Today I had another class at Disney University. This class was all about the brand new MyMagic+ which has recently been beta tested with REAL guests. It is expected to roll out completely by the end of the year.
This class taught us all about the applications that guests can use from home, their moblie device, tablet or kindle to manage their reservations as well as the system we use to help guests change or modify their reservations.
There is not much to share other than what has been previously released to the public. Basically you will be able to link your resort reservation, tickets, dining plans, credit card for charging and fast passes onto your MagicBand. These will be replacing the Key to the World Cards.
One of the more interesting components of this is that you can pre-select Fastpasses for each day of your visit. So similar to dining reservations you will probably need to book them ahead of time if you want to ride more popular attractions. Of course you can wait until the day of as well.
But here is the best part. It is entirely possible for you as the guest to do almost everything on your own, without having to visit Guest Relations or the Front Desk of your hotel for assistance. So if you have Fastpass+ booked for Magic Kingdom but then you decide you will be visiting Epcot that day, you are able to change the "reservation" yourself!
It sounds complicated and a little annoying to have to plan ahead of time, but the application and the MagicBands are very user friendly. It is definitely an exciting time to be in Guest Relations with all the new changes!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Days off at Disney is like being on a permanent vacation!
So I've been doing some fun things on my recent days off. For a quick
update on my medical restrictions problem, I did get my doctor to send a
letter to change them and I should be able to start on the job training
as soon as they are approved. I only missed one day which doesn't count
against me, and the next few scheduled days are at Disney University.
Well I finally got my ID on Monday so after class a few GR interns hit up EPCOT. We walked around the World Showcase and I pointed out all the best snacks! We went to the new bakery in France but I didn't end up getting anything. We also rode single rider on Test Track, and I have to say I don't know if I like it or not. It's definitely different from the old version.
Tuesday I went to the Magic Kingdom to meet up with Josh who I've met from Tumblr and the Disboards. We had a great time and he showed me around New Fantasyland. We went on the Little Mermaid ride and I was so impressed with the figures! They look so real, its really different than any other attraction.
He also taught me how to play the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game which was pretty neat. I'll probably play again another time. After he had to leave I met up with some other friends to go on a few rides and watch Wishes. I got nearly soaked on Splash Mountain and finished off the night with some corn dog nuggets from Casey's Corner.
Wednesday I was so tired from my MK fun that I slept in late and then made plans to meet up with friends at Studios later on. Blake and I hung out for awhile and went on every ride.
He beat me on Toy Story Mania by 300 points! So I vowed I would win the next time. Then he introduced me to something that looked completely amazing. A hot dog covered in macaroni and cheese. I didn't get to eat one though because my stomach was feeling a little uneasy from Star Tours. It is at Fairfax Fare which is near the Rock n' Roller Coaster.
After that we met up with Corey and Nick who are GR interns too. We saw Fantasmic! Which is my favorite show and then Nick, Blake and I rode Toy Story again and this time I WON! Blake was a very sore loser.
Thursday was my last day off before training starts up again. What? I'm here to work....Oh yeah that's right...My friend Jill, from my previous program was visiting all the way from Australia! So another friend from my program John and I met up with her and her boyfriend Richard at Splitsville.
If you don't know Splitsville is a bowling alley at Downtown Disney, and it is really cool. We actually were on the second floor. Who knew you could bowl upstairs...ANYWHERE? We had a great time and it was so nice to see her again.
Later I went to Magic Kingdom again with Blake and my other GR friend Nathan. I finally got to try LeFou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. I also got a cinnamon roll in hopes that they were like the old Main Street Bakery, but it wasn't quite the same.
I hate to ruin the magic, but LeFou's Brew is basically just an apple juice slushy. It was a pretty ingenious way of serving a beverage that looks like alcohol in a park that doesn't serve alcohol.... We hit up some more rides and Nathan and I got to see a little bit of the Electrial Water Pagent while waitng for the boat back to the Poly.
Tomorrow I have training at Disney University again. The class I'm scheduled for I think is about the new My Disney Experience app that is available to guests. I guess I will find out!
Well I finally got my ID on Monday so after class a few GR interns hit up EPCOT. We walked around the World Showcase and I pointed out all the best snacks! We went to the new bakery in France but I didn't end up getting anything. We also rode single rider on Test Track, and I have to say I don't know if I like it or not. It's definitely different from the old version.
Tuesday I went to the Magic Kingdom to meet up with Josh who I've met from Tumblr and the Disboards. We had a great time and he showed me around New Fantasyland. We went on the Little Mermaid ride and I was so impressed with the figures! They look so real, its really different than any other attraction.
Wednesday I was so tired from my MK fun that I slept in late and then made plans to meet up with friends at Studios later on. Blake and I hung out for awhile and went on every ride.
After that we met up with Corey and Nick who are GR interns too. We saw Fantasmic! Which is my favorite show and then Nick, Blake and I rode Toy Story again and this time I WON! Blake was a very sore loser.
Thursday was my last day off before training starts up again. What? I'm here to work....Oh yeah that's right...My friend Jill, from my previous program was visiting all the way from Australia! So another friend from my program John and I met up with her and her boyfriend Richard at Splitsville.
If you don't know Splitsville is a bowling alley at Downtown Disney, and it is really cool. We actually were on the second floor. Who knew you could bowl upstairs...ANYWHERE? We had a great time and it was so nice to see her again.
Tomorrow I have training at Disney University again. The class I'm scheduled for I think is about the new My Disney Experience app that is available to guests. I guess I will find out!
Monday, June 24, 2013
Guest Relations Core Training
For the past two days I have been at Disney University to learn all about the basics of Guest Relations!
Day 1
There were 29 of us or so scheduled for the class and we learned the basics of Guest Relations. We talked a lot about the history of Guest Relations and of the Tour Guides at Disneyland. Something I was not really that shocked to learn was that originally to be a Guest Relations host you had to be female, attractive and a certain size. In fact there are Cast Members at the Magic Kingdom who can remember managers asking them to step onto a scale to see how much they weighed! Things really have changed! Now anyone, Male or Female has the opportunity to become a Guest Relations Host or Hostess. And you don't have to be a certain weight either.
Later we did a brief overview of services for guests who have disabilities, common forms and computer programs we would be learning later on in training. We also talked a lot about the future of Guest Relations and how the role is continuing to change with the new MyMagic+ bands and the new Fastpass+
Day 2
We were split into two smaller groups and learned about the different computer programs we would be using at work. We talked about lost and found items, guest messaging system, dining reservations and then did some E-learning. If you have read anyone's blog before you will know that E-learning is a complete snooze-fest. This wasn't so bad, and since I had already worked for the company and completed most of the basic modules before I was able to go home early since I was done.
I also finally got my Cast ID so tonight I will be going to Epcot with some GR friends. I also was able to contact my Dr's office and they should be faxing the letter I need tomorrow, so things are looking like they will turn out okay in that sense as well!
Day 1
There were 29 of us or so scheduled for the class and we learned the basics of Guest Relations. We talked a lot about the history of Guest Relations and of the Tour Guides at Disneyland. Something I was not really that shocked to learn was that originally to be a Guest Relations host you had to be female, attractive and a certain size. In fact there are Cast Members at the Magic Kingdom who can remember managers asking them to step onto a scale to see how much they weighed! Things really have changed! Now anyone, Male or Female has the opportunity to become a Guest Relations Host or Hostess. And you don't have to be a certain weight either.
Later we did a brief overview of services for guests who have disabilities, common forms and computer programs we would be learning later on in training. We also talked a lot about the future of Guest Relations and how the role is continuing to change with the new MyMagic+ bands and the new Fastpass+
Day 2
We were split into two smaller groups and learned about the different computer programs we would be using at work. We talked about lost and found items, guest messaging system, dining reservations and then did some E-learning. If you have read anyone's blog before you will know that E-learning is a complete snooze-fest. This wasn't so bad, and since I had already worked for the company and completed most of the basic modules before I was able to go home early since I was done.
I also finally got my Cast ID so tonight I will be going to Epcot with some GR friends. I also was able to contact my Dr's office and they should be faxing the letter I need tomorrow, so things are looking like they will turn out okay in that sense as well!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Traditions
On Friday I had to take Traditions (again). However this time it was for 8 hours instead of the CP version which is only 4. I've taken it twice before so it was pretty much the same thing I have done the other two times just longer and went into more details. Personally I don't see a need for it to be 8 hours as I feel the same amount of information was covered just dragged out forever.
I also have a problem with some of my medical accommodations. I had previously been told that everything was set up and was fine. Well then they informed me that they wanted to "recast" me into another role. I told them that was not an option and did not understand why these accommodations would be an issue. Later I discovered that my doctor must have misunderstood the form. I don't want to go into details but Disney isn't really set up for people who only need accommodations at certain times versus daily. So as a result I cannot attend any On the Job training until my doctor sends a letter removing the restrictions. Since this all happened on Friday I need to wait until Monday to call my doctor.
I spoke with my leaders at DAK and we discussed the role and what type of accommodation I was "supposed" to be getting. We also discussed the role so when I call my doctor I can explain to him that I know I can work without the restrictions.
I am pretty positive that my doctor will remove the restrictions, I am just worried about how much time it will take to do so. I am unable to work at my location but I can still attend the 4 more days I am scheduled at Disney University in the meantime. Also there was a snafu in getting my ID which means I also have to wait until Monday to get into the parks, costuming and etc. It has been a frustrating start to say the least.
I also have a problem with some of my medical accommodations. I had previously been told that everything was set up and was fine. Well then they informed me that they wanted to "recast" me into another role. I told them that was not an option and did not understand why these accommodations would be an issue. Later I discovered that my doctor must have misunderstood the form. I don't want to go into details but Disney isn't really set up for people who only need accommodations at certain times versus daily. So as a result I cannot attend any On the Job training until my doctor sends a letter removing the restrictions. Since this all happened on Friday I need to wait until Monday to call my doctor.
I spoke with my leaders at DAK and we discussed the role and what type of accommodation I was "supposed" to be getting. We also discussed the role so when I call my doctor I can explain to him that I know I can work without the restrictions.
I am pretty positive that my doctor will remove the restrictions, I am just worried about how much time it will take to do so. I am unable to work at my location but I can still attend the 4 more days I am scheduled at Disney University in the meantime. Also there was a snafu in getting my ID which means I also have to wait until Monday to get into the parks, costuming and etc. It has been a frustrating start to say the least.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Disney Restaurant Bucket List
Just for fun I'm going to try to eat at every WDW Restaurant and Quick Dining location. This is more for me to keep track of where I have been than anything else. I've already eaten at many of these locations while on numerous vacations and on my College Programs but there are still many places I haven't been to yet!
Magic Kingdom
Aloha IsleAuntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
- Be Our Guest Restaurant
Casey's Corner
- Cheshire Cafe
Cinderella's Royal TableColumbia Harbour HouseCool ShipCosmic Ray's Starlight CafeCrystal Palace
- Diamond Horseshoe Revue
Gaston's Tavern
Golden Oak OutpostLiberty Square MarketLiberty Tree TavernLunching PadMain Street BakeryMain Street ConfectioneryPecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and CafePinocchio Village HausPlaza Ice Cream ParlorSleepy Hollow
- Storybook Treats
- Sunshine Tree Terrace
The Plaza Restaurant
- Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Tony's Town Square RestaurantTortuga TavernWestward Ho Refreshments
Epcot World Showcase Dining:
Biergarten- Chefs de France
Crepes des Chefs de France- Joy of Tea
- Kabuki Cafe
- Katsura Grill
Kringla Bakeri Og KafeLa Cantina de San Angel- La Cava del Tequila
- La Hacienda de San Angel
Le Cellier SteakhouseLes Halles Boulangerie Patisserie- Les Vins des Chefs de France
Liberty Inn- Lotus Blossom Cafe
- Monsieur Paul
- Nine Dragons Restaurant
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet HallRefreshment Cool Post- Restaurant Marrakesh
- Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
- San Angel Inn
Sommerfest- Tangierine Café
Teppan Edo- Tokyo Dining
- Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
- Tutto Italia Ristorante
- Via Napoli
- Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Epcot Future World Dining:
- Coral Reef Restaurant
Electric Umbrella RestaurantEspresso Coffee and PastriesFountainview Ice CreamGarden GrillSunshine Seasons Food Court
Disney's Hollywood Studios Dining:
50's Prime Time CafeABC CommissaryAnaheim ProduceBacklot Express- Cool Set Refreshments
Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of ExtinctionFairfax Fare- Herbie's Drive-in
Hollywood and Vine- Hollywood Brown Derby
- Hollywood Scoops
- KRNR The Rock Station
Mama Melrose's Ristorante ItalianoMin and Bill's Dockside Diner- Peevy's Polar Pipeline
Pizza Planet ArcadeSci-Fi Dine-In Theater RestaurantStarring Rolls CafeStudio Catering Co.Sunset Ranch MarketThe Writer's Stop- Toluca Legs Turkey Co.
Tune In Lounge
Animal Kingdom Dining:
Anandapur Yak and Yeti RestaurantDino Bite SnacksDino DinerDonald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House-
Flame Tree Barbecue -
Harambe Fruit Market -
Pizzafari Rainforest Cafe at Animal KingdomRestaurantosaurus- Royal Anandapur Tea Company -
- Safari Turkey
-
Tamu Tamu Refreshments - Trilo-Bite
-
Tusker House Restaurant - Yak and Yeti Counter Service
Disney Resorts Dining:
Art of Animation:
- Landscape of Flavors food court
All Star Resorts:
End Zone Food CourtIntermission Food CourtWorld Premiere Food Court
Animal Kingdom Lodge :
Boma- Jiko - The Cooking Place
Mara- Sanaa
Beach Club:
Cape May Cafe
Boardwalk:
- Big River Grille and Brewing Works
Boardwalk Bakery- Boardwalk Joe's Coffee Cart
- ESPN Club
- Flying Fish Cafe
Kouzzina- Leaping Horse Libations
Seashore Sweets
Caribbean Beach:
Old Port Royale- Shutters
Contemporary:
- California Grill
Chef Mickey's Buffet- Contempo Cafe
- The Wave
Coronado Springs :
- Maya Grill
Pepper Market Food Court- Rix Cafe
Dolphin:
- Bluezoo
- Cabana Bar and Grill
- Fresh Mediterranean Market -
- Picabu Buffeteria
- Shula's Steak House
- The Dolphin Fountain
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue- Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Trail's End Restaurant
Grand Floridian:
1900 Park Fare- Citricos
- Garden View Tea Room
- Gasparilla Grill and Games
- Grand Floridian Cafe
- Narcoossee's
- Victoria and Albert's
Old Key West:
- Gurgling Suitcase
- Olivia's Cafe
Polynesian:
- Captain Cook's Snack Co.
- Kona Cafe
- Kona Island Sushi Bar
Ohana- Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Luau Cove
Pop Century:
Port Orleans French Quarter:
Port Orleans Riverside:
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa:
Swan:
- Garden Grove
Il Mulino- Kimonos
Wilderness Lodge:
Yacht Club:
Beaches and Cream- Captain's Grille
- Hurricane Hanna's Grille
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
Downtown Disney Dining:
- AMC Dine-in-Theatre
- Bongos Cuban Cafe
- Cap'n Jack's Restaurant
- Cooke's of Dublin
-
Crossroads at House of Blues Earl of Sandwich- Forty Thirst Street Express
- Fulton's Crab House
-
Ghiaradelli Soda Fountain - Marketplace Snacks
- Paradiso 37
-
Planet Hollywood - Pollo Campero/Bodie's All American
- Portobello
- Raglan Road
-
Rainforest Cafe -
Splitsville Luxury Lanes -
T Rex Cafe Restaurant -
Wetzel's Pretzels and Haagen Daz Ice Cream Wetzel's Pretzels Express Kiosk- Wolfgang Puck Cafe - The Cafe
- Wolfgang Puck Cafe - The Dining Room
-
Wolfgang Puck Express
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
The Journey Begins!
Hello from Florida!
On Monday I moved into my new apartment and met my roommates Allyson, Sasha and Hannah. All of them are very nice and so far I really like the apartment. Allyson has a truck so she helped me go pick up a bed I bought on craigslist. I know you are probably thinking gross a used bed, but it was only 3 years old and it looks very clean. The lady who owned it is a teacher and she is selling because she is moving to Abu Dhabi to teach English! Anyway I bought these big giant plastic bags from Uhaul to put them in just in case it rained. And did it ever! It was pouring! When we got to the apartment we literally ran up the stairs carrying the mattress so fast! the side of the mattress and the box spring did get a little damp but I was able to dry it with a hair dryer.
Tuesday I spent unpacking and grocery shopping since my roommates are already doing their Guest Relations training. (They are both at Magic Kingdom). Tuesday night we had food trucks come to our apartment complex and I got a Hawaiian Hot Dog. It was a hot dog in a Hawaiian roll with coconut sauce and pineapple mustard. It sounds weird but it was really good. Then we had a Guest Relations meet up at Ale House. Only 7 of us went, but the people who I got to meet were really cool and it was nice to talk to a smaller group on a more personal level anyway.
Today was the big day to check into Casting! I was unsure what to expect because checking in for the College Programs was sort of a hassle. So I arrived at 10:15 am and had no idea where to go because there were no signs or anything. Finally I found the right place and met up with TJ and Nathan who I had met before at Ale House. We had to wait a long time to get fingerprinted but after that we were done. TJ and I met up with Nick at Downtown Disney for lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express and then we walked around a little bit.
I don't have Traditions until Friday at 8:45am so until then I will just be unpacking and hanging around my apartment since I don't have a Disney ID yet. Then GR Training starts on Sunday!
On Monday I moved into my new apartment and met my roommates Allyson, Sasha and Hannah. All of them are very nice and so far I really like the apartment. Allyson has a truck so she helped me go pick up a bed I bought on craigslist. I know you are probably thinking gross a used bed, but it was only 3 years old and it looks very clean. The lady who owned it is a teacher and she is selling because she is moving to Abu Dhabi to teach English! Anyway I bought these big giant plastic bags from Uhaul to put them in just in case it rained. And did it ever! It was pouring! When we got to the apartment we literally ran up the stairs carrying the mattress so fast! the side of the mattress and the box spring did get a little damp but I was able to dry it with a hair dryer.
Tuesday I spent unpacking and grocery shopping since my roommates are already doing their Guest Relations training. (They are both at Magic Kingdom). Tuesday night we had food trucks come to our apartment complex and I got a Hawaiian Hot Dog. It was a hot dog in a Hawaiian roll with coconut sauce and pineapple mustard. It sounds weird but it was really good. Then we had a Guest Relations meet up at Ale House. Only 7 of us went, but the people who I got to meet were really cool and it was nice to talk to a smaller group on a more personal level anyway.
Today was the big day to check into Casting! I was unsure what to expect because checking in for the College Programs was sort of a hassle. So I arrived at 10:15 am and had no idea where to go because there were no signs or anything. Finally I found the right place and met up with TJ and Nathan who I had met before at Ale House. We had to wait a long time to get fingerprinted but after that we were done. TJ and I met up with Nick at Downtown Disney for lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express and then we walked around a little bit.
I don't have Traditions until Friday at 8:45am so until then I will just be unpacking and hanging around my apartment since I don't have a Disney ID yet. Then GR Training starts on Sunday!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Saying Goodbye
So I am leaving for Florida in 4 days. On Saturday night I invited my friends to come out and celebrate with me. We hung out at a few local bars and just talked and had a good time! I was so excited to have everyone come out with me. I am excited to start my new adventure but sad to know that I am leaving so many wonderful friends behind! On the plus side someone pointed out that I just need to wait 40 years and everyone will retire there anyway!
I still have a lot of packing to do before I leave. I don't know why it is taking me so long, I think it is because I'm a teeny bit nervous and subconsciously I find packing to be screaming "OH MY GOD I"M LEAVING FOREVER"
I still have a lot of packing to do before I leave. I don't know why it is taking me so long, I think it is because I'm a teeny bit nervous and subconsciously I find packing to be screaming "OH MY GOD I"M LEAVING FOREVER"
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
10 Days! Training Schedule
I am leaving for my Professional Internship in Guest Relations in 10 days! Today I got an email from the training team welcoming me to DAK Guest Relations. The email detailed my training schedule at Disney University and in the Lobby at DAK.
Obviously I whited out last names for privacy =)
So what I can gather my schedule will go like this
June 19th- Check in at 10:15 am at Casting
June 21 or 22- Traditions?
June 23 - Class at Disney University
June 24 - Class at Disney University
June 25 - Lobby Training at DAK
June 26 & 27 - Days Off
June 28 - Class at Disney University
June 29 - DAKlimation
June 30 & July 1 - Days off
July 2 & 3 - Class at Disney University
July 4 -7 - Lobby Training at DAK
I'm pretty excited because the shifts I have on the 3rd and 4th end early, which means I will be able to get to a park to see the awesome 4th of July fireworks! It is seriously my favorite holiday!
The schedule seems a little hectic, but should be fun. The classes at Disney University will be to teach me about the role of Guest Relations, and the ticketing system. I think it will be fun but also there will be A LOT to learn!
DAKlimation is a property orientation of Animal Kingdom. On this day we will tour around the park and learn about it's themeing and history. DAK is the only park I haven't been backstage in, so I am a little nervous. Also I have my first day of Lobby Training before I have my orientation so I am a little nervous about finding cast parking, costuming and getting to my location! Lucky for my my friend Jefferson has just started his CP doing Safaris at DAK, he says he will show me how to get there!
So what I can gather my schedule will go like this
June 19th- Check in at 10:15 am at Casting
June 21 or 22- Traditions?
June 23 - Class at Disney University
June 24 - Class at Disney University
June 25 - Lobby Training at DAK
June 26 & 27 - Days Off
June 28 - Class at Disney University
June 29 - DAKlimation
June 30 & July 1 - Days off
July 2 & 3 - Class at Disney University
July 4 -7 - Lobby Training at DAK
I'm pretty excited because the shifts I have on the 3rd and 4th end early, which means I will be able to get to a park to see the awesome 4th of July fireworks! It is seriously my favorite holiday!
The schedule seems a little hectic, but should be fun. The classes at Disney University will be to teach me about the role of Guest Relations, and the ticketing system. I think it will be fun but also there will be A LOT to learn!
DAKlimation is a property orientation of Animal Kingdom. On this day we will tour around the park and learn about it's themeing and history. DAK is the only park I haven't been backstage in, so I am a little nervous. Also I have my first day of Lobby Training before I have my orientation so I am a little nervous about finding cast parking, costuming and getting to my location! Lucky for my my friend Jefferson has just started his CP doing Safaris at DAK, he says he will show me how to get there!
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