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.

The Adventure

I apologize for the lack of blog updates, but I have been absolutely swamped! Swamped but having the time of my life! First off our 20 hr drive to beat the snow storm went amazing, a bit boring, but we definitely beat the storm. The first part of the week was mostly taken up with different meetings and learning about the company, which went from boring to super boring. I found out I get to work the Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom which will involve me driving a HUGE safari truck while talking on a mic and trying not to hit animals. I’m so excited for it though because everyday will be a new adventure and I can’t wait to be comfortable enough to joke around with the guests.
I’ve made some awesome friends already, we lucked out with awesome roommates and awesome girls living across from us that we’ve been doing everything with. I feel like I’ve known these people forever already. We already hit up Epcot and Magic Kingdom and today are going to Hollywood Studios!
The one bad thing so far is that our apartment is a little run down, and we were missing a bunch of pots and pans (which has since been fixed). But we’re saving money by not living at the other Disney apartments so it’s good, and we’re within walking distance to a lot of places.
I’m seriously loving being here though! Its so much fun trying to fend for myself, I mean this is the first time I ever had to buy groceries! I feel so independent, and boy does it feel good. The bad thing is, is that that it might be really hard to leave!
I hope to update this more, and sorry for the lack of updates, its just I’m having to much fun to worry about computers!

The Beginning

Welcome to my blog about the adventures I have while working for the Mouse himself for 4 months. I love blogging, as much as this is something so that you may keep up to date on what I'm doing, but its also for me, so that years from now I can look back and remember the fun I had.

I'm so excited to start this new adventure, I'm ready to try this whole "going out on my own" thing again. After my epic failure with Americorps I've learned from my mistakes and am ready to try it again. I do admit I am a bit nervous, nervous about what, I'm not sure. I think its just the general nervousness about starting something new. But mostly I'm excited, especially about being warm all winter instead of freezing my butt off in dreary Michigan! Ha ha! Sucks to be you guys!

While there I will be working attractions, which could be anything from pushing a button over and over, to doing a memorized spiel, to whatever comes with the rides. Here's hoping I don't get stuck on It's a Small World! I would mostly likely go INSANSE! But whatever it may be, I'm determined to make my own fun. It'll be weird though working upwards of 35 hours. I've never worked that much in my life, I'm used to 25 hours work weeks, so I'm excited to see how I respond to this. Hopefully well, seeing as how thats what the rest of my working life will be like.
I will try to update this blog at least once a week.

I feel like 4 months are going to FLY by...