WDW college program experiences

[Lion Sleeps Tonight]

Two pirates? hmm. That's interesting. I..I have to think about it. A Narnia ride would be neat i think. But i wouldn't know, I haven't even seen the movie.

Yesterday I was at Magic Kingdom and again I was surprised at all the Pirates merchandise there is. I bought a Pirates of the Caribbean hoodie and cap a few weeks ago, because they looked cool(and i was freezing). But then I realized the hoodie is probably some kind of movie tie- in. Even though the ride is going in to refurb, the store is going to remain open of course.

So anyone thinking of doing the CP, do it for the entire experience! Don't do it because you need money or think the job is easy, or you think you're going to become famous while here. No one I know really enjoys their job- except that one guy downstairs who just takes money at the parking toll booth.

I feel bad for the people who come here, and after a month, want to leave because they feel it's not worth it. I think I'm still here because I appreciate Disney(as a guest and a CP) enough, and I want to make magic for guests. Also most of my roomates are so awesome. If not for them, I would be homesick and miserable. They're my temporary family. But one of my roommates is seriously considering leaving for good, and some girl I met on the bus is leaving at the end of the month. It's sad, but if you're not happy enough here, then leave. Don't waste your time doing something you hate.

I have a question, what attraction was replaced by Phillharmagic? And where else can you get sweet cream cheese pretzels in the World?

ps: to those of you who smoke: please smoke in the areas of the smoking cans! and dump the butts into the ash trays, and not inside the trash can.

[QuickGold]

I was at the Studios this past weekend and then realized I forgot to see if you were gonna be around (or what your name is, etc). I definetly gave extra attention to any custodians I saw, hoping that I might hear them say "I love Subsonic" or something that would give them away to be you

[Lion Sleeps Tonight]

Lol. Come find Lion at the Studios! I normally wouldn't mention Subsonic, unless it somehow came up in conversation. But for the next week or so, I'm scheduled to do restrooms

[AngelJ]

I and my brother was a CP from May 2005 to January 05, 2006. I lived in Chatham Square and was "guest show" at Downtown Disney. "Guest Show" is custodial. My brother Bill worked at "epic". Be very happy you are not working during Super Soap Weekend or during the holidays. My shifts was 7:30am to 4pm, 4pm to 12:30am, and 6:30 to 3am at PI. VoBan will be your best friend .

Angel - having to do it all over again, would you still have done the 8 month (according to your dates) program or the 5 month program like Lion is doing? Also, how many hours a week did you work? Lion said they are guaranteed 30 hours, but I was wondering if you got what you got, or could request only 30 hours, or go for the full 40 hours?

I worked 5 days 40 hours a week and had one of those paid classes on my day off. The job was not bad though it had its ups and downs. Between the 8 and the 5 month program it all depends on if I have the time. My university was leanlent the first time but I can not miss another semester so I am hoping the advance program is sometime between my two semesters.

[lovesdisney44]

[quote="Angel] I worked 5 days 40 hours a week and had one of those paid classes on my day off. The job was not bad though it had its ups and downs. Between the 8 and the 5 month program it all depends on if I have the time. My university was leanlent the first time but I can not miss another semester so I am hoping the advance program is sometime between my two semesters.[/quote]

So, you liked the experiend so much that you want to do it again? If so, it's encouraging to those that are on the fence.

[packwingfn]

The Legend of the Lion King stage show was replaced by Mickey's PhillarMagic.

[Lion Sleeps Tonight]

Legend of the Lion King, huh? Sounds neat. Speaking of the Lion King, that 1/2 movie was on the other night. I've seen the same parts of the movie in my breakroom. I gotta watch the entire thing.

So what's the first thing you do when the fire alarm goes off? Do you run for the exit? Take the first thing of importance that comes to mind? Or do you do what I did? I automatically reached for my phone and keys, and slipped on my shoes. In my mind, it was just another fire drill(like those in elementary school). I debated whether or not to take out some items in the safe. By the time I made it to the door and opened it, the alarm turned off. Only one other roommate was home, and was asleep almost the entire time. Oh well.

Is it really difficult to find the way out of the Studios? I've had more than a few guests ask me how to get out. Now, for some reason when I get asked this, I'm usually all the way towards the back near Muppets or Al's Toy Barn. So it's rather difficult to verbally tell them how to get out. Sometimes I just want to say, "it's the same way you came in" but I can't do that.

Yesterday was my longest shift- 9hours. It wasn't too bad because I tried timing things out, so I wouldn't be rushing with only 10 minutes left before I clock out late or miss the bus. But one thing I didn't count on was Cast Member restrooms. Now, there are so many ways to get in and out of buildings, I found myself just sort of wandering Mama Melrose to get to their restroom. I found it, but Third Shift was in there, so I left. In the end, I had to still rush, but I made it in time.

That same day, during the daytime, some guest complimented me on such a great job I was doing(wiping the sink?). That sort of made my day, and I wanted to reply " well it's my job." But I didn't say that. I also wanted to say, "If I were a guest, I would want my park clean as well." I didn't say that either. So instead I say(dumbly) "oh your very welcome!"

Oh, and on a side note: Everytime I see someone with any kind of Disneyland or CA apparel, I just want to stop them and say "I'm from CA too!"

Here's another random thing. Automatic flush is such a waste of water. I don't even have to be cleaning the toilet to have it flush. A few times, I would just walk by and it would flush. Oh, and automatic flush totally sucks when there's a clogged toilet and you're trying to plunge it. Courtesy flush, people!

Well I must be going now, I have to make breakfast/lunch. Today is a 6 hour shift, so it won't be so bad. It's the calm before the cheerleader storm for tomorrow.

[lovesdisney44]

Here's another random thing. Automatic flush is such a waste of water. I don't even have to be cleaning the toilet to have it flush. A few times, I would just walk by and it would flush. Oh, and automatic flush totally sucks when there's a clogged toilet and you're trying to plunge it. Courtesy flush, people!

I couldn't agree more!!!! Come on people, how hard is it to flush a toilet when you're done so public places don't have to resort to installing automatic flushers. I've been in the bathroom and it has automatically flushed 3 times on me. I can only imagine their water bill!

[QuickGold]

Here's another random thing. Automatic flush is such a waste of water. I don't even have to be cleaning the toilet to have it flush. A few times, I would just walk by and it would flush. Oh, and automatic flush totally sucks when there's a clogged toilet and you're trying to plunge it. Courtesy flush, people!

I couldn't agree more!!!! Come on people, how hard is it to flush a toilet when you're done so public places don't have to resort to installing automatic flushers. I've been in the bathroom and it has automatically flushed 3 times on me. I can only imagine their water bill!

I think the problem isn't people being lazy, it's people not wanting to touch the flusher

[lovesdisney44]

Here's another random thing. Automatic flush is such a waste of water. I don't even have to be cleaning the toilet to have it flush. A few times, I would just walk by and it would flush. Oh, and automatic flush totally sucks when there's a clogged toilet and you're trying to plunge it. Courtesy flush, people!

I couldn't agree more!!!! Come on people, how hard is it to flush a toilet when you're done so public places don't have to resort to installing automatic flushers. I've been in the bathroom and it has automatically flushed 3 times on me. I can only imagine their water bill!

I think the problem isn't people being lazy, it's people not wanting to touch the flusher

Use some of the clean toilet paper to touch the handle of the flusher. That way, you don't have to touch all those yucky germs. Then . . . go wash your hands.

[Cheshire Cat]

Is it really difficult to find the way out of the Studios? I've had more than a few guests ask me how to get out. Now, for some reason when I get asked this, I'm usually all the way towards the back near Muppets or Al's Toy Barn. So it's rather difficult to verbally tell them how to get out. Sometimes I just want to say, "it's the same way you came in" but I can't do that.

I don't remember if the Backlot Tour still does this, but when it lets you off in a different spot than where you got on, it can be a litle dis-orienting for first time guests.

[QuickGold]

Is it really difficult to find the way out of the Studios? I've had more than a few guests ask me how to get out. Now, for some reason when I get asked this, I'm usually all the way towards the back near Muppets or Al's Toy Barn. So it's rather difficult to verbally tell them how to get out. Sometimes I just want to say, "it's the same way you came in" but I can't do that.

I don't remember if the Backlot Tour still does this, but when it lets you off in a different spot than where you got on, it can be a litle dis-orienting for first time guests.

Unfortunately most guests barely know what park they're at, let alone where in the park they are.

[Lion Sleeps Tonight]

True true. Good points. People do get a bit disoriented when coming out of the Muppets show. It doesn't help that there's the painted gazebo image gate- thing blocking the way. Most times people don't know that they can walk through it and end up right at the entrance to Muppets.

Even today I sort of got lost inside of the Great Movie Ride. I was trying to find the exit through a cast member break room, but couldn't. In the end I just retraced my steps and took the character elevator.

Most times I just kick the flusher thing and it works. Other times I gotta use my broom handle. If those don't work, then I got my gloves on.

The funniest thing happened the other day. These three older ladies, I think it was a mother, daughter and grandaughter were all using the electric wheel chairs, and they were going really slowly and looking around. I sort of figured they were lost because one had a map, while the other two were just sitting there. So I ask them where they were headed and it turns out they wanted to see Epic. Well, they were headed in the wrong direction and I gladly gave them directions. So, slowly all in a single file EVC line they started in the right direction, but still seemed a bit lost. Also, the parade just let out, so a lot of people were getting in their way, and they had to stop a lot.

So I kinda felt bad for them, and walked up to where they were slowly making their way. I walk ahead a few paces and held out my pan and broom so no one could get in their way. I eventually led them to Epic and that was that. It felt like I was leading a parade or something....eh you had to have been there.

So when I have time, I want to eat at Backlot Express- does anyone recommend anything in particular? Everytime I walk into the kitchen, it smells of fried goodness.

That's all for tonight- long day ahead tomorrow. Remember, if you see cheerleaders changing in the restrooms or backstage areas, then kick them out!

[addlema]

Eat at the sci fi dine in.. I love that place.. Great food.

Also go to the wilderness lodge.. The Whispering Canyon is a hoot! Lots of fun there.. AND FREE REFILLS ON MILKSHAKES!

Man, can you go into the aliens part of the Great Movie Ride and just stand there? That would be awesome.. They did that part really well.

[Lion Sleeps Tonight]

I do walk into Sci Fi when I have Backset restrooms to take care of. People in the cars look like their having a good time. That's on my to-do list for sure.

I love Aliens and all, but I'm not sure I want to stand in the middle of that scene where the alien actually is. It would be a great picture to bring back to my friends though.

So yesterday was the second weekend of the cheer/dance competition. It was a lot worse than last weekend because the park was more crowded and cheerleaders have this pack mentality. If one has to go to the restroom and fix their make-up, they all have to. I feel bad for the guests who have to wait for them to finish. Oh, and the rain didn't help so the streets as well as the tiled floor in the restrooms were wet. I was constantly trying to dry the floor, but at the same time trying not to get in the way of the guests.

It seemed that there was a lot more work to do this time around, and I was not a happy camper. So I apologize if you passed a disgruntled looking showkeeper.

Even though my day wasn't so cool, as soon as I got off of work and met with my roommate. It definitely made my spirits life up and when we got home our other roommates and I just made food and chilled. Good times. So it's really thanks to my roommates that I didn't try and beat up a guest or some other cast member on my way home. Just kidding...

In other news, my actual roommate is coming back from out of town. So gone are the days of quiet and peace. I know for the next few days, I'm not going to hear anything else besides the trip.

Oh, and here's some cheesy truth. Yesterday when I had some time to myself on my break, I asked myself- "why do I work so hard?" The first thing that came to mind was that I see myself as a guest. I've been going to Disneyland for so long, I really do consider it to be my park(along with thousands of other guests). But when I go there, I do expect it to be clean and well-kept- among other things. So it all goes back to "treat others as you want to be treated" or something like that. Does that make sense?

Well I'm off to make breakfast(11:55am). And off to work I go!