Training/Work Life

Hello everyone! So I decided to try and make this post a little more entertaining by adding in some GIFs throughout my explanation of training! First I’m going to specifically focus on Quick Service Food & Beverage for Stands West in the Magic Kingdom! Then if I have time I will ask my roommates to give a little info on their training for other roles.

So you’ve taken you’re welcome classes, you have your costume, and you’re just about ready to jump out of your skin with anticipation. It’s a feeling that can only be described as giddiness mixed with pure terror. What if you can’t handle it? But you’re working in Disney it can’t be that scary, can it? Don’t worry, I can guarantee you that EVERYONE feels the exact same way starting out. To be honest everyone’s experience is different, but one thing I can assure you is everyone’s job is doable. Disney isn’t going to throw you into a role you can’t handle!

Now during your tour of your work location or whatever your first official day of training may be you will acquire the famous “earning my ears” ribbon. For those of you that don’t know, the “earning my ears” ribbon is put under your name tag to notify guests that you are in training (trust me it won’t stop them from asking you every question possible). Anyways depending on your role training times may vary. For example since Stands West is made up of multiple different locations throughout Adventureland and Frontierland, I had six days of training. But my two other roommates, Emily and McKenzie, who are both quick service only had three. Sabrina on the other hand is photopass and her training is still going on due to all the different types of photo opportunities that are available to guests. I’ll go into more detail on everyone else’s training later, but right now lets get back to Stands West.

So the way training works is you will arrive at your location in costume ready to go and you will be be paired up with a trainer. Trainers can be anywhere from full-time workers to fellow DCPs who have extended their program. They’re here to help you understand your location and make sure you understand each job that you may be responsible for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Throughout my training I had multiple trainers over the six days. You will also most likely be training with other people from your arrival date which is a great way to start building friendships with coworkers!

At the end of training you will go through assessment which basically just makes sure you’re capable of working on your own from that point on. Please don’t stress over it, it’s nothing you need to study for, it’s really just basic knowledge. Once you’re assessment is over it’s time to that earning my ears tag and become the real deal!

After assessment day it’s all you. You need to be on time, clock in on your own, and report to your role independently. At first I was a nervous mess. What if I got one of the roles I don’t feel as confident or comfortable in? What if I mess something up? Once again please don’t stress! The first day I got put in multiple different roles throughout the day and a lot of the time I found myself struggling to remember exact processes. There are plenty of people around you willing to help you out. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s better to ask for help than do something wrong and possible slow down the process.

When my first day ended I realized I was perfectly capable of working on my own. It really wasn’t as difficult as I thought it was going to be! In fact it was actually pretty fun! The one big thing I did learn is Disney rules are much easier to follow than you think. Disney rules seem long and overbearing, but they’re in place to help you succeed, not fail.

SO now into a little more detail about what exactly my roles include. Three words: Churros, Chicken Nuggets, and DOLE WHIP. Pretty sure I can swirl Dole Whip in my sleep now. Anyways those are the main items I sell at my stands in Stands West. It’s really fun to be able to interact with guests on a daily basis. I will warn people that it can get a little tiresome at times. There will be the occasional rude guest that has simply either had too much sun or has been on their feet for too long and needs someone to take their anger out on. I’m not going to sugar coat it, this will happen. Prices might be too high or you might not sell what they want; all you need to do is keep your cool and call a coordinator if things get too out of hand. Don’t panic though, there’s nothing you can really do when a guest gets frustrated because it really isn’t towards you directly. The other thing that can get slightly repetitive is the questions. What time does the 3 o’clock parade start miss? Where can I find a Turkey Leg, the map says here but it’s not here, are they all gone!? Where is Pirates of the Caribbean? Or my personal favorite: What’s the difference between a Dole Whip and a Dole Whip Float? (Floats have pineapple juice at the bottom with ice Dole Whip on top, spread the word please). It will feel like there’s a lot being thrown at you at once at times. But trust me you got this!

But please don’t think I’m trying to scare you! I’m not, I swear the job is fun! Trust me the great guests make this whole program worth it! There will be days where guests will make magical moments for you instead of the other way around. I have had so many interactions already with guests that will stay in my heart forever.  It’s times like these that just make you proud to be in the program.

Overall when it comes to Quick Service please remember that there will be both good days and bad days. I have come home exhausted and energized on others. For every hard day there are plenty other good ones. Overall take it day by day. It really is fun. You will meet amazing friends and have an amazing experience. The BIGGEST THING I will say though is PLEASE PLEASE PLEASEEEE (Cannot stress this enough) do not turn down your program offer just because you’re upset about getting Quick Service. I have seen people switch roles once they’ve gotten here so they could be in Quick Service. They do this because you meet a lot more people and have way more guest interaction in Quick Service than some other roles! So get your groove on and get ready for a great time!

I will be making a separate post about training for other roles. I will try and interview my roommates to get their input soon! This post just took me so long to write I figured I would make it a stand alone post about Quick Service for Stands West only! More to come!