Update!

Well, after a week of training, I have finally been assessed on my attraction and passed with flying colors. I am fully trained now in the inner workings of my ride, and let me tell you, it is fascinating. I really like the people I work with, and I love living here. I have met so many wonderful people! I met a guy named Rick and we hit it off really well. And I love my roommates. They are super sweet. My work schedule is taking some getting used to and at times I am still very home sick. Like today. My sister is in labor right now, having my baby nephew, Baxter Cade Claflin, and I’m here, not able to meet him the day he is born like I was able to meet my first natural niece. Today is an easy day. I don’t work until about 6:45 tonight, so I am taking it easy. I’m waiting for my friend Bobby to pick me up and take me to the bank and maybe to get groceries. I’m about outta food and I really need to do laundry. Laundry will probably have to be tomorrow, but I need to get food for tonight. I have a few dollars, but not enough to live on for more than a few days. That kind of sucks but it’s my own fault. Just haven’t been able to make it to the bank to cash my checks. I really want my car here. That would help so immensely. I miss my baby! She is so lonely in Memphis without me to drive her! I mean I would still use the busses, but I would have my car for days like this when I have hours to waste and no bus to help me. I think I might lay down for a bit though. I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m kind of tuckered. Love yall! Miss ya!

Hey guys! Sorry there has been no update but things have been so busy since I arrived. Leaving was really really hard. Saying by to my friends and family was the most difficult. I am the first person in my family to ever move so far away from home to chase a dream, and being so groundbreaking is very scary. But I pushed through my fear and I arrived safetly to check in on the 21 of January.

Upon your arrival, you will need your proof of illegability to work, and some form of picture ID to prove who you are. The first day you fill out forms, and you chose your housing assignment. You can chose to live in either Vista Way Apartments, or Chatham Square Apartments. I chose Chatham. They are newer and much much nicer! There are new apartments being constructed as we speak, though, right across the street. Those look like they will be really nice too.

The second day is more paper work, and you recieve your schedual for training, Traditions, and your work location. I can't reveal where I work because of a contest going on with a Podcast I listen to thats near and dear to my heart called Lets Talk About Disney, or LTAD (www.letstalkaboutdisney.com).

Traditions is usually your third day and you recieve your ID card, and this means you can get into those parks! I went to Magic Kingdom and met some fabulous new friends.

So far my experience has been amazing! I love my job, I love my co-workers, I love what I do. It is hard, it is challenging, and it can be lonely, but only if you allow it to be. There are hundreds of other people just like you all around for you to befriend, especially if you take the buses provided for you by Disney. More to come later! Right now I need to eat and get ready for work!

Lord Help!

I made it. I am in my hotel room in Orlando (Kissimmee to be exact) and tomorrow is the big day, but it has been a long, tearful journey. So many times I have almost changed my mind. So many things were attempting to stop me from coming (including my own personal fear and nervousness), but I am here. Not too late to turn back, but I won’t let myself. I’ve never been so scared, but I touched base with someone from the Podcast I listen to (LTAD, or Lets Talk About Disney). His name is Jay (here after called PapaGoof) and I know I can go to him if I need help or someone to talk to. He is the crazy uncle after all. Tomorrow I check into my apartment, and I move in. Tuesday my parents leave. That is the part that scares me the most. I don’t have mommy and daddy here to hold my hand anymore. But I do have my Father inside me, and I know He will help me and guide my footsteps.
Once I start working and meet people, I know I’ll be fine. I am just gonna miss my family and my close friends back home so very much. But God has me under His wing. He is called the Great Comforter in the Bible, and I rely on that. I know He will comfort me in all this. And if I just can’t take it, I pray I have the courage to come home. I let my pride get in my way sometimes, and I don’t want that to happen now. I just need to breathe. Breathe, G`ena, breathe.
I have so much to look forward to in this! I get such an opportunity to boost my career, learn independence and self reliance, learn that I am stronger than I know. I have a phone to talk to my friends, I have my love that will stay with them, and I have my prayers that will protect them as God sees fit. I just want to throw myself into work to let myself try to just cope without going into a depression.

Checklist of Items to Bring

While many amenities are supplied for you, you may want to bring additional items for recreation, decoration or everyday necessity. The following are recommended:

• Set of linens and bedding (twin-size sheets, pillow, blanket, towels, etc.)
  
• TV, VCR, DVD player and a coaxial cable
  
• Stereo (small)
  
• Toaster
  
• Coffee Maker
  
• Phone card
  
• Answering machine
  
• Cordless phone (The phone provided in the apartment has a cord.)
  
• Cell phone (Check with your current provider for coverage information.)
  
• Alarm clock
  
• Beach towel, suntan lotion and/or sunscreen
  
• Camera and film
  
• Casual clothing
  
• Professional clothing (refer to my blog on the Disney Look)
  
• Sweater or jacket
  
• Dress shoes
  
• Combination lock for the locker in your bedroom
  
• Computer with Ethernet card
  
• Original employment eligibility documents
  
• Cosmetics and toiletries
  
• Credit card and traveler’s checks (if available)
  
• Health insurance information
  
• Personal medications, including prescription drugs, if needed
  
• Writing paper, envelopes and pens
  

Because they are not allowed, please don’t bring:

• Candles - Fire codes prohibit you from burning them.
  
• Bicycles - The facilities don’t have bike paths or storage facilities for them.
  
• Small refrigerators
  
• Pets of any type - including fish
  
• Weapons of any type - including pocket knives
  
• Hookah pipes

Roles

The following roles are available as part of the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The descriptions below provide an overview of the responsibilities included in each role. It is important to note that each role may include, but is not limited to, the descriptions below.

All roles may include prolonged exposure to outside elements, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions.

Onstage Roles

Attractions
Responsibilities may include:

• Working at one or more of the "rides" or theater shows
  
• Loading and unloading Guests from an attraction
  
• Operating sophisticated ride systems
  
• Memorizing and delivering lengthy narrations on a microphone to large groups
  
• Handling the evacuation of an attraction when necessary
  
• Monitoring Guest flow and providing a safe Guest experience
  
• Assisting with audience control, including during parades
  
• Operating a motorized vehicle
  
• Cleaning areas surrounding attractions
  
• Working with FASTPASS®, the ticketing distribution system that confirms attraction ride times
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Bell Services/Dispatch
Bell Services Dispatch is a non-tipped role. Responsibilities may include:

• Assigning luggage deliveries, including directing bellmen
  
• Greeting Guests upon arrival at resorts
  
• Handling and storing luggage, which requires heavy lifting (including overhead lifting)
  
• Using a computerized dispatch system, multi-tasking
  
• Answering Guest calls and responding to service requests
  
• Taking luggage off buses, vans and cars
  
• Tagging luggage
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess is a non-tipped role.Responsibilities may include:

• Performing all duties in character of "Fairy Godmother in Training"; therefore this role is open to females only.
  
• Styling hair on Guests of all ages, including small children
  
• Performing a variety of hair techniques including braiding, teasing, shaping, finger curls, and twists
  
• Applying facial makeup
  
• Painting nails or applying press-on nails
  
• Utilizing a computerized reservation system
  
• Checking Guests in for their scheduled appointments
  
• Interacting with children of all ages, including calming upset children
  
• Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
  
• Receiving shipments of products, monitoring stock levels, and restocking as necessary
  
• Responding to special Guest requests
  
• Standing for extended periods
  

Character Attendant
Responsibilities may include:

• Providing Guests with information about show schedules, Character locations, and visitation times
  
• Providing audience control, including handling challenging Guest situations
  
• Ensuring the safety of Character Performers and our Guests Partnering with Disney's Photopass® photographers
  
• Maintaining show quality and Character integrity
  
• Setting up and removing stanchions, ropes and poles
  
• Assisting Character Performers with putting on costumes
  
• Retrieving and arranging strollers
  
• Maintaining cleanliness and order in work location
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Custodial
Responsibilities may include:

• High Guest interaction while working independently
  
• Extensive cleaning - including restrooms and toilets
  
• Working with cleaning chemicals and equipment
  
• Bussing tables in restaurants and outdoors
  
• Sweeping and mopping
  
• Emptying trashcans, lifting heavy garbage bags
  
• Driving pargo carts
  
• Vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning pool decks
  
• Providing Guest information
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Full Service Food and Beverage
Full-Service Food and Beverage is a non-tipped role. Responsibilities may include:

• Greeting and seating Guests in restaurants
  
• Managing a seating chart and resolving Guest situations
  
• Utilizing a computerized reservation/seating system
  
• Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
  
• Rolling silverware, folding napkins, and keeping area stocked
  
• Light cleaning, multi-tasking
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Hopper
Responsibilities may include:

• Working in different locations within the same role, or working in multiple roles
  
• Must be receptive to working in all of the following roles:
  
• Quick Service Food & Beverage
  
• Merchandise
  
• Attractions
  
• Main Entrance Operations
  
• Custodial
  

Hospitality
Responsibilities may include:

• Must be willing to work in all of the following areas but might only work in one:
  

1. Front Desk
   
2. Luggage Services
   
3. Dispatch
   
4. Telephone Room
   

• Checking Guests in and out of resorts and processing payments
  
• Assisting Guests with itinerary planning and ticket sales
  
• Handling complex Guest situations, problem solving
  
• Operating computer-based reservation and ticketing systems
  
• Lifting, tagging, and delivering luggage
  
• Handling large amounts of cash
  
• Answering Guest telephone calls
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  
• Housekeeping Responsibilities may include:
  
• Cleaning multiple Guest rooms including toilets, showers, sinks and tubs
  
• Working with cleaning chemicals
  
• Replenishing linens
  
• Making beds, requiring repetitive bending and pulling
  
• Pushing large carts
  
• Dusting and vacuuming
  
• Emptying trashcans
  
• Responding to Guest requests for items or directions
  
• Heavy lifting, standing for extended periods
  
• Working independently with limited Guest contact
  

Lifeguard
Responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring Guests' safety in water and on slides/attractions
  
• Physically challenging work and prolonged exposure to outside elements
  
• Providing first aid and basic life support in the event of Guest injury or illness
  
• Strong swimming skills
  
• Keeping recreational areas clean
  
• Providing Guest information
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  
• During off-peak seasons, assisting other operating areas throughout Walt Disney World Resort
  
• Each individual must be evaluated and certified at the Walt Disney World Resort. All lifeguards must pass a swim test and a vision screening that requires 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses. In the event you do not pass the swim test described below, you will be placed in another role based on availability.
  

Lifeguard Swim Test

• Swim 200 yards (183 meters) freestyle or breaststroke
  
• Retrieve a 10-lb (4.5 kg) brick from the deepest section of the pool (minimum 8 feet / 2.4 meters)
  
• Tread water with hands out of the water for two minutes
  
• Participants reserved a Lifeguard position must complete a pre-qualification test prior to their arrival. Participants must have have the certified instructor validate skills and complete a form that must be sent to the Recreation team no longer than 2 weeks prior to a participant's arrival. This form is available on this Web site to those extended invitations to participate on the program as a lifeguard.
  

Main Entrance Operations
Responsibilities may include:

• Working in one or more of the following areas:
  

1. Parking
   
2. Staffing outdoor Toll Plaza areas
   
3. Operating a large motorized parking tram
   
4. Delivering narrations on a microphone
   
5. Park Greeter
   
6. Greeting all Guests who enter the park and validating their tickets
   
7. Operating turnstile areas
   
8. Ticket Operations
   

• Selling various ticket media at our water parks, Downtown Disney®, or Disney's Wide World of Sports®
  
• Using computerized ticketing systems
  
• Strong knowledge of Walt Disney World Resort ticket media
  
• Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
  
• Assisting with audience control, including during parades
  
• Cleaning main entrance areas
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Merchandise
Responsibilities may include:

• Demonstrating and selling merchandise in indoor and outdoor areas
  
• Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
  
• Stocking and cleaning shelves and carts
  
• Receiving/putting away stock and deliveries
  
• Stroller/wheelchair rental - including repetitive lifting, stacking, and pushing strollers and wheelchairs
  
• Preparation of food/candy
  
• Selling of alcohol and tobacco
  
• Providing information to Guests
  
• Approaching Guests and engaging them in conversation
  
• Preparing packages for shipping/delivery
  
• Working independently or as part of a large team
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Quick-Service Food and Beverage
Responsibilities may include:

• Selling food and beverages at outdoor carts and/or indoor restaurants
  
• Taking and filling orders, multi-tasking
  
• Preparing and assembling food items in a kitchen area, including the use of a fryer, grill, broiler, and other industrial cooking equipment
  
• Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
  
• Bussing tables, cleaning kitchen and counter equipment, and emptying trash cans
  
• Dispensing and selling alcoholic beverages
  
• Setting and stocking tables, outdoor carts, and restaurants
  
• Heavy lifting, pushing heavy carts
  
• Working with cleaning chemicals
  
• Working independently or as part of a large team
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Recreation
Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting Guests in one or more recreational areas such as waterslide operations, towel rental, watercraft rental, marina operations, arcades, or resort recreational facilities
  
• Prolonged exposure to outside weather elements
  
• Strong swimming skills
  
• Providing first aid and basic life support in the event of Guest injury or illness
  
• Keeping recreational areas clean
  
• Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
  
• Maintaining safety standards
  
• Answering Guest questions
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  
• During off-peak seasons, assisting other operating areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort
  

Resort Hopper
Responsibilities may include:

• Working 3-4 months in a Housekeeping role, then working 3-4 months in a Hospitality role at any one of our resorts
  
• Must be receptive to working in both the Housekeeping and Hospitality roles
  

Transportation
Responsibilities may include:

• Operating monorails and/or watercraft vehicles, including using on-board computers
  
• Loading and unloading Guests
  
• Delivering narrations via microphone during trips
  
• Using a radio and understanding radio communication
  
• Assisting with audience control
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  
• A valid driver's license is required for this role.
  

Vacation Planner
Responsibilities may include:

• Selling ticket media to Guests
  
• Strong knowledge of the Walt Disney World Resort and its ticket media
  
• Learning computer-based ticketing systems
  
• Handling large amounts of cash
  
• Assisting Guests with selecting ticket packages
  
• Stocking ticket booths with guidebooks, pamphlets, and other supplies
  
• Assisting with audience control, including during parades
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  

Backstage Roles
These roles are "backstage" and provide minimal to no Guest interaction.


Costuming
Responsibilities may include:

• Issuing costumes to fellow Cast Members
  
• Operating computerized costume checkout system
  
• Working around performers in various stages of dress
  
• Operating basic laundry equipment
  
• Overhead reaching, bending, and heavy lifting
  
• Moving heavy costumes from location to location
  
• Handling and laundering soiled garments
  
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
  
• Working independently, with minimal to no Guest interaction
  

Quick-Service Restaurant-Kitchen Only
Responsibilities may include:

• Gaining entry-level experience in the growing culinary industry
  
• Preparing and assembling basic food items in fast-paced, high-volume quick-service locations
  
• Cleaning and stocking
  
• Working with basic kitchen equipment
  
• Reading and following basic recipes
  
• Standing for extended periods
  
• Working with minimal to no Guest interaction

Examples of Cast Member Etiquette

You are in line for Splash Mountain with your family. It is the first time you have ever been to Disney World with you two nieces, and your sister. As you near the loading dock to board the boats, you see a Cast Member sitting on a stool near the controls, They are sitting on a stool, there feet resting on a sprung of the stool, their legs spread wide apart. Their elbows are resting on their knees, one hand propping up their chin, the other texting on their cell phone. As they press send they lazily pop a bubble from their gum, and press the button that sends the boat on its way.

You are boarding the Tower of Terror, and the bellhop that is assigned to you plays banter with the guests. Your daughter is scared, but the bellhop says something that makes her laugh.

Which one of these situations created the Disney Magic? Disney is not a theme park. Disney is a lifestyle. Many say I am saturated with Disney, and maybe that is true, but as cast members you MUST realize that we help to create that Magic. If we are passive, and don’t care, than the Guests won’t care.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A CAST MEMBER, COMMIT TO THE MAGIC!

The Disney Look

Disney World is famous. I know that was unnecessary, but it is very true. And not just because of the mouse, but the people Disney hires to take care or the millions of guests that come through those gates. So, as a Cast Member, you are required to adhere to a few guidelines to keep that reputation alive.

As a Cast Member (what Disney calls their employees) you must be aware of your appearance and your behavior when ‘on stage’ (anytime you are in a public area). When you are working you have to consciously be aware of things that might distract our Guests from their magical experience. Such situations might be chewing gum, having poor posture, using a cell phone, frowning, and many other things. Smoking and eating are strictly prohibited on stage. You must look clean (shirt tucked in, costume clean and pressed, name tag on, ect.). You may not where your name tag while visiting the parks as a guest, so therefore shopping or riding a ride in costume is prohibited.

Nametags

Disney prides themselves on being a ‘first-name organization’. Kind of like the ‘Cheer’s’ song “where everybody knows your name”. Al Cast Members are issued a nametag that must be worn correctly; that is upright and readable on the outside layer of clothing. It should be worn on the left shoulder area, but due to costuming this position might change. You cannot wear
them on lanyards, ties, hats, wristbands, or on shirt collars.

Your nametag will be your legal first or middle name, or a derivative of your name. You can have the name of your hometown or your college or university engraved onto your nametag. If you speak any language (fluently) other than English, you will be issued a special nametag can accommodates up to five approved language flags.

Pins & Buttons

All Cast Members have the option of wearing up to two approved pins on their nametag, in addition to any approved language flags. Stickers or other decorations are not permitted on the nametag or costume. The approved pins are:

• Most recent service pin
  
• Partners in Excellence pin
  
• 1971 Opening Team pin
  

In addition to your nametag and the nametag pins we just talked about, up to two separate approved pins/buttons may be worn directly on the costume. You can wear these pins on the upper right shoulder, although it may vary due to costume design. The Trainer pin is included in this guideline as well as any pin or button approved for a significant property anniversary or major celebration.


Any request to allow a pin or button (other than the Trainer pin) to be worn on the costume must be approved in advance by the Cast Image and Appearance Team. After you have received approval, a pin or button may be worn for one week from date of issue or, when appropriate, for the duration of the event. For example, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival buttons would be permitted for the duration of the festival.

Company Identification Cards

-taken from www.wdwcollegeprogram.com-

To help ensure the safety and security of our guests and Cast Members, all Cast Members are required to follow the policy below regarding Company ID cards.

Costumed Cast: Cast Members in costume must have their Walt Disney Company photo ID with them at all times, but they do not need to wear it. While backstage in costume, your ID may be worn on a lanyard (if you choose) for convenience. However, to preserve the theming of our guest show, your Company ID may not be worn while onstage.

Non-costumed Cast: Cast Members who are not wearing a costume are required to visibly wear their Walt Disney Company photo ID card in backstage areas at all times. Non-costumed Cast Members are not required to wear their Company ID while onstage but may choose to do so for convenience. Your Company ID may be worn on a pin-trading lanyard or traditional black lanyard as outlined below. In addition:

• Nametags are not permitted on the lanyard.
  
• No ribbons, buttons, pins, etc., should be attached to the ID holder or lanyard strap (except as appropriate on the pin trading lanyard).
  
• The lanyards sold in Company D stores, which have a cloisonné Character attachment, are permitted in place of the standard black lanyard.
  
• Lanyard cords are not permitted in any color other than solid black.
  
• Photo ID Requirement: Cast Members with a company ID card that does not include a photo must be prepared to show secondary photo identification (driver's license, state identification card, etc.) in conjunction with their Walt Disney Company ID card.
  

-end excerpt-


Eyewear

Sunglasses are not technically forbidden, but should definitely be avoided. They are a block to interpersonal communication. They may be worn in jobs where glare from water, counter tops, direct sunlight, ect. Would prevent you from doing your job safely or efficiently. If you must where glasses, they must be opaque enough so your eyes are visible. No dark or mirrored lenses are permitted. They may not be worn at night (sorry Corey Heart), in dark areas, or indoors. They must be removed when engaging with Guests in extended interactions, and may not be visible when not in use.

The frames and the lenses of eyeglasses and sunglasses should be a neutral color like black, brown, or metal (for frames), with a conservative style and no contrasting logos. No frames of lenses in shades like blue, pink, green, yellow, ect. Will be permitted. Glasses and sunglasses shouldn’t detract from the costume or contradict the theme of the show.

If you wear tinted contacts, the resulting eye color must be natural and look appropriate with your skin tone. Try your best not to be distracting.

Body Alteration or Modification

Intentional body alteration or modification to achieve a visible, physical effect that disfigures, deforms or similarly detracts from a professional image is no allowed. Examples include, but are not limited to, visible tattoos, brands, body piercing (other than traditional ear piercing for women), tongue piercing or splitting, tooth filing, earlobe expansion, and acquiring visible, disfiguring skin implants.

Methods to conceal an unacceptable piercing or tattoo, such as using a bandage, are not permitted. For tattoo coverage, opaque makeup will be permitted if it completely conceals the tattoo. Spacers or retainers are not permitted in any visible body piercing while working. Jewelry worn in non-visible piercing that may pose a safety risk because of costume design and/or job responsibilities will not be permitted.

Personal Hygiene

Because you will be interacting in close contact with guests and fellow Cast Members, use anti-perspirant or deodorant. Also don‘t use strong, heavy scents and fragrances. If you choose to wear a scent or fragrance product, please be considerate of others and select a light, mild scent. For real, it is hot down there. Don’t be stinky!

-the remainder of the text is an excerpt from www.wdwcollegeprogram.com-

Medical Restrictions/Religious Accommodation Requests

Requests for an exception to the Disney Look policy for medical reasons must be presented to the Health Services Department with supporting medical documentation.

A copy of the request and medical information will be retained at Health Services.
A statement of approved restrictions will be issued at Health Services to be delivered to your manager.

Any request for an exception to the Disney Look policy for religious beliefs or questions regarding the accommodation of medical restrictions or religious beliefs must be directed to the Cast Image and Appearance office.

Entertainers

If an exception to the appearance guidelines is required for a particular role in a staged show or production, approval must be obtained from the Vice President of Entertainment and the Cast Image and Appearance Team.

Otherwise, all entertainers must adhere to the appearance standards as set forth in this manual.
Appearance Policy Discipline

The appearance guidelines contained in this handbook have been established for the Walt Disney World® Resort and may be changed at any time. Failure of any Cast Member to adhere to these or any subsequently established or modified standards will result in appropriate disciplinary action, not excluding termination. Cast Members, including those covered by a collective bargaining agreement, may be disciplined when the Appearance Policy is not followed.
Ensuring consistent administration of the Walt Disney World® Appearance Policy is the responsibility of Management, the Cast Image and Appearance Team, your Human Resources representative and Employee Relations. Specific questionable deviations from the policy should be referred to the Cast Image and Appearance Team for further assessment.