardlines. Then was "promoted" to service desk, which was my least favorite job there. I worked lawn & garden. I worked softlines, but was never officially scheduled there. I was supposed to train for a backroom position, but then they trained me at service desk instead since they needed more people there. If I wasn't in college, they were going to ask me if I wanted to become the nighttime supervisor (essentially the manager, the shift was just after the manager or assistant manager got off their shifts). I even worked in the pharmacy. I loved that job. It was fantastic, but they didn't put me there much (this may sound cocky, but it was 100% true with the group we had working at the time)... they didn't put me there much because I was one of the few competent people they had to work other places. I even asked multiple times to be moved to the pharmacy for the majority of my shifts.Hey, Kmart was big time at one point. They didn't call it the BigK for nothing!
But even though I hated the job, I still had a lot of fun. I was just working for some income through college, so it was never a serious thing for me. A lot of my fellow part-timers had the same mindset. We did a lot more messing around and wasting time than we should have. The cool boss helped us with that, too. She would strategically choose the people who would work directly with her on projects and the ones who would do something else. Probably not the best way to run a store, but it was a lot of fun! I can't even describe her... quite the character. Not the type of person I'd ever imagine myself being friends with, but somehow Kmart made it all make sense.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
@high plains drifter - when is the last time you visited WDW? Do you stay onsite, offsite, DVC?
We all know each other fairly well here, but Iāll go first.
We stayed offsite twice in the early 90ās before kids, and then twice offsite with the kids.
Since then, we have stayed at POP 6X with free dining, and at Coronado 6X, also with free dining.
We also went over March Break in 2017 while we were down for Spring Training, and over Christmas break in 2018 because we were spending NYE with my boss in Madeira Beach, so we spent two days at WDW with @Eric1955 , and then hit Pigeon Forge on the way home to spend five days with @InnKpr .
We also visit @NYwdwfan regularly.
Just gonna point out that nobody comes to visit us.
We all know each other fairly well here, but Iāll go first.
We stayed offsite twice in the early 90ās before kids, and then twice offsite with the kids.
Since then, we have stayed at POP 6X with free dining, and at Coronado 6X, also with free dining.
We also went over March Break in 2017 while we were down for Spring Training, and over Christmas break in 2018 because we were spending NYE with my boss in Madeira Beach, so we spent two days at WDW with @Eric1955 , and then hit Pigeon Forge on the way home to spend five days with @InnKpr .
We also visit @NYwdwfan regularly.
Just gonna point out that nobody comes to visit us.
high plains drifter
Well-Known Member
I think we've all had a job like that and some day you'll look back and forget the bad parts and just wish for something that simple and carefree again!Unfortunately I started working there long after it's prime. I hated the job. I pretty much worked every position there at some point. Started as a cashier. Moved to hardlines. Then was "promoted" to service desk, which was my least favorite job there. I worked lawn & garden. I worked softlines, but was never officially scheduled there. I was supposed to train for a backroom position, but then they trained me at service desk instead since they needed more people there. If I wasn't in college, they were going to ask me if I wanted to become the nighttime supervisor (essentially the manager, the shift was just after the manager or assistant manager got off their shifts). I even worked in the pharmacy. I loved that job. It was fantastic, but they didn't put me there much (this may sound cocky, but it was 100% true with the group we had working at the time)... they didn't put me there much because I was one of the few competent people they had to work other places. I even asked multiple times to be moved to the pharmacy for the majority of my shifts.
But even though I hated the job, I still had a lot of fun. I was just working for some income through college, so it was never a serious thing for me. A lot of my fellow part-timers had the same mindset. We did a lot more messing around and wasting time than we should have. The cool boss helped us with that, too. She would strategically choose the people who would work directly with her on projects and the ones who would do something else. Probably not the best way to run a store, but it was a lot of fun! I can't even describe her... quite the character. Not the type of person I'd ever imagine myself being friends with, but somehow Kmart made it all make sense.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
I worked for Woolco while it was on life support up here. I worked in the caf. Not the Red Grill for some reason. Our store used to be a Woolworth, so I worked on āStrawberry Streetā.
I loved that job. Except for liver and onions day.
high plains drifter
Well-Known Member
Lets see, last trip was in Feb (2020). We have a family condo in downtown Sarasota and for the past three years, hubs and I have flown into orlando for a few days at Disney and then we head over to Sarasota for the rest of the trip. This year we did 5 nights in WD and 8 in Sarasota. He doesn't mind Disney but he's not a fan like me. We went for New years Eve 2 years ago and we'd never do that again...ever. It was just not enjoyable in the least.
My first trip was in 1982 with my parents/sister. I've probably done about 15 more trips between then and now with various people (my mom and grandparents, sister, friends, boyfriends, etc.). I've stayed on and off property but mostly on. Majority of stays were at POR, AKL and Swan or Dolphin. But I've also had single stays at AS Music and Sports, and CB. I'm so grateful we ended up going this year because I know it might never be quite the same there again.
I had no idea that many of you had actually met in person! Did you just get to know each other on the boards here and then planned to meet?
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
@high plains drifter , yes we met here first and then IRL. @Eric1955 used to live in the Orlando area so he has met the most people.
And yes, things are going to be different for a while. Did you get to ride either of Ride of the Resistance or MMRR? We were last there in September, so we got to ride Falcon 3X.
Thereās a trip report section in this forum. @ajrwdwgirl has quite a few excellent reports in there. I have a handful of live trip reports there too.
And yes, things are going to be different for a while. Did you get to ride either of Ride of the Resistance or MMRR? We were last there in September, so we got to ride Falcon 3X.
Thereās a trip report section in this forum. @ajrwdwgirl has quite a few excellent reports in there. I have a handful of live trip reports there too.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
We always fly out of Buffalo - except last year, when MCO closed due to Dorian.
We cancelled our flights, and then MCO delayed closing, but we had already made arrangements to drive down with my brother and his wife. Their flight down actually was cancelled, but their return flight to Hamilton was fine, so Mike drove their truck back a few days after theyād come back.
We cancelled our flights, and then MCO delayed closing, but we had already made arrangements to drive down with my brother and his wife. Their flight down actually was cancelled, but their return flight to Hamilton was fine, so Mike drove their truck back a few days after theyād come back.
high plains drifter
Well-Known Member
Wow, that's great that you guys have formed some personal friendships from here! We are obviously in very close proximity to one another so eventually there might be opportunity to meet.
Unfortunately MMRR was not open yet and we did not attempt Rise. As I mentioned, hubs doesn't share my passion so we're pretty laid back on our trips. We decided to wait and attempt it on our next visit but now I'm somewhat regretting it because who knows when that might be. We did ride Falcon and both enjoyed it.
I love the trip reports! They make great bedtime reading. I've looked at a few recent ones but I'm going to go back and probably focus on ones from people who are familiar to me now.
Unfortunately MMRR was not open yet and we did not attempt Rise. As I mentioned, hubs doesn't share my passion so we're pretty laid back on our trips. We decided to wait and attempt it on our next visit but now I'm somewhat regretting it because who knows when that might be. We did ride Falcon and both enjoyed it.
I love the trip reports! They make great bedtime reading. I've looked at a few recent ones but I'm going to go back and probably focus on ones from people who are familiar to me now.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
So itās time for Brad Mondo to āHi Beautifulā me a few times, and then I might actually try to be asleep before 3:00, but first I will leave you with some pics of my orchids.
This one is more than two years old, and was given to me by some purchasers.
And this one was my Motherās Day gift from the Ski last year.
This one is more than two years old, and was given to me by some purchasers.
And this one was my Motherās Day gift from the Ski last year.
high plains drifter
Well-Known Member
Yeah, you can't beat that direct Southwest flight out of BUF.
How was it to drive? I was thinking the only trip I might consider this year is driving straight through to the condo which looks to be about 20 hours. But I haven't driven a trip like that in probably 20 years. Not sure I could handle it at this point.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
JetBlue, but yeah.
We drove down for Spring Training, plus the 2018 Christmas trip, and then again last year. Itās nice when itās just Mike and me. I would never do it again with the boys though. For starters, theyāre giants and donāt fit in the backseat. But worse, they hate each other.
When we went in 2018, I had broken my leg 12 days before and was still using crutches, cane, and wheelchair. The drive was okay.
And then in September, I was less than 7 weeks out from knee surgery. If you find my trip report, youāll see the brace in all the photos. I got shotgun the whole trip, no matter who was driving, so I was very comfortable. My SILās truck is huge!
high plains drifter
Well-Known Member
I'd just like to say thank you to all of the nice posters here on the Saget thread for making me feel welcome. I joined this site a little over a month ago and noticed that some posters can't really be bothered to engage with new members and some will even flat out ignore/not respond to you! But that's not the case here so thank you ā¤.
That was brave to go under those circumstances!
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
Weāre the friendly bunch.I'd just like to say thank you to all of the nice posters here on the Saget thread for making me feel welcome. I joined this site a little over a month ago and noticed that some posters can't really be bothered to engage with new members and some will even flat out ignore/not respond to you! But that's not the case here so thank you ā¤.
That was brave to go under those circumstances!
I found last yearās live TR if youāre bored.
Not patting myself on the back (oh I so am!), but it was written live, and 100% on my phone. Ha.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
So yeah, I might have gotten sucked into reading the entirety of last yearās trip report.
3:47
As Iām reading, Iām thinking āCanāt wait to do that.ā Nope. āCanāt wait to go thereā. Nope. āCanāt wait to ride the Skyliner.ā Nope. And now I has a sad.
3:47
As Iām reading, Iām thinking āCanāt wait to do that.ā Nope. āCanāt wait to go thereā. Nope. āCanāt wait to ride the Skyliner.ā Nope. And now I has a sad.
Songbird76
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't have minded working at Walmart so much if it wasn't for the department manager. My husband and I had just gotten married and we needed jobs. They couldn't have us working in the same department, and we were hired as overnight stockers, so they put him in general and me in Pharmacy. With pharmacy, there were all sorts of rules about stocking because stuff expires, and there are regulations on certain items. So I had to rotate the stock and make sure the oldest stuff was at the front and would be bought first. Anything expired had to be taken off the shelf so it couldn't be sold. Sudaphed could only be sold up to 3 boxes at a time or people would use it to make drugs, so it was supposed to be kept behind the counter and you had to ask for it there. The department manager wasn't there at night most of the time, so I was under the store assistant manager and he was pretty cool. I liked him. But he had to make decisions like...if sales were down, he had to send people home early to balance out the costs of running the business against sales. So he'd tell me I needed to go home, and the dept. manager would yell at me the next day and tell me I couldn't go home early because I wasn't finished. I'd take the expired meds off the shelf and leave a note only to find them back on the shelf the next day. Same with the Sudafed...we weren't supposed to put it on the shelf, so I'd take it off and put it behind the counter. Every. Single. Night. She broke every rule.Unfortunately I started working there long after it's prime. I hated the job. I pretty much worked every position there at some point. Started as a cashier. Moved to hardlines. Then was "promoted" to service desk, which was my least favorite job there. I worked lawn & garden. I worked softlines, but was never officially scheduled there. I was supposed to train for a backroom position, but then they trained me at service desk instead since they needed more people there. If I wasn't in college, they were going to ask me if I wanted to become the nighttime supervisor (essentially the manager, the shift was just after the manager or assistant manager got off their shifts). I even worked in the pharmacy. I loved that job. It was fantastic, but they didn't put me there much (this may sound cocky, but it was 100% true with the group we had working at the time)... they didn't put me there much because I was one of the few competent people they had to work other places. I even asked multiple times to be moved to the pharmacy for the majority of my shifts.
But even though I hated the job, I still had a lot of fun. I was just working for some income through college, so it was never a serious thing for me. A lot of my fellow part-timers had the same mindset. We did a lot more messing around and wasting time than we should have. The cool boss helped us with that, too. She would strategically choose the people who would work directly with her on projects and the ones who would do something else. Probably not the best way to run a store, but it was a lot of fun! I can't even describe her... quite the character. Not the type of person I'd ever imagine myself being friends with, but somehow Kmart made it all make sense.
Finally the straw that broke the camel's back was when my mom was in the hospital. She had breast cancer and was undergoing chemo and radiation. It was Mother's Day Weekend and her bloodpressure dropped dangerously low and she was admitted to the hospital. I got permission from the store manager to go be with her. I missed two days of work. When I came back, the dept. Manager ripped me up one side and down the other about how I left her in the lurch and I should never have left, and now she had to do all my work and it wasn't fair. And the pharmacy is actually separate from Walmart even though it's IN Walmart and we were hired BY Walmart, that I should have gone through HER to ask for time off not the managers above her. I told her my mom had cancer and was in the hospital, it wasn't like I went on vacation, and I had the store manager's permission, who was above her. She said "Well your mom's got cancer. She's going to die anyway. You can't do anything to help her, so you should have been HERE!" I went directly to the assistant manager and told him what she said and he got me in touch with the store manager who moved me out of pharmacy that night.
When I've gone back to the States, I've seen that dept. Manager has been demoted. Apparently she was not leadership material....no really??
Songbird76
Well-Known Member
I would recommend Tuvalu's TRs. She goes ALL the time. They are some of my favorites to read. I'm a bit behind on my TRs, but slowly catching up.
Sorry you missed Rise! My family went to Disney last July, so just before SW:GE opened. I planned it purposely because I figured it would be packed when it opened and I wanted to go when it was less crowded. I had debated between 2019 and 2020. I'm sooooo glad I chose 2019!!! We can only go during the summer vacation because it's illegal for kids to be out of school unless they are sick, so the choice was between Summer BEFORE GE opened and Summer AFTER GE opened. I am betting we wouldn't have gotten to go at all if we had planned for this Summer. They said on the news this morning not to expect to be able to fly this Summer to vacation destinations. We may not even be able to drive to Germany, and that's only 15 minutes away.
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
@high plains drifter - That's cool that you have a condo in Sarasota. My sister lives in Bradenton, so we've spent a lot of time in the Sarasota area. Beautiful city!
Last edited:
Nemo14
Well-Known Member
My orchids were doing so well for so long til DH took over watering them, so now I'm down to 3, none of which is blooming at the moment.
MinnieM123
Premium Member
Very mixed feelings on this one. While the ambience and attention to detail are incredible, it feels like lost potential. To echo what many others have said in the past, it just seems way too short.
Quality
Quantity
(imo)
Got to the park super early one morning (2 years ago), and got on FOP within 30 minutes walk-on (as a solo, they whisked me through some side queue and I got on fast). After that, the main park wasn't even open yet, so I walked over to Nav'i and walked on immediately (there were only about 30 people there).
I thought the ride was visually stunning, BUT, I didn't have a clue what the heck type of story they were trying to convey. (Note: I had seen Avatar about a month before that, to familiarize myself with the new area of Animal Kingdom.) So when I got to the end of the ride, I was completely perplexed about what I was "supposed" to see or understand about it? Apparently, I wasn't the only one. Upon departure, I recall a man asking his family what the ride was all about. They kinda shrugged.
So I think with the visuals, they had a tremendous opportunity to do something more with this attraction, but fell short with any sort of story or explanation, IMO. (I think that all attractions should be clear for all guests -- not everyone may be familiar with a particular movie, etc., but the Imagineers need to create an experience that is at least understandable for all.)