My 7 Month Vacation as a WDW Intern: MINI UPDATE 12/10

[Where'sPiglet?]

I was in marching band in high school and we had to memorize all our music for our shows. I know its not quite the same as memorizing speaking parts, but maybe some of the same strategies will work? We actually memorized the songs backwards. Not like note for note, but we would take the last 8 measures and memorize them. When they were solid, we would add the next 8 measures, so then we would have the last 16 measures memorized, etc. It's good because as you are practicing, the stuff you are least familiar with gets done and over with first, and you kind of gain momentum as you go along. By the time you get to the end of the song (speech?) you are really familiar with that last bit.

 

[kathleen27]

Hi Megan,

Congratulations on your PI!
I haven't read your CP trip report yet, but hope to find the time to.
I'll start in early on this one though!

I'm not familiar with the presentations you got the scripts for, but I have been to all the Discovery stops (most twice). My kids did five of the stops in 02/2006. We didn't get to the last one. You get a special bonus stamp if you visit all 6. For two years I heard about not getting those last two stamps.
When we returned in 02/08 going back & visiting all 6 stops was a really high priority for my daughter (and me) . The stops are spread out, one in each area/land of AK. If you visit all 6 stops you get a special stamp for completing the activities (Rafiki). My daughter had to make a little pledge at the end to be a true friend of wildlife, it was really cute, she was so thrilled to get that "special" rafiki stamp.

I can tell you what she did and where we found the stops if you want.

We also went to BBB and loved it!!! (the MK one, we wanted to be in the castle)

editing to add that everyone who was working at the AK Discover club stops was so so sweet and friendly and great with the kids.

 

[iluv2go2disney]

Those scripts sound a little intimidating to me, but I'm sure you'll have no problems.....especially if you're already practicing. I never knew so much went into some of the jobs at WDW. It's been really fun to learn some "inside WDW" information from your reports. I can't wait to hear more.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi Megan,

Congratulations on your PI!
I haven't read your CP trip report yet, but hope to find the time to.
I'll start in early on this one though!

I'm not familiar with the presentations you got the scripts for, but I have been to all the Discovery stops (most twice). My kids did five of the stops in 02/2006. We didn't get to the last one. You get a special bonus stamp if you visit all 6. For two years I heard about not getting those last two stamps.
When we returned in 02/08 going back & visiting all 6 stops was a really high priority for my daughter (and me) . The stops are spread out, one in each area/land of AK. If you visit all 6 stops you get a special stamp for completing the activities (Rafiki). My daughter had to make a little pledge at the end to be a true friend of wildlife, it was really cute, she was so thrilled to get that "special" rafiki stamp.

I can tell you what she did and where we found the stops if you want.

We also went to BBB and loved it!!! (the MK one, we wanted to be in the castle)

editing to add that everyone who was working at the AK Discover club stops was so so sweet and friendly and great with the kids.

if you wouldn't mind, I would like to hear more about the stops in detail. If you don't want to post them on here please feel free to PM me them!! I guess by the time AK was open, I was an early teen and never quite interested in anything like that lol. I'll be anxious to see what they are about. Of course before I left I was working 50+hours and did not have time to check these things out. I was able to go to Conservation Station for the first time ever but that was about the only thing new that I did before I left.

Thanks so much!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I was in marching band in high school and we had to memorize all our music for our shows. I know its not quite the same as memorizing speaking parts, but maybe some of the same strategies will work? We actually memorized the songs backwards. Not like note for note, but we would take the last 8 measures and memorize them. When they were solid, we would add the next 8 measures, so then we would have the last 16 measures memorized, etc. It's good because as you are practicing, the stuff you are least familiar with gets done and over with first, and you kind of gain momentum as you go along. By the time you get to the end of the song (speech?) you are really familiar with that last bit.

Thanks for the advice!!! I was very involved in chorus since I was in 5th grade until I graduated High School 5 years ago but it seemed like memorizing music like that was way easier than memorizing my select lines in a musical or play lol. OH well!

Those scripts sound a little intimidating to me, but I'm sure you'll have no problems.....especially if you're already practicing. I never knew so much went into some of the jobs at WDW. It's been really fun to learn some "inside WDW" information from your reports. I can't wait to hear more.

Thanks for reading and for the kind words...I'll try my hardest that's all I can give!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Well...

2 weeks from today I'll be all checked in for my PI. Oddly enough they changed our check-in from Vista Way (a CP apt for those who are unfamiliar) to the Adventurers Club at PI. We will have from 9am-10:30 to check in. I'm assuming that I will not have much to do since all of my info has already changed on the website but who knows?! Hopefully by this time in 2 weeks, instead of a huge ? I'll have a better idea of what will be going on!!

Today I started looking over some of the scripts. Of course it was the first nice day we've had in PA since I have been home..3 weeks ago! I was torn between laying outside in sunshine or staying inside to read scripts..well, I did both..for about 2 hours.

I had awesome motivation but for some reason my motivation and my head are not mixing because after nearly 2 hours and an hour tonight, I have only memorized just 1/2 of the dino script. I had high hopes of knowing the whole thing in a day. I think I'm just getting too excited and I'm not focusing enough on the words. I'm not sure if when I say these if they have to be word for word..if so..I have a LONG way to go

I did make a sort of study schedule. I have 10 days after today of free days for me to practice these before I fly back to FL. I figure, 2 maybe 3 days on the dino one and 5 or 6 days on the other one. I'm not really sure how you would survive if you were give these all to memorize in a week!!! I know as a teacher you are supposed to be prepared..but NEVER in any teaching, class, or student teaching did I have to memorize scripts so I have a feeling this is going to take me longer than I think.

Well, I guess that is it for now. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi Megan,

Congratulations on your PI!
I haven't read your CP trip report yet, but hope to find the time to.
I'll start in early on this one though!

I'm not familiar with the presentations you got the scripts for, but I have been to all the Discovery stops (most twice). My kids did five of the stops in 02/2006. We didn't get to the last one. You get a special bonus stamp if you visit all 6. For two years I heard about not getting those last two stamps.
When we returned in 02/08 going back & visiting all 6 stops was a really high priority for my daughter (and me) . The stops are spread out, one in each area/land of AK. If you visit all 6 stops you get a special stamp for completing the activities (Rafiki). My daughter had to make a little pledge at the end to be a true friend of wildlife, it was really cute, she was so thrilled to get that "special" rafiki stamp.

I can tell you what she did and where we found the stops if you want.

We also went to BBB and loved it!!! (the MK one, we wanted to be in the castle)

editing to add that everyone who was working at the AK Discover club stops was so so sweet and friendly and great with the kids.

I also read ur TR on ur BBB experience. You were very lucky to have Wanda and Jennifer..they are two very sweet FGIT...if I recall, both were crying on my last day..as you can probably tell, we are a very close group! I really enjoyed working with both of them. It looks like your DD had a great time, and I hear she wants you to have your hair done next time!!!!

 

[DizzneyDAnn]

I had to memorize 6 hour long lessons for my mission for my church, and it was in German, a language we were learning as we were memorizing. The church, like Disney I'm sure, wanted to make sure we were giving accurate uplifting information, thatwe really knew what we talking about.

We practiced for weeks. We gave the lessons to each other, practiced by ourselves, over and over and over. We were at the missionary training center learning the language and memorizing for two months. By the time we left, we had a firm grasp of the language and lessons. We made mistakes when we started teaching, but people were understanding if we were cheery.

I know it's not the same, but I'm just trying to say I understand the stress of it. I also understand the great feeling of accomplishing it, and what a wonderful experience it was to teach people. It has given me so many advantages in my life.

I am confident that this will be an amazing experience for you, as well. When you accomplish difficult things, the strength that builds within you is intoxicating! Your teaching skills and confidence will improve, and "performing" before ANYONE and memorizing will be no big deal.

Set aside some dedicated time daily to study. Then let it go, have some fun, and review right before bed. You'll be amazing.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hey Friends!!!

I'm taking a mini study break from my scripts and thought I would take some time to write a post.

I have been working at this script for the past few days. I'm basically at the process where I know the lines, not 100% but if I look at the first few words of each mini paragraph I can get the rest of it. There are 10 paragraphs of 3 to 6 sentences in each one. I think my hardest part is getting them exactly word for word. I keep messing up little things like saying Dinosaur when it should be Sue or saying Sue when it should be dinosaur. I don't think those are major things..to me..but to Disney I'm sure they look down on that

I think if I work at it a bit more tonight and tomorrow, I should have it down..I hope lol. JUST KEEP SWIMMING JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!!!


I have also been thinking about my boots I bought and after looking at pictures of the PIs I have decided that maybe the boots I bought are more so for dress than "hiking". I ended up ordering a pair from REI..thanks to a wonderful suggested post!!

Here is what they will look like:

http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/773597

I'm praying that they will do. They ended up being like $10 bucks cheaper but standard shipping would only get them there on Monday and I'm flying back Tues so I can't chance that so we ended up paying 20 bucks to have them here by Wed. I really like them and I hope they are comfty. They are also waterproof so I'm assuming I won't have to spray anything else on them??

I'll get real pics when they come in.

Well, that is it for now. Back to studying and Nemo is on TV so I'm torn to watch that now lol. Have a great Sat and Sun!

 

[Joanna71985]

Good luck with the memorizing!

 

[moparop]

Sounds like you are making great headway on the scripts! Keep up the great work!

 

[miceli20]

Hi Megan, love reading your reports. My best tip to memorizing is to write it. This helps me when studying for chemistry last semester. I am a non-traditional student and this helped me a great deal. Also, say the script out loud in front of a mirror. When we read to ourselves we sometimes skip over or just know what is next, but when you say them out loud you can find mistakes and where to correct them. Good luck and I hope to see you in sept.

 

[mistydoodles]

sounds like you are almost there with your scripts. Good job!!!

I think the new boots look better. Plus they look really comfortable. I hope they are.

I can't believe you are leaving so soon. You must be getting so excited.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

HEY DIS!!!

Happy Sunday!! I hope everyone has had a magical Sunday. It was 94 degrees today in Western PA

My mom and I spent several hours at our local pool after church. It was very nice and not busy at all until about the 2:00/3:00 hour. I think by then people had been to church, had lunch, and attended any grad parties if needed and were starting to venture to the pool. At our local pool they have mini swim breaks where they have "adult only" swim times. 2 15 min ones and 1 1/2 hour. It was sooo funny how all the kids would flock to the snack bar during the adult swim!!!! We used to have season passes to that pool when I was little and swim lessons since I was 3.


Well, lets move on to more important things...SINGLE DIGIT DANCE!!!!!

9 days to go until I fly back to FL!!!!!

More importantly, I have made some major head-way on my script. I'm currently finishing the Dino one before I begin the super long 5 page Harambe School one. When I got back from the pool, had dinner, and a shower, I sat down to do the script. I used the voice recorder and then go back to the script and mark my mistakes. I ran the script 3x. The first time I made 16 mistakes and by mistakes I mean, forgetting a word, using dino instead of t-rex, etc. My 2nd run I made 5 mistakes. My last run, I made just ONE mistake. I left out the word t-rex!!!!

I'm very proud of myself!!! I will run it a few times in the rest of the night and if all is well, I'll begin my other script tomorrow giving it tons of attention. I have broken the pages down in 5 days...A page a day I'm hoping? If not, I will have to extend it and cut the pages in 1/2 somehow. The first page is short, the last page is short so maybe I will put those together..we'll see?!

Alright, I'm going to go treat myself to watching the new version of Yours Mine and Ours. My mom and I used to watch the old one when I was little so I'm curious to see the new one. I will then rerun the script again!!

Thanks for all the support, it's wonderful and uplifting!!!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

That is great that you almost have the dino script down!

A suggestion, once you move onto the next script I would still do a read-through of the dino script every now and then to keep it fresh in your mind.

 

[SnoopyDancer]

I'm coming out of lurkdom to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your trip reports. I will be doing my student teaching this fall for K-6 and take my final Praxis exam next Saturday. I think it's terrific you got your internship! If you do decide to teach, your kids are going to love hearing all of your Disney stories! I bet your Disney experience will give you extra interviewing points because you know how diffuse upset parents from your BBB experience (and find Pumbas).

It's sounds like you are making great progress on memorizing your scripts. Hopefully they are not super picky about your lines. You are smart to record yourself.

I hope you have so much fun down there and your dreams come true!

 

[iluv2go2disney]

Great job on the dino script. 1 down, 1 to go. BTW, have you heard from PC lately?

 

[Hedy]

Congrats on the script. I was thinking of you-I was poking in our (not closing!) Disney store yesterday, and they had your Glass slipper shirts.

 

[moparop]

It sounds like you are doing amazingly!!

And 9 days!!!

 

[MeMom]

I'm coming out of lurkdom to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your trip reports. I will be doing my student teaching this fall for K-6 and take my final Praxis exam next Saturday. I think it's terrific you got your internship! If you do decide to teach, your kids are going to love hearing all of your Disney stories! I bet your Disney experience will give you extra interviewing points because you know how diffuse upset parents from your BBB experience (and find Pumbas).

It's sounds like you are making great progress on memorizing your scripts. Hopefully they are not super picky about your lines. You are smart to record yourself.

I hope you have so much fun down there and your dreams come

true!

SnoopyDancer - From a long time teacher, I just wanted to wish you good luck on your Praxis and on your student teaching in the fall. Do you already have your placement? I'm supposed to be getting a student teacher in the fall, but now they've asked me to participate in a program Vanderbilt is doing, as well. I think I'm going to have to say I'll do one or the other, but not both. That's too much to have going on at once, along with the regular obligations and having an outside life, too.

Anyway, I just noticed your comments and wanted to send lots of good thoughts your way!

TinkerbellLuvr7 - I hope it works out that we will see you. We'll be there for ten days, so hopefully your training will be over and you'll be in the park at some point during our stay. Continued good luck on rehearsing and memorizing. Maybe I'll get to hear the very speech you're working on soon!