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.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
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!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
20 Days
I have 20 days until I leave for FL! A few days ago I got a call from the training team at Animal Kingdom welcoming me to the team and explaining some of the training process. I'll be leaving for FL on Sunday June 16th and taking my car on the Autotrain. Once I'm in FL I will have 2 days to get settled (and hopefully buy furniture) before my check in at casting on June 19th.
I've already met a few people on the Facebook group who will be working with me at Animal Kingdom and my friend Nick who will be at Magic Kingdom and I have planned a Guest Relations meet up the night before check in for everyone to try to get to meet each other. Even if no one goes Nick and I will just have a good time on our own!
The woman from the training team told me I would start training at Disney University on June 23rd and that training would last until July 7th! That's a lot of training!
I'm starting to get nervous/anxious about all of this. I'm really excited about the job and actually not nervous about that at all. GR is something I have wanted to do for a really long time and I know Disney will train me to handle any situation. I'm not nervous about the actual moving there part, but more of the getting settled, meeting my roommates, finding furniture (Hello air mattress).
I'm trying to pack, but going through all the stuff I have is really daunting....
I've already met a few people on the Facebook group who will be working with me at Animal Kingdom and my friend Nick who will be at Magic Kingdom and I have planned a Guest Relations meet up the night before check in for everyone to try to get to meet each other. Even if no one goes Nick and I will just have a good time on our own!
The woman from the training team told me I would start training at Disney University on June 23rd and that training would last until July 7th! That's a lot of training!
I'm starting to get nervous/anxious about all of this. I'm really excited about the job and actually not nervous about that at all. GR is something I have wanted to do for a really long time and I know Disney will train me to handle any situation. I'm not nervous about the actual moving there part, but more of the getting settled, meeting my roommates, finding furniture (Hello air mattress).
I'm trying to pack, but going through all the stuff I have is really daunting....
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Professional Internship Application Process
Applying for Professional Internships are a little different than applying for the regular College Program. The process is much longer and more stressful than the CP. This is my experience applying for PIs for Fall 2013.
First, the majority of job postings go up on Disneyinterns.com late January to early February. It is important to note that there are 100's of internships, and not only ones related to the parks. There are also opportunities for corporate internships in Finance, Accounting, Sales and Marketing, Design etc, as well as positions at Disney Interactive, Radio Disney, ESPN and ABC. There are also Animal Programs internships and Managment Internships.
I chose to apply for internships within the "Parks and Resorts" segment so I can't really speak about the process for the others.
When you are looking at each job posting make sure you read over carefully the job description and the application deadline because some have different deadlines than others. You can save the jobs to your "Cart" on the dashboard so you can find them easier later.
You need to apply to each position separately. The online application is basically the same one as for the College Program. You will need to upload a resume, some positions may request portfolios, cover letters or transcripts. There is no Web Based Interview for the PI.
Now a word about resumes. Disney uses a computer to scan resumes for keywords to see if you are a match. This means you can be kicked out of the running before a real person even ever looks at your resume. You HAVE TO tailor your resume to each position you apply for, making sure you use keywords that are in the job description/qualification.
After you apply you can check the status of your application on the Dashboard.
There is a lovely explanation of the Dashboard and the different Stages HERE
If you make it past the computer you may be contacted for a "Screening Interview" this interview generally covers all the roles you have applied for. I applied for Alumni Only PIs as well as some additional graphic design ones. Even if you apply for other positions after your interview, recruiters can look up your screening interview and read it for other roles.
I posted about the questions I was asked HERE.
Then you wait for what seems like FOREVER! I'm not kidding. I had my interview Feb 8th and got an offer on April 15th. The process moves much slower than the CP application process so if you are applying for the CP as a backup and get an offer, take that, they can always transfer you to the PI and refund your deposit if you are offered a role.
Now I went NLIC for all of my internships at different times during the process, but I was still going strong for Alumni Only. Around March 28th I recieved a new "drop down" for Guest Relations. On April 11th that drop down moved to "Post Interview Stage" and I recieved a request to submit information for a background check.
Then on April 15th I got the call offering me the postion of Guest Relations PI!
So here is my timeline for Applying
Feb 2nd - Applied for several internships
Feb 8th - Screening Interview
March 8th - Applications Close
March 28th- Recieved a new drop down menu for GR
April 10th - Moved to "Post Interview Stage"
April 11th - Received request for background check info
April 15th - Phone call offering me Guest Relations
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