Update!

"That might sound boring, but I think the boring stuff is the stuff I remember the most."

- Up

Today I didn't have work until 7PM, so I decided to explore Anaheim a bit. By trying to get to places I needed to go without my GPS, I ended up seeing the Angels' stadium and the Honda Center before ending up at a Starbucks, where I ate lunch. It was nice to see more of Anaheim than Disneyland and my apartment. After my mini-adventure, it was time for a much needed nap before my utility shift. Utility is always a mystery, and tonight we cleaned backstage Main Street, Aladdin's Oasis, and the Jungle Cruise queue. While we were doing Jungle Cruise, Fantasmic rehearsals were happening. Can't wait for that to start up again on 2/15. If you've ever been in line for Jungle Cruise, you may have seen a fake "office" room upstairs (right above the entrance). Totally went in there. No big deal. 

In Aladdin's Oasis, I picked the nose of the Cave of Wonders with my feather duster. I don't think there was any dust in there, but I couldn't resist. While on Main Street, I went up on the roof of one of the buildings. After work, our lead took us to see Small World, which is currently under construction. So crazy. One of the main reasons I wanted to be in Custodial was to see this stuff, and my wish has come true. The only thing I hate is that I can't share these sights with you guys, because posting pictures of backstage areas isn't allowed. 

Here's an update on my last week!

Thursday  (1/31) and Friday (2/1) were basically just full of work work work. Other than having to sweep from 4-12:30 in Frontierland, my first shift without other college program kiddos, Saturday was fairly uneventful as well. I spent seven hours sweeping Frontierland and answering more questions than I've ever had. I realized I don't know much about that land. During the firework show, half of our backstage area is blocked off for "firework fallout." During the show, I went and used a bathroom in our break room. I realized later that the false window in the bathroom would have overlooked the Rivers of America's waterfront. So if you're looking at a window above the River Belle Terrace, there could be someone peeing up there. The more you know! After the park closed, we went and cleaned every single Pirates of the Caribbean boat. It goes so fast, even though there are forty-four boats. Because we clean them at the load/unload dock, I heard the load/unload audio twenty-two times. I think I have it memorized!

Sunday (2/3) brought a special visitor from home, and we spent the day in the park before going to my Adventureland sweeping shift. I learned more fun facts about the park, and got to share some too! In addition to them visiting me while I was on the job, I also got a few visits from fellow college program kids. One of my coworkers talked to me the whole shift about their time working at the park. I was surprised that we were the same age, yet he's been working in Custodial for nearly two years. After the park closed, we once again cleaned the Pirates boats, a fun way to end a night of work!

Yesterday we had a Cast Update in the Lincoln Theater. We were told about the four keys for the four billionth time (safety, courtesy, show, efficiency!) but were also told about what's coming up in the parks. We were shown previews for things such as the Lunar New Year celebration in DCA, Love Week, new merchandise and menus, and the much anticipated Fantasy Faire, an addition to Fantasyland where you are immersed in the worlds of the Disney princesses. After the presentation, we were given food from the Fantasy Faire food cart "Maurice's Twisted Treats," a cart based on Belle's kooky inventor father. So yeah, we got to try food from a place that doesn't even exist yet. It was delicious. We also got posters of a draft of the Disneyland dedication speech that was approved with Walt's signature. After the presentation, I went to my Day Parade shift, which ended with me wandering around an empty Main Street. After work I got to hang out with some friends from the fourth floor. I think I'm really starting to feel at home here.