Category: General

So I realize that I don’t update this blog as much as I have in the past. There are very good reasons for that. I really am working a lot and when I am done with work, I go and sing at the Candlelight Processional at Epcot. This year I have been able to sing with Phil Donahue, Haley Joel Osment, Eartha Kitt, Harry Hamlin, Lou Diamond Philips and Marly Matlin. It really has been a blast to be a part of and has given me a chance to not only expand my network of work contacts but create some great friends.

As for today, I am taking a nice relaxing day off as scheduled. This week I have today and tomorrow off (with the exception of Candlelight) before I start a the mass chaos that is coming to the Magic Kingdom. Next week I am scheduled 55 hours but I know that it will end up being more than that when all is said and done due to the operational needs and extensions to shifts. Not that I mind the over time but, for those that have been to Walt Disney World the week of Christmas to New Years can understand and vouch for how busy it will be.

Well, that’s all I am going to post for now. I will eventually post a holiday update with what has been going on in the last year with my life. Till then, have a magical day!

So I was off yesterday and finally had a chance to sleep in a bit. After doing some things around the apartment, I went and picked up Patrick after school and then we headed to Downtown Disney to see Chicken Little. Cute movie and had me laughing. Still not the best Disney Movie but it is entertaining. Anyways, after that, we headed to Epcot to meet up with Joe and a few others for Food and Wine. After the park closed, Patrick and I stayed around till 10:30 when we had heard that there would be a test of the Holiday Illuminations Fireworks. Well, at 10:45 we got treated to an almost private viewing of Illuminations and the Holiday Tag. It was us and about 20 other cast members in the area we were waiting. First off, this is the same show from last year that was dubbed “World War III” but this year (4,400 shells in 3.5 minutes), it has a few extra booms in it. All this firepower to a beautiful rendition of Let There Be Peace on Earth. Sort of ironic if you ask me but it is beautiful to watch. So if you are in the area this holiday season, check out the fireworks at Epcot.

Hi folks. Yep, I’m still alive. I have been busy this past week with my new job. Both working several shifts as park greeter and several in training for parade control. We also had the little storm known as Wilma come through and that changed my schedule for the weekend. This past weekend I had a surprise visit from Grandma and Grandpa Swanson as well as my Aunt Cynthia and cousin Lisa. All four were in Naples and Grandma and Grandpa’s place but had to evacuate for the storm. So I got a nice chance to visit with my family that I haven’t seen in a while. I am park greeter all this week from 8-16:30 every day and off on Wednesday and Thursday. Saturday Andrew and I take over our new place but I wont be moving officially until wednesday of next week. Well, off to bed for now.

Ok, so I am back from Disneyland. How was the trip? It was amazing! I really don’t know where to start in explaining it other than amazing. Disneyland truly is the most magical place on Earth. I enjoyed it so much more than Walt Disney World. There is so much more to do in such a small space. I will be posting some pictures in my .Mac album when I get a chance. I’m off to bed though since I have work at the wee hours in the morning. Longer update to come I promise.

Well folks, I am officially done in Magic Kingdom Strollers! I start in Main Street Operations at the Magic Kingdom on Tuesday. So what am I doing until then? Well, I AM GOING TO DISNEYLAND! As soon as I wake up at the crack of dawn tomorrow, I will be taking my first vacation with friends and my first trip to California and Disneyland. I will be in the resort until Monday when I return in the evening. Rough plans are to hit up Disneyland Park on Friday and Saturday and then Disney’s California Adventure on Sunday. I also have some plans to visit some family while out there. Monday morning also leaves time for some last minute shopping or a quick trip in to one of the two parks if needed.

I also want to thank Clay with Magic Kingdom Guest Relations for setting up a special tour for Patrick and me on Saturday. Clay, you rock! Well, back to packing. If anyone needs to reach me, you can e-mail me or just call the mobile. Have a Magical Day.

Well, I finally got my training schedule for the week I get back from Disneyland. My new role is getting closer and closer. One more week in Strollers then Disneyland! I can’t wait! Been busy working as usual so sorry about the lack of updates. More to come soon I promise

Well, I figured I would sit down and give everyone a bit of an update. I am still around and working as usual. This week, I am mostly in strollers with the exception of one day. Being in strollers means that I am in at 7:30 am so I am not really around much in the evening as I am heading to bed early to catch up on sleep. For those that are wondering about my transfer, I am still on the waiting list. I have no news yet on a date but, I will keep everyone posted.

No, I have not dropped off the face of the Earth. I have just been occupied with work and meetings the last few days. Today was my regular day off and I once again just sat around the house and did nothing. Well, I take that back, I did some laundry and cleaned my room a bit but other than that, I just relaxed. Last night was the first night of Candlelight which is was really strange singing O Come All Ye Faithful in the middle of September but then again, Christmas is just around the corner. Scary thought I guess. So that’s the update for now. Still no word from Casting on Main Street Ops but I will keep you all update.

Well I know I don’t seem to post as much as I would like to but, I have been busy with work and things around the house. Today I got home from work and cleaned around the place such as taking out the trash, bathroom and vacuuming. Now I am cleaning through files in my iTunes Library. My Library contains 2231 songs which roughly equals 6.7 days worth of non-stop playing. 468 of those 2231 songs are Disney related, now that is sorta scary. What else, I got my hair cut yesterday and will probably try and sneak one more in before Disneyland in a month. Not much else to report.

Well, I got the call today from Guest Relations. I did not get the role this time around. They gave me great feedback about what to work on for next time and it basically comes down to brushing up on my interview skills. They were impressed with my knowledge of the role and interest in professional growth but, with all that, I was a candidate that was sitting on the fence for them. Scott, the one who called me was honest and said I could have gotten had I been a little more enthusiastic for the panel. So where does this leave me? I’m still at Magic Kingdom Strollers for now. I’m ok with all of this but, I am working on a career path that will take me out of merchandise and in to operations now. Next week I will be meeting with a manager from Main Street Ops and plan on discussing the options that an operations role will bring. So who know. I do know that I will be watching JOBS for the next Guest Relations posting and working on my interview skills a little more for the next time.