WDWCP97 Journal. Days 6-7.

Date: September 15-16, 1997. 

Places: Disney University, Magic Kingdom, Polynesian Resort, tunnel, Contemporary/California Grill

People: Matt, Natalia, Dina, Jerleen, David, Tina, Juan, Nick, Jamie, Daniel, Holly, Michelle, Alejandro, Kim, plus my roommates 

Sights: Magic Kingdom tunnel, 25th anniversary birthday cake castle, Contemporary look-out balcony thing

Dining: Lucky Charms for breakfast both days, mac & cheese for dinner Monday

Lodging: Vista Way

Expenses: $13.50 - 2 Splash Mountain pictures, $17 - Sleeping Beauty at Disney University, $25 - Brer Bear at Splash Mountain cart, $23 Dopey, pin, photo album at Contemporary.

(I type this above section exactly as it is written in my book... hence my lovely descriptions like "look-out balcony thing". Good grief, Ronda.)

This was an exciting time for me. I had always wanted to work for Disney and be a party of the old fashioned magic. I was finally going to begin that goal setting by attending Traditions. I can't wait to see what I wrote! Let's do this!

I started Traditions Monday. We filled out tons of paperwork, then split up into 2 groups. Luckily David was in my group - so there was someone I knew. Alejandro was, too, along with their friends Benji and Juan. 

These Puerto Rican boys ended up being my friends the entire program, and David is still in the photo - and was just at my house a year or so ago!

In class we were taught about Disney's history and what the company expects from us. I visited the Magic Kingdom for the 1st time. We went in the tunnels and took a quick walk through Fantasyland and Libery Square. 

Looks like I failed to document the disappointed feeling I had when coming out of the Utilidor in Fantasyland with a view of Cinderella's Castle... looking like a freaking Pepto Bismal birthday cake.

I talked to Daniel from New York and Jamie from Utah - I'll be working at Pecos Bill's with both of them. Lunch was froo on Monday, but the lunch thing stressed me so much. I only had a Coke. I sat with 2 other girls during lunch and David joined us.

Okay - I have food issues. I hate eating when I'm feeling confused or overwhelmed or in a line. I do NOT like the buffet line either. That's what this felt like to me. We were at a window with a bunch of Cast Members that were used to how this worked. Everyone was ordering. I got up there and didn't know what to do. It was way too stressful, and I bailed. It was also at this window where I would later be asked if I wanted my sandwich on Texas toast and I told them I don't know what that is, I'm from Oregon.

 

Class was 10 hours long but it was very interesting. On Tuesday we split into small groups and were sent out to find answers to questions. Basically a trivia scavenger hunt. Our designated places were the Polynesian Resort & Adventureland. We flew by the resort, had some group photos taken, and quickly answered the questions. 

I really wish I had that paper of questions and answers. It was a lot of fun, and even took me to Pecos Bill Cafe and the Mile Long Bar. I loved learning trivia for my work locations! I'm a dork, okay!?!

Then it was off to the rides. Our group (10 of us) went on Splash Mountain. Going down we all did the "Disney point". It was so good, I bought David & I each a picture. Then, it was off to Snow White's ride. It was all we had time for.

That ride on Splash Mountain will go down as one of my favorite in my entire life!

Back in the room we were all split up, again. Juan gave me a Minnie Mouse figure he got! We (the class - led by me) talked about the difference between polo shirts & wife beaters.

Um, what??!! Of course I would lead a discussion like this. OF COURSE!

We got our locations and were sent to them. Jamie, David, Holly (from OSU interview & Lane CC) & I went to Pecos Bill's. The girl, Soraya, showing us around was cool. The Frontier/Adventureland tunnel stinks. I'm not too sure about working at this place.

Ha! Yeah, I can still recognize that smell. Anyone would be nervous if that was your first exposure!!

We also got our outfits. I have a red saloon dress with black lace & a black apron. Sarah's doing Merchandize in Tomorrowland. Mostly I spent these two days with David, but most of that time I listened to him talk in Spanish to Juan, Alejandro and Benji. This was a long two days - about 20 hours. But, hey! I got paid for it!

I loved my outfit! It was my cutest of all my Disney costumes! Not as easy to work in since it was a short dress and if you lean forward then people see right down. But aside from that, still totally cute. Could have done without the required nylons though.

After Traditions, Marcy, Sarah & I went to the Magic Kingdom. We went on Splash Mountain, the Railroad, and the Haunted Mansion. I bought a Brer Bear at a stand & the guy working is from UofO. The night parade was just starting when we got there. It looks cool. (Spectromagic was the best!!) The Haunted Mansion is awesome. It looks so completely different from Disneyland's. To get home we took the monorail to the Contemporary. We shopped and went up to the California Grill where Danielle works. That place is so nice. The man there let us go to the outside view area. We could see so much. All of the Magic Kingdom, Discovery Island and some resorts.

Whoa Discovery Island before it was an abandoned place people try to sneak out to! I feel so old now. Ooh, more nonsense details coming up!

There was a huge lightening storm and we could see it in all directions. We ended up getting abandoned at 1:45am at the hotel. The stupid bus driver never came and got us, so we had to call to get picked up. getting up at 5am when you don't get home until after 12 is so not fun! 

So there we were, finally earning some money that would essentially go right back to Disney via rent and souvenirs!  The next post will take us back to the Magic Kingdom for more classes, a VIP experience, and my first visit to Epcot!

 ~ See ya real soon! º0º ~