So here's what you should probably know about me just in case it wasn't clear:
I freaking love my job.
Getting to watch the Halloween parade when I work because the Hall is dead? Perfection. Greatest parade of all time. Guests pay to come in JUST to see this parade. The grave diggers and mansion dancers are my favorite part of the parade to watch. And what started as harmless waving and making hearts at Captain Jack has turned into certain Guest Relations girls having a reputation as groupies. And to that we say - Hell yes we are!!! The cast members in the parade have been getting shout out signs when I work. Started with Jack and has now become Jack and the Hitchhiking Ghosts with a special birthday shout-out to Francis the cowboy last night.
With two parades a night, the characters see us and just know. To the point last night that Captain Jack for the first parade animated writing out a note, requesting we make signs for him for the second parade. Done deal, sir. He has gotten all kinds of shout outs in the parades to the point when for the first parade he sees us, smiles, and lifts his arms above his head and makes a heart to us. Jack and the Guest Relations girls, we're good friends. Especially when we make him signs and he promises us shiny necklaces and bling. So what if it's stolen loot. We won't tell anyone. He's got a diamond necklace I've been eyeing...
And hypothetically... If some of the hitchhiking ghosts were to come to visit us at City Hall and we learned how much they LOVE when they turn the corner for the end of the parade and see us out there with signs for them? And that they look forward to the second parade to see what we'll say and that they lovelovelove it? And when we're not working they get sad? Well, we turn into giddy fan girls. It may or may not result in said ghosts breaking character a little bit to say, laugh or blow us kisses or make heart hands back to us, but they're harmless, those ghosts. They aren't scary to begin with ;) I'll join the Mansion of 999 happy haunts. They're good times.
So moral of the story: I am going to be so sad when Halloween is over.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Let's Get Married?
So I had my second ever Guest Relations wedding proposal tonight. The first was by an underage boy who was drunk who was thrilled I found his wallet and asked me to marry him. Classy boy.
Well tonight was a lot harder to turn down. This family came in from the UK and were asking about getting a new guest assistance card for their son, theirs got all soggy in the rain and of course I'd re-write one for them. It was for their son who was about seven and had autism. He was in a stroller as a wheelchair and was cute. He had the most adorable little accent and was bouncing around and I was asking how his day was and the characters he saw so he'd feel included. I was only able to understand like, half of what he said (his parents translated some) but he got to see Mickey in the parade and when I asked if he liked all the lights he said, "Let's get married?" and held out to grab my hand. His dad was like, "No, don't touch her," but I was said, "No it's fine," and reached over and he grabbed it and shook it and kissed my hand. His parents were freaking out but I was laughing and was like, "How sweet he's totally fine." His mom finally said to him, "You're too young to get married!" and I agreed and was like, "You have a few years to wait before you decide on the right girl but you're Price Charming, aren't you?" and he laughed and laughed and laughed.
So freaking cute.
Well tonight was a lot harder to turn down. This family came in from the UK and were asking about getting a new guest assistance card for their son, theirs got all soggy in the rain and of course I'd re-write one for them. It was for their son who was about seven and had autism. He was in a stroller as a wheelchair and was cute. He had the most adorable little accent and was bouncing around and I was asking how his day was and the characters he saw so he'd feel included. I was only able to understand like, half of what he said (his parents translated some) but he got to see Mickey in the parade and when I asked if he liked all the lights he said, "Let's get married?" and held out to grab my hand. His dad was like, "No, don't touch her," but I was said, "No it's fine," and reached over and he grabbed it and shook it and kissed my hand. His parents were freaking out but I was laughing and was like, "How sweet he's totally fine." His mom finally said to him, "You're too young to get married!" and I agreed and was like, "You have a few years to wait before you decide on the right girl but you're Price Charming, aren't you?" and he laughed and laughed and laughed.
So freaking cute.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Nocturnal
I sometimes wonder what my neighbors think I do for work. I mean, I figure they guess Disney? But it's two families on either side of my house and I literally don't get home until anywhere from 2 - 6am... Sometimes 7am if we go out for breakfast after work. I kind of hope I have nosy neighbors who are gossiping about what the new girl who lives next door does gallivanting off all night. I hope it's scandalous. Nope, sorry guys but I'm actually apologizing to 100 people that Pirates broke down for the fourth time today.
It's also kind of a bummer to work such late nights because my sleep schedule is all over the place. Like last night I went to bed at 6am and I'm up before noon. I don't work until later tonight so I'll go back to sleep for a few hours later after I grab breakfast. Like, that can't be normal or healthy. And sleeping during the day is awful. I feel like I'm missing out on everything and it's too bright.
What's the strangest feeling in the world is working Extra Magic Hours and leaving work, passing the cafeteria serving breakfast, and passing all the opening team. It's insane!
I really do love working that late though because the guests who come in are really chatty and fun and usually more laid back about things. I had a guest from Medway late last night in an Ortiz jersey so we chatted for a while and when he left he was like, "Bye, Ashland!" Sometimes they're mad and angry because Pirates was down for a while and they were stuck on it but I mean, I'd be mad too so I totally understand where they're coming from.
Sidenote: I made a family buttons last night for first visit and second visit and the kids left then came back in one by one to say thank you? And the little girl who was two came back in all by herself and ran up to the counter and yelled, "THANK YOU! See you in the morning!" then waved and ran out was MY FAVORITE. How freaking cute...
It's also kind of a bummer to work such late nights because my sleep schedule is all over the place. Like last night I went to bed at 6am and I'm up before noon. I don't work until later tonight so I'll go back to sleep for a few hours later after I grab breakfast. Like, that can't be normal or healthy. And sleeping during the day is awful. I feel like I'm missing out on everything and it's too bright.
What's the strangest feeling in the world is working Extra Magic Hours and leaving work, passing the cafeteria serving breakfast, and passing all the opening team. It's insane!
I really do love working that late though because the guests who come in are really chatty and fun and usually more laid back about things. I had a guest from Medway late last night in an Ortiz jersey so we chatted for a while and when he left he was like, "Bye, Ashland!" Sometimes they're mad and angry because Pirates was down for a while and they were stuck on it but I mean, I'd be mad too so I totally understand where they're coming from.
Sidenote: I made a family buttons last night for first visit and second visit and the kids left then came back in one by one to say thank you? And the little girl who was two came back in all by herself and ran up to the counter and yelled, "THANK YOU! See you in the morning!" then waved and ran out was MY FAVORITE. How freaking cute...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
AWESOME Guests.
When I tell other cast members where I work the look I get is usually like, "Ooooh. Sorry." Here's the Guest Relations rumor: It's a lot of people yelling at you and complaining.
Here's the truth: It's very much NOT that.
Are there people who are upset? Of course. It's people we're talking about here. And most of the time they're justified in their reasons for being upset or annoyed. And I fully understand that they're yelling at the nametag, not at me individually.
But I would say 80% of the people I talk to are very happy, lovely, thrilled to be here, and completely worth the handful of guests who aren't so. Here are a few examples of some recent guests who still make me smile:
- The teenage girl with the Glee tour shirt. Adorable kid with braces and she had the "Likes Boys" shirt on and I was like, "You know, you look just as cute in that shirt as Kurt does." And she was like, "OHMYGOSHLET'STALKABOUTKURT." Uhm. Yes. I would LOVE to talk about Chris Colfer.
- Yesterday I wasn't having the best day and I helped a mom and her two little girls in a double stroller over the counter. I think I made them first visit buttons. When I was drawing pixie dust all over them I heard one little girl ask how I knew her name and if I was a princess. So I handed them their buttons and they ran up to the counter and YELLED, "YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!" I was like, "Not as beautiful as you!" And they were like, "No! You are!" I honestly couldn't handle that one and had to step out back and not tear up.
- The adult whose lost and found item I found was like, blown away I had it. So he goes, "YOU'RE LIKE, AWESOME. ONLY COOLER." Thank you, sir. I have to agree.
- The little girl yesterday who came in with a birthday button on and bright red eyes from crying. Turns out she got a little Pooh plush from the hotel lobby for her birthday and Pooh is her favorite character. She was watching the parade and forgot Pooh on the bench and when she got back he was gone. I looked in lost and found and no Pooh yet. So I grabbed a No Strings book and took her next door and let her pick out a new Pooh. But why get the $10 little Pooh she had lost when we can get her the singing, light up, big Pooh plush with a birthday hat and cake?! Her little face when I offered it was like, precious beyond words. Birthday made.
- Guests from Massachusetts as a whole. They see my nametag and FREAK. "OH MY GOD I'M FROM THE CAPE/LENOX/NATICK/SPRINGFIELD." Most of the time I have no clue what town they mean but you know, Mass people are good people.
So do people get upset and come see me? Sure. I don't mind. Nothing really gets to me. But I love fixing problems and I love even more making magic for our guests so when other cast members look at me like that I can honestly say that it's pretty much the best job ever.
Here's the truth: It's very much NOT that.
Are there people who are upset? Of course. It's people we're talking about here. And most of the time they're justified in their reasons for being upset or annoyed. And I fully understand that they're yelling at the nametag, not at me individually.
But I would say 80% of the people I talk to are very happy, lovely, thrilled to be here, and completely worth the handful of guests who aren't so. Here are a few examples of some recent guests who still make me smile:
- The teenage girl with the Glee tour shirt. Adorable kid with braces and she had the "Likes Boys" shirt on and I was like, "You know, you look just as cute in that shirt as Kurt does." And she was like, "OHMYGOSHLET'STALKABOUTKURT." Uhm. Yes. I would LOVE to talk about Chris Colfer.
- Yesterday I wasn't having the best day and I helped a mom and her two little girls in a double stroller over the counter. I think I made them first visit buttons. When I was drawing pixie dust all over them I heard one little girl ask how I knew her name and if I was a princess. So I handed them their buttons and they ran up to the counter and YELLED, "YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!" I was like, "Not as beautiful as you!" And they were like, "No! You are!" I honestly couldn't handle that one and had to step out back and not tear up.
- The adult whose lost and found item I found was like, blown away I had it. So he goes, "YOU'RE LIKE, AWESOME. ONLY COOLER." Thank you, sir. I have to agree.
- The little girl yesterday who came in with a birthday button on and bright red eyes from crying. Turns out she got a little Pooh plush from the hotel lobby for her birthday and Pooh is her favorite character. She was watching the parade and forgot Pooh on the bench and when she got back he was gone. I looked in lost and found and no Pooh yet. So I grabbed a No Strings book and took her next door and let her pick out a new Pooh. But why get the $10 little Pooh she had lost when we can get her the singing, light up, big Pooh plush with a birthday hat and cake?! Her little face when I offered it was like, precious beyond words. Birthday made.
- Guests from Massachusetts as a whole. They see my nametag and FREAK. "OH MY GOD I'M FROM THE CAPE/LENOX/NATICK/SPRINGFIELD." Most of the time I have no clue what town they mean but you know, Mass people are good people.
So do people get upset and come see me? Sure. I don't mind. Nothing really gets to me. But I love fixing problems and I love even more making magic for our guests so when other cast members look at me like that I can honestly say that it's pretty much the best job ever.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Making the Most of Rainy Days
I love Disney World. I mean, clearly. I love being in parks on my days off, I love watching Disney movies, I love running through Tomorrowland to find Minnie Mouse. It's different when you're working and on stage. People come to you for your knowledge on the park you're in. And that's really cool.
It's also fun to work here. Today, working on Main Street for the 3pm parade, The Fairy Godmother gave me a "rock on" symbol and when I made heart hands at her, she laughed and made them right back to me. Who else can say that they get paid to have fun with cartoon characters and watch parades?! And during Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It - The MC totally called me out. "Hey Tip Board girl! I see you! What are the wait times?!" EXCELLENT. Having fun with kids on the parade route? No way. Making fellow cast members laugh? Yup!!! And on the way back he called me out again and I drew him a heart and he was like, "Oh, I am feeling the love here! I'll be back, girl! I need some fast passes!"
Also part of what I do is hand out buttons. BUTTONS. Tin buttons that say what guests are celebrating. And writing out names on buttons for three little girls and drawing them little Mickeys on each one got me a hug from the youngest girl. For a button. It was awesome.
Of course, it's been pouring all day here so guests towards the end of my shift weren't happy. And I can understand, I really can. You spend all this money to come to Disney World and it's raining and thundering. I sympathize. But I also take it as my personal mission to make their days as ideal as possible. If they come to me thinking that they are going to yell and scream and demand everything, I try to stop that before it happens and figure out the best possible solution. Like the kid who had fast passes to Rock N Roller Coaster for today but wasn't going back to Studios? He was polite and nice even though he waited in the rain for help so I wrote him a few fast passes for my park as a trade. He was beside himself and went laughing and running off into the rain with them in hand. He was around 17.
I love my job. My other cast members are equal parts amazing and crazy. And it really is already like a little family. It's a job I look forward to every day because one day might be getting yelled at for three hours by guests but then you get to help set up a marriage proposal. It's really the best job ever.
It's also fun to work here. Today, working on Main Street for the 3pm parade, The Fairy Godmother gave me a "rock on" symbol and when I made heart hands at her, she laughed and made them right back to me. Who else can say that they get paid to have fun with cartoon characters and watch parades?! And during Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It - The MC totally called me out. "Hey Tip Board girl! I see you! What are the wait times?!" EXCELLENT. Having fun with kids on the parade route? No way. Making fellow cast members laugh? Yup!!! And on the way back he called me out again and I drew him a heart and he was like, "Oh, I am feeling the love here! I'll be back, girl! I need some fast passes!"
Also part of what I do is hand out buttons. BUTTONS. Tin buttons that say what guests are celebrating. And writing out names on buttons for three little girls and drawing them little Mickeys on each one got me a hug from the youngest girl. For a button. It was awesome.
Of course, it's been pouring all day here so guests towards the end of my shift weren't happy. And I can understand, I really can. You spend all this money to come to Disney World and it's raining and thundering. I sympathize. But I also take it as my personal mission to make their days as ideal as possible. If they come to me thinking that they are going to yell and scream and demand everything, I try to stop that before it happens and figure out the best possible solution. Like the kid who had fast passes to Rock N Roller Coaster for today but wasn't going back to Studios? He was polite and nice even though he waited in the rain for help so I wrote him a few fast passes for my park as a trade. He was beside himself and went laughing and running off into the rain with them in hand. He was around 17.
I love my job. My other cast members are equal parts amazing and crazy. And it really is already like a little family. It's a job I look forward to every day because one day might be getting yelled at for three hours by guests but then you get to help set up a marriage proposal. It's really the best job ever.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Greetings!
Hi everyone! I finally started my blog (to the request of a few friends) so keep an eye out here for stories and updates! Just so you do know, a lot of what I experience every day can't be shared here in order to preserve the Disney Magic. But if I have a few stories that I can share that might make you laugh or smile I will! I miss you all - Come visit me at my new home anytime you'd like!
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