Well I was absolutely, positively horrible at updating my blog, my last entry was march! March! Was I really too busy to update a simple blog? The answer is yes...
I thought about just leaving my blog as is, but I decided that this adventure needed a closure, even if no one reads it but me.
When looking back at my adventure working for Disney, I look back with mostly good thoughts, and fond memories. Though I do have my ill wills towards my experiance, which I will spell out for you first and then end with why I thought this was a great time in my life.
The one thing I will absolutely NOT miss is working. I know you're thinking, "Oh you silly boy, thats what you were there to do!", and yes that is true. I learned to just get through work and lived for the moments I wasn't working, or I just called in sick, which I did a grand total of 14 times. Thats not to say I didn't enjoy parts of work, I enjoyed when my guests would engage and have fun and respond to what I was saying. I hated it on days when it was hotter than a fire in hell (the insides of the trucks would get up to 110 degrees!), when the guests acted like zombies even when I gave EACH and EVERY safari my all, or when the managers treated us like dirt on their boots. Which was pretty much every day. But there were always those moments when I little kid would come up after and say something like, "That was the most fun I ever had!" or "I would SO take a 2 week safari with you, even 3 weeks, you're awesome!" Those were the good days.
Also, Disney as a company treats it's college program kids like slaves. I hear they treat their part timers and full timers like kings, but us, no, we're expendable.
But work aside, my experiance was amazing. I loved living in Florida, skipping Michigan's horrible 4 month freeze, I loved how there was always something to do, or people to hang with, I loved being independent, I loved that I met the most amazing girl in the world down there and now that amazing girl is my even more amazing girlfriend. Being on my own really showed me I could actually do it, I can not only live on my own, but I can thrive.
It was weird coming home though, really weird. I can't even completely explain it. I feel like I've officially become an adult now, and as much as I love being home, its my time to move on and start the rest of my life. Also, there is a million and a half more things to do in Florida than Saginaw.
Overall, working for Disney was an experiance I will never forget. I learned so much about myself, and a lot about other people. But this hasn't sustained my thirst for adventure and traveling, if anything it has made me even more thirsty for new experiances. That being said, bring on my new adventure! In the words of the ever wise Bilbo Baggins;
The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began
Now far ahead the road has gone
And I will follow if I can.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Busy, Busy!
I apologize for the lack of updates but I have been really busy lately, but in a good way of course. Since I last updated I have turned 21! People always said that turning 21 doesn't feel any differant, and they're right in some ways, but I must say I really do enjoy ordering drinks, it makes me feel old.
Also in these past weeks I got to see a Tigers game, friends from home came to visit over spring break, I saw Wicked, went to Disney Quest, worked a lot, and just had good times! I'm really loving it here, and it's going to be so sad to leave.
I'm also really loving driving safari's finally. For awhile I thought it was getting monotonous, but now that I'm having fun with it and joking around with people its so much fun just trying to make people loosen up and laugh.
I will say though I do miss things like reading, writing, and just watching the sunset, which was so easy to do at home but is really hard to do here when you constantly have things to do albeit fun things.
Also we just had inspections for our apt, and I have no idea how we passed but we did! But while doing our little bit of cleaning we actually did we discovered that our A/C vents are FULL of mold, hence maybe why we're all sick alot. I told the inspectors this and they said it was just dust...so now we know they're incompetent.
I also will admit it is nice being away from the "news", because when I was home I stayed on top of all that was happening, but here I feel really cut off from it all. And judging from all the madness and horrible things going on that I briefly hear about, I'm probably better off not knowing everything. This world is going down the crapper, and I'm working at the most magical place on earth. Go figure!
Also in these past weeks I got to see a Tigers game, friends from home came to visit over spring break, I saw Wicked, went to Disney Quest, worked a lot, and just had good times! I'm really loving it here, and it's going to be so sad to leave.
I'm also really loving driving safari's finally. For awhile I thought it was getting monotonous, but now that I'm having fun with it and joking around with people its so much fun just trying to make people loosen up and laugh.
I will say though I do miss things like reading, writing, and just watching the sunset, which was so easy to do at home but is really hard to do here when you constantly have things to do albeit fun things.
Also we just had inspections for our apt, and I have no idea how we passed but we did! But while doing our little bit of cleaning we actually did we discovered that our A/C vents are FULL of mold, hence maybe why we're all sick alot. I told the inspectors this and they said it was just dust...so now we know they're incompetent.
I also will admit it is nice being away from the "news", because when I was home I stayed on top of all that was happening, but here I feel really cut off from it all. And judging from all the madness and horrible things going on that I briefly hear about, I'm probably better off not knowing everything. This world is going down the crapper, and I'm working at the most magical place on earth. Go figure!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
As Time Goes By
Well time is absolutely flying now! I can’t believe it’s already march. I think it’s because now we are really in the swing of things, so much so that it’s become common now all the cool stuff happening to us. Like today for example, Dave and I got to see the Tigers play a spring training game! They lost, but it still was so cool being able to quench my baseball thirst like that in the middle of winter. I still have to pinch myself every once and awhile to remind me where I am and what I’m doing. Even the worst day here cannot compete with the best day in Michigan during the winter school season.
Oh, and I have officially driven 180 safari’s since I’ve started, that 180 times chasing those freaking poachers, which you would think by now I would’ve caught them…but nope!
Even among all the fun I am starting to get excited for what the summer and fall will be offering me. Like a brand new school with a sweet, ginormous apartment! And as for this summer I just finished applying to Pixar so work as an intern this summer, nothing will probably come of it, but if so then it’ll be an even better experience for me than Disney, since this would actually further my possible film career!
Oh, and Dave and I are turning 21 IN ONE WEEK! Let the wild rumpus begin!
Oh, and I have officially driven 180 safari’s since I’ve started, that 180 times chasing those freaking poachers, which you would think by now I would’ve caught them…but nope!
Even among all the fun I am starting to get excited for what the summer and fall will be offering me. Like a brand new school with a sweet, ginormous apartment! And as for this summer I just finished applying to Pixar so work as an intern this summer, nothing will probably come of it, but if so then it’ll be an even better experience for me than Disney, since this would actually further my possible film career!
Oh, and Dave and I are turning 21 IN ONE WEEK! Let the wild rumpus begin!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Falling Into a Routine
It's been almost two months now since I came to Florida, and my has it flown by, I thought it would, but not this fast. At the same time I've found that lately I've been complaining that my job has gotten monotonous and boring, and others have been saying it to. But the other night my roommate Jimmy reminded me of something that really shut me up. He said that he doesn't understand why we're talking about monotony when I'm driving a freaking safari through Africa every day seeing animals doing crazy things and chasing poachers, and as a janitor he got to walk through the forest moon of endor and change their trash out as an AT-AT stood in the background, and we complain that its getting boring.
We have the coolest jobs right now, and something like this will never happen again where I get to drive through Africa on a safari, we could very well be waiting tables back home, but no, we're working for a mouse...a MOUSE! We're employees of one the biggest companies in the world, helping to make magic for the guests, so that they go away from here with memories that will last a lifetime. It's so crazy when you put it in that perspective, and of course we'll get bored at times, work can be boring sometimes, but I've learned my lesson and I won't be complaining again.
We have the coolest jobs right now, and something like this will never happen again where I get to drive through Africa on a safari, we could very well be waiting tables back home, but no, we're working for a mouse...a MOUSE! We're employees of one the biggest companies in the world, helping to make magic for the guests, so that they go away from here with memories that will last a lifetime. It's so crazy when you put it in that perspective, and of course we'll get bored at times, work can be boring sometimes, but I've learned my lesson and I won't be complaining again.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A Change of Pace
I’ve had a great last week as the family came to visit, but at the same time I’ve had a bad cold all week. And having a cold while trying to do my spiel for guests is absolute torture! My voice got so hoarse yesterday while driving guests that it was barely a squeak. So needless to say I have called in sick today so I can finally have one day to try and recuperate.
Last week was amazing though, spending a lot of time with the family was such a nice change of pace, and we always have fun! The best part was the 2 days we spent at Universal Studios and Harry Potter world! I have wanted to go to HP world the minute I heard they were making it like 3 years ago and I finally got my wish! And you know how it is, you build things up in your mind to be something really great, then you get there and its cool, but nothing like you thought. Well, HP world was even better than I thought it would be! The ride they had was the best non rollercoaster ride I have ever been on! It was amazing beyond words, and freaked me out. Why? Well you’ll just have to try it yourself. The town they built Hogsmeade was so amazing, all the shops were cool, yet super expensive, and the butterbeer was to die for! It was exactly what I imagined it would taste like in the books.
Needless to say we had a great time, and all week long have had fun just talking, and going to dinner…my family is the best!
My work is going good, except for me being sick. I’m really starting to enjoy the driving part and playing around with the guests, making those magical moments for them. I’ve really relaxed during my spiels and I think the guests noticed because now at the end they’re all thanking me, sometimes clapping, and even saying it was their favorite safari! I get through the monotony of it all by looking forward to the guests praise.
I’ve now been here an entire month now, and I actually feel like this is home now, its strange. It was really weird the other day when I got upset at all the tourists driving around because I felt like they were invading my home…yup strraannggee! This coming from the guy who was so homesick in Denver that he left. Everything just takes me a little longer to get used to, and I finally realized that.
The one bad thing is that not having been to church in a month, and unfortunately not finding a lot of time to read the bible (my fault), is starting to get to me. I feel a distance there between me and God, so I need to make a conscious effort to bridge that gap and work harder at staying in the word.
Last week was amazing though, spending a lot of time with the family was such a nice change of pace, and we always have fun! The best part was the 2 days we spent at Universal Studios and Harry Potter world! I have wanted to go to HP world the minute I heard they were making it like 3 years ago and I finally got my wish! And you know how it is, you build things up in your mind to be something really great, then you get there and its cool, but nothing like you thought. Well, HP world was even better than I thought it would be! The ride they had was the best non rollercoaster ride I have ever been on! It was amazing beyond words, and freaked me out. Why? Well you’ll just have to try it yourself. The town they built Hogsmeade was so amazing, all the shops were cool, yet super expensive, and the butterbeer was to die for! It was exactly what I imagined it would taste like in the books.
Needless to say we had a great time, and all week long have had fun just talking, and going to dinner…my family is the best!
My work is going good, except for me being sick. I’m really starting to enjoy the driving part and playing around with the guests, making those magical moments for them. I’ve really relaxed during my spiels and I think the guests noticed because now at the end they’re all thanking me, sometimes clapping, and even saying it was their favorite safari! I get through the monotony of it all by looking forward to the guests praise.
I’ve now been here an entire month now, and I actually feel like this is home now, its strange. It was really weird the other day when I got upset at all the tourists driving around because I felt like they were invading my home…yup strraannggee! This coming from the guy who was so homesick in Denver that he left. Everything just takes me a little longer to get used to, and I finally realized that.
The one bad thing is that not having been to church in a month, and unfortunately not finding a lot of time to read the bible (my fault), is starting to get to me. I feel a distance there between me and God, so I need to make a conscious effort to bridge that gap and work harder at staying in the word.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Getting Into the Flow
I've now had a full week of work by myself under my belt, and it is going so very well! I'm so glad I stuck out that little hiccup the other week, cause I love safari! Its impossible to get bored while working with live, dangerous animals, and a huge truck full of 35 people. I've seen animals doing crazy stuff and have had huge rhinos just inches from my vehicle! And I love the people I work with too! Needless to say I love my job because its a challenge, and I need a challenge.
The non working part of Disney is amazing as always! We've been spending lots of time galvalanting around the parks, and doing random things. Its so cool meeting people from all over the world too, and just learning about what life is like for them. It hit me the other day while watching this amazing new photo show on the castle at Magic Kingdom just the extreme impact Disney has had on the world. Disney is one thing that is pretty much universal, and has opened up people's imaginations to the fantastical, and the magical. It's why Disney is so popular, it awakens the kid in us all, and that why I'm so proud to be working for Disney!
The non working part of Disney is amazing as always! We've been spending lots of time galvalanting around the parks, and doing random things. Its so cool meeting people from all over the world too, and just learning about what life is like for them. It hit me the other day while watching this amazing new photo show on the castle at Magic Kingdom just the extreme impact Disney has had on the world. Disney is one thing that is pretty much universal, and has opened up people's imaginations to the fantastical, and the magical. It's why Disney is so popular, it awakens the kid in us all, and that why I'm so proud to be working for Disney!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Training Week
To say that this last week was hard is an understatement. All last week was training for the safari, I knew it's be difficult, but I wasn't prepared at all for what this job would throw at me and how far it would take me out of my comfort zone.
According to my trainer, the safari is the hardest and most dangerous job in all of Disney, hence why we get a dollar more than everyone else...WOW! It is the only ride at Disney that requires an actual driver, and driving in areas that are potentially dangerous. What I have to do is drive this honkin huge flatbed truck that holds 40 people through tiny little spaces and twists and turns, while constantly looking out for hiding animals, constantly trying to spiel about them and remember which animal is what and their facts, while also keeping a constant gaze in my mirrors for the guests safety, always keeping a ear open for the radio chatter, remembering all the differant radio codes, and also remembering about 10 differant other positions for the ride, all with their own rules and whatnot. So needless to say this week was overwhelming. I had to wake up every morning at about 6 to get to work on time, and didn't get home till 6, and then my friends would want to go out, and so would I of course. But I should've been studying my 22 page script yet I didn't, who wants to spend time off studying a script?!
So 3 days into training I had the breakdown that my trainer said everyone gets on day three or four. I almost asked to be transferred I was so done with that ride! But my jedi master had faith in his padawan(his words)and told me he knew beyond a doubt that I could do it. And literally we went out on the ride path once, and everything clicked for me! It was like a curtain was lifted, so the next day I drove three rounds of the ride with guests! And they applauded me all three times! It was definitely a huge stepping stone for me to conquer this safari, and I'm so glad I did.
Other than that this week I spent some time playing at the parks, doing the amazing Disney putt putt, and just trying to keep my mind off of the stressful week. I really am having so much fun here, and it keeps getting better.
According to my trainer, the safari is the hardest and most dangerous job in all of Disney, hence why we get a dollar more than everyone else...WOW! It is the only ride at Disney that requires an actual driver, and driving in areas that are potentially dangerous. What I have to do is drive this honkin huge flatbed truck that holds 40 people through tiny little spaces and twists and turns, while constantly looking out for hiding animals, constantly trying to spiel about them and remember which animal is what and their facts, while also keeping a constant gaze in my mirrors for the guests safety, always keeping a ear open for the radio chatter, remembering all the differant radio codes, and also remembering about 10 differant other positions for the ride, all with their own rules and whatnot. So needless to say this week was overwhelming. I had to wake up every morning at about 6 to get to work on time, and didn't get home till 6, and then my friends would want to go out, and so would I of course. But I should've been studying my 22 page script yet I didn't, who wants to spend time off studying a script?!
So 3 days into training I had the breakdown that my trainer said everyone gets on day three or four. I almost asked to be transferred I was so done with that ride! But my jedi master had faith in his padawan(his words)and told me he knew beyond a doubt that I could do it. And literally we went out on the ride path once, and everything clicked for me! It was like a curtain was lifted, so the next day I drove three rounds of the ride with guests! And they applauded me all three times! It was definitely a huge stepping stone for me to conquer this safari, and I'm so glad I did.
Other than that this week I spent some time playing at the parks, doing the amazing Disney putt putt, and just trying to keep my mind off of the stressful week. I really am having so much fun here, and it keeps getting better.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)