The Happiest Summer On Earth *My WDWCP Experience*

[CriminyCrafft]

OH that story about Michael got me so choked up. Poor guy. I hope things are better for him now. I loved your observations on WDW in that story as well. So true, so true! Anyone can be a dashing pirate or a beautiful princess at WDW!

Thanks so much for sharing!!

 

[tinawv]

I am so loving your trip report. Can't wait for the next post and viewing more pictures.

 

[Lan]

Bumping up, so she won't forget to finish.

 

[kath1210]

Lamagique - This is such a great trip report! It's really interesting to learn what happens "behind the scenes" at Disney. I wish I'd known about the CP when I was in college.

Keep those reports coming!

 

[Glendamax]

I wish I'd known about the CP when I was in college.

ME TOO!!!

Now where is she?!

 

[Lan]

ME TOO!!!

Now where is she?!

GM,
Maybe if you agree to ride ToT in Sept. she will come back

 

[Glendamax]

GM,
Maybe if you agree to ride ToT in Sept. she will come back

WUTEVA!!!!!!

 

[lamagique]

First of all, can I just say that I am absolutely delighted to have readers and regular ones at that? But I must pause in order to explain some things. The next few entries will be job specific. I am not sure how interesting they will be, but I feel like my trip report has two purposes:

1. To provide entertainment and vicarious living for the reader (at least, that’s why I read TRs)
2. Provide some useful information about the College Program

I want this TR to serve as a resource for other potential CPs, especially CUSTODIANS! But because of that, the next few entries might not be the most interesting parts of this TR. The reason why I want to warn you readers is because I want you to stick along for the ride! My entries will (hopefully) resume satisfaction of the #1 goal after I explain my job/duties at Disney. Okay, that is all: now, on with the show!

 

[lamagique]

Rewind to the second day after arriving for the CP: I woke up, got dressed, and went to the same building where I got my housing assignment the day before. From my acceptance letter, I knew that I was a custodial*, but where would I be working? I had my personal preferences, my own list of pros and cons, but Disney could place me anywhere.

List of Pros and Cons

• Magic Kingdom: Most magical park, but longest hours (could be working until 3 or 4am on a regular basis)
• Animal Kingdom: Shortest hours, but hottest park (and since a lot of custodial is an outdoors job, that could be difficult)
• Studios: My favorite park… there are no cons!
• Epcot: Potential interaction with int’l CPs… no perceived cons

I was very nervous to find out where I would be working. When I approached the table and they took my information, they told me a moment later that I would be working at… Disney-MGM Studios! I was so excited! And what’s more, they told me that I would be working on Sunset Blvd! What’s Sunset Blvd, you may ask?

Sunset Blvd is the home to several shops, counter-service restaurants, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Beauty and the Beast, and Fantasmic! Basically my favorite section of the whole park! I was so excited to be a Custodial here!



---------
*Custodial: You may be wondering why I didn’t write “Custodian.” Disney calls this job choice, “Custodial” and we other custodials found ourselves calling ourselves custodials instead of custodians. At the Studios, we were also called “Showkeepers.”

 

[Disneyolic]

Thanks for the "heads up". I find the CP very interesting so I will definitely be reading your next couple of posts. However, if I fall asleep reading them, I'll promise to come back!

And by the way, I just have to say this. I love looking at your pictures! Whenever you are in them is especially nice because I want you to know that your face really lights up in the pictures! You truly look happy and the camera does you well! It brings a smile to my face!

 

[lamagique]

My first official day of training after Traditions was a global custodial class (meaning that there were custodians in my class from all parks and resorts) at the Disney University. I must say, Disney does an excellent job with their training. They take things that would ordinarily not be so interesting and put their magical touch on it. They also gave us breaks, which were great opportunities to get to know some of the other custodial CPs. Also, where else can you work and take your lunch break at the Magic Kingdom?

I was so excited in my global training class, but I was most looking forward to my on-property orientation of the Studios called “On With The Show!” It started early, before the park had officially opened. Our orientation group was comprised of new Studios employees, not just other custodials. It was so cool getting to see the parks completely empty! And I felt so official, standing in the Studios with my heels and a blazer on (and my Cast ID and nametag, of course!). Our training on this day took us around the Studios and we got to learn where/what everything was. After our on-site orientation was over, we got to get our costumes! I was, yes, you guessed it, so excited, as you can see from this little sneak peek:

To be honest, it wasn’t until I slipped on my costume for the first time that I felt like I was really a Cast Member. I saw myself in the mirror and saw that famous Disney custodial uniform. It was real. I was really going to work at Disney MGM Studios!

The next couple of days were spent going through a thorough training session with my own personal Cast Member to instruct me on all that I was expected to do. At Disney, the custodians have two roles (basically) that they can be assigned each day: restrooms or streets.

For restroom training, I was shown how to properly clean a bathroom. It seems simple, but there was more to it than I expected. Now, I have never been a public restroom sort of girl. They had always freaked me out and I avoided using them like the plague. But, it was cool to see that Disney restrooms were very thoroughly cleaned and very often. I can say it because I did it! So rest assured that when you are using a Disney restroom, it should be pretty clean, although if it isn’t… well, we’ll talk about that later. (And even though they are clean, I still recommend using the protective seat covers.)

For streets, we learned how to clean up spills (anything that’s on the ground that’s not supposed to be, such as popcorn, soda, gum, or… other things). We also learned how to properly do a trash-run, which is when you empty out all of the trashcans in a certain zone. This is also done repeatedly throughout the day. It is very time consuming and energy consuming, but once I got used to it, it was kind of fun. (Also, the Disney trashcans are cleaned multiple times throughout the day, so if you want to set things on them, they usually are clean, too).

After being trained, I was assessed to make sure that I could accurately execute my job duties, and then I was released to work on my own! Which was very, very scary. Luckily, I had my friend from the DIS Boards Meet-N-Greet, Jess, working with me. She had also got assigned to the same park and the same section and we were even assessed together! So we became fast friends and were scared together.

There’s nothing like that first time you step out onstage on your own. My little “Earning My Ears” ribbon was removed from my nametag. I felt a certain sense of security with that ribbon. I felt like if I made mistakes, it would be okay because a guest could see that I was new. But now, they didn’t know. And I was scared that I wouldn’t do things right, even though I had been fine during the assessment.

I was also scared that I wouldn’t know the right answer if a guest came up to me and asked me for something.

But, everything ended up going fine on my first day. It was exhausting, but I made it through without too many bumps, although it took me forever to finish my first trash-run.

 

[lamagique]

Showkeepers… that’s what they called us at the Studios. We kept the show running nice and smooth. Anyway, this post is just to write about what my experience was like in general being a custodian.

Well, let’s see. For the most part, I had closing hours. I would work from around 3:00 until midnight or around then. I liked this because I could sleep, get up and do some things like watch DVDs or go online before I went to work. Even though I had free entrance into the parks, I didn’t usually go to them on a day that I was working because I was too tired. It was a very energy-consuming job. For the first three weeks, my body ached and ached. My feet felt like they were on fire. But then, I got used to it and I was fine. My body wasn’t used to all that moving and being in the sun. I’d say drink tons of water and wear lots of sunscreen to anyone who is going to be a CP/CM.

It was a difficult job. When I was out on streets, I was very, very hot. The shifts get long when you are standing outside for hours and hours at a time (with scheduled breaks, though, so that was nice). However, my favorite part about working streets was speaking with guests. I loved when they would ask me questions. I loved helping them find their way or suggesting a place to eat. While I swept, one of my favorite things to do would be to go to the benches that lined Sunset Blvd and find someone who was alone. Usually it was a mom or dad or grandparent waiting for their kids or grandchildren to finish riding Rockin’ Rollercoaster or Tower of Terror. I really liked talking to these people because they had a lot more time on their hands to chat. I had some really fun conversations. I also liked pin trading when I was on streets. It made for fun interaction and I really liked it when someone found a pin on my lanyard that they wanted.

I found that I was often in restrooms. Someone people didn’t get restrooms hardly at all, but I ended up getting them most of the summer. I didn’t mind too much because the restrooms at WDW are air-conditioned, so I was able to stay cooler. But man oh man, restrooms kept me very busy! There’s always so much going on in them, especially right after shows like Fantasmic! or Beauty and the Beast let out. They got really chaotic and it was hard to clean them quickly. I found it amazing how quickly restrooms could get dirty. I would spend 30-60 minutes cleaning one, leave for 10 minutes, and come back to find everything a mess. Sometimes that was discouraging, but it always brightened my day when a guest would say, “Thank you for all that you do.” It really encouraged me and helped me to feel like my job was important and that it mattered to someone. Also, whenever a guest would say, “This is the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen!” I would just beam!! It like, felt so cool to hear that.

I think this is about all I can say about this job here, but if you have any specific questions, just let me know. I love answering questions!


Special Hints/Tips for Guests

• Restrooms are cleanest at the beginning of the day. I would say probably before 2pm is when they are at their best because the crowds aren’t as heavy. After lunch and by early evening, they become more crowded and harder to clean/keep up with (though, oh boy, I would try so hard!)
• Avoid Restrooms right after shows are about to start or just got out. The restrooms right after Beauty and the Beast let out would be very, very busy (and hard to restock while everyone was there). So your best bet is to wait or to find a restroom located in a different area.
• Custodians like talking, giving directions, interacting… do not be afraid to engage them. They love it, or at least I did! It really brightens their day! Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We also usually carry extra maps on us, we always have the park schedule/times, and we can help you out with whatever you need usually, so remember that! Or if you need someone to take a picture of you, they’d be happy to!
• On which restrooms to use at the Studios: On Sunset Blvd at the Studios, there are three restrooms. The one across the street from the Vacation Club booth is a great one to go to IF BatB isn’t just letting out. If it is, then avoid it. Also, there is a restroom by Coaster that is not busy in the evenings. It’s a pretty nice one and if you catch it at the right time, it is good. Monument, the restroom closest to Tower of Terror is probably the busiest of them all, so I would say try the other ones before this one. In terms of the Studios in general, there is a HUGE restroom by “Lights, Motors, Action!” that is rarely busy (unless the show just got out). Also, restrooms by the Backlot Tour and that area of the park are more likely to be less busy than those on Sunset Blvd and by the gigantic hat or right by the park entrance (although, there is a restroom right outside of the entrance at the Studios that is only busy in the morning. After the morning, it’s ALWAYS empty.) Oh, and Fantasmic! There are tons of restrooms at Fantasmic, so it would be better to wait until you get inside the ampitheatre to use the restroom there, rather than trying to go to Monument (because everyone else will be trying to use those ones too).
• Don't use the first stall in a restroom. I mean, you can, if you want. There's nothing wrong with it. But this is the stall the most likely to be used by people, and therefore it's most likely that this stall will be out of toilet paper or protective seat covers or will be one of the messiest. I say, go to the middle stalls and check on those first. Those usually aren't used as often and have more products inside.
• Also, tell a custodian if you make/see a mess. We don’t get angry, we just want to know so that we can clean it up as fast as possible. We don’t want anyone stepping in anything or getting hurt. Your safety is a big concern, as well as your comfort. And also, if your child happens to make a mess on themselves or if you ever run out of any essential items while you are at the park, tell a custodian and they would be glad to help you and make sure everything is okay!

 

[lamagique]

As I mentioned in the above entry, I was too exhausted to go to the parks on days that I was scheduled to work. I think this was one of the things that some people (even myself at times) had the most difficulty with. They get down to Florida, think that they will be working a few hours a day, and then playing in the parks. But, even if you aren’t scheduled a lot of hours each week (which you probably will be), it’s important to relax. But it just made us so excited for off-days. I pretty much spent all of my off-days in the parks. Even though I worked in them, I still found them so magical and I still found that I was able to be a guest. I was afraid that maybe some of the magic would be ruined since I was a CM, but it wasn’t! In fact, I got a whole new appreciation for the parks!

On my first day off (after working a week straight), I did it big! I called up my friend Bethany and we went to… EPCOT!

We arrived and of course, started off by going to France. We did stop by Canada... or passed straight through it. We also talked to this girl from the UK for a bit, but it was all about France. I started speaking in French and I was just so excited!

We proceeded to the French cafe where I bought an Elephant's Ear... oh yummy doodle. Bethany and I went to the patio and peacefully enjoyed our pastries. It was delightful.

After our pastries, we headed over to "Impressions of France," a film of the French countryside presented in this VERY wide screen. This was my first time seeing the film, so I was very excited. There was definitely some beautiful imagery, but being so tired from work, a movie wasn't necessarily the right thing to pick. It was hard to stay awake at the end because I was so tired, but it was good.

We then went over to Morocco! We went inside the store where I had seen that beautiful guy. Well, he wasn't there (but he was in a different shop... ah, so beautiful), but there was a guy named Kamal there. He started asking Bethany if she knew where Morocco was and then he would trick her. After tricking her three times, he took us to the register and took out these card things with a map on them:

And then he flipped it over and started writing our names in Arabic. Then we asked him how long he had been working there and he said for 10 months and he was on the International Program. And we told him that we were CPs. He then finished writing our names. Here's my name in Arabic:

So, after that, we went to Japan and saw that artist lady make a giraffe candy and looked around their huge store. Then we went to Future World to see Turtle Talk with Crush. It was so cute. The Turtle (Crush) from Finding Nemo answers questions from kids. And he has facial expressions and everything. It was so funny and I really enjoyed it. My favorite part was when Crush was wearing a bikini top and he's like, "What's this?" And kids were like, "A bra! A bra!" and then he sort of tried to ignore them and was like, "What is this used for?" thinking the kids would say swimming, but instead this little girl says, "To cover up your pee pee!" And the whole room laughed!

Well, after that, it was time to go to the Studios because I wanted to go there and enjoy being a guest.

The first thing I did was get a hot dog on Sunset Blvd. I had been wanting one from the Studios for a couple of hours (and I was used to working and seeing guests with them and really wanting one of my own). So, I got a footlong before going on Tower of Terror. Don’t worry, I have a pretty solid stomach! But… this definitely was the scariest ToT sequence I had been on because right before we were about to drop, we stopped! Seriously, for like a minute. We were all getting really freaked out. Normally when the elevator drops, people scream, but it's like fun screaming. This sequence, we were all screaming with real terror! It was great, so we got back on right after it.

Next, we went on Rockin’ Rollercoaster. I got to sit in the front row, so you know that it was a great ride! I had lots of fun and this time, as opposed to others, I rode with my glasses on! I could see things in a lot more detail and it gave me a greater appreciation for the ride.

Finally, because on my friends had gotten Fastpasses for ToT for us, we went back on it again. This ride was crazy because we were the absolute last guests in the building and got an elevator to ourselves. We ended up riding with one of the bellhops! It was so weird to be in it with just like, 7 people. It made it scarier, but in a fun way of course. Scary, but fun. That would be the reason why ToT is my favorite ride.

And finally, to end our night, I saw Fantasmic! for the very first time. Now, I had even worked AT Fantasmic a few times (emptying the trash or cleaning the restrooms), but I had never seen the show. Well, I got to see it for the first time that night and I absolutely loved it! It instantly became my favorite show at WDW! The finale was so magical and would give me chills the whole summer, even when I was working. (The end is the best part of Fantasmic! and I never understood why guests would leave before that part. It’s what makes Fantasmic worth watching!)

Well, I had a full day, but it didn’t end there. I was determined to get the most out of my day off. I met up with Talin and Jess at Pleasure Island.

We went to Motions and I had a good time dancing to Shakira and making them laugh. (Did I tell you that I am not a sexy dancer? I am a goofy dancer. I can’t be serious… I just can’t!) So, I was outside taking a break but still listening to the grooves of the club and dancing (or convulsing painfully) for a second, and then I stop and laugh. This guy that I don’t know says, “Why’d you stop?” And I just shrug. Then, a couple of seconds later, he goes: "I want you to wish my friend a Happy Birthday." I was like okay. So I walked with him and he asked me where I was from and my name. So, we go up to his friends and he's like, "This is LaMagique and she is from California, which is basically the #*%@ of the United States. And she's going to wish you a happy birthday." And then he told me his friend Joe was from France. So I said in French that I spoke a little. And he said in French that he spoke a lot. And so I said Happy Birthday in English, then in French! And then the guy said "Merci" and I told him he was welcome in French. And they applauded. It was a lot of fun.

Our night ended with a bus ride back to Vista Way. We all joined in and sang “My Girl” together. It was so much fun! My first day off was AWESOME!

Next Installment: PG 7, #105

 

[Disneyolic]

[*]Don't use the first stall in a restroom. I mean, you can, if you want. There's nothing wrong with it. But this is the stall the most likely to be used by people, and therefore it's most likely that this stall will be out of toilet paper or protective seat covers or will be one of the messiest. I say, go to the middle stalls and check on those first. Those usually aren't used as often and have more products inside.[/LIST]

Now that one is interesting. Awhile back, and this did not pertain to Disney World, I had heard that most people skip the first stall for some reason (maybe for privacy reasons) and that one would usually be the cleanest. So, I started using the first stalls and found that to be mostly true. Now, I will totally remember what you said when it comes to Disney. Normally there though we have to use the bigger ones to accommodate the kids...

 

[robinne83]

I know Kamal and Im sooo glad you got a chance to talk to him!! Hes really nice...Actually one of the nicer Moroccans Ive encountered. I met him the summer before when he started the international program and I was lucky enough to see him several times after that too! The last time I saw him was right before his graduation actually. He never proposed but he was friends with one of the Moroccans who wanted to marry me. Speaking of which, I'll have to share my Moroccan stories and pictures with you when I have a chance!! I have a feeling you'll enjoy hearing my adventures just as much as I enjoy reading about yours!

 

[Lan]

Glendamax,

Did u see the pretty picture that lamagique took on Tot? We can ride it together in Sept.


Lamagique,
I can't wait to hear more of your CP experience.

 

[Glendamax]

[And by the way, I just have to say this. I love looking at your pictures! Whenever you are in them is especially nice because I want you to know that your face really lights up in the pictures! You truly look happy and the camera does you well! It brings a smile to my face!

First of all Disneyolic, stop saying what I was going say!
I always smile when her pictures pop up because she looks SOOOO excited! How could Disney NOT hire her! (but yes, I'm still mad she got custodial )

Lan - What was that? I think we ave a bad con nec tiion . . . your breakin -up - -- -crackle crackle - - - - -- -

LaMagique - I wish I could comment on everything that I found interesting in your report, but that would be as long as your last installments. This has trully been one of the most interesting reports I've read! Believe me, none of it was boring. I think that if you are a true Disney fan, you do wonder about the people who work there and what they do. I must admit that I am surprised that you are still happy after the first few days of clean up duty! But it IS Disney, and you're getting to see a side of it that many will never see.

Your excitement for the World Showcase, has really got me looking forward to seeing it again in September. Especially Morrocco This year, I vow to take my time and really look through the countries!

Even though you've once again given us a good chunck to read, I'm still surprised and sad when I get to the end So I'm really looking forward to the rest. And yes, please feel free to BORE us with even more details . . .

I think a link to this report deserves to be in some of our siggies!

 

[lamagique]

Time to catch up on comments! Thank you everyone who leaves comments for me! I read them all and it makes me really happy to know that people are reading and even *GASP* enjoying this report! It has been really great for me to write it and to relive my summer. It was definitely a summer filled with adventures, laughter, tears, friends, weird people, etc. I can't wait to share my experiences with all of you.

That said, it is now time to comment to some specific people:

720L - First of all, cute glasses! Second, awesome trip report!

Thank you so very much! I got my glasses at LensCrafters and I absolutely love them... I feel all naked without my glasses.

Lan - So what type of men did you meet this trip at Motions?

Hahaha... didn't really have any encounters with the male type, none really worth nothing. But there will be some more adventures in the future...

CriminyCrafft - OH that story about Michael got me so choked up. Poor guy. I hope things are better for him now. I loved your observations on WDW in that story as well. So true, so true! Anyone can be a dashing pirate or a beautiful princess at WDW! Thanks so much for sharing!!

Thank you for reading. And it's so true, about anyone being anyone at Disney. It's just such a positive place and that's why I love it!

Tinawv - I am so loving your trip report. Can't wait for the next post and viewing more pictures.

Thanks!! I am so glad that you are enjoying it!

Kath1210 - This is such a great trip report! It's really interesting to learn what happens "behind the scenes" at Disney. I wish I'd known about the CP when I was in college. Keep those reports coming!

Thanks for reading and I definitely will keep posting. I'm glad I had the chance to do the CP, even if it was just for a summer. It was an awesome experience!

Disneyolic - And by the way, I just have to say this. I love looking at your pictures! Whenever you are in them is especially nice because I want you to know that your face really lights up in the pictures! You truly look happy and the camera does you well! It brings a smile to my face!

Thank you! That's such a nice thing to say. I don't even know what to say except for... I'm smiling now! YAYYYY

Disneyolic - Now that one is interesting. Awhile back, and this did not pertain to Disney World, I had heard that most people skip the first stall for some reason (maybe for privacy reasons) and that one would usually be the cleanest. So, I started using the first stalls and found that to be mostly true. Now, I will totally remember what you said when it comes to Disney. Normally there though we have to use the bigger ones to accommodate the kids...

Yes, maybe Disney is weird like that, but people use the first stall all the time. It would be the hardest to clean and stock because people would ALWAYS be in it!

Robinne83 - I can't wait to hear your Morocco stories and everything! And see pictures... you've gotta tell me!!!

Lan - Glendamax, Did u see the pretty picture that lamagique took on Tot? We can ride it together in Sept.

Haha, you really want her to go on that. Well, I think she SHOULD because it's the best ride EVER!!

Glendamax - I always smile when her pictures pop up because she looks SOOOO excited! How could Disney NOT hire her! (but yes, I'm still mad she got custodial )

Yes, when I interviewed (for seasonal), we discussed me possibly getting a high-spiel role, which means a role with a lot of lines memorized. Something like Jungle Cruise Skipper or something like that. I still would like to do something like that, so it's off to Disney I go again after I graduate. But yes... I am not sure if my talents were best suited for the restrooms, but then again... I could clean a mean toilet! And... I can't even quote your whole thing. I just have to tell you THANK YOU!!!! And I can't believe you linked me.... I feel all honored and everything!!!!!! Thanks so much! I am so glad you are enjoying it and I am so glad... I can't even articulate myself. Just, thank you very much. Thank you. Oh, but I must point out one thing you said: "I must admit that I am surprised that you are still happy after the first few days of clean up duty!" To be honest, it was very, very difficult for me, especially the first few days. I sort of gloss it over because I got over it, to a certain degree. I'll probably talk a little bit more about my difficulties later on, but it... was hard to be positive about it. I tried, but... yes, it was hard.

 

[Lan]

Even though you were were not too excited about being in a custodial role, you were still magical

 

[oybolshoi]

Fabulous updates and I have to agree with others - the camera loves you!! Your smile is infectious (and I mean that in a good way - ).

Looking forward to more.

By the way - I have something of a clean bathroom fetish, even in my own house, so it does my heart good to know that WDW bathrooms are cleaned so often. And I think you showed a wonderful attitude even though you didn't nab the most glamorous of summer jobs.