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Sunday, April 06, 2008
6:04 PM
It looks easy enough, doesn't it? Until you have 15 minutes to find an unmarked location and realize you have absolutely no frickin' clue how to get from point A to point B...
Last Tuesday I decided to work "Pirate and Princess Party" parade control. Well why not? I only get to interact with guests once a week in my current role, and I thought it might be fun to see what it's like on the "front lines". I picked up my lady-in-waiting costume and scouted out the Magic Kingdom cast parking situation well ahead of time. I was completely psyched to experience first hand the thrill of working IN Magic Kingdom.
My shift started at 6pm, and I thought two hours would be plenty of time to eat dinner and make it to cast deployment (my regular job ends at 4pm). However, I didn't take into account two things: 1) DAK's cast cafeteria closed at 4, BEFORE I made it there, and 2) Florida traffic. I had to grab a quick bite to eat at Wendy's, drive back to the Animal Programs building, change into my costume, and navigate traffic to the Magic Kingdom cast parking lot...where I promptly discovered that parking spots aren't so easy to come by. Once parked (phew!) I managed to find my way onto the right bus to take me to the tunnel entrance...
The tunnel. Here was the moment I was both dreading and so so excited about. For years I had wondered what it was like in the tunnels beneath the Magic Kingdom, and here I finally was! I wandered around wide-eyed for around 5 minutes, bumping into a character here and there, until I finally decided that there was just no way I was going to find cast deployment on my own. It wasn't me - it just wasn't marked on the map! Thank goodness my roommate Katie works down in the tunnels, so I called her for help. She found me and helped me find where I was supposed to go. I don't know what I would have done if she wasn't there, because let me tell you...it's a scary frickin' city down there!
As for the rest of the evening? Holy cow, what a disaster. I had no idea where I was supposed to be or what I was supposed to be doing half the time, and they put me with another girl who also had never work a Pirate and Princess Party before. It was the blind leading the blind! For the first half of the evening we had to check wristbands and ask those guests without tickets (or wristbands) to please leave the park. Simple enough, except I can't tell you how many times I had guests yell at me and demand to see someone in charge because they didn't know the park was closing early. Yeah, because it wasn't like there were huge signs everywhere, posted hours at the park entrance, and announcements made all day...
And then there were the guests that didn't speak a word of english. I gave up half the time, because there was just no communicating the fact that the park was c-l-o-s-e-d unless they had purchased a Pirate and Princess ticket.
The last half of the evening was parade control. My spot was directly in front of the castle, an area known as "Castle 3". Basically I just made sure people stayed on the "red cement" so they wouldn't get run over by a float or anything. Simple enough, until the parade starts and parents don't watch as their kids float further and further out into the street. Nevermind the huge float heading straight for the child. I call it natural selection, but Disney calls it a lawsuit. And so I did my job.
But of course it rained for the last half of the evening, so I was cold, wet, and tired whilst coralling children back behind the line. Ah, Florida weather. Gotta love it.
Let's see...what else to say about the evening? Well the parade was through my area by 9:10pm, and my shift wasn't supposed to end until 9:45pm. I basically hung out backstage and watched the parade exit "on stage". Very cool. :) Except for the rain. :P
I signed up for another shift the following Friday, but after the stress of that first parade control shift decided to drop it. I'd do it again, and it would probably be much easier now that I'd have some clue of what to do, but just not so soon. Maybe next month. After all, I have this sexy lady-in-waiting costume (or pirate wench) hang in my closet and nowhere to wear it. Except to the Magic Kingdom, that is. :)Labels: disney, work
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
4:19 PM
I've just returned from participating in that age-old tried and true female ritual...retail therapy. The Megan version of retail therapy, however, is the purchasing of vast amounts of books I probably won't ever have time to read. Nevertheless, an afternoon passed in Books-a-Million is a happy afternoon. The poor cashier, however, was not so happy - he looked like his puppy just got hit by a car. I was about to ask what was wrong when he burst out unprompted with "Ohgodihopeyoucanpaywithcashbecausemybossisgoingtokillme butwecan'ttakecreditcardsandcanyoupaywithcashohgodit'sgoingtobemyassontheline," to which I intelligently replied, "Huh?" It turned out their computer system was down and this poor guy was having to turn away customer after customer who couldn't pay with cash. He looked ready to burst into tears at any minute. As luck would have it, I actually had cash on me. For once. He looked like he wanted to give me a hug when I told him I could pay. Poor guy...I hope the computer system starts working for him.
Anyway, an afternoon of book buying was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. There is a little bit of roommate drama at present, and Dr. D didn't return my phone call asking if I could shadow her today and/or tomorrow. Add in a little PSM depression and you've got one very grumpy Megan. It doesn't help that I am absolutely convinced that I am gaining instead of losing weight, despite my gym-going efforts. Could be my imagination, but probably not considering the fact that I sit at a desk all day.
Anyway, last week I shadowed Dr. D for two days at the Arabian Nights dinner show and Disney's Tri-Circle D Ranch. It was an absolute blast, and sooooo refreshing to be back in a barn! Dr. D was an extremely patient and helpful teacher, and she let me do so much. I dewormed, gave shots, and practiced handling horses of all sizes. I wrangled goats, was chased by a pissed of Arabian stallion, stepped on by a Percheron, and licked by a Paint horse. I loved every minute of it. Could equine medicine be in my future? Hm, could be!
I'm still loving zoo medicine. Yesterday was Chutzpa's annual exam, a 14 year old lioness. DAK is trying to build up hype for their 10 year anniversary this coming April, so they invited all the media out to cover the lion's check-up. The hospital was an absolute madhouse because of all the media there, and I also wasn't particularly pleased to arrive at work and find half the parking lot blocked off for them. Oh well. At least I got to pet Chutzpa (and get my picture taken with her). She is such a gorgeous, gorgeous girl. Such a stunning animal! Now I really miss my kitties...
Our (DAK's) raccoons are really sick right now. Like on death's door sick. All of the animals receive enrichment food items to keep them interested in eating, and it's possible that last Wednesday's meat bone treat made everyone sick. Bennet and Zorro are especially ill, and one of the quarantine kids is not doing so hot either. Hopefully the vets will figure out what's wrong soon so these guys can start on the path to recovery!
Gosh I hate my days off. All I can think about is what's going on at work! I think I've forgotten how to relax...if I ever knew how to relax in the first place. I think I'll do a bit of reading now, seeing as I have a plethora of material to choose from. It's almost dinner time too. Yeah, book + food = goooooood. Now if only my cats were here to warm my lap. Le'sigh.Labels: books, disney, vet med
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Sunday, March 02, 2008
9:41 PM
I have been horribly negligent in updating both this blog and my "Disney blog", but really I haven't had that much to write about. Well maybe I have, but I've been too lazy to actually take the time to put my thoughts into writing. Yeah, that's probably closer to the truth.
I'm usually in bed by now, but for some reason I'm still sitting out in the living room whilst my roommates "hit the hay" for tomorrow's Monday blahs. Tomorrow is actually my Wednesday, so it's hump day for me! I actually quite like my schedule; working weekends somehow makes my five day work stretch pass quickly. Go figure.
I've discovered that Deb, one of my coworkers, and I share a love for fantasy novels. She also happens to be an ex-zookeper (she took care of the giraffes), so she has lots of fun animal stories. She is no longer a keeper due to an injury - zookeeping is an extremely physical career and very tough on the body. It's something I've never considered, but good to know as I think about where my future is taking me.
Speaking of the future, I met Dr. Donna the other day at DAK's (Disney's Animal Kingdom) Animal Programs Cast Party. The event was held at Fantasia Gardens (miniature golf), and I must say that Disney certainly knows how to throw a party! A fabulous buffet, open bar, DJ and dance floor, raffle prizes, and unlimited Mickey-heads-on-a-stick (ice cream my friends, so don't freak out. They [Mickey-heads-on-a-stick] are my current obsession). Dr. Donna is DAK's equine vet, AND a graduate (both grad and undergrad) of the Ohio State University! Of course we had MUCH to talk about, and it was so lovely to talk to someone about home. She invited me to come with her any time I'd like to shadow and help with procedures, and I definitely plan on taking her up on the offer. Equine medicine is one field I don't have much experience in, so it will be really cool to learn more!
Well I think maybe I ought to go to bed now, too. Tonight was actually a rather disappointing evening, seeing as I went to the mall to hunt for the new "Little Mermaid" Broadway CD and eat at Panera...only to find the mall closed at 7pm. Ah yes, I forgot that Florida is the land of senior citizens, wretched driving, and early closings. Sigh.
So here's to Mickey-heads-on-a-stick, equine vets, and Turkey-pot-pies...since Panera was closed. I think I'm in withdrawal. Quick, someone find me a Frontega Chicken panini! Maybe in my dreams...Labels: disney, horses
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Sunday, January 13, 2008
7:43 PM
No, I haven't died...I'm in Florida!
I will continue to use this blog for more personal posts, but I am using a special blog for Disney World updates. Check out my Disney blog to follow my adventures as I spend 6 months in Florida as a Disney intern!
A Whole New World: http://megsindisney.blogspot.com.Labels: disney
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Monday, December 17, 2007
8:42 PM
In the words of Samwise Gamgee, "Well, I'm back."
I had originally planned on going home on Saturday in time for my aunt and uncle's Christmas party that evening. So Saturday morning I woke up and, realizing that I still hadn't packed AND that a massive snow storm was moving in, decided to wait until Monday to go home. Sure I would miss the party, but it didn't seem like a good idea to try and beat the weather. Plus I not only had to pack up items for break, but I'm in the process of completely moving out of my apartment for my six month absence while I'm in Florida for my internship. Waiting until Monday to go home would give me extra time to pack up my apartment. I called home to tell my parents not to expect me, and of course my mother decides to completely rip me a new one. Without going into details, it's enough to say she was pissed. So like the obedient, whipped daughter I am, I furiously packed up as much as possible and managed to head out around 1pm for home. There was already about an inch of snow on the ground, and the roads were an absolute mess, but by golly I was going to make it home.
Four white knuckled, mind numbing, nerve wrecking hours later I was home. The trip usually only takes me two hours, but the roads were AWFUL and I ended up going 40 freaking miles per hour for the majority of the trip. It was terrifying. I felt especially sorry for Millie my chinchilla, who patiently curled up in her little carrier and endured the ride best she could. I was glad for her company. I do have to say that I am rather proud of myself for making the trip. I kind of feel like I could drive through anything now...
The party was fine, lovely as expected with lots of yummy food, but a bit boring for yours truly. I am glad I made it, but I don't know if it was worth risking my life over. Oh, and upon my arrival home after those four hours, my parents had the nerve to still be pissed off at me for even THINKING about not coming until Monday. Some welcome. I wanted to cry.
At any rate, I made it. these past few days have been pretty uneventful, but I have been trying to get things in order for my departure January 9th. I spent the afternoon looking for a church in Orlando, and I think I may have found one. The majority of churches I found were megachurches, which I am not into. Metro Life Church seems to fit the bill of what I'm looking for. Their services are more lecture based, and they have weekly home groups. The only thing I'm not too sure about is that they seem to be charismatic. I don't know how much or in what way that affects their teachings, but it is something I'm a bit wary about. Hopefully I'll be able to find a biblically sound church to attend while I'm down there. I guess all I can do is wait until I'm actually there and can check them out myself.
Tomorrow I'm going Christmas shopping. I haven't even started, so it promises to be a nightmare. Well done, Megan. Procrastinator of the year award right here.
Well crap! I wanted to post my impressions of "Sweeney Todd" (the broadway show, not the movie) too, but this post is already entirely too long. I'm sure I'll have lots of boring afternoons to update, so no worries there. :P I'm sure ya'll can't wait to hear about the exciting goings-on in my life here in C-Falls.
I may check out NeoXenos CT this Sunday, seeing as they meet in a church 10 minutes from my house (my parents' old church, no less). Could be cool!Labels: church, disney, travel, winter
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Friday, November 02, 2007
9:38 AM
Oh my goodness. *_*
Congratulations Megan!
Congratulations again on your offer to participate in the Veterinary Medical Records Disney Professional Internship from January - June 2008 .
Your arrival date will be Friday, January 11th , 2008 and your departure date will be Friday, June 13th, 2008.
A little more info:
http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/home.html
http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/animal_programs.html
I almost burst into tears when I received the phone call. Unfortunately I was at the Columbus Zoo watching penguins for my ethology project, so extreme displays of emotion were out of the question...
But wow. Just...wow.Labels: disney, future
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Tuesday, October 30, 2007
12:53 PM
Things to do today:
- Class at 1:30pm
- Disney World panel telephone interview at 4pm
- Homework until the cows come home
I almost prefer the surprise interview technique. There's no time to think, panic, overanalyze, and freak out when you receive a random telephone call from a possible employer asking to interview you then and there. But this waiting thing? Sucks big time, my friends.
At 4pm today, my telephone will ring. I will answer it, and on the other end will be a panel of interviewers from Walt Disney World. And thus the dominoes of destiny will go a-tumbling down down down...
I've been praying about this, asking God to start slamming doors if this isn't what He wants me to do. The prospect of failure is therefore very real, and very frightening. I don't like failing, and I hate giving this to God and asking Him to manifest His will...because I know there is a very real possibility that this in fact is not in God's will. I could just take it upon myself, say "screw you God!" and do it on my own...but why in the world would I want to do anything apart from God? A sad existence indeed. And so my fate is in His hands.
I can take some comfort in that, at least. Nevertheless, the butterflies in the stomach are more persistent than ever...Labels: disney, future
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