// Most of the mentioned adventures are linked to either the Post i wrote about it or a youtube Video //
I can't believe that my time in the United States came to such a quick end. 386 days away from home, family and friends. 386 days of decisions about my life in the United States and my life back home after it. My time as Time-Traveler at Animal Kingdom, World Traveler at Epcot, Master Sorcerer at the Magic Kingdom and Character Hunter at Walt Disney World is over. What remains is an unforgettable experience that i am more than thankful for! There are a lot of factors that made my year magical: the people i`ve met, the trips i`ve made or the magic i`ve created for others.
As it is with everything in life, fun always comes with work and isn`t always magical. After all those adventures, it`s actually time to say goodbye to America and my work as Cultural Representative at Walt Disney World. But not without some last words about things i learned and discovered abroad.
First of all i am thankful for all those things i got to do and discover during my year. I would`ve never thought that i make it to that many places, see so many new things and have such a great time. My first trip took me on a Cruise to the Bahamas, i went to New York City to celebrate Christmas, enjoyed some time in Los Angeles and walked trough Walt Disneys originalDisneyland in California. I got to swim with dolphins at Epcot, got close to a lot of Animals on the Wild Afrika Trek at the Animal Kingdom, enjoyed Mickeys Not So Scary Halloweenparty, discovered new rides, attractions and some world class shows at all four Disney World Parks, at Universal Orlando, Seaworld, Busch Gardens Tampa and Legoland Florida and was riding a horse at the Fort Wilderness Resort for the first time. But all those experiences don`t cover half of the fun i had. In order to stay up-to-date, the Disney Parks changed and updated a lot of shows and attractions as well during my year.
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| Epcot |
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| Busch Gardens Tampa |
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| Animal Kingdom |
Epcot opened the new Frozen Ever After ride on June 21st, the destination on Soarin changed and offers flights now Around the World and i got to be part of the inaugural year of the Festival of the Arts running between January and February 2017.
At the Animal Kingdom their newest Nighttime-Spectacular Rivers of Light started on February 17 2017 after a year long delay and the showing of the Jungle Book - Alive with Magic which was running from May 28 to September 5th 2016. The Tree of Life came alive at Tree of Life: Awakening and the biggest excitement was of course the opening of Pandora - the World of Avatar in May 2017.
Hollywood Studios was the only Disney Park that closed more attractions than opening new experiences. This happened in order to get ready for their Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land which are both expected to open anytime around 2019. But they still offered some new shows like Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM during the Holiday Season (which replaced the long running Osborne Lights), Fireworks and Disney Movie Magic!
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| Rivers of Light |
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| Happily Ever After |
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| Pandora - World of Avatar |
About Me | The Program
I wouldn`t call myself a Disney freak but i can quote their movies and songs like there is no tomorrow. Neither have i been to the Walt Disney World or the United States before. Beeing part of the program is just something you should appreciate as the biggest chance you`ll ever get. From all those people who apply, only a few actually get the chance to be part of that unforgettable experience: becoming a Cast Member at the Walt Disney World Resort as part of the Cultural Representative Program. Going to all Disney Parks for free a whole year, living abroad and discovering new things, making new friends from around the World, improving the language and having a good time. That`s why i applied!
After i`ve finished my education back home i was looking for ways to go abroad, having some fun and just do something different. As mentioned i am a big Disney fan. Thats why i choose to have a good time with Disney in America. As i have not been attending a college, i couldn`t apply for the international college program. The only position left for me was the one as Cultural Representative at the German Pavillion in Epcot. In the first place i could not imagine what kind of work to expect there. I could decide to work in either Food & Beverage with a chance of some big tips (but at least 6 months outside in the Florida Heat) or with some more time to discover America and work inside in Merchandise. I did second choice. Disney calls it Merchantainment as a big part of work at Disney is to entertain people. We are not only selling merchandise ... we combine it with some information about our culture and work towards the daily goal to make someones day the best possible.
So on June 29th 2016 it was time to start the journey. I was as excited as i could possible be. My family was proud of me for getting this opportunity. Putting all my life into one suitcase was harder than expected. Due to some bad organising from International Services i arrived a day early in the United States and got to spend a night at a Hotel, where i already met some other future Cast Member. My check in was at Vista Way (where I would end up living) at 9 am. I was so nervous, but I went through the whole process of checking in and moving in. I was ready for this new adventure in my life! I went through the typical week of waiting for Traditions at the end of the week, I had a day off, and I started training at work. This is where my story begins.
When you work for Disney, be prepared to change everything about yourself. It all starts with Traditions which is Disneys way to get you into the Spirit of Walt. The start of having to shave every single day and clean your shoes. The beginning of weird descriptions for regular needs (we reffer to a restrom as garden and we don`t go on break. We go and make Haribo). It is also the start of picking up litter in a specific way and reffering to people as guests or princess. It is also the start of pointing with two fingers instead of one (can`t be undone anymore once you leave Disney i promise!). It is also the start of something that no other Company will ever get you: a high level of company affiliation together with that proudness to work for one of the worlds leading entertainment companys.
During my time at Disney World, not only did I learn a lot about the company and their procedures, but I also learned a lot about myself and life in general. You really can learn a lot when you work closely with people from around the world while they are on their dream vacation. You also learn to handle situations which make you feel uncomfortable. And this happened more often than anticipated! Not only did guests ask questions that made you turn around, my fellow colleagues didnt always feel like spreading the magic at work either. In fact a lot of the people i worked with, used Disney and the program to travel the states while putting minimum afford into work. So prepare yourself to make the best out of your shift with everyone involved!
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| Flight over Florida |
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| Disney Traditions |
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| Epcot Germany |
Housing
I had high expectations and was really looking forward to live with people who might get friends for a lifetime. But instead i ended up with a guy who had issues with technically everything that`s expected when you live with others: beeing able to have conversations, cleaning up your own dirty dishes, cleaning the toilet after using it, removing hair from the shower, buying new bin bags after using the last one, taking care of each other when it comes to making noises, risking others termination with having people over who are not allowed to be there.
At least he didn`t put random liquids on the couch or floor like my first roommates from Norway did at my first apartment at Vista Way. That mostly happened when they came home drunk (which happened nearly every day even though they were underage) and was not only annoying, it ruined the first 4 months of my program.
Oh and by the way ... those ten minutes that people tell you about... the time you need to walk from your apartment to the bus stop (as Patterson Court doesn`t have it`s own): be prepared to plan at least 15 minutes ahead of the bus departure as living in the last corner of Patterson Court, Commons or Chatham Square takes that time to walk to and from the bus stop. And it`s annoying as hell!
So yeah, fun stuff.
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| Patterson Court Housing |
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| Patterson Court Apartment |
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| Pool Party |
Transportation
First of all it`s important to mention that no matter where you wanna go on Disney property, Buses get you there - it`s just a matter of patience, planing ahead and time. And if you`re used to just sit down inside your own car, get ready for long and sometimes annoying bus rides. Especially if you just wanna get some groceries and spend at least 2 hours on it. Or if you want to enjoy the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom but dont want to invest an one hour journey back home ...
Disney obviously cares a lot about Safety and Security is tight. You had to show your ID to the bus driver in order to get on the bus. This is of course after you sat at Chatham Sqaure for 30 minutes because the bus didn`t show up and no one knew why. Always take two busses ahead of when you need to get to work unless the bus is on fire or broke down in the middle of the route (yes, TranStar busses regularly did that).
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| Germany at Epcot |
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| Germany at Epcot |
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| Germany at Epcot |
Things I didn’t know about working at Walt Disney World
During my time in the Unite States i kinda had some issues keeping my blog up-to-date, but I’ve been to busy at work, having fun in the parks, discovering Florida, trying new things and ticking off bucket list items of my own. So i actually don`t feel to bad about it ...
For those at home it`s difficult to get the reality of what it’s like to work over here because all you see are pics of me hugging Mickey Mouse, and i only ever tell you about the exciting things i did. In all honesty it’s just like any ordinary job, just in an extraordinary place.
So, I thought perhaps the best way to mark the end of my program would be to post some of the things I’ve learned about the Cultural Representative Program since I got here. There’s some funny stuff and some things I wish that I’d been prepared for.
1. People ask a lot of silly questions
Guests can be hard work. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. I think that because of the nature and the environment of the work we do, we experience more of this than any other location. I frequently get asked where in Germany I’m from, followed by the question whether or not I’m really from there with some voice training. Other less personal questions range from things like ‘are you guys really drinking out of boots?’, ‘is there still a wall in Berlin?’, ‘where`s the Frozen ride‘ (the last one is actually a fair question at Epcot but still funny) …
2. No one at home will understand your Disney-Language
There’s a whole other language over here with work and guest terminology, codes and secret places. And you find yourself saying nonsense sentences like ‘Meet you in China after work’, or hear outrageous things like ‘Timmy, put down your light saber and come eat your Mickey Rice Crispy’. Those kind of situations that make you stop and think about how much fun your life at Disney is.
3. It’s a very intense environment
Your work friends really do become your ‘ohana over here, and we have each other’s backs. You go through highs and lows together, pull each other along when it’s needed and play together on spend time together on your off days. But people are always coming and going, especially on a 12 month program like like the CRP (Cultural Representative Program). So be prepared that people are going to leave or your are going to leave people. Especially during Christmas time it`s hard to not have your friends and family around as guests still expect you to only take care of them. But knowing that you have friends now all around the world makes things easier, right ?
4. It’s not always the happiest place on earth
Guests can be challenging, and even though they’re on holiday, they’re not always feeling the magic. They don’t always say please and thank you and sometimes they forget that you’re also a person with feelings and needs. And when you have a bad day, it’s usually followed up by a moment where you watch the fireworks at the most magical place on earth and then you remember why you are there, thousands of miles from home in a swamp climate.
5. You’ll hit the 6-month pretty fast
It’s the point in your program where the most of your to-do`s of your bucket list have been crossed off, but there`s still so much more to do. It’s very easy to fall into the work, eat, sleep, repeat routine, especially when you’re trying to save some money. t’s difficult when talking to people at home because they see your Instagram and Facebook posts, and your life looks like a holiday (because why would you be posting pics of yourself walking home at midnight?), but working the CRP is tough! Some days are more challenging than others, and there are days when you want to go home and hide in your bed. And it’s okay to admit that, because you’ll get past it - and im sure it`s gonna happen faster then you wish, so go and make the most out of your program before it`s to late!
6. You will revert to your worst student self
$1 instant mac n’ cheese or ramen noodles? Why not. Sometimes you’ll be sat in Wendy’s in full costume, eating a 4 for $4 (and update it to Baconator Fries for only 75cent more because it`s the best you can do!!) and realise that you couldn’t possibly sink any lower. Bonus points if you go to Chick-fil-A instead, get asked if you want the same like always. Double score if it’s Hurricanes and you totally forgot to buy food that doesn`t need hot water to be eatable...
7. You’ll develop new facial expressions
It’s the perfect balance of ‘hi, look how magical I am’, and ‘please don’t bother me with stupid questions’. Nothing to add here.
8. You’ll meet a lot of people with the same Heritage
Didn’t you know that every American had some great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents which had great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparentsthat were German, which actually makes them German. And the also have a pickle on their christmas tree like every German person. And then they spell their last name like that: “Yes, that’s B, as in beer, a A, as in AmericaFirst, a U, as in UncommonHeritage...”
9. It gets cold in Florida
Who knew, right? It was 30*C all over Christmas, and then January hit and it was actually cold. Like coat, gloves and hand-warmers cold. One day it was actually warmer in Germany than it was here in Orlando. Thankfully, unlike the German winter, the cold here only lasts a month until the sun comes back out to burn you.
10. Moving back home is the hardest time ever
There’s a real life going on back home, but you aren`t really interested in it because the fun is always just around the corner and the Magic Kingdom is just a 30 minutes drive away. Seeing my family back home again was a big deal for me as they couldn`t afford to visit me during my year. But leaving all your new friends behind is hard. But as long as you keep those nice memories with you, Disney will always feel like a second home from now on. And how excited is it to make plans to go "back home" or see your new friends anywhere around the world again ?
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| Last Time Illumination |
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| Last Day at Work |
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| Last Time Illumination |
Taking home some life lessions
While working at Disney, i got a completely different view on certain things like how to handle situations or doing things. Appreciation, Courtesy and Respect are the basic steps to make your day easier and someone elses day the best possible. When i made someone smile with a joke or made someone`s day with a simple "thanks for celebrating with me today", that`s something i am really proud of. There are just some easy steps, to not let something ruin your day:
1. Don't let the rain get you down
When thinking about your perfect time in Orlando, what do you imagine the weather will be like? Probably clear, sunny, and warm. And while there are a few days like that, there is also a good chance that major of your time there is either hot or gray and rainy, or both at the same time. In fact i`ve never been sweating that much before like i did during my year. Even those 10 minutes of walking to the next bus stop already felt like 30 in that heat. Especially in summer it rains nearly every day. And when i say rain, i mean a thunderstorm and buckets of hot water that splash to the ground. However, rain doesn't mean the day is over. It just means that you need to spend the next 30 to 60 minutes inside before the sun comes back out to burn you.
But there`s no reason to get sad because there are always ways to use your time, sometimes in ways that make the day even better. Even if the day doesn't go as planned because of the weather, it can still be just as fun and productive. When was the last time you had fun jumping in puddles, knowing that the sun is going to dry it off again?
2. It's so easy to make someone smile
Disney World is known as the "most magical place on earth". It`s all about the little things we do here to make someones day, the best day ever. It's a part of every cast member's training to look out to create some magical moments and unforgettable memories.
However, in the real world people seem to think that going out of their way to do something nice for someone else requires a great amount of time, enery and money. But working for Disney teached me that making someone's day better can be a lot easier and simpler than i thought and in most cases it will make a big difference. Sometimes all it takes is a hug or noticing someones celebration-button. It doesn`t take time to notice someone with a smile or to give them some stickers. Doing some extra magic for special guests (which they are all to us) is what we call "going above and beyond". Not only did it make the peoples day better, it made my day better as well as i knew that people would enjoy their day even more thanks to my interaction.
3. Patience is important
The Orlando theme parks are an international tourist attraction, which means that guests come from all around the world, often speaking different languages and having different cultural mannerisms. This can often take a lot of patience to deal with. Unfortunately, I don't speak Spanish, Portuguese, French, Japanese, or any other language besides English. Still, my job was to assist the guests in any way possible. It may take twice the time but by taking things slowly, being patient, and listening i was always able to answer their questions.
Sometimes, patience can be absolutely vital. Telling guests that Snow White has to take care of the dwarfs (or herself) and won`t be meeting was hard sometimes. You have to deal with frustrated parents, angry kids, and managers and coworkers who are running around trying their best to fix the situation. The only thing that you can do in such situations is smile, speak calmly, and explain the situation. I learned quickly while working at the parks that sometimes people just have bad days, and although they may yell and make a scene, they are generally nice, understanding people. When talking to guests, just being patient and spending a few extra minutes to explain the situation and taking the time to listen to their problem makes them feel better. Take a breath, put yourself into someone else's shoes, and deal with it. Usually if you are patient, the situation will resolve itself.
4. There is no such thing as perfection
Everyone has a perfect plan about how their vacation will go - no flight delays or traffic jams, the hotel room will be ready, all the Disney buses will run on time, and there will be little to no wait for each attraction. However, this never happens. There is an issue at the airport or the Florida Turnpike is backed up for miles. Your hotel room is too close to the pool and you hear kids playing all night. You have to wait forty-five minutes for your bus to the Magic Kingdom, the monorail is down because of the weather, and although the My Disney Experience app said that Space Mountain only has a ten minute wait, by the time you get there it moved up to half an hour. You may be late for your FastPass reservation and you may not get a great view of the fireworks...
But that doesn`t mean that your trip is ruined! There is no such thing as a perfection. Everything and everyone has flaws, including your vacation. And that's fine. It's natural for something to go wrong here and there. In many cases, there is nothing you can do about it anyway so why let it ruin your time?!
5. Don't judge people
I recently got into a conversation with someone about the use of electric scooters. He made the assumption that many of these people didn't really need to use an ECV and were simply using it because they were lazy. Just because someone doesn't look disabled doesn't mean they don't need assistance walking.
People are quick to judge others based on everything from how they look to how they speak. When visiting the theme parks, you will certainly see people who look or dress differently. And there is nothing wrong with that. But it is hard for people to constantly deal with other people giving them questioning looks. If you see someone who looks different or who needs the assistance of a wheelchair or EVC, don't judge them. You wouldn't want people doing it to you. So whether you are on line at the Magic Kingdom or in the cashier line at your local grocery store, keep your thoughts (and your eyes) to yourself. When in doubt, remember to treat others the way you want to be treated.
6. Keep the magic alive
During my time with Disney a lot of guests asked me if SnoW White is still meeting because of the rain on those days. I answered like i was supposed to and said "When it`s raining, SnowWhite has to take care of the Dwarfs because they get dirty in the mine. That`s why she can`t meet right now".
I know that the people i talked to were adults. But at Disney everything and especially everyone in the Disney Parks is real! That includes the characters which i a sure are 100% real for all the small guests. They don't understand what it takes for these characters to come alive. To them, Disney World isn't just a theme park, it's the place where Mickey Mouse and Cinderella live. One day they will learn the truth, but until then let them believe in the magic of large talking mice and princesses in magical castles. They may also still believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. If you know a child who still believes in all of this, help them believe as long as possible. Once they stop believing, they may never believe again.
7. Appreciate your time
This is something that people tend to think about the least, although it may be the most important entry on this list. It is easy to go on vacation or on an exciting year like the one i had and stress about long lines, restaurant reservations and the uncomfortable weather. But for many guests, an Orlando vacation is so special they don't mind few lines and thunderstorms.
One thing every theme park employee sees on a daily basis is people who often express how happy they are to simply be in the parks. Some people save for years to just afford it and may only have enough money for one family trip in their lifetime.
Some of the best "celebrating" stories are the ones you can tell took a lot of hard times before the celebrating began. Once, i asked a little boy why he had a celebration-button. He looked at his parents, smiled and said, "I'm celebrating no more surgeries!" Another great sight to see is when children with the Make-A-Wish Foundation visit. About 40 percent of a Make-A-Wish wishes are related to the Walt Disney Company, with a majority of those involving a trip to Walt Disney World. All the children who are part of this organization are facing some sort of life-threatening illness, which means before their dream vacation they may have had to endure months, if not years of surgeries, medications, and hospital stays.
For some people, visiting Orlando is as simple as buying tickets and hopping on a plane. For others, it takes much, much more. When you have a bad day in the park where everyone and everything is getting on your nerves, remember that some people aren't as lucky to be on vacation. Value the time you are spending together with your friends and family and value that you can all spend time together, whether you are in the parks for a day, a month or a whole year. And even if you can't make it on a vacation right now, value what you do have, including your friends and family- and most important be thankful about it.
Summary
In case someone would ever ask me how my year has been (which technically happend with every single person i`ve met once i got back home), i would simply tell them that beside some ups and downs i had the best year so far and the (by far) best place to work at. Judging by the chats i had or the posts i saw from others, i know that a lot of people feel the same and would describe there time as the times of their life on the Program. There are many perks of the Disney Cultural Representative Program, and I couldn’t even begin to list them if I tried. I just urge you, that if you are thinking about applying, please, think about more than just the free park tickets, and the discounts, the party busses, but think about how your life will change. This could be the time of your life. It`s up to you what you make out of it.
And it wouldn`t be a typically disney post if i wouldn`t end it with one of my favourite sentences:
Make a wish and do as dreamers do, and all your wishes, will come true.
Thanks for joining me on my journey! Off to a new adventure... 😊
