The Happiest Summer On Earth *My WDWCP Experience*

[lamagique]

Lovin' the Around the World pictures!!

Woohoo! I'm glad. I hadn't seen these pictures in a long time and they made me laugh. It was a fun day.

"Kind of like Tower of Terror, Gmax… happy Lan?"
I am quite happy with this commnet. Gmax will ride it when I meet up with her in September Can't wait to hear more of your report.

Well, she has to ride it now. There's no way she can chicken out of it. Has she ridden it before? The first time is the best time.

I am experiencing some severe CP jealousy!

Don't be jealous!!! Haha, okay, be jealous.

Ok, I'm merely on page 1, but I"m really enjoying this so far!

Hey, welcome... I'm glad you're here! Hopefully my TR will keep you interested enough to get past page 1.

Seriously, Tyra Banks would be proud of these photos! If this was a challenge on Top Model, you would've won!

Judge #1 She really embraced the assignment
Judge #2 Even though she was tired, she really worked through it!
Judge #3 I Love that she has 3 very convincing looks . . .

I love ANTM so this was great! I'm glad you loved the pics. I'm a person that likes to give different looks if I am taking a lot of pictures, so I am glad you really appreciated that. And thank you to the judges as well!

Ok, I dont know what people do on that train, but the same thing happened when I got on too. Shouldnt you know NOT to stand up?!! Oh how I wish I could end my day like this! These were great installments today! Some of the best pics! Very funny! And yes, I am totally ignoring all references to TOT!!!!!

I'm glad you enjoyed these past few installments... they were really fun to remember. And... you can run from the Tower, but you can't hide... bwahahahahaha

Great TR

Thanks and welcome!

 

[lamagique]

A few days after our adventure in Epcot, I was celebrating my one-month anniversary working at Walt Disney World:

Journal Excerpt:

Today marks exactly a month that I've been here. Wow. Only 1.5 to go!

So, I haven't really been in an updatey mood, even though things have been going well. Yesterday and the day before, I had off. The day before that, I didn't have work until 5:30, so I hung out at the Studios and did the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular Show, One Man's Dream, and the Art of Animation video and Tower of Terror. Pretty much the only thing left for me to do at the Studios that I haven't done is take the Art class for the animation thing and then see the parade.

On Tuesday, I wanted to have some chill time by myself. I went to Magic Kingdom and did Hall of Presidents--which I really liked. Then I did Country Bear Jamboree. After that, I did Tom Sawyer Island, which I had never done! That was cool and it looked just like VMK. I got some food, shopped... did the Enchanted Tiki Room, which was different than I remembered but still a little crazy. And I also did the Aladdin Carpets ride. After MK, I went to Walmart (which, by bus, took like three hours even though I was only in the store for like 40 minutes) and then I went to Downtown Disney. I saw a comedy show at the Comedy Warehouse and then I met up with Jess and we saw another comedy show. Then I danced in Motion with this old guy (like 45... probably someone's dad) and it was really fun.

Yesterday, I went to Animal Kingdom with Jess. We did Everest, Dinosaur, It's Tough to Be a Bug, and Festival of the Lion King. Okay, so It's Tough to be a Bug really isn't kid-friendly. You would think so, but… well, it was so funny in the audience because the kids were like screaming like they were going to die! It was hilarious, but sad at the same time. Like, it was like they were being tortured. (But in that fun, good Disney way.)

After AK, I took a nap, then I went to Olive Garden and Walmart (again!) with some friends.

Well, today I have work and I have work for the next eight days straight. But I do have off on Friday and Saturday and next week, and I got July 7th off... that's when Pirates comes out! And I hear that Johnny Depp is supposed to be at the parks, so that would be AWESOME to meet him! Heck yeah!​

 

[lamagique]

I have been posting pretty happy things up until now, but to be honest, some of my journal entries were negative at times. I tried and tried to always be positive and happy, but sometimes being a custodian was very hard for me. I had a talk with one of my managers and it really helped to know that he noticed the hard work that I was doing and that he knew that I didn’t particularly enjoy the job, but that I never let it show to guests.

And it is true: I never brought my problems out to the guests. It frustrates me when I hear about a Cast Member having a short temper with a guest or not being magical to guests. The whole reason that Walt Disney World is so much fun and magical is because people can forget their problems! I feel like it is so rude to bring your own personal problems onto park property as a CM. Not just because people are paying to have a good time, but because that’s the whole point of the park (to leave worries behind). I also think it’s pretty selfish to decide that your problems are more important than thoses of the guests. If they can leave their problems behind, then so can the Cast Members. Plus, you never know what a guest has been through, or what that guest’s story is. It just bugs me that you could be ruining someone’s day just because you didn’t feel like living up to the job you signed up for.

So with that said, yes, I had very, very frustrating days, but I never showed it to the guests because it wasn't their problem and/or fault. In retrospect, it is kind of funny, but for me, the girl who had only done one job before in her life and it was as a camp counselor, the work was hard. But what I tried to do whenever I got negative was remember the positive things that I liked about the job—and there were a lot of positives! I wrote down a list and kept it on me at all times. Whenever I would get down for some reason, I would read my list and remember why I wanted to work at Walt Disney World so much.

Here’s a few of the reasons that I liked being a custodian (taken from a journal entry):

--Random Guest Interaction: I love it when guests come up and ask me questions. Most of the time it's the same stuff ("Where's Fantasmic?") but it makes the days go by faster and I love interacting with the guests. And it's fun to help people. I love taking people's pictures. They seem really happy about it and I like making people happy. Plus, I know how it is to want to take pictures with someone, but to not know who to ask. So it's fun to go up and be like, "Would you like me to take the picture so that you can be in it too?" Also, it's fun sometimes to have conversations with guests sitting on benches that line Sunset Blvd. Mostly I talk to adults who are by themselves.Those are fun conversations and people are really nice.

--Random Guest Thank Yous: Sometimes guests just sort of say thank you and it actually is really nice to know that people appreciate it. I mean, it's not just me doing it, but it is nice that they take the time to say thank you because it's a job that most people do not want to do, but is neccessary in order for Disney to stay Disney.

--Fantasmic: Even though every time I have had Fantasmic restrooms, something has gone wrong, I love when I have streets there. Streets usually means I am working my butt off and I have trash dripping down me and I'm coming home as a human trash can, but I love the atmosphere. There's fun music playing before the show and the show itself is just magical. It's SO Disney that it makes you happy no matter what happens.​

 

[lamagique]

It’s funny. Right when I was starting to get down about work, things turned around. More CPs started coming to work and I made more friends. I also started getting the same shifts as my friends (particularly Jess) and, here’s the biggie: I started doing things outside of work.

I have already mentioned that I was too exhausted for the most part to go to the parks on days that I had to work. So, I saved the parks for off-days. But the thing is, it’s hard to go 6-8 days in a row of just getting up, going to work, showering, going to sleep, and then doing the same thing over again. As a human being, I needed to socialize. And with the new CPs at work, I was able to do that on my breaks and after work. It was right around this time that I started going to Waffle House after work with my fellow CPs.

This ended up being one of the most fun parts of the summer. Since we lived in different complexes and you can’t get into the one you don’t live at after 1am, we didn’t hang out very much at first. We all mostly worked the closing shift on Sunset, which was around 3:30pm until 12:00am. By the time we were done with work, it was too late to go to anyone’s apartment and hang out. It was also too late to be able to go to Pleasure Island, because by the time we would get showered and changed, PI would be closed. But then we found Waffle House. My dear, dear Waffle House, which was open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. After our late, late shifts of closing down the Studios, we would all climb into a co-worker’s car (usually Jake’s) and head to Waffle House and scarf down a bunch of food.

The usual nightly crew at the WH. (It was always us, but sometimes other people joined us, too.) Guess who's taking the picture? That's right... KOZI! (I think anyway)

The great part is that we often got the same waitress, too, who we called Kozi. She was great. Sometimes she overcharged us, sometimes she didn’t charge us enough. Sometimes she gave us whipped cream and sometimes she didn’t.

It was great to feel like we finally had a place, after being at Disney for about a month. It felt good, so good that my whole world brightened up, both inside and outside of work. I really liked the people that I spent my off-days with, but it wasn’t until after we had spent hours and hours in the sun together and finished it off with chocolate chip waffles that I felt like we really got to know each other. We had the funniest conversations! To the point of tears and stomach cramps! I would go to bed with a smile on my face each night and it was just what I needed at this part of the summer.

 

[lamagique]

But of course, as magical as Waffle House was, we still of course loved playing the parks. The next time that I had a day off, I found out that Jess had one, too! We of course decided to hang out together. And we decided that we would use our off day to have a fun Disney shopping day.

The first thing we wanted to do that day was check out some of the cast-only stores that Disney has.

We ended up getting some great stuff. I also added to my pin collection by getting some cast-exclusive pins. I was so excited! We also ran into Brian, who was shopping with his parents at Cast Connection.

Next, we went to the Magic Kingdom. We still decided to continue our shopping day, even though I pretty much had spent all of my money at Cast Connection. So we looked around, caught glimpses of the parade, went by Pirates to see if it would have a soft opening (because it was closed at the moment, but due to open on the same day as the movie) and they said no… (oh, really?). Well, we took this picture anyway and Jess bought some pirate gear for the upcoming Pirates premiere.

A parade picture

After that, we went to the Emporium and saw Brian and his parents and they offered to give us a ride back to Vista, but first, Jess and I had to buy... FRIENDSHIP NECKLACES!!! Winnie-the-Pooh, because we love the Pooh characters! She got the Pooh part and I got the Eeyore part. We felt such like 12-year-olds, but Disney does bring out the fun, childlike part of people! And it’s okay there! Oh Disney, I love you.

Before going back to Vista, we visited the Grand Floridian, where Brian’s parents were staying. I had seen the Grand Floridian on television (does anyone remember when TGIF went to WDW? You know, Family Matters, Step by Step, Full House, and Boy Meets World?) Anyway, I was blown away by the lobby. I wrote in my journal: “It is NICE... probably the nicest hotel I have ever seen in my life. Off the hook, for real.”

Well, after the GF, we went back to Vista, then Chatham to Jess’ apartment (Brian stayed with his parents), and then we started watching “Newsies.” Jake came over. We both ended up falling asleep (I told you there was a pattern), but I do really want to see the rest of “Newsies” someday. Then we went to the Waffle House (scrumptious) and Downtown Disney and shopped at the Virgin Megastore before going to the movies to see "The Devil Wears Prada." I really liked it. And I stayed awake the whole time! Anyway, it was a great day.

Next Installment - Page 12, Post #169

 

[robinne83]

I loved this update! I know you had a great time doing the CP, but it was interesting to hear about the harder days too. I think your philosophy on not bringing your personal problems to work is a great theory. The cast member interaction you have during your trip can sometimes make or break your whole vacation, and Im sure all of the guests that you encountered while working down there were appreciative of your friendly and helpful attitude, and it sounds like your manager was really noticed all the effort you were making so thats great!

I also have to say that I totally share your opinion of the Grand Floridian. I love it there. Ive only stayed there once but it was amazing and I would go back in an instant!

And I was also excited to hear that you watched Newsies! Its one of my favorite Disney movies and not many people have seen it! If you didn't see the end of it yet, you have to get a hold of it and watch it! I promise it'll be good!

 

[HopingToGetEngaged]

I LOVE Newsies. I am 26 (almost 27) years old, and it is by far one of my favorite movies- I can repeat it word for word. I can remember my Grandmother taking me to see it in the theater - twice. What a trooper- it really is one of my most precious memories of her.
But it's kinda weird since it's like Disney's worst grossing live-action film of all time. I hope you get to see the end (at some point in life)! It's funny - DBF and I play Disney Scene-it all the time, and we're suprised that there isn't any Newsies questions in the game. So, whenever we don't know an answer to one of the questions- our default answer is ALWAYS "Newsies".

 

[Joanna71985]

Hahah, anyone can be good in custodial. It just takes time. Don't worry, the training is pretty thorough and you'll pass your assessment. I was scared about failing it, too, as was Jess, but we did fine. However, if you do fail, you just get re-trained and then reassessed. But you'll be fine. Plus, you'll be a good Custodial since you love Disney so much. Sometimes, that was all that got me through.

Whew! That is good to hear.

 

[steelfish535]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this report! I would have loved to have done the disney college program. I'm already grooming my 10 year old daughter for it!
I love your thoughts on not bringing your problems to work with you. You have a wonderful work ethic. Just looking at your pics, you are the poster Disney employee. You have a love for "the world" and take pride in your work, even though it's not "glamorous". Your happiness and expressiveness (is that a word?) shows in all your photos.
I'm so looking forward to hearing about the rest of this experience. So jealous!
If you do the program again this year, you'll have to do another trip report!

 

[Lan]

I so love the Waffle House at night. You make me want a waffle now and there is no Waffle House in South Africa. So I have to save the desire for a waffle when I return to the States.

I also love your positive attitude. I know you still have some bad days, so here is a

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Whew!!! I'm all caught up!! It only took me much of last night and today! Kind of hard with a 2 year old in your lap wanting to see the picture over and over again!!

Anyway, this is a fantasic report! I love getting all the behind the scenes of WDW. Sounds like you had the time of your life! My nephew is currently a CM at Disneyland. He goes to college part time for now until he can join the Police Academy next year.

Can't wait to read more about your adventures!!

 

[mamaprincess]

Just chiming in to say that I am really enjoying your report. The pictures are wonderful! I try to always thank CM's and to pay special attention but I will make sure that I am extra especially supportive of the custodials. They aren't the most visible CMs but they have such a hard and important job. Thanks for sharing! Keep it coming.

 

[Glendamax]

What an uplifting installment! So what I've learned: When I'm feeling sad about my job, go to the Waffle House after my shift, and I'll be happy! Seriouly though, it must have been a relief to finally hook up with other CMs on a regular basis. Especially with a tiring job like yours!
I need to do the same - stop waiting till the weekend to have some fun. I really need to do something during the week!

Hope you're having a good weekend in PA - REE!!!

 

[oybolshoi]

You're doing such a terrific job with this TR, Lamagique!

And I always walk away from it more cheerful than I was when I started reading, so thank you for that.

And waffle house...I love the Waffle House!!!

 

[DisneyJo]

Just finished reading, what a great report, love all the photos

 

[Disneyolic]

Hey everyone! Did you all notice that our dear friend Lamagique has a new tag? Of course, she did it herself, but it think it's the bestest ever!

 

[AGPrincess]

I just discovered this TR this morning and I HAD to read it the whole way through! The College Program sounds too cool! I am SO going to talk my parents into letting me do it one summer (maybe next summer...after my freshman year...)

And I LOVE all your photos! They are TOO funny! The ones in Norway w/ the viking hats were great!

It sounds like CM's get some pretty cool perks! Where is Cast Connection? And do you mind if I ask what the Cast Cafeterias are like? I love feeling like I'm on the "inside" at Disney World!

Can't wait for more!

 

[Sehsun]

I have finally finished reading through your TR up till this page! I have really, really enjoyed reading through it so far - so detailed and enjoyable! Your enthusiasm for Disney is great. It makes me even more excited for my Disney CP experience this fall.

 

[lamagique]

Hello everyone! Thanks for your comments. Sorry that I didn't have any updates for the past few days. This weekend I went on an excursion to the Loire Valley in France and saw some pretty neat castles. But I am back and should have a couple of installments up before I go to bed.

And now, onto responses to comments left:

I loved this update! I know you had a great time doing the CP, but it was interesting to hear about the harder days too. I think your philosophy on not bringing your personal problems to work is a great theory. The cast member interaction you have during your trip can sometimes make or break your whole vacation, and Im sure all of the guests that you encountered while working down there were appreciative of your friendly and helpful attitude, and it sounds like your manager was really noticed all the effort you were making so thats great!

I also have to say that I totally share your opinion of the Grand Floridian. I love it there. Ive only stayed there once but it was amazing and I would go back in an instant!

And I was also excited to hear that you watched Newsies! Its one of my favorite Disney movies and not many people have seen it! If you didn't see the end of it yet, you have to get a hold of it and watch it! I promise it'll be good!

1. Yes, I agree that Cast Member interaction is so important. Of course, the Disney attractions and themeing are all important too, but if all of the parks were filled with non-enthusiastic grumpy people, well, they would be much different parks. I think sometimes CMs don't realize their impact on guests, but it really is a huge one.

2. The Grand Floridian... you might see more of this hotel in installments to come... sshhhh...

3. Newsies! I think I am going to try to watch it with Jess this summer when I go to visit her... at least, I hope so!

I LOVE Newsies. I am 26 (almost 27) years old, and it is by far one of my favorite movies- I can repeat it word for word. I can remember my Grandmother taking me to see it in the theater - twice. What a trooper- it really is one of my most precious memories of her.
But it's kinda weird since it's like Disney's worst grossing live-action film of all time. I hope you get to see the end (at some point in life)! It's funny - DBF and I play Disney Scene-it all the time, and we're suprised that there isn't any Newsies questions in the game. So, whenever we don't know an answer to one of the questions- our default answer is ALWAYS "Newsies".

Yes, when Jess mentioned Newsies, I was like, "What's that?" I had never heard of it! But it did seem really great... I just was exhausted! Hopefully I can finish it this summer because she loves and so do a lot of ther people. (Like you!!)

Whew! That is good to hear.

Yay... yes, don't worry. Just relax, and you'll be fine!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this report! I would have loved to have done the disney college program. I'm already grooming my 10 year old daughter for it!
I love your thoughts on not bringing your problems to work with you. You have a wonderful work ethic. Just looking at your pics, you are the poster Disney employee. You have a love for "the world" and take pride in your work, even though it's not "glamorous". Your happiness and expressiveness (is that a word?) shows in all your photos.
I'm so looking forward to hearing about the rest of this experience. So jealous!
If you do the program again this year, you'll have to do another trip report!

Wow, thank you so much for your comment! It... is really powerful and I thank you for that! I am so glad that you could see my love for Disney! And I hope to do the program again... and if so, well, the DISers will definitely know!

I so love the Waffle House at night. You make me want a waffle now and there is no Waffle House in South Africa. So I have to save the desire for a waffle when I return to the States.

I also love your positive attitude. I know you still have some bad days, so here is a

Waffle House... mmmm, yummmm... I miss it. Are you back in the States yet? Have you gotten your waffle yet? And thanks for the hug!!

Whew!!! I'm all caught up!! It only took me much of last night and today! Kind of hard with a 2 year old in your lap wanting to see the picture over and over again!!

Anyway, this is a fantasic report! I love getting all the behind the scenes of WDW. Sounds like you had the time of your life! My nephew is currently a CM at Disneyland. He goes to college part time for now until he can join the Police Academy next year.

Can't wait to read more about your adventures!!

YAY! You made it! I am so glad! I just finished your trip report and I am about to head over to your pre-trip report. But anyway, I did have a great time! Where does your nephew work at Disneyland? I noticed he went with you on your trip to WDW! Anyway, thanks again for reading!

Just chiming in to say that I am really enjoying your report. The pictures are wonderful! I try to always thank CM's and to pay special attention but I will make sure that I am extra especially supportive of the custodials. They aren't the most visible CMs but they have such a hard and important job. Thanks for sharing! Keep it coming.

Thank you--I am so glad that you are enjoying it! And I am sure the Custodials will love the extra attention! Sometimes we just faded into the background, but we LOVED talking to guests... so if you are ever bored (like that's possible at Disney... so maybe I should say if you are ever too tired to do something), definitely find one of them to talk to.

What an uplifting installment! So what I've learned: When I'm feeling sad about my job, go to the Waffle House after my shift, and I'll be happy! Seriouly though, it must have been a relief to finally hook up with other CMs on a regular basis. Especially with a tiring job like yours!
I need to do the same - stop waiting till the weekend to have some fun. I really need to do something during the week!

Hope you're having a good weekend in PA - REE!!!

I am so glad you learned some valueable lessons from my TR! It's true... a waffle will make the saddest days into the brightest days. Ohhhh man, I want a waffle so bad right now. With chocolate chips. Yum! But yes, I think fun should be had on every day of the week... whether it's at Waffle House with friends, or on the DISboards!! My favorite guilty pleasure. And thanks for the weekend wish--I had a great weekend!

You're doing such a terrific job with this TR, Lamagique!

And I always walk away from it more cheerful than I was when I started reading, so thank you for that.

And waffle house...I love the Waffle House!!!

Thanks for the feedback! I am so glad that my report... like does that for you. I feel all magical. And waffley. So thank you! And have a magical day!

Just finished reading, what a great report, love all the photos

Thanks for joining and about the photos... well, there are more where those came from.

Hey everyone! Did you all notice that our dear friend Lamagique has a new tag? Of course, she did it herself, but it think it's the bestest ever!

Yes indeed... what can I say? I'm just a llama geek!!

I just discovered this TR this morning and I HAD to read it the whole way through! The College Program sounds too cool! I am SO going to talk my parents into letting me do it one summer (maybe next summer...after my freshman year...)

And I LOVE all your photos! They are TOO funny! The ones in Norway w/ the viking hats were great!

It sounds like CM's get some pretty cool perks! Where is Cast Connection? And do you mind if I ask what the Cast Cafeterias are like? I love feeling like I'm on the "inside" at Disney World!

Can't wait for more!

Yes! Definitely do the college program! Even if it is just for a summer, like me. Honestly, it will change your life! I didn't know what I would be getting out of a summer at Disney, but I got wonderful memories and great, great friends! From unexpected places, too! Definitely look into it and try to make it a possibility, because it's an experience worth having. And as for Cast Connection: it's at a secret location, haha, backstage at one of the parks. It has some great merchandise and I ended up spending a lot of my paychecks there. And the Cast Cafeterias--they are pretty nice. They have some really great food options, including Subway. I ended up getting a certain sandwich like everyday. And I also loved their grilled options... oh my gosh, they just have a lot to choose from and that's another place where I spent a lot of money because it was so good! And it's weird... this backstage stuff has all become normal to me, but I remember the first time I saw the utilidors (the "tunnels" under MK) and stuff like that, it was mind-blowing. It was like, "I'm behind the magic!" But it also was magical in its own special way, too! It was like, just really cool to be able to know how the parks work. But yes, I would definitely recommend the program! When are you looking into doing it? 2008? Because I'll be there in Fall... hopefully, if I get accepted!

I have finally finished reading through your TR up till this page! I have really, really enjoyed reading through it so far - so detailed and enjoyable! Your enthusiasm for Disney is great. It makes me even more excited for my Disney CP experience this fall.

Wow, I am so glad you are reading! I've seen you post a couple of times on the College Board... and I think you are in a couple of other groups online, too? I read about your character auditions! Anyway, congratulations on that! You are going to have such a magical experience! It'll be great!! So good luck and thanks for reading!

Thank you again everyone for your comments! I read them all and they really do mean a lot! I am so glad that you are enjoying this and that I get to share my amazing summer experience with you all!

 

[lamagique]

I don't think I will be able to post any installments tonight, unfortunately. I will try to get some up tomorrow and get a lot up in the next couple of weeks (while taking breaks from studying for my finals)!