Traditions

Training

| Sarah

Hey everyone. It’s been a while I know. I had a lot going on in my life. I had my niece and nephew, so I was spending time with them. I’ll go into detail on what I did with them in a different post. I also started school this week. That’s fun…not really.

Today we’ll be talking about training, more specifically, training and orientations after traditions. After traditions, you’ll be broken up into groups called Welcome to Operations, then be broken up even farther to Welcome to (insert role here). For example, if you’re in QSFB, you’ll be in Welcome to Food and Beverage.

In Welcome to Operations, you’ll learn about how things work backstage, how to keep yourself, your fellow cast members, and most importantly guests, safe. Welcome to (role) goes to in detail about your general role.

Depending on when your schedule, you’ll have your park/resort orientation. For Hollywood Studios, that orientation is called On with the Show. All of the All Stars Resorts, it’s called Rolling Out the Red Carpet. During this orientation, you’ll take a tour of the park or resort. You’ll learn about the history about the property. During this time I do believe you’ll get your costumes from costuming.

After all those orientations, you finally start your on the job training. The first day your trainer will give you a personalize tour of the property. The following days you learn about the different positions and stations you could be assigned. Once all of that is done you’ll be given an assessment to see if you can work on your own.

That is all I have for you today. Yeah, a bit of a short post. But there is not much I can say without giving a lot away. Also I may or may not of said something stupid to someone and trying hard not to think about it. It was a major faux pas on my part and said it out of no where.

Thank you so much for reading this post. If you enjoyed what you read, please give post a like. If you feel so inclined, please subscribe and follow this blog so you don’t miss out on other content. It really means a lot if you do. It motives to keep going and writing. I still have so much to write about. Stay tuned for that.

Okay I’m going to jump off a microwave now. Stay magical, stay safe guys!

Housing Meeting/Traditions

| Sarah

So you just moved in to your apartment. You met all your roommates in person, and maybe you all did a roommate gift exchange. Maybe you all have plans to do the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream or some other roommate bonding. Also depending on when you have casting, you finished casting. What happens next?

Depending on your itinerary, you may have a day or two free. The next big thing that happens is the housing meeting.

Housing meeting?

Yes, housing meeting. In the housing meeting, you go over the rules and guidelines about housing. They go over what you can and cannot do, what can/cannot have in your apartment, and safety things. It takes about one hour, one and a half hour tops. If you have any questions about not sure what can go up on the walls or things like that, this is the time to ask them. It is boring, don’t get me wrong. But they do try to make it fun.

Next major thing to happen next is Traditions!

Sarah, you kept hinting about Traditions is your other posts. What is Traditions? What goes on during Traditions?

Traditions is your first major work orientation. You learn about the Walt Disney Company, Walt himself, things like that. There are a lot of surprises and other things I can’t talk about because I don’t want to ruin the magic of it. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It will move you.

I wish I can tell you what goes on but alas, you’ll just have to wait. But I can tell you this next part.

You do get to walk through Magic Kingdom. You’ll get to walk through Main Street USA through the eyes of a cast member. You’ll get to learn about things about the parks. But that’s all I can say about that. You’ll just have to wait until the real thing to find out what you do.

Before you go to Traditions, make sure you get enough rest! Traditions takes up a good part of your day. Some of you might gave the morning session, meaning you might have to get up at 6 or 7 am in order to get ready. There is a bus that takes you to Traditions. Be sure to be there on time. This bus will take you directly there, so if you miss it, you have to find your own way there.

Also, make sure you’re dressed in Disney Look!

Disney Look?? This again?

Yes, this again. Your leaders will be checking to make sure you are dressing in Disney look. They will look you up and down. They will ask you if you have tattoos and how you covered them up. If you don’t, the leaders will call you out on it! If you are not dressed in Disney Look, they will turn you away and make you go changed.

I made a post about the Disney Look (named “The Disney Look”) you should check it out in the little sidebar. Read it to save a life.

Sorry for a shorter post. There’s not a whole lot I can say without giving things away (that I can say online). But I hope answers the general on goings of the Housing Meeting and Traditions.

Thanks so much for reading. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to answer them. If you like what I’m doing, please give this post a like. Follow and subscribe to keep up with me and when I post new content. It would mean a lot if you do. It tells me that you like what I’m doing and want to see more in the future. It really motivates me to keep going. I will see you in the next post.

As always, stay magical, stay safe!

Packing List

| Sarah

Hey you all. What’s going on? I really ran out of witty/cringy things to say as an intro.

So we went over the Disney Look, travel plans, and bucket lists, but we haven’t went over the most important list, your packing list. So let’s jump right into this.

I’ll break it down into if you’re driving or flying and into different subgroups like clothes, bathroom things, etc.

Pro tip for you fall program peeps: wait until places like Target, Kohls, or Bed, Bath, and Beyond do their annual back to school/college dorm move in sale for the following things. You’ll save a lot of money and get really nice stuff. That’s what I did…thank me later…also not sponsored…

Bedroom:

  • Bedding. Bed sheets. Pillow cases. Things like that. Disney does provide you with a twin sized bed.
  • Pillows
  • Comforter
  • Blanket
  • Mattress cover (You don’t no bed bugs)
  • Mattress pad (the mattresses are the same ones they use in actual college dorms. Not super comfy)
  • Small bookbag
  • Step stool (If you’re short like I am)
  • Hamper (my bedding’s packaging doubled as a hamper, with handles and over-the-shoulder cross strap. Found it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond)
  • Bed risers (this will open up more storage space. Try to find ones with an outlet/USB charging area. Also found one at Bed, Bath and Beyond)
  • Hangers
  • Alarm clock/iHome
  • Lock for your locker. Everyone in your apartment gets a locker. They are usually found in the closets.
  • Under bed storage

Bathroom:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Make up (if you use it)
  • Sunscreen
  • Lotion
  • Hairbrush
  • Shower curtains. Disney provides you with the liner.
  • Shower cady (maybe. I say maybe because I bought one and didn’t use it at all. You can get one if you feel the need to keep your stuff organized and tidy)

Kitchen:

  • Tuber ware
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch box

Electronics:

  • TV (decide among you and your future roomies who is bringing one)
  • DVDs/DVD player
  • Video games
  • Phone/phone charger (duh)
  • Headphones
  • Laptop/laptop charger
  • Camera (for taking pics/vlogging)
  • Lamp

Personal/check in documents:

  • Blank check
  • DORMS registration forms
  • Valid passport OR
  • Social Security with valid government ID (ie driver’s licence. You’ll need it regardless if you’re bringing your car with you)
  • Car registration (for your car)
  • Insurance card stating that you’re on the policy (for your car)

Clothes:

  • T shirts
  • Pants/leggings
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long sleeve shirt (believe it or not it does get a bit chilly during the winter months, especially during the night)
  • Sweaters
  • Business casual, Disney Look approved, clothes for Traditions (I went over this in my “The Disney Look” post. If you haven’t read it or forgotten (Remember me, though I have to say goodbye) take a look for a refresher)
  • Dress shoes
  • Casual shoes
  • Flip flops/sandals
  • Bathing suits

Tips/tricks for those who are FLYING:

  1. Use space bags. You’ll have more room in your suitcases for the more bulkier stuff.
    • Insert dryer sheets with your clothes. It’ll keep your clothes fresher, longer…thank me later
  2. For the clothes you’re going to be wearing during your travels, fold your clothes into thirds or roll them up. Another space saver. Don’t forget about the dryer sheets!
  3. Spring for the second checked bag. Let’s get real for a second guys. Listen, listen Linda, before you get all mad. Hear me out. You’re not paying for a semester’s worth of classes, dorms, meal plans, textbooks, parking, etc. I know you paid a good amount in your fees (trust me, I know. I seen the price), but still. You can pay 50 dollars for another suitcase. The more space the better. You’ll have two suitcases, a carry on, and a personal.
  4. If you can’t get some of the stuff on this list, go on a Walmart run and get them on Check In Day. I get it. You can’t fit everything in a suitcase. Just hold off until Check In Day and buy it then.

Tips and tricks for those who are DRIVING:

  1. Place all your stuff into reusable bags. If you use reusable bags, for packing, you can use those same bags to do grocery shopping later. Save the planet and all.
  2. While you’re stuffing your reusable bags, fill them with toiletries and other dry foods! Fill them lots of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, cereal, pasta/pasta sauce (just don’t get lost in the sauce), mac and cheese, and things of that nature. You won’t be paid for the first, like, three weeks. This way you’re not hurting too terribly the first couple of weeks. Get things like milk once you arrive.
  3. You might want to invest in Sunpass. Florida has a lot of toll roads. I learned that the hard way. So if you’re planning to take trips outside of Orlando/Lake Buena Vista you might want in getting a Sunpass for your car. I guess the best way to explain it is that it’s Florida’s EZ pass, if your state does EZ pass. I know in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia, it’s our cute way of saying our regional area) area we have EZ pass.
  4. Don’t be afraid to pack more! Having your own car means you’re not as limited. So don’t be afraid to pack a little more.
  5. Finally, if your carless roommates ask you (nicely) for a ride to the store, do it! Help each other out. It’s to get along with all your roommates so you help them out with going to the store, they’ll help you out when you need it. Or at least I hope they would return the favor.

That is all I have for today. Thank you so much for reading. I hope this helps in all your packing needs. If you have any more questions, let me know down in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer them!

Again, thank you all so much for reading. If you like what you saw, please be sure to give this post a like. While you’re at it, you might as well follow/subscribe so you don’t miss out on when I post. It would mean so much to me. Knowing that you like what I’m saying motives me to keep going.

I have so much more that I want to do share with you all. More interviews. More stories. More tips and tricks of the trade. So be on the look out for that!

I will see you in the next post, But until then, stay magical and also, stay safe guys!

Slacker out!

It’s 3:17 in the morning…wtf is wrong with me? Why do I insist on writing so late at night?

The Disney Look

| Sarah

What is up everyone? It’s been a couple of days since I posted anything. I was off playing Where in the World Showcase is My Brain? (aka cleaning out my closet).

As you can tell by the title of this post, we are talking about the Disney Look that everyone keeps talking about.

The Disney Look? What is that?

I’m glad you asked! The Disney Look is…well in simple terms the set of standards of which Disney has for their CMs. Let’s start from top to bottom.

Hair. Your hair has to be clean cut. No wild colors: green, purple. No colors you would see at a gender reveal party (aka pink or blue). Basically if your hair color isn’t a color that can naturally grown out of your head, it needs to go. Your hair can’t partially shaven. Streaks/highlights or ombre hair, has to all be one natural looking hair color. Roots can’t be showing. No uneven haircuts. No mohawks. Basically nothing experimental haircuts

Guys, your facial hair game has to be on point! All even. If you have that mustache/beard combo it MUST connect together (we’re all in this together, and it shows, when we stand hand in hand, make our dreams come true). Nothing too overly bushy (you don’t want to giving off them Santa vibes). More on the 5 ‘o’ clock shadow look. Lastly you can have a shaven, clean cut look.

Guys: your beard/mustache is patchy or uneven/messy. You will be asked to go shave or come back when it’s more clean cut. Ladies, if your hair doesn’t look natural or still has highlights in them, you will be asked to come back when its more consistent.

Face. You have to have a natural looking face. With that being said, your make up has to look natural. It has to compliment your face. No colorful eye shadow. Eye shadow can’t extend up to the eye brows. Nothing like that. It basically has to match your face. Make up as to be blended.

Eye wear. If your role is an outdoor role (like I was in parking attendant), you are allowed to wear sunglasses. But you have to be able to see your eyes. Your sunglasses can’t be completely blacken out. If you wear glasses (like me), your glasses can only be black, brown, or metal rimmed. It has to be solid colored and can’t have any brands on them.

Piercings. Oh boy. Women can only have the traditional ear studs, one on each ear. So no multiple earrings on each ear. No nose, eye brow, tongue, or gauge/spacers of any kind. All of that needs to removed. Guys can’t have any piercings of any kind (from what I seen guys can have studs but I would check with your leaders just in case. But I would take them off anyway. Better safe than sorry!)

Tattoos. Tattoos are tricky. Yes, you can have tattoos, BUT they need to be covered up. YOU NEED TO BE UP FRONT ABOUT YOUR TATTOOS. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT TRY TO HIDE THEM. On Traditions (more on that in a later post), you need to tell the leaders that you have tattoos and how you hid them. Some people can get away with putting on the normal costumes (the tattoos are on the upper arms, shoulders, back, and upper thighs). Some wear longer pants/skirts and sleeves (the tattoos are on the lower arms and legs). People with just wrist tattoos can get away with covering up the tattoos with make up as long as it matches your skin tone. Your leaders will call you out if you try to lie about your tattoos. Honesty is the best policy…I stated that in my “How to Apply for the Disney College Program” post. Go read that if you haven’t already.

Nail polish/hands. If you are in a food role (Quick/Full Service Food & Beverage, and certain merchandise roles, peep my interviews with both Rachels for more information on that), you cannot have nail polish at all. The only thing you can have is a ring band with no gems. Basically if your role has you handle food on the daily: no nail polish or rings with gems. All other roles you can have a ring on your ring finger. Your nail polish has to be clear or match your skin tone. No colors or designs. No painting them like one of french girls, Jack (no french tips). No dirty fingernails. No *toy aliens voice from Toy Story* the claaaww fingernails (no super long acrylic nails that look like cat claws).

Clothes (general). Be sure to keep you clothes classy. Business casual. Iron/steam out your clothes. Don’t show up to Traditions in clothes that look like they’ve been slept in. No wrinkly clothes. Form fitting. Nothing too tight or too loose. No wild prints or patterns. Make sure your clothes are free of any stains. Keep it clean. Keep it classy. Keep it professional. Keep the club clothes at home.

Clothes (guys). No t shirts. Plaid shirts are okay. Khakis (Jake from State Farm approved). Slacks. Polo shirts. A nice dress shirt and pants are best.

Clothes (girls). No short skirts or dresses. Nothing too revealing. No spaghetti straps. Nothing strapless. Straps need to be thicc (you have to able to fit 3 fingers on the strap, 4 if you have smaller hands like I do). The closer to the shoulder the better. Your best bet is something with sleeves. If you think the straps won’t be long enough, you can always bring a nice jacket or cardigan just in case. Girls are allow to wear pants, but make sure their business slacks or those business suit type pants.

Shoes. No tennis/running shoes. No open toed shoes. Dress shoes. Girls, as a heads up, in Traditions and a lot of your orientations, there’s gonna be a lot of walking around. If you’re someone like me and you’re not used to walking in heels, please bring flats. I’m not gonna stop you if you want to wear heels. If you slay in heels and love them, more power to you. But you will be doing a good amount of walking. So if you think you can handle that, more power to you. You do you boo. I’m just warning you now.

I hope this clears up any confusion about the Disney Look. I know it can be daunting with all the rules. If you have any more questions about the Disney Look. Please leave it down in the comments. I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can.

If you found this helpful at all, please leave a like on this post. You might as well subscribe while you’re at it. It really helps out a lot by letting me know that you’re actually reading (and caring) about what I’m saying. It makes me feel good and gives me the motivation to keep going. I still have much more to share with you and I can’t wait to tell to you all.

Thanks for being here, and remember, stay magical guys!