I've been busy but I made it to Orlando alright.

[Whazzup]

I'll check out Coronado Springs later on, thanks for the idea. I explored Port Orleans the other day (stayed at Riverside back in July too) and I stayed at Coronado Springs a few years back but didn't explore it to much.

I've been enjoying exploring the resorts and I do plan on checking them all out again at Christmas time to see all the Christmas decorations.

I'm just about to head out to find the Iron Spike Room at the Wilderness Lodge and after that I might head over to Coronado Springs.

Have fun! If you should ever get over to the Trails End Buffet at Fort Wilderness, ask if Alex is working, and if you see him tell him we said Hello from Pensacola. He's from Scotland and has a wonderful accent and is very outgoing and friendly. He may not remember us by name, but we chatted with him about the Clydesdale horses, and hope to run into him on our next trip.

[Shorty82]

Traditions went well today, despite the fact I overslept and got there barely in time. It was enjoyable learning the history of WDW and why we do things the way they are done.

After Traditions let out me and I guy I met there who's also working MK (different land and job though) headed over to the MK to explore some. Our IDs weren't working yet so we had to go over to the Guest Relations window and the CM there gave us one day comp tickets so we could get in. We wandered up Main Street before heading backstage to check out the tunnels and find where we come up to our respective work locations and where it is in relation to the entrance.

We wandered on and off stage for a while then visited the Hall of Presidents. After that we headed out and went our respective ways. I stopped to grab a bite to eat from the DTD McDonald's (FYI: they have a cast discount) before heading home.

Tomorrow I go in to start my merchandise training and Tuesday I have my tour of the MK. Wednesday I have some more training, this time in the park at the MK Learning Center. Thursday is my first day actually working onstage.

I'm looking forward to starting work. I think I'll enjoy working on Main Street but only time will tell.

[Whazzup]

Sounds like you had a busy day and got to see a lot of Main Street and the tunnels, too. Glad to hear you found somebody to hang out with. Let us know how the rest of your training goes - we CM wannabes are living vicariously through you. ;)

[ktulu]

Woohoo! Sounds like a good time! We want a play by play of your first day ;)

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

And remember, you get an extra "Way to go" here for spotting and documenting your first SG!!!

[Shorty82]

Went over to check out the Disney U Company D for a bit then I took the shuttle to the tunnel entrance. I explored around on and off stage for a while and eventually met up with Zazu.

He showed me around Main Street and taught me a lot about it. He showed me around and told me a lot about the rest of the park and helped me learn the tunnel a good bit better. I now know a lot more about the MK and about the back ways and side ways of it.

After he had to leave I bought a popcorn and watched some of the PACtivities going on in Town Square. After that I headed backstage, bought a soda to wash down the popcorn, and headed out. I wasn't ready to go home yet so I thought about exploring the All-Star Resorts. Well, on my way I passed the Poly and decided to explore it instead. I walked around it a bit then headed out.

As I needed to get to Reams Rd. I turned around past the toll booth and headed through them but missed the turn off so I had to turn around by the Car Care Center, turn around past the toll booth again, and go through the toll booth again. Got a laugh with the toll attendant as he had just flagged me through a minute before and I was going through again when I told him I missed my turn. This time I made the turn off and headed to Reams. I made a quick stop at the grocery store to get a few things then headed home.

Bright and early tomorrow morning I go on my official tour of the MK.

[Big Wallaby]

Very cool.

When you're ready to really get to know your way around property, let me know :D:

[Shorty82]

Very cool.

When you're ready to really get to know your way around property, let me know :D:

Sounds like fun! Email coming your way!

[Whazzup]

After touring MK with Zazu, you probably know more than your upcoming MK guide does! ;)

[Shorty82]

After touring MK with Zazu, you probably know more than your upcoming MK guide does! ;)

You're right there though they were knowledgeable too. Normally the tour includes a ride on Buzz Lightyear but due to the crowds we rode the TTA instead. We worked our way over towards Liberty Square and stopped in a side room in the Columbia Harbor House to learn about the tricks used in the Haunted Mansion. Normally a ride through the Mansion is included but again due to the crowds (the queue was backed up a LONG ways) we rode small world instead. After that we headed backstage. We walked over to the tunnel entrance and ate lunch at the Mouseketeria. After that we toured the tunnels a little bit before heading up into a conference room in MO-8. Some of the Cast Service Managers were introduced and talked bit.

Then we all divided up by our lines of business and went our separate ways. All the merchandise folks headed down to the Merchandise Training room under Main Street to go through the safety, chemical, and what-not programs on the computer.

After that I was able to leave and decided to head to Epcot. On my way out of the tunnel I checked my phone and saw it was off. I had left it on but in silent mode but being in the tunnel so long today killed the battery trying to pick up a signal. I learned my lesson, from now on I'll turn it off before going into the tunnel.

I head over to Epcot and checked out some of the Flower and Garden displays, grabbing a FP for Maelstrom on the way by. I made it as far as the Outpost when I decided to grab some dinner. I headed back to the cast cafeteria to eat. It was nice to get out of the crowds for a bit. I went back out and made my way to Morocco. I decided to catch the Friendship boat over to Showcase Plaza. Even that was crowded, there were a lot of people standing. As it was time I rode Maelstrom but skipped out on the movie. As I had a headache I stopped by First Aid to get some medicine (wonderful people there) then headed towards the front and eventually out.

I started a Photopass collection at Epcot today, got my picture taken in front of a few of the topiaries and Spaceship Earth.

Tomorrow I go in in the afternoon for more training in the Learning Center where I'll meet my area trainer. That'll be my first day is costume. I'm there till 10:30pm then I turn around and come back to work in the Confectionery at 8:30am for my first day on stage.