As of a few days ago, I am all moved in at my apartment at The Commons at Lake Buena Vista, Florida. After waking up at six in the morning yesterday, I packed up my belongings at the resort I was staying at, and I headed over to my complex which was maybe fifteen minutes away. My check-in was at eight, and I was eager to see my living space for the next eight months. Of course, our apartment building was the very last building in the complex and it took forever to carry two fifty-pound suitcases plus a backpack and a carry- on. What a trip that was! At least, I was placed with my three roommates that I linked up with. Sara who is from Sacramento, California, is working in merchandise at Hollywood Studios Sunset Boulevard. Catherine who is from Kansas City, Missouri, is working at the quick service restaurant Electric Umbrella in Epcot. Last but not least, Lis who is from Staten Island, New York, is working at costuming for Magic Kingdom Entertainment. It will be interesting to learn about their different roles and experiences.

Here is a picture of my living space

After settling into my beautiful living space with my lovely roommates, I had to go to Casting. The Casting building is where all Disney employees are given background checks, fingerprinting, approved for the “Disney Look”, drug and alcohol testing, and we are given our training schedule for the next few days. It was amazing to be able to be present in this building because you could feel the determination and magic that is created there. While I was giving one of the recruiters my I-9 documentation, she was amazed that I was placed to work at the Grand Floridian. Apparently, it is quite difficult to be placed in this high-end resort and so I have to thank the mouse himself!

It was exciting to receive my training schedule for my role at Disney. On Saturday I have Traditions, which is when I will officially become a Disney Cast Member and have my own name tag. Although, that sounds corny, I already know that there will be many happy tears. The day after, I have my first training day which is called “Welcome to Operations." Every participant of the college program is required to take this as it is an official welcome to the company as a cast member. This training session is six and a half hours. On Monday, I have my “Welcome to Lodging” training session which is ten hours long. Here, all participants who have a role in one of the resorts will learn the ins and outs of Disney Resorts. On Tuesday, I have my “Welcome Day” at the Grand Floridian. Here is when I get a five-hour tour and introduction to the resort. I will also be fitted for my costume at the resort. Each cast member is dressed in a costume, which is the Disney term for work attire. For each of the training days, it is a requirement to dress in business attire.

My Work Location: The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

After I complete these three days in introductory training, I will have more in-depth training at the Grand Floridian. My next journal I want to focus on what actually happened at Traditions, and the three training sessions. See ya real soon!