You think I have a chance?

[Big Wallaby]

I am going to start the process to go to the auditions for the next Adventures by Disney team, to see if I would be a good fit, whether they would like me and whether I would like the job. As I understand it, I can continue in Monorails (or wherever I decide to go) and work AbD sort of on the side. People tell me I am good at storytelling and such, and with the right training I think I could be good at organizing travel for a group of people. So, for those of you who know me, what are your thoughts on me in such a role? And for those of you who might have travelled with AbD or know how it works, do you have more information on what I would be getting myself into?

In some ways, I would be combining the best parts of Disney with the best parts of my past jobs (where I might act as a tour guide, etc.). I go into the process with some stars in my eyes, but also an understanding that while on these trips it would be a whole lot of hard work.

Those interested: Discuss.

[thomaskr]

I just looked this up and it was pretty much what I thought it would be... pretty damn impressive. If I were you, I'd at least try it a couple of times because the fact is, you're going to going to some pretty amazing places.

Any chance you get to travel to a foreign destination - even if you're working - especially when it's on someone else's dime, is a chance you should take. I'm sure you get the odd weekend or weekday off to see these places for yourself, for example.

[joanna71985]

That would be such an awsome job! Good luck with that BW. :)

[Whazzup]

I would think carefully about all the DETAILS that go into group travel. DETAILS, BW, lots and lots of SMALL DETAILS and an excellent memory so you can remember everyone's name and their preferences.

What a great opportunity that would be, to travel with a group of Disney-lovin' guests who want to experience more than the parks or a cruise. I've read some of Deb Wills' trip reports and blogs about her travel with AbD and it sure makes ya want to win the lottery.

I wonder if you need to have travel industry experience in your background to be considered as a guide. Let us know what you find out. If you do go in that direction, be sure and do it before I win the lottery so you can be my tour guide, 'k? :D:

[BRWombat]

That would indeed be perfect for you, BW! (Except don't leave the monorail -- I have to ride with you at least once!)

[Kwahati]

I don't want to be a downer BW, but I've seen the other side of group travel. Remember I was managing a hotel out by Yellowstone a couple of years ago? Lots of group travel through there (in fact, I think AbD is doing something with Yellowstone too, so same thing, really) I don't know if the guests are better for disney, but tour guiding stuff like that is not something I'd ever sign up for. The guests would call down to the hotel front desk at all hours for ridiculous things that were out of our control (and often, I could tell, information they had in various papers they didn't bother to read--and usually that the hotel isn't given) We'd just refer them to their tour guides who would have to deal with all that crap. And further, remembering all those names and being stuck within very close proximity to SG's for an entire trip... That's something I'd think heavily about before signing up. I know you're well loved and great with people, but in your other jobs, haven't the SG's always had to walk away at the end of the interaction rather than just going into the hotel room NEXT TO YOURS (where you are assured to see them bright and early, ruining your day first thing in the morning)?

I hope this isn't too negative...I'm just sayin' I'd think about it and also think about, if you hate it, how would pulling yourself out of it work and what would it do to opportunities for future disney employment?

[ktulu]

BW, I think you would have a great chance, and if it something you want to experience, do it. You are a very talented guy and a joy to be around, and that might rub off onto any SG that you spend time with.

[Syndrome]

Although I don't know you personally, I know you from SGT and I have been on the Hollywood/Disneyland ABD, and I really think you could be a good fit. I don't know about the other destinations, but on that one it was loaded with Disneyphiles so everyone quickly bonded into a family. No SGs at all. From what I could see, it was exhausting work for the guides, but they truly seemed to enjoy it. It was all about people skills, and both seemed to thrive on it (and don't forget, you have to be the Photopass photographer for the group too!).

Good luck with the auditions!

[Big Wallaby]

I don't want to be a downer BW, ...I hope this isn't too negative...

Nope, nope, nope. Actually, this is one of the reasons I posted this... we have a wealth of experience between everyone here, and I am asking for the good, bad and rear-end-of-a-turkey-vulture ugly. I wouldn't expect it to be roses, but having been out of the hotel industry for a while now, that is one thing I had forgotten from those days. I know I would be good at the guide part... and as far as some details, I guess I am wondering how much of that has to be on the fly, how much can I have Lil' Wallaby help me with before I go out, etc. As with any first interview with a company, I will be interviewing them as much as they are interviewing me.

One thing that's usually nice about Disney... if you get into an area and don't like it, they can reverse your transfer (or whatever you would call entering a line of business part time) within the first 90 days, and I don't believe they look down on you for it. Hopefully, they see that you tried something new, and if you didn't like it, then at least you gave it a shot.

[Cranbiz]

I just read the article in Eyes and Ears tonight. I think that this would be right up your alley, BW. You have a great ability to speak and to entertain. This is something that I think you would do extremely well.

Are you mentally prepared for the responsibility of all the things that you would be responsible for that goes on behind the scenes daily? Before you jump, look carefully and ask many, many questions. If you like what you hear, GO FOR IT.



Ok, Now everyone else, Imagine BW with a flag and 40 tourists walking all over. (hopefully better behaved than the Brazilians)