Monday, December 28, 2015
Behind the Scenes - Stunt Driving at Lights, Motors, Action! (Disney Parks Blog)
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Sunday, December 27, 2015
- CP Q&A - Jeremy: Transportation on the FriendShip Boats
CP Q&A with Jeremy, a Captain on the FriendShip Boats
by Brittany DiCologero
Jeremy moved to Orlando, from his hometown of Muncie, Indiana for the Spring Advantage 2014 Disney College Program. He was, and is currently, attending Ball State University where he majors in Finance.
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: I wanted the chance to work at my second home and meet people from all over the world. I knew that doing the DCP would give me a leg up in my future and give me the opportunity to grow and to live away from home for the first time.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was transportation at the FriendShip Boats. These are the boats in the World Showcase at EPCOT as well as transportation between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and a few resorts in between. Concierge was my first choice, but I wasn’t expecting to get it since I wasn’t a hospitality major. My realistic first choice was transportation, FriendShips specifically.
Q: What was your training like?
A: I had the longest on-the-job training of anyone I met. I had 8 days of training and my assessment on the 9th. No time is wasted and you’re piloting the boat immediately on day one. It was fun but could definitely be a little overwhelming. You’re spending almost the entire 8-hour shift just driving the boat. Eventually you move onto deck-handing and reading the operations guide, but most of the time is focused on driving. The boats aren’t on a track or rails or anything so it is incredibly important to focus a lot of time on driving since you’re in full control.
Q: What were the best things about your role?
A: I spent my days working on a boat at Disney World; it doesn’t get much better than that! To be more specific, I saw IllumiNations every night and I could time my World Showcase rotations so that I was out there during an Off Kilter show.
Q: The worst?
A: The rain and Extra Magic Hours (EMH) nights. Working outside in the rain is never fun. When Hollywood Studios had EMH, all the docks got really busy and you really had to pay attention and think ahead and anticipate how many people you thought would be at the next stop and how many would get off. If you filled up the boat at the first stop, you’d have no room for everyone at the next stops resulting in many angry guests.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: Absolutely! I loved my time as a captain! Seeing the parks before and after closing and the job is probably the most fun you can have while working (unless you’re something like a character attendant). I loved my hours and my co-workers and I’d absolutely do it again!
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Go in with an open mind. At the FriendShips (and Sassagoula), you’ll be in complete control of the boat and that can be overwhelming and you might think you could never do it. The trainers over there are great and will keep working with you until you feel comfortable behind the helm.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I went back to being a full time student in Indiana and changed majors. I’m actually going back for another CP during Spring Advantage 2016 for the same role and hopefully the same location! In the future, I plan on staying with Disney but moving to corporate at either WDW or Disneyland Paris.
You can keep up with Jeremy through his Flickr page by clicking here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Follow us!
Instagram:
@brittanyearnsherears @chaz385
Twitter:
@BrittanyEHE
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
by Brittany DiCologero
Jeremy moved to Orlando, from his hometown of Muncie, Indiana for the Spring Advantage 2014 Disney College Program. He was, and is currently, attending Ball State University where he majors in Finance.
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: I wanted the chance to work at my second home and meet people from all over the world. I knew that doing the DCP would give me a leg up in my future and give me the opportunity to grow and to live away from home for the first time.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was transportation at the FriendShip Boats. These are the boats in the World Showcase at EPCOT as well as transportation between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and a few resorts in between. Concierge was my first choice, but I wasn’t expecting to get it since I wasn’t a hospitality major. My realistic first choice was transportation, FriendShips specifically.
Q: What was your training like?
A: I had the longest on-the-job training of anyone I met. I had 8 days of training and my assessment on the 9th. No time is wasted and you’re piloting the boat immediately on day one. It was fun but could definitely be a little overwhelming. You’re spending almost the entire 8-hour shift just driving the boat. Eventually you move onto deck-handing and reading the operations guide, but most of the time is focused on driving. The boats aren’t on a track or rails or anything so it is incredibly important to focus a lot of time on driving since you’re in full control.
Q: What were the best things about your role?
A: I spent my days working on a boat at Disney World; it doesn’t get much better than that! To be more specific, I saw IllumiNations every night and I could time my World Showcase rotations so that I was out there during an Off Kilter show.
Q: The worst?
A: The rain and Extra Magic Hours (EMH) nights. Working outside in the rain is never fun. When Hollywood Studios had EMH, all the docks got really busy and you really had to pay attention and think ahead and anticipate how many people you thought would be at the next stop and how many would get off. If you filled up the boat at the first stop, you’d have no room for everyone at the next stops resulting in many angry guests.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: Absolutely! I loved my time as a captain! Seeing the parks before and after closing and the job is probably the most fun you can have while working (unless you’re something like a character attendant). I loved my hours and my co-workers and I’d absolutely do it again!
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Go in with an open mind. At the FriendShips (and Sassagoula), you’ll be in complete control of the boat and that can be overwhelming and you might think you could never do it. The trainers over there are great and will keep working with you until you feel comfortable behind the helm.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I went back to being a full time student in Indiana and changed majors. I’m actually going back for another CP during Spring Advantage 2016 for the same role and hopefully the same location! In the future, I plan on staying with Disney but moving to corporate at either WDW or Disneyland Paris.
You can keep up with Jeremy through his Flickr page by clicking here!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Instagram:
@brittanyearnsherears @chaz385
Twitter:
@BrittanyEHE
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
2015 Winter Holidays Special
2015 Winter Holidays Special
by Brittany DiCologero and Chaz Saldi
It's time for the 2015 Winter Holidays Special! Everyone from Brittany Earns Her Ears (aka Chaz and Brittany) wishes you a happy holidays, and we hope you enjoy the following stories, photos, and videos from past and current CPs, and their time spending the holidays at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Check back after the holidays for updates on our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World, and for some new CP Q&A posts!
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Last year, Sara Lopes (author of "Sara Earns Her Ears") vlogged about her holiday experiences at Disneyland:
Sara completed the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World, where she worked in quick service food and beverage at Captain Cooks at the Polynesian Village Resort. She currently works in attractions at Disneyland, and runs her own blog over at http://www.thedisneyden.com.
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Jeremy, a former transportation CP who worked on the FriendShip boats in Epcot, shares a personal story from his program:
"There aren’t that many chances to make magical moments on the FriendShips, but one time near Christmas I had such an opportunity. Christmastime IllumiNations has an added part to the show, the big holiday finale called “Peace on Earth.” Now, you actually don’t have to be in EPCOT to see IllumiNations; you can see it from the Yacht and Beach Club boat dock and some other areas near there. One night my deckhand and I were way ahead of schedule and had time to kill before we arrived at the EPCOT dock. We were scheduled to be the first boat leaving after IllumiNations so we had 10 minutes or so to spare. We were going between Yacht/Beach Club and the Boardwalk just as the holiday show started and all the guests immediately started looking out the windows, not expecting more fireworks. Since we had so much time to spare, I stopped the boat in the middle of the water and it gave everyone a chance to see the show that they would have otherwise missed. At the end, everyone clapped and my deckhand and I were thanked heavily when everyone got off the boat. Being away from family can be hard around the holidays, but moments like that make everything worth it."
To learn more about Jeremy's experiences as a transportation CP, check back within the next week or so for his CP interview post!
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For some CPs, the holidays means working at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom, where they get to wear one of the tackiest (greatest) costumes at Walt Disney World:
Of course, lots of CPs spend their days off having a blast during the holiday season as well. One of my favorite things to do was go resort hopping, especially as it got closer to Christmas when the crowds really start to get worse.
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And that's a "wrap!" Happy holidays from BrittanyEarnsHerEars.com !
by Brittany DiCologero and Chaz Saldi
It's time for the 2015 Winter Holidays Special! Everyone from Brittany Earns Her Ears (aka Chaz and Brittany) wishes you a happy holidays, and we hope you enjoy the following stories, photos, and videos from past and current CPs, and their time spending the holidays at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Check back after the holidays for updates on our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World, and for some new CP Q&A posts!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year, Sara Lopes (author of "Sara Earns Her Ears") vlogged about her holiday experiences at Disneyland:
Sara completed the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World, where she worked in quick service food and beverage at Captain Cooks at the Polynesian Village Resort. She currently works in attractions at Disneyland, and runs her own blog over at http://www.thedisneyden.com.
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Jeremy, a former transportation CP who worked on the FriendShip boats in Epcot, shares a personal story from his program:
"There aren’t that many chances to make magical moments on the FriendShips, but one time near Christmas I had such an opportunity. Christmastime IllumiNations has an added part to the show, the big holiday finale called “Peace on Earth.” Now, you actually don’t have to be in EPCOT to see IllumiNations; you can see it from the Yacht and Beach Club boat dock and some other areas near there. One night my deckhand and I were way ahead of schedule and had time to kill before we arrived at the EPCOT dock. We were scheduled to be the first boat leaving after IllumiNations so we had 10 minutes or so to spare. We were going between Yacht/Beach Club and the Boardwalk just as the holiday show started and all the guests immediately started looking out the windows, not expecting more fireworks. Since we had so much time to spare, I stopped the boat in the middle of the water and it gave everyone a chance to see the show that they would have otherwise missed. At the end, everyone clapped and my deckhand and I were thanked heavily when everyone got off the boat. Being away from family can be hard around the holidays, but moments like that make everything worth it."
photo courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
To learn more about Jeremy's experiences as a transportation CP, check back within the next week or so for his CP interview post!
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For some CPs, the holidays means working at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom, where they get to wear one of the tackiest (greatest) costumes at Walt Disney World:
Kaitie before her Tomorrowland merchandise shift
Joshua working a PAC (parade audience control) shift
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Of course, lots of CPs spend their days off having a blast during the holiday season as well. One of my favorite things to do was go resort hopping, especially as it got closer to Christmas when the crowds really start to get worse.
Here I am with Richard, the greeter at the Grand Floridian
The holidays also have some fun character meet and greet experiences:
Lexie with Santa Goofy at Hollywood Studios
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Perhaps the coolest part of working at Walt Disney World during this time of year is being able to go to the Christmas parade filming! (Just don't get your hopes up that you'll actually be seen on TV.) While it was an incredibly long day, being in the park to see how the parade you watch on TV at home is actually filmed was really fun.
Paulina on Main Street during the parade filming
Last year at the parade filming, the official opening took place in Frontierland. (I'm assuming because of the construction that was taking place around the hub-- it was probably easier to film the opening somewhere else and work the rest of the parade around that.) If you happen to watch last year's parade on YouTube, you might notice a little green speck on the top floor of the ferry boat, floating by while they announce the start of the parade.
I guess you could say I'm famous now:
Filling in as an extra on the riverboat in the background of the parade's opening
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One thing that I'm really going to miss (this year and from now on) is being able to see the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights. I've been lucky enough to see it in person twice, by prior to working there (and now getting an annual pass) the Christmas season is not typically when I would have visited the parks. While it makes sense that the lights will not be up anymore after this year (as construction begins to take place on the Streets of America) they will definitely be missed.
photo courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog
If you're not ready to say good-bye to the lights just yet (I know I'm not!) there are plenty of videos on YouTube capturing the lights throughout the years. I'd recommend this one, from TouringPlans.com:
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And that's a "wrap!" Happy holidays from BrittanyEarnsHerEars.com !
photo courtesy of Inside the Magic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Friday, December 18, 2015
My Honest Opinion of Dinoland U.S.A.
Since my book has come out, I've received a surprising amount of messages asking how I really feel about Dinoland U.S.A. in Disney's Animal Kingdom. In case you haven't read about my experiences on the Disney College Program, I'll fill you in really quick: Before I left home for the fall 2014 program, my mom asked me if there was anywhere I would not want to work. I told her that I requested Animal Kingdom during a phone interview in the past, but I would not want to work in Dinoland. It was my least favorite part of the park, one of the few costumes I wanted nothing to do with, it was my least favorite part of the park, oh, and it was my least favorite part of the park. In fact, I would even go so far as to say it was my least favorite part of Walt Disney World. Scratch that-- it was the only part of Walt Disney World I did not actually like.
Fast forward two days from making that statement, and I'm checking in for the program at Vista Way, about to learn what my location will be. Somewhat to my surprise, and somewhat as I expected (worried that I had jinxed myself) I had been placed in merchandise, in Dinoland U.S.A.
Even though this was the one location I really did not want to be placed at, I don't think I ever viewed it with a completely negative attitude. In all seriousness, how upset can someone be who gets to work in Walt Disney World right after graduation? So I have to wear some funky shorts with dinosaur foot prints on the butt pockets, things could be worse.
Despite my optimistic attitude, I was initially not thrilled with anything that involved my working in Dinoland. The first visit to costuming was frustrating. Watching other CPs try on costumes from Asia and Africa, and heck, even Discovery Island, while I tried on the world's tackiest shorts, was not exactly the most fun experience. (You also need to factor in that Disney's sizing, especially for women's clothing and more specifically for bottoms, makes absolutely no sense. Our trainer told us that day to take our regular pants size and double it. If you're typically a 10, you'll probably be an 18 or 20 in "Disney sizes.") The blow to my ego, combined with the bright shorts, bowling shirt, and buttons with silly sayings on them promoting Chester and Hester's Dinorama was enough to turn me off from Dinoland right from the get-go. (On the positive side of costuming, I absolutely love the Dino Institute costume and the Animal Kingdom floorstock costume, but we all know those are not the parts of merchandise that I was worried about.)
The part of Dinoland merchandise that I was actually worried about was working the carnival games, which I knew before I arrived was done by merchandise cast members and not attractions cast members like you would probably think. The reason for this is that the cast members running the games also sell tickets for the games which falls under the category of merchandise. If you know me personally, especially before I did the college program, you know public speaking is not my thing-- this was reason #1 why I did not want to work merchandise in Dinoland.
Reason #2 really only exists because of the nerdy Disney snob in me: I thought that Chester and Hester's Dinorama was extremely tacky and out of place, and as such it did not belong in a Disney park. It would be my luck that I'd be placed at the one location I really couldn't stand.
The last reason why I was not thrilled with this location is because I worried that it would feel "less magical." How magical could you really be while stocking water bottles near the Boneyard, or spieling and running a carnival game?
While I do have a new found appreciation for Dinoland after having worked there, I'm not going to lie and say that I came to this realization overnight. In fact, I loathed my work location for much of the fall program, so much so that I often gave away my Dinoland shifts and picked up shifts in other locations. Looking back on it now, part of me wishes that I would have given Dinoland more of a chance, though at the same time, I'm really thankful that as a result of my dislike for the area I had the opportunity to work at all four theme parks and a resort in one semester.
It's funny how things change though. Since it's been (almost exactly to the day) a year since I last worked in Dinoland, I've had plenty of time to reflect on my feelings towards the place, and this is what I've come up with:
The carnival games, or Fossil Fun Games, I should say, fit the theme of the land, and they really do add a lot to what Dinoland has to offer if you give them a chance. At first glance, you might (as I did) wonder what on Earth a tacky carnival side show is doing at the Walt Disney World Resort, and that's okay! Sometimes you need to think about something a little bit more to really appreciate it. If you've never heard the actual story behind Dinoland (which is much more detailed than I have time to write about for this post) here's the basic gist of it: Fossils were discovered, hence the Dino Institute. Chester and Hester a (seemingly married?) couple from Diggs County (haha, get it?) realizes that tourists are flocking to see the Dino Institute and they want in. They convert their gas station (Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures) into a gift shop, and turn the parking lot into a midway (hence the parking lot spaces on the pavement.) They also renovate the old fishing lodge (Restaurantosaurus) into a restaurant, and one that is surprisingly detailed at that. I'm not kidding, take a look around next time you're in there-- you can even spot bunks in the lofts where the interns who work at the Dino Institute stay. If you're walking through Dinoland, listen closely to the music-- it's a radio show that's run by two of the interns. There are so many details that I realize now actually make Dinoland really fascinating, you just need to take the time to find them.
Since working on the games, I've also learned that unlike many other carnivals they're not rigged... at all... which means that as long as you buy a ticket, you really do have a chance of winning. The only game that might seem "rigged" is Comet Crasher, but we were always told to market it as a game of luck, so guests would know that there is no way to come up with a strategy for playing it. The fact that the games are not rigged, means that you can essentially help guests (especially kids) win prizes. While we obviously couldn't give out prizes left and right, it was really easy to create magical moments for kids while working on the games. Kids who were too young to make paying for a game worth it for instance, would always be allowed to "practice" for free if I was working. (Note: this does depend entirely on the cast member working, as they have a lot of freedom in running the games.) Occasionally if two siblings played against each other, and it was clear that there would be a fight if there was only one winner, I'd make it a tie. I'd let parents help when wacking the dinos with mallets became too challenging. I'd play against kids who had no opponents (and lose.)
Of course, not everything about the carnival was (no pun intended) "all fun and games." It was hot. Regardless of where you work in Disney, and trust me, I later worked at Lights, Motors, Action! so I know heat, nothing ever seems as hot as the games did. Some of the games give off heat due to the lighting inside them, so even with all the fans, it's really just blowing around hot air. The tablets you'd use to ring guests out with were incredibly slow, making it difficult to process transactions, while spieling and/or running the game for guests who had already paid. Kids cry when they lose, and as much as you want to provide magical moments for everyone and just give the crying kid a prize, you can't. If ten kids play a competition game, you can't just give the winner and the four kids who are upset, prizes-- you'd run out of prizes, and the winning kids would catch on and be unhappy. You'd be on your feet, butt, knees, tip toes, anything that gets you to move faster picking up the comets the kids drop at Comet Crasher so they can toss them again. It's stressful. It's having at least three conversations at once-- selling tickets, performing safety spiels, giving change or credit card slips, running the game, keeping track of the winner-- it's a lot. And if you can't multitask it really isn't the job for you. You'll have great hours, like the occasional 7 AM to 3 PM, but you'll still leave work exhausted. Like any job you could have working with the public, sometimes the guests will be great, and sometimes you'll leave work wondering how another human can make someone feel so degraded. You'll never want to look at another plush snake or dinosaur, and even a year later, I still have anxiety over seeing the basketball game at my local fair.
Regardless of the stress my role in Dinoland caused me at the time, I'm grateful that I kept a mostly positive attitude, and stuck through it until my extension came and I was switched to attractions. Was I really good at spieling on Mammoth Marathon? I would guess probably not, but you know what I am good at now? Public speaking. Even though I'm not sure I'd ever want to have another three hour stint on Mammoth again, I'm so thankful for the fact that I can now give a presentation to a group without stumbling over words, and being nervous that I'll say something stupid. You know what happens when you say something stupid over a microphone to twenty people waiting to play a game? You fix it! You learn to laugh at yourself, to make jokes, to correct whatever was said, to have fun, regardless of the small mistake. Now if only this would have been a skill I could have had in college...
Sometimes the most challenging thing is to complete a challenge that you want nothing to do with. If I was in love with the idea of working in Dinoland, the level of multitasking involved in running the carnival games would have never been stressful, but I wasn't. Now that I've been out of Dinoland for a year, I realized I needed this. Walt Disney once said, "You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." Dinoland was the kick in my teeth, and I needed that kick to realize that I can handle anything that any job in my future throws at me.
Even though I'll admit that Dinoland is still not my favorite part of the park, it does have a special place in my heart. I understand the theme so much better after having worked there, and even though it is still outwardly tacky to me, I appreciate the hard work that went into designing it. I've also been able to admit that working in Dinoland (or even just visiting Dinoland) can be magical. This is especially important for new CPs to understand-- don't think that just because you were not placed in the Magic Kingdom that your role will not be magical-- every role can be magical, it's exactly what you make of it.
Again, I'm not going to lie and say I loved my time in Dinoland-- I definitely think the area as a whole (especially with merchandise cast members running the carnival games, that in my opinion should be run by attractions) has some flaws, but I'm so beyond grateful for the opportunity to work there. I learned so many things about myself, and I learned not to sweat the small stuff, literally and figuratively: Public speaking isn't such a big deal, and don't wear mascara to work outdoors in Animal Kingdom in August unless you want it to drip down your face. I may not be hanging out in Diggs County on a regular basis anymore, but I still like to consider myself a "cousin" of Chester and Hester, and I'm always up for encouraging more people to read up on the backstory of Dinoland, so they too can see that it's really not so bad after all... except those shorts, those are really as bad as they seem ;) .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is on Amazon! Click here to order your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Fast forward two days from making that statement, and I'm checking in for the program at Vista Way, about to learn what my location will be. Somewhat to my surprise, and somewhat as I expected (worried that I had jinxed myself) I had been placed in merchandise, in Dinoland U.S.A.
Even though this was the one location I really did not want to be placed at, I don't think I ever viewed it with a completely negative attitude. In all seriousness, how upset can someone be who gets to work in Walt Disney World right after graduation? So I have to wear some funky shorts with dinosaur foot prints on the butt pockets, things could be worse.
Despite my optimistic attitude, I was initially not thrilled with anything that involved my working in Dinoland. The first visit to costuming was frustrating. Watching other CPs try on costumes from Asia and Africa, and heck, even Discovery Island, while I tried on the world's tackiest shorts, was not exactly the most fun experience. (You also need to factor in that Disney's sizing, especially for women's clothing and more specifically for bottoms, makes absolutely no sense. Our trainer told us that day to take our regular pants size and double it. If you're typically a 10, you'll probably be an 18 or 20 in "Disney sizes.") The blow to my ego, combined with the bright shorts, bowling shirt, and buttons with silly sayings on them promoting Chester and Hester's Dinorama was enough to turn me off from Dinoland right from the get-go. (On the positive side of costuming, I absolutely love the Dino Institute costume and the Animal Kingdom floorstock costume, but we all know those are not the parts of merchandise that I was worried about.)
the Dino Institute costume-- my favorite!
The part of Dinoland merchandise that I was actually worried about was working the carnival games, which I knew before I arrived was done by merchandise cast members and not attractions cast members like you would probably think. The reason for this is that the cast members running the games also sell tickets for the games which falls under the category of merchandise. If you know me personally, especially before I did the college program, you know public speaking is not my thing-- this was reason #1 why I did not want to work merchandise in Dinoland.
Reason #2 really only exists because of the nerdy Disney snob in me: I thought that Chester and Hester's Dinorama was extremely tacky and out of place, and as such it did not belong in a Disney park. It would be my luck that I'd be placed at the one location I really couldn't stand.
The last reason why I was not thrilled with this location is because I worried that it would feel "less magical." How magical could you really be while stocking water bottles near the Boneyard, or spieling and running a carnival game?
giving out prizes at Comet Crasher
While I do have a new found appreciation for Dinoland after having worked there, I'm not going to lie and say that I came to this realization overnight. In fact, I loathed my work location for much of the fall program, so much so that I often gave away my Dinoland shifts and picked up shifts in other locations. Looking back on it now, part of me wishes that I would have given Dinoland more of a chance, though at the same time, I'm really thankful that as a result of my dislike for the area I had the opportunity to work at all four theme parks and a resort in one semester.
It's funny how things change though. Since it's been (almost exactly to the day) a year since I last worked in Dinoland, I've had plenty of time to reflect on my feelings towards the place, and this is what I've come up with:
The carnival games, or Fossil Fun Games, I should say, fit the theme of the land, and they really do add a lot to what Dinoland has to offer if you give them a chance. At first glance, you might (as I did) wonder what on Earth a tacky carnival side show is doing at the Walt Disney World Resort, and that's okay! Sometimes you need to think about something a little bit more to really appreciate it. If you've never heard the actual story behind Dinoland (which is much more detailed than I have time to write about for this post) here's the basic gist of it: Fossils were discovered, hence the Dino Institute. Chester and Hester a (seemingly married?) couple from Diggs County (haha, get it?) realizes that tourists are flocking to see the Dino Institute and they want in. They convert their gas station (Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures) into a gift shop, and turn the parking lot into a midway (hence the parking lot spaces on the pavement.) They also renovate the old fishing lodge (Restaurantosaurus) into a restaurant, and one that is surprisingly detailed at that. I'm not kidding, take a look around next time you're in there-- you can even spot bunks in the lofts where the interns who work at the Dino Institute stay. If you're walking through Dinoland, listen closely to the music-- it's a radio show that's run by two of the interns. There are so many details that I realize now actually make Dinoland really fascinating, you just need to take the time to find them.
hanging out with the Cementosaurus
Since working on the games, I've also learned that unlike many other carnivals they're not rigged... at all... which means that as long as you buy a ticket, you really do have a chance of winning. The only game that might seem "rigged" is Comet Crasher, but we were always told to market it as a game of luck, so guests would know that there is no way to come up with a strategy for playing it. The fact that the games are not rigged, means that you can essentially help guests (especially kids) win prizes. While we obviously couldn't give out prizes left and right, it was really easy to create magical moments for kids while working on the games. Kids who were too young to make paying for a game worth it for instance, would always be allowed to "practice" for free if I was working. (Note: this does depend entirely on the cast member working, as they have a lot of freedom in running the games.) Occasionally if two siblings played against each other, and it was clear that there would be a fight if there was only one winner, I'd make it a tie. I'd let parents help when wacking the dinos with mallets became too challenging. I'd play against kids who had no opponents (and lose.)
Of course, not everything about the carnival was (no pun intended) "all fun and games." It was hot. Regardless of where you work in Disney, and trust me, I later worked at Lights, Motors, Action! so I know heat, nothing ever seems as hot as the games did. Some of the games give off heat due to the lighting inside them, so even with all the fans, it's really just blowing around hot air. The tablets you'd use to ring guests out with were incredibly slow, making it difficult to process transactions, while spieling and/or running the game for guests who had already paid. Kids cry when they lose, and as much as you want to provide magical moments for everyone and just give the crying kid a prize, you can't. If ten kids play a competition game, you can't just give the winner and the four kids who are upset, prizes-- you'd run out of prizes, and the winning kids would catch on and be unhappy. You'd be on your feet, butt, knees, tip toes, anything that gets you to move faster picking up the comets the kids drop at Comet Crasher so they can toss them again. It's stressful. It's having at least three conversations at once-- selling tickets, performing safety spiels, giving change or credit card slips, running the game, keeping track of the winner-- it's a lot. And if you can't multitask it really isn't the job for you. You'll have great hours, like the occasional 7 AM to 3 PM, but you'll still leave work exhausted. Like any job you could have working with the public, sometimes the guests will be great, and sometimes you'll leave work wondering how another human can make someone feel so degraded. You'll never want to look at another plush snake or dinosaur, and even a year later, I still have anxiety over seeing the basketball game at my local fair.
Regardless of the stress my role in Dinoland caused me at the time, I'm grateful that I kept a mostly positive attitude, and stuck through it until my extension came and I was switched to attractions. Was I really good at spieling on Mammoth Marathon? I would guess probably not, but you know what I am good at now? Public speaking. Even though I'm not sure I'd ever want to have another three hour stint on Mammoth again, I'm so thankful for the fact that I can now give a presentation to a group without stumbling over words, and being nervous that I'll say something stupid. You know what happens when you say something stupid over a microphone to twenty people waiting to play a game? You fix it! You learn to laugh at yourself, to make jokes, to correct whatever was said, to have fun, regardless of the small mistake. Now if only this would have been a skill I could have had in college...
Sometimes the most challenging thing is to complete a challenge that you want nothing to do with. If I was in love with the idea of working in Dinoland, the level of multitasking involved in running the carnival games would have never been stressful, but I wasn't. Now that I've been out of Dinoland for a year, I realized I needed this. Walt Disney once said, "You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." Dinoland was the kick in my teeth, and I needed that kick to realize that I can handle anything that any job in my future throws at me.
visiting Dinoland after my transfer to attractions
Even though I'll admit that Dinoland is still not my favorite part of the park, it does have a special place in my heart. I understand the theme so much better after having worked there, and even though it is still outwardly tacky to me, I appreciate the hard work that went into designing it. I've also been able to admit that working in Dinoland (or even just visiting Dinoland) can be magical. This is especially important for new CPs to understand-- don't think that just because you were not placed in the Magic Kingdom that your role will not be magical-- every role can be magical, it's exactly what you make of it.
Again, I'm not going to lie and say I loved my time in Dinoland-- I definitely think the area as a whole (especially with merchandise cast members running the carnival games, that in my opinion should be run by attractions) has some flaws, but I'm so beyond grateful for the opportunity to work there. I learned so many things about myself, and I learned not to sweat the small stuff, literally and figuratively: Public speaking isn't such a big deal, and don't wear mascara to work outdoors in Animal Kingdom in August unless you want it to drip down your face. I may not be hanging out in Diggs County on a regular basis anymore, but I still like to consider myself a "cousin" of Chester and Hester, and I'm always up for encouraging more people to read up on the backstory of Dinoland, so they too can see that it's really not so bad after all... except those shorts, those are really as bad as they seem ;) .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is on Amazon! Click here to order your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
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Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
- CP Q&A - Chaz: Custodial on Main Street USA
"Give the public everything you can give them, keep the place as clean as you can keep it, keep it friendly." - Walt Disney
This interview features Chaz, former Main Street custodial CP and my fiance, who participated in the spring 2015 Disney College Program. Chaz is from Boston, MA, and is currently attending Bunker Hill Community College, where he majors in History.
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: The Disney College program was something Brittany actually told me about. I’ve always had the dream of working at Disney, and living in Florida so it seemed like the perfect way to accomplish this.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was Custodial in Magic Kingdom South. Custodial actually was my first choice, although I didn't ever think I would be placed not only in Magic Kingdom, let alone in the south zone, right along Main Street and the front of the castle, so I really lucked out in that sense.
Q: What was your training like?
A: I had two days of classes and several days of on the job training including an assessment. The classes ranged from simple stuff like how to change a trash can liner and how to sweep with a pan and broom, to more complex things like the the ingredients of various cleaning chemicals to complete layouts and showtimes for the park. One thing that custodial does that other roles do not is they take a second orientation day other than the usual orientation tour that other roles take. This orientation is solely to get you acclimated to each zone of the park, not just your own. we walked around each area, learning where every CDS, Compactor, and AVAC is located, just in case we are in the area for any reason.
Q: What did you like most about your role?
A: Oh wow, where do I start? The freedom was incredible. you didn't have to worry about being in any single place for an extended period of time, and the zones in each area of the park were pretty big, making it hard to be bored in any location you were in. Due to the nature of the role, a guest could ask you any question at any given time, sometimes you could even walk a guest to where they wanted to go, because the costumes weren't tied to any specific land. I found myself working right in the front and walking guests to New Fantasyland or Frontierland to help them find where they needed to go. On top of that, guest interactions were always special. Being one of the first cast members guest would see would mean they were always in a great mood, excited and ready for magic. Being stationed in the front of the park meant that if you're assigned to a hub zone or plaza zone, you were taking pictures for (or sometimes with) guest more than cleaning. There was also a sort of comradery with the other custodial cast members, everyone was willing to help everyone with their duties, you knew that everyone sort of had your back, in case the park was really busy or you were just simply having trouble keeping the cans empty. Even restroom shifts were pretty fun. They went quick because you were always working and and moving.
Q: What did you like least?
A: The Hours. most weekends I had to work, and on those days you might not leave until 3 am or even later. And while almost all the zones were inside the park, my location also included the monorail station and BDO (bus drop off), which were outside the park where there were no other cast members and guests would be so excited to enter the park they wouldn't want to stop and interact with you, so it could get pretty lonely. And while it was no problem for me, the job could get pretty disgusting. But those things were very easy to get over after the first time you see them, they don't ever really bother you again (even after the program).
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: I would absolutely recommend this role to a friend. Custodial gets a bad rep for its occasional disgusting moments, but 99% of the time it was the most fun job I've ever had.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Be prepared to speak to everyone. as I said, you are the first cast member most guests see, or you're further into the park where your bright white costume sticks out, so you’re usually the one who answers the questions for the guests. Don't sweat the gross stuff, and be prepared to make a lot of friends in many roles including your own.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I've gone back to school, and started a new job as an assistant manager at a local kids crafts center, which I fully credit to the skills I learned at my role in Disney.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is on Amazon! Click here to order your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
This interview features Chaz, former Main Street custodial CP and my fiance, who participated in the spring 2015 Disney College Program. Chaz is from Boston, MA, and is currently attending Bunker Hill Community College, where he majors in History.
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: The Disney College program was something Brittany actually told me about. I’ve always had the dream of working at Disney, and living in Florida so it seemed like the perfect way to accomplish this.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was Custodial in Magic Kingdom South. Custodial actually was my first choice, although I didn't ever think I would be placed not only in Magic Kingdom, let alone in the south zone, right along Main Street and the front of the castle, so I really lucked out in that sense.
Q: What was your training like?
A: I had two days of classes and several days of on the job training including an assessment. The classes ranged from simple stuff like how to change a trash can liner and how to sweep with a pan and broom, to more complex things like the the ingredients of various cleaning chemicals to complete layouts and showtimes for the park. One thing that custodial does that other roles do not is they take a second orientation day other than the usual orientation tour that other roles take. This orientation is solely to get you acclimated to each zone of the park, not just your own. we walked around each area, learning where every CDS, Compactor, and AVAC is located, just in case we are in the area for any reason.
Q: What did you like most about your role?
A: Oh wow, where do I start? The freedom was incredible. you didn't have to worry about being in any single place for an extended period of time, and the zones in each area of the park were pretty big, making it hard to be bored in any location you were in. Due to the nature of the role, a guest could ask you any question at any given time, sometimes you could even walk a guest to where they wanted to go, because the costumes weren't tied to any specific land. I found myself working right in the front and walking guests to New Fantasyland or Frontierland to help them find where they needed to go. On top of that, guest interactions were always special. Being one of the first cast members guest would see would mean they were always in a great mood, excited and ready for magic. Being stationed in the front of the park meant that if you're assigned to a hub zone or plaza zone, you were taking pictures for (or sometimes with) guest more than cleaning. There was also a sort of comradery with the other custodial cast members, everyone was willing to help everyone with their duties, you knew that everyone sort of had your back, in case the park was really busy or you were just simply having trouble keeping the cans empty. Even restroom shifts were pretty fun. They went quick because you were always working and and moving.
Q: What did you like least?
A: The Hours. most weekends I had to work, and on those days you might not leave until 3 am or even later. And while almost all the zones were inside the park, my location also included the monorail station and BDO (bus drop off), which were outside the park where there were no other cast members and guests would be so excited to enter the park they wouldn't want to stop and interact with you, so it could get pretty lonely. And while it was no problem for me, the job could get pretty disgusting. But those things were very easy to get over after the first time you see them, they don't ever really bother you again (even after the program).
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: I would absolutely recommend this role to a friend. Custodial gets a bad rep for its occasional disgusting moments, but 99% of the time it was the most fun job I've ever had.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Be prepared to speak to everyone. as I said, you are the first cast member most guests see, or you're further into the park where your bright white costume sticks out, so you’re usually the one who answers the questions for the guests. Don't sweat the gross stuff, and be prepared to make a lot of friends in many roles including your own.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I've gone back to school, and started a new job as an assistant manager at a local kids crafts center, which I fully credit to the skills I learned at my role in Disney.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is on Amazon! Click here to order your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Monday, December 7, 2015
- CP Q&A - Kaitie: Merchandise in Tomorrowland
In this CP Q&A, Kaitie, a Fall 2011 alumna from San Antonio, Texas, fills us in on her role in Tomorrowland Merchandise. Kaitie attends the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where she majors in Interdisciplinary Studies with an EC (Early Childhood) - 6th grade concentration.
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: My friend, Danielle, mentioned it during a conversation, and I thought, “Oh – that sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll apply!” And I did! It was really spur of the moment; applications were about to drop the next week, I think.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was Merchandise in Tomorrowland. I didn’t really have a first choice. I had never been to Disney prior to my program, and I really had no clue what the different roles were, or what would be expected. I had no point of reference for what I wanted to do there!
Q: What was your training like?
A: My training was a whirlwind! Honestly, I was prepared for the position. I had done a lot of customer service type jobs prior to the DCP – including working at SeaWorld San Antonio, so I was pretty comfortable with everything the position required of me. The most memorable part of my training was Traditions. When they took us to the park, and we popped out on Main Street USA, and I saw the castle for the first time, I just started bawling. I felt like such a baby, but it was so emotional for me! I had just driven for three days, with only my roommate, and left my family for the first time, and that moment was filled with a sense of, “Oh. This is why I did this. THIS is the reason I am here.” I had a very personal magical moment my very first time in the park, and it was wonderful.
Q: What were the best things about your role?
A: The constant interaction with Guests was one of my favorite things. I am a people person, and I just loved the opportunity to make family vacations memorable. On top of that, the group of people I worked with were fantastic. We laughed ALL the time, about the silliest things. I made some really great friends during my time in T-Land Merch, and we stay in touch to this day, four years later!
Q: The worst?
A: The days were LONG. And tiring. And stressful. The thing you have to understand about Disney, and working there, is that it is never enough. There will always be something else you could be doing, or should be doing, or that someone will tell you to do. It will often feel like you’re not making a difference, but you ARE. I always tried to remind myself that if I made at least ONE person’s day better, I had done my job. I went to work, I was kind and polite to everyone, and I went above and beyond when I was able. But with 30 Guests in line to buy ponchos during a predictable 2:30 PM downpour? Not every Guest is going to feel the Pixie Dust in that very moment. That doesn’t mean that I can’t make a difference to one of those people.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: I absolutely would recommend Merchandise to a friend. I think it’s one of the easier jobs at Disney. It’s definitely not as stressful as, say, Quick Service. It has it’s moments, but overall, it was a wonderful experience for me, and I think others would benefit from the experience as well.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: This isn’t really role-specific, but spend as much time as possible at the parks during your off days. You will regret not spending more time there when you go back home. There will be days when you’re so exhausted, all you want to do is sleep; go to the parks anyway. You are young. You can survive without a couple hours of sleep. When you are back in your hometown, and your memories are starting to fade, you will wish you had MORE memories, of MORE times playing in the parks. Don’t take that perk for granted.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I’ve been in process of finishing my degree, as well as working full time. I took a year off of school about a year and a half after I got back from Disney, and worked in a school here in San Antonio that services students with special needs. I absolutely fell in love with the field, and am now set to graduate from UTSA this May with my Bachelor’s in Education. I plan on teaching elementary special education. I also continue to participate in local community theater. I love musical theater, and it’s a great outlet for me, creatively. I guess I’ve grown up a lot since my time with the DCP. I’m really not at a place anymore where I can justify even thinking about applying for another program, and it makes me sad, but also hopeful for my future. Maybe I’ll find my way back to Disney again as a Cast Member, but if not, it’s one of my top vacation destinations, and I’ll see Mickey again real soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: My friend, Danielle, mentioned it during a conversation, and I thought, “Oh – that sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll apply!” And I did! It was really spur of the moment; applications were about to drop the next week, I think.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was Merchandise in Tomorrowland. I didn’t really have a first choice. I had never been to Disney prior to my program, and I really had no clue what the different roles were, or what would be expected. I had no point of reference for what I wanted to do there!
Q: What was your training like?
A: My training was a whirlwind! Honestly, I was prepared for the position. I had done a lot of customer service type jobs prior to the DCP – including working at SeaWorld San Antonio, so I was pretty comfortable with everything the position required of me. The most memorable part of my training was Traditions. When they took us to the park, and we popped out on Main Street USA, and I saw the castle for the first time, I just started bawling. I felt like such a baby, but it was so emotional for me! I had just driven for three days, with only my roommate, and left my family for the first time, and that moment was filled with a sense of, “Oh. This is why I did this. THIS is the reason I am here.” I had a very personal magical moment my very first time in the park, and it was wonderful.
Q: What were the best things about your role?
A: The constant interaction with Guests was one of my favorite things. I am a people person, and I just loved the opportunity to make family vacations memorable. On top of that, the group of people I worked with were fantastic. We laughed ALL the time, about the silliest things. I made some really great friends during my time in T-Land Merch, and we stay in touch to this day, four years later!
Q: The worst?
A: The days were LONG. And tiring. And stressful. The thing you have to understand about Disney, and working there, is that it is never enough. There will always be something else you could be doing, or should be doing, or that someone will tell you to do. It will often feel like you’re not making a difference, but you ARE. I always tried to remind myself that if I made at least ONE person’s day better, I had done my job. I went to work, I was kind and polite to everyone, and I went above and beyond when I was able. But with 30 Guests in line to buy ponchos during a predictable 2:30 PM downpour? Not every Guest is going to feel the Pixie Dust in that very moment. That doesn’t mean that I can’t make a difference to one of those people.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: I absolutely would recommend Merchandise to a friend. I think it’s one of the easier jobs at Disney. It’s definitely not as stressful as, say, Quick Service. It has it’s moments, but overall, it was a wonderful experience for me, and I think others would benefit from the experience as well.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: This isn’t really role-specific, but spend as much time as possible at the parks during your off days. You will regret not spending more time there when you go back home. There will be days when you’re so exhausted, all you want to do is sleep; go to the parks anyway. You are young. You can survive without a couple hours of sleep. When you are back in your hometown, and your memories are starting to fade, you will wish you had MORE memories, of MORE times playing in the parks. Don’t take that perk for granted.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I’ve been in process of finishing my degree, as well as working full time. I took a year off of school about a year and a half after I got back from Disney, and worked in a school here in San Antonio that services students with special needs. I absolutely fell in love with the field, and am now set to graduate from UTSA this May with my Bachelor’s in Education. I plan on teaching elementary special education. I also continue to participate in local community theater. I love musical theater, and it’s a great outlet for me, creatively. I guess I’ve grown up a lot since my time with the DCP. I’m really not at a place anymore where I can justify even thinking about applying for another program, and it makes me sad, but also hopeful for my future. Maybe I’ll find my way back to Disney again as a Cast Member, but if not, it’s one of my top vacation destinations, and I’ll see Mickey again real soon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Sunday, December 6, 2015
A Tribute to Captain EO
Today, December 6, 2015, marks the end of a journey for Captain EO and his "ragtag crew" This classic Epcot attraction premiered in September of 1986, and opened in Disneyland later that same year. It was eventually replicated in Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris as well. The show closed in 1994, and later reopened as a tribute to Michael Jackson after his death in 2010. Now for the second time in its Epcot run, Caption EO will be closing after today, making way for the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival.
The 3D show, starring Michael Jackson as the lead role, Captain EO, was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and executive produced by George Lucas. In true 80's fashion, Captain EO is the leader of a space crew of puppets, who are traveling with him on a mission to present an incredibly vague gift to the "supreme leader." The supreme leader is played by Anjelica Huston, and she appears to rule over an oddly 1980's themed planet, dressed up with some lightning, random Steampunk elements, and pieces of metal... perhaps from failed missions to the planet in the past? But who really knows...
I've always thought the plot moved kind of slow in the beginning of the 17 minute film, but it is typical of what this style of movie was like back when it was made, and it does a good job of providing information for characters like Hooter, Idee & Odee, Fuzzball, Major Domo, and Minor Domo. Of course, the culmination of the film is when Captain EO finally does deliver the gift to the supreme leader. Though vague in the beginning Captain EO does eventually make it clear that the gift is essentially the action of him releasing the supreme leader's inner beauty through the power of song. With a few bumps along the way, the musical numbers are completed, and Captain EO is able to defeat the supreme leader's guards by.... dancing at them? Hey, whatever works! The musical score, by the way, features two songs: "We Are Here to Change the World," and "Another Part of Me," both written by James Horner.
While Captain EO may seem like your standards 80's 3D movie, with "cheap 3D tricks," as the Muppets might say, it did achieve a number of milestones. For one, it was incredibly expensive for a 17 minute film. At an estimated $17 to $30 million to produce, it was (at the time) the most expensive film produced on a per-minute basis. You might get some idea of the scope of production on Captain EO from watching the pre-show, but probably not to the extent of what it actually cost. Speaking of cost, that's the #1 reason why so many scenes had very limited takes, and why you may spot some continuity errors if you watch it closely enough. At over $1 million per minute, the crew was not going to spend too much time on any one scene. Captain EO was also one of the first 4D experiences out there. For whatever reason, most theme parks, and other attractions still tend to market these attractions as "3D," but in reality the extra effects of the floor moving, water spraying, wind blowing, or anything else actually would classify it as a 4D experience. The film also features about 150 special effects total, including makeup effects, which in the case of Anjelica Huston would have taken about 3 hours to complete before filming.
Captain EO is a kind of cult classic in the Disney fan world. I would estimate that the majority of Disney fans are not heartbroken so see the attraction close for the second time, but there are still a number of fans who do really love Captain EO. I would say that I fall into the second group, but I'm not extremely heartbroken about this closure. As cool as it is to experience Captain EO the same way guests would have experienced it in 1986, it really will be "gone but not forgotten." Thankfully, Captain EO videos are aplenty on the internet, and I will probably eventually order one of the shirts from Red Bubble. Maybe one day we'll even see some vintage Captain EO designs at Mouse Gear. Walt Disney was a firm believer that the parks would never be finished, and they would always be changing and improving to provide the best experiences for guests.
"Now listen, the commander considers us a bunch of losers, but we're gonna do it right because we're the best. If not, we'll be drummed out of the corps."
- Captain EO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
The 3D show, starring Michael Jackson as the lead role, Captain EO, was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and executive produced by George Lucas. In true 80's fashion, Captain EO is the leader of a space crew of puppets, who are traveling with him on a mission to present an incredibly vague gift to the "supreme leader." The supreme leader is played by Anjelica Huston, and she appears to rule over an oddly 1980's themed planet, dressed up with some lightning, random Steampunk elements, and pieces of metal... perhaps from failed missions to the planet in the past? But who really knows...
I've always thought the plot moved kind of slow in the beginning of the 17 minute film, but it is typical of what this style of movie was like back when it was made, and it does a good job of providing information for characters like Hooter, Idee & Odee, Fuzzball, Major Domo, and Minor Domo. Of course, the culmination of the film is when Captain EO finally does deliver the gift to the supreme leader. Though vague in the beginning Captain EO does eventually make it clear that the gift is essentially the action of him releasing the supreme leader's inner beauty through the power of song. With a few bumps along the way, the musical numbers are completed, and Captain EO is able to defeat the supreme leader's guards by.... dancing at them? Hey, whatever works! The musical score, by the way, features two songs: "We Are Here to Change the World," and "Another Part of Me," both written by James Horner.
(grand re-opening in 2010)
While Captain EO may seem like your standards 80's 3D movie, with "cheap 3D tricks," as the Muppets might say, it did achieve a number of milestones. For one, it was incredibly expensive for a 17 minute film. At an estimated $17 to $30 million to produce, it was (at the time) the most expensive film produced on a per-minute basis. You might get some idea of the scope of production on Captain EO from watching the pre-show, but probably not to the extent of what it actually cost. Speaking of cost, that's the #1 reason why so many scenes had very limited takes, and why you may spot some continuity errors if you watch it closely enough. At over $1 million per minute, the crew was not going to spend too much time on any one scene. Captain EO was also one of the first 4D experiences out there. For whatever reason, most theme parks, and other attractions still tend to market these attractions as "3D," but in reality the extra effects of the floor moving, water spraying, wind blowing, or anything else actually would classify it as a 4D experience. The film also features about 150 special effects total, including makeup effects, which in the case of Anjelica Huston would have taken about 3 hours to complete before filming.
Captain EO is a kind of cult classic in the Disney fan world. I would estimate that the majority of Disney fans are not heartbroken so see the attraction close for the second time, but there are still a number of fans who do really love Captain EO. I would say that I fall into the second group, but I'm not extremely heartbroken about this closure. As cool as it is to experience Captain EO the same way guests would have experienced it in 1986, it really will be "gone but not forgotten." Thankfully, Captain EO videos are aplenty on the internet, and I will probably eventually order one of the shirts from Red Bubble. Maybe one day we'll even see some vintage Captain EO designs at Mouse Gear. Walt Disney was a firm believer that the parks would never be finished, and they would always be changing and improving to provide the best experiences for guests.
"Now listen, the commander considers us a bunch of losers, but we're gonna do it right because we're the best. If not, we'll be drummed out of the corps."
- Captain EO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Brittany Earns Her Ears" is available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy today!
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Friday, December 4, 2015
- CP Q&A - Sara: Quick Service Food and Beverage at Captain Cook's
In this CP Q&A, I interviewed Sara Lopes, a fellow Earning Your Ears author and a CP alumna who worked quick service food and beverage at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort in the spring 2013 program. Sara attended a community college prior to her college program, and will be graduating from California State University with a degree in business/marketing.
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: I've always been a Disney fan, but the college program was a way I could really become a part of the magic and provide an experience I couldn't really have anywhere else. It was a great chance to go out live on my own, get my foot in the door for the company I wanted to work for, and meet amazing people along the way.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was Quick Service Food and Beverage at Captain Cook's in the Polynesian Resort. I was also deployed to the Grand Floridian and Art of Animation for a week each. It wasn't my first choice, I originally wanted Merchandise or Attractions.
Q: What was your training like?
A: I had around five days of training, one for stocking, behind the counter, bussing, and two for learning the registers.
Q: What were the best parts of your role?
A: I loved the efficiency of working behind the counter, as well as my coworkers. They were a lot of fun to work with. Talking to guests and learning about their day was also a highlight to the experience.
Q: The worst?
A: It's food...it wasn't my first pick, and honestly still isn't. It's nothing glamorous and it's hard work. I also burned myself plenty of times and came home smelling like fries.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: I would only recommend this if they have some interest in the food industry, and enjoy working in a fast pace environment.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Be prepared to work hard. Depending on your location, rush hours for the three main meals of the day can be rather intense for demand and hungry people can be cranky. But if you take the time to make the guests' experience worthwhile and learn to have fun with your coworkers, it can be a really memorable learning experience.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I moved to Southern California, got a part time job with Disneyland in attractions in California Adventure, where I work at Monsters Inc., Soarin Over California, and Tower of Terror. I'm also a current trainer and working lead (coordinator) at Soarin, and published an "Earning Your Ears" book just like Brittany!
Want to follow Sara's Disney journey? You can find her at:
TheDisneyDen.com
@thedisneyden on Twitter and Facebook
@saraklopes on Instagram
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The Earning Your Ears series is available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. Click here to order Sara's, and click here to order Brittany's!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Brittany at:
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: I've always been a Disney fan, but the college program was a way I could really become a part of the magic and provide an experience I couldn't really have anywhere else. It was a great chance to go out live on my own, get my foot in the door for the company I wanted to work for, and meet amazing people along the way.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I was Quick Service Food and Beverage at Captain Cook's in the Polynesian Resort. I was also deployed to the Grand Floridian and Art of Animation for a week each. It wasn't my first choice, I originally wanted Merchandise or Attractions.
Q: What was your training like?
A: I had around five days of training, one for stocking, behind the counter, bussing, and two for learning the registers.
Q: What were the best parts of your role?
A: I loved the efficiency of working behind the counter, as well as my coworkers. They were a lot of fun to work with. Talking to guests and learning about their day was also a highlight to the experience.
Q: The worst?
A: It's food...it wasn't my first pick, and honestly still isn't. It's nothing glamorous and it's hard work. I also burned myself plenty of times and came home smelling like fries.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: I would only recommend this if they have some interest in the food industry, and enjoy working in a fast pace environment.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Be prepared to work hard. Depending on your location, rush hours for the three main meals of the day can be rather intense for demand and hungry people can be cranky. But if you take the time to make the guests' experience worthwhile and learn to have fun with your coworkers, it can be a really memorable learning experience.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: I moved to Southern California, got a part time job with Disneyland in attractions in California Adventure, where I work at Monsters Inc., Soarin Over California, and Tower of Terror. I'm also a current trainer and working lead (coordinator) at Soarin, and published an "Earning Your Ears" book just like Brittany!
Want to follow Sara's Disney journey? You can find her at:
TheDisneyDen.com
@thedisneyden on Twitter and Facebook
@saraklopes on Instagram
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Earning Your Ears series is available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. Click here to order Sara's, and click here to order Brittany's!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Brittany at:
Facebook.com/BrittanyEarnsHerEars
Instagram: @brittanyearnsherears
Twitter: @BrittanyEHE
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