Alright, in case anyone has not heard, the GRAND opening of WWoHP is going to be
JUNE 18th
I am sure that you have heard that by now...but just in case you do live under a rock, there it is. Right up there. Mark your calenders and your hearts.
Work has been going well. I am a true carni now...not that I am super excited about that. I hate telling little kids that they have lost...that is just the worst. I can't wait until WWoHP is open and I can basically kiss games goodbye. I have gotten in some more training in WWoHP, with more to come and I can not wait until we have soft openings. (Such as the already sold vacation packages that are dated before the grand opening)
I am going to enjoy my next two days off, and I hope all of you readers are having a great week.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Another Two Days Down and One Step Closer
I am about to go in for some training...some very exciting training. I worked another two days and helped some new people. I am getting very good at games...I sound like a born and bred carni. Off to training...have a great evening readers!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Jurrasic Park
Sorry I did not post yesterday...I was so tired! Here is that post now. :)
I had to work in Jurassic Park on my last shift of the week. This may not seem like a big deal...but here is the rub: I am afraid of Dinosaurs. Not joking, but go ahead and laugh. I have been terrified of dinos since Jurassic Park came out. A little back story for your reading pleasure:
Right around the time that Jurassic Park came out, my father got his first set of surround sound speakers for our house. After listening to the "phhh, shhh, phhh" sound of him setting the speakers for days, he finally deemed them ready. What movie does he pull out but Jurassic Park. If people my age or older remember, Jurassic Park was the "hot" movie of that year. Well, he put on the movie and we watched it. Surround sound was great. Sounded like the dinos were in the room, which was the point. However, it did not just get played that once...for the next week or so, everyone my dad knew came over to see the surround sound in action...and they watched J.P. So for weeks I heard dinosaurs rumbling through my house as I tried to go to sleep. That is when the nightmares started...
So yes, I have nightmares about dinosaurs. Something about being eaten alive by a large lizard just does not sit well with me. T-Rex's and Raptors scare me the most. There were life size replicas of Raptors in the store. Starring at me. All day.
Apart from the Raptors starring at me, the day went by fairly fast since I was very busy. I was in the store by myself and it was the first time I had ever done that. So it was a learning experience.
I wanted to shot myself in the foot last night though. I was listening to my voice mails, which I only do like once a millennia...and I heard something that made my blood run cold. I have been whining a bit because I have not gotten to work any events in the WWoHP yet. I had a voice mail from earlier this week, asking me to work an event. Obviously I missed out...and I am so mad at myself. I will be checking my voice mails everyday from now on.
I had to work in Jurassic Park on my last shift of the week. This may not seem like a big deal...but here is the rub: I am afraid of Dinosaurs. Not joking, but go ahead and laugh. I have been terrified of dinos since Jurassic Park came out. A little back story for your reading pleasure:
Right around the time that Jurassic Park came out, my father got his first set of surround sound speakers for our house. After listening to the "phhh, shhh, phhh" sound of him setting the speakers for days, he finally deemed them ready. What movie does he pull out but Jurassic Park. If people my age or older remember, Jurassic Park was the "hot" movie of that year. Well, he put on the movie and we watched it. Surround sound was great. Sounded like the dinos were in the room, which was the point. However, it did not just get played that once...for the next week or so, everyone my dad knew came over to see the surround sound in action...and they watched J.P. So for weeks I heard dinosaurs rumbling through my house as I tried to go to sleep. That is when the nightmares started...
So yes, I have nightmares about dinosaurs. Something about being eaten alive by a large lizard just does not sit well with me. T-Rex's and Raptors scare me the most. There were life size replicas of Raptors in the store. Starring at me. All day.
Apart from the Raptors starring at me, the day went by fairly fast since I was very busy. I was in the store by myself and it was the first time I had ever done that. So it was a learning experience.
I wanted to shot myself in the foot last night though. I was listening to my voice mails, which I only do like once a millennia...and I heard something that made my blood run cold. I have been whining a bit because I have not gotten to work any events in the WWoHP yet. I had a voice mail from earlier this week, asking me to work an event. Obviously I missed out...and I am so mad at myself. I will be checking my voice mails everyday from now on.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Oh the Questions
Today was super question day.
I answered lots of questions. Lots and lots. And lots.
Everyone will be hearing big news soon...as I'm sure you have heard by now, they are announcing the opening date on March 25th, at midnight. :)
I answered lots of questions. Lots and lots. And lots.
Everyone will be hearing big news soon...as I'm sure you have heard by now, they are announcing the opening date on March 25th, at midnight. :)
Hogwarts has a nice Behind.
Today I was posted at the cart that is right on the outskirts of Lost Continent. Since we were surrounded by Jurassic Park Island vendors, I am rather sure that they put our cart in the wrong spot...silly planners. However, this cart has a close up view of the back of Hogwarts castle. This cart is located where the "exit" for the WWoHP is going to be. They are going to filter in people through Lost Continent, and out through Jurassic Park island. For those who have seen the park, this should not be a surprise, it is sort of common sense.
So basically my day consisted of answering lots of "where is dueling dragons?" (p.s. it is closed for the rethemeing process...I have answered that about a million times), and also lots of "why can't I go in?"...I also had the urge to strangle people who thought they knew more about WWoHP than me, a person working for the company, and who is going to be working in the WWoHP. "Well the news said it would open this week", "I heard there is only one ride in the whole place", "It's going to be water ride in the castle"...on and on with such enlightening comments. Unfortunately I can not strangle guests for saying silly things.
I did get to work on my hand-eye coordination though...playing with the bouncy ball on a string for six hours will do that. Oh, and bubbles. Lots of bubbles.
But for those interested, Hogwarts has a nice Behind. Very inspiring.
As a disclaimer...NONE of the above guest comments are even close to true. I don't want a new Internet rumor...
So basically my day consisted of answering lots of "where is dueling dragons?" (p.s. it is closed for the rethemeing process...I have answered that about a million times), and also lots of "why can't I go in?"...I also had the urge to strangle people who thought they knew more about WWoHP than me, a person working for the company, and who is going to be working in the WWoHP. "Well the news said it would open this week", "I heard there is only one ride in the whole place", "It's going to be water ride in the castle"...on and on with such enlightening comments. Unfortunately I can not strangle guests for saying silly things.
I did get to work on my hand-eye coordination though...playing with the bouncy ball on a string for six hours will do that. Oh, and bubbles. Lots of bubbles.
But for those interested, Hogwarts has a nice Behind. Very inspiring.
As a disclaimer...NONE of the above guest comments are even close to true. I don't want a new Internet rumor...
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I Learn to be a Carni
Well, I have worked two days of regular shifts. Since WWoHP is not open yet, I am working in other areas for my on the job training. Yesterday I worked on the Lost Continent in Treasures of Poseidon, and today I worked in Games.
Let me explain Games to you...think of the fair, and the annoying carnies...now imagine that in a theme park. There you go. You have the picture.
Apart from the hawking of little stuffed animals and convincing passerby-ers that they can win...it was actually fun.
I really enjoyed working the games, and cheering on little kids. Oh, and I loved watching big buff guys think that they can win because they look cool. You know that game where you have to knock all of the milk bottles off the platform? Well, little known fact, it does not matter how hard you throw the bean bag. Also, the harder you throw it, the less aim you have. So hilarity ensues when aforementioned big buff boys play this game.
All in all a great day, and I have a view of WWoHP from the stalls. They put up a new gate today with some of the MoM signs. Looks very good. :)
Let me explain Games to you...think of the fair, and the annoying carnies...now imagine that in a theme park. There you go. You have the picture.
Apart from the hawking of little stuffed animals and convincing passerby-ers that they can win...it was actually fun.
I really enjoyed working the games, and cheering on little kids. Oh, and I loved watching big buff guys think that they can win because they look cool. You know that game where you have to knock all of the milk bottles off the platform? Well, little known fact, it does not matter how hard you throw the bean bag. Also, the harder you throw it, the less aim you have. So hilarity ensues when aforementioned big buff boys play this game.
All in all a great day, and I have a view of WWoHP from the stalls. They put up a new gate today with some of the MoM signs. Looks very good. :)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Training is Done!
Training is all done...and this has been an experience. Today was the main Harry Potter training. Let me tell you, by the end of the 8 hours I'm rather sure that the other people at my table wanted to put a muzzle on me. I answered every trivia question and answered fast...I can't help it.
I can't say much more about what we learned about. :(
In general news, I am seriously thinking about going to Infinitus 2010. It is going to be here in Orlando, and is going to include an exclusive party in WWoHP just for Infinitus guests. I know I will be working in the parks everyday...but being able to go to a symposium with all the other SuperFans...well, how could I pass that up. Destiny, when you read this...we have to go together! Come down here and stay with me. We will have a nerdy girl weekend!
Way tired...but about to get on MuggleNet...listen to some more MuggleCasts...listen to some wizard rock. I realized I am really behind on my wizard rock. And this will all be in the spirit of preparing even more for my job.
Hope you all have a great night. Not sure if I will post this weekend, as I am off this weekend. So have a great weekend too!
I can't say much more about what we learned about. :(
In general news, I am seriously thinking about going to Infinitus 2010. It is going to be here in Orlando, and is going to include an exclusive party in WWoHP just for Infinitus guests. I know I will be working in the parks everyday...but being able to go to a symposium with all the other SuperFans...well, how could I pass that up. Destiny, when you read this...we have to go together! Come down here and stay with me. We will have a nerdy girl weekend!
Way tired...but about to get on MuggleNet...listen to some more MuggleCasts...listen to some wizard rock. I realized I am really behind on my wizard rock. And this will all be in the spirit of preparing even more for my job.
Hope you all have a great night. Not sure if I will post this weekend, as I am off this weekend. So have a great weekend too!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 4...Wet and Cold
Well, today was day four of my training. Very interesting. Lots of new info, got to see lots of cool stuff. However this is my real impression of the day.
Rain. Driving. Sprinkling rain. Get out of car. Downpour. Long walk from very back row of parking lot. Totally soaked. My shoes were full of water, my pants and shirt were stuck to me. Dripping entrance to the hallway where the class is waiting to leave. No one else was wet, as their timing was better. We leave the hall to go to another building. NO RAIN. (this was five minutes from my drenching). Fun class. Good Lunch. More fun class. Then time to go. DOWNPOUR. Keep in mind my socks and the bottom of my pants had only fully dried about an hour before. I was soaked for about five hours. Then I have to make the long walk from the building (inside the park) to the team member gate, out to the last row in the parking lot. I was soaked again.
My whole day was WET/COLD/WET. Awesome. Tomorrow looks like more rain.
Sorry for the whine-fest...but it was aweful. Hoping for a better, dryer day tomorrow.
Rain. Driving. Sprinkling rain. Get out of car. Downpour. Long walk from very back row of parking lot. Totally soaked. My shoes were full of water, my pants and shirt were stuck to me. Dripping entrance to the hallway where the class is waiting to leave. No one else was wet, as their timing was better. We leave the hall to go to another building. NO RAIN. (this was five minutes from my drenching). Fun class. Good Lunch. More fun class. Then time to go. DOWNPOUR. Keep in mind my socks and the bottom of my pants had only fully dried about an hour before. I was soaked for about five hours. Then I have to make the long walk from the building (inside the park) to the team member gate, out to the last row in the parking lot. I was soaked again.
My whole day was WET/COLD/WET. Awesome. Tomorrow looks like more rain.
Sorry for the whine-fest...but it was aweful. Hoping for a better, dryer day tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Day 3...Merchandise Training
Well, let me tell you this...Merchandise Training is not really riviting. Lots of do this, do that, not x and y...you know the drill. Real boring training. However...bright spot was the trainer himself. Great guy, really excited, though I hope he never gets coffee in him (watch out!). He managed to make everything fun.
The registers are so easy to use, I think a monkey designed them. However, as was pointed out, a monkey cannot greet the guest and take care of them like me, so my job is safe.
This same trainer will be my trainer tomorrow, which will be my Harry Potter Merchandise training. I can not say anything about it...so no asking. :)
To cap up the day, I learned alot and I think my only issue will be not mixing my numbers up (I am a bit dyslexic that way). I am super excited to have so many opportunities for guest interaction though, and the power to make "magic" for other fans when they come into my shop. I am like a giddy school girl!
Also, fans, check the Mugglenet site, if you don't already. Many things I can not speculate about are there, and also, there is a new contest running through the Ellen Show about HP...with no age limit! Lord, finally someone realized there are fans older than 12 out there. (MOST of us).
The registers are so easy to use, I think a monkey designed them. However, as was pointed out, a monkey cannot greet the guest and take care of them like me, so my job is safe.
This same trainer will be my trainer tomorrow, which will be my Harry Potter Merchandise training. I can not say anything about it...so no asking. :)
To cap up the day, I learned alot and I think my only issue will be not mixing my numbers up (I am a bit dyslexic that way). I am super excited to have so many opportunities for guest interaction though, and the power to make "magic" for other fans when they come into my shop. I am like a giddy school girl!
Also, fans, check the Mugglenet site, if you don't already. Many things I can not speculate about are there, and also, there is a new contest running through the Ellen Show about HP...with no age limit! Lord, finally someone realized there are fans older than 12 out there. (MOST of us).
Monday, March 8, 2010
My First Schedule!
I got a call from Universal today telling me to check my schedule for next week, since I was on the schedule to work right after my training is done (which will be Friday). I work Monday-Friday, 10:30am to 6:30pm at Poseidon's Treasures on the Lost Continent. That is the island right next to WWoHP. I suppose this is for my on-the-job training, so I am excited that they are getting me right in there. I am totally new to the Merchandise world, so I think it is going to be fun to learn about this new side of guest service. The only thing I am nervous about is the cash register...me and my calculator don't even get along, so a wiz-bang-complicated cash register is sort of duanting.
In other news, my online professors this semester have me in a tizzy (they do not understand the new system anymore than the students I suppose). But dinner is in the oven (cheesy chicken/broccoli casserole) and my hubby is on his way home, so the night is going well all things considered.
In other news, my online professors this semester have me in a tizzy (they do not understand the new system anymore than the students I suppose). But dinner is in the oven (cheesy chicken/broccoli casserole) and my hubby is on his way home, so the night is going well all things considered.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
So Tired
Warning: This is going to be a short blog.
Run down of my day...Info, Two-Park + City Walk Walking Tour, more info, info, and info.
Rode Rip Rocket Hollywood Coaster or whatever the name of that thing is (horrible lap bar), Hulk (headache but good), Jaws (apparently still scares me after all these years), Mummy (keep mouth closed unless you want water in it), and Simpsons (previously Back to the Future). All were good, but motion sickness approached unless I concentrated...I'm getting lame I guess.
I found out some cool HP tidbits, but cannot post them (this is KILLING me!), and took pictures outside the fences and in front of the ministry sign. They were working on some facades tonight at dusk when I was there. I shouted "I LOVE YOU" to the construction workers, and they said it back, and a big "your welcome" after I said "thank you" over the bridge as well. Took pics, but they are not wanting to post here for some reason. In any case they are at dusk, so I will have to take some in full daylight. I am soooo worn out, so I am signing off. Sorry the info was not mind blowing today. :) Much Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts love.
P.S I have a sunburn, and it was 60 today. Awesome. I suck at life.
Run down of my day...Info, Two-Park + City Walk Walking Tour, more info, info, and info.
Rode Rip Rocket Hollywood Coaster or whatever the name of that thing is (horrible lap bar), Hulk (headache but good), Jaws (apparently still scares me after all these years), Mummy (keep mouth closed unless you want water in it), and Simpsons (previously Back to the Future). All were good, but motion sickness approached unless I concentrated...I'm getting lame I guess.
I found out some cool HP tidbits, but cannot post them (this is KILLING me!), and took pictures outside the fences and in front of the ministry sign. They were working on some facades tonight at dusk when I was there. I shouted "I LOVE YOU" to the construction workers, and they said it back, and a big "your welcome" after I said "thank you" over the bridge as well. Took pics, but they are not wanting to post here for some reason. In any case they are at dusk, so I will have to take some in full daylight. I am soooo worn out, so I am signing off. Sorry the info was not mind blowing today. :) Much Hoggy Hoggy Hogwarts love.
P.S I have a sunburn, and it was 60 today. Awesome. I suck at life.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 1 Down
So, today was day one of my job at Universal. It was rather long...3pm to 9pm. Not long time wise I suppose, but since the information covered was of the most basic type (safety, benifits, goals, values, etc) it did drag on a bit. However, the teachers were top notch (one of them was actually the first person who interviewed me, and she remembered me, though it has been over a month).
I did have the "gag" put on very tight, so I will say that as far as what people are really wanting to know, I can't say anything. However, this gag order will lighten once the island is open, and then I will be able to share all of the exciting things with all of you who may not be able to rush down to Orlando this spring.
I can say these things though...Universal Orlando (UO from here on out), I think, is going to be a really great place to work. Having worked for Disney, which is the other big theme park I can compare UO to, I think that UO focuses on the team members more.
One more thing...I can not say yes or no to any of the rumors about WWoHP, but I will say this...stop speculating or furthering the crazy rumors. Having gotten to ask some questions of my own, I have gotten some suprising answers (and many questions are still left unanswered). I think that when the veil of silence is lifted, everyone will be suprised and happy about what WWoHP is going to encompass.
Saturday will most likely be my next blog. A 9am to 5pm shift, which includes riding rides, touring both parks and CityWalk, and lots of fun!
I did have the "gag" put on very tight, so I will say that as far as what people are really wanting to know, I can't say anything. However, this gag order will lighten once the island is open, and then I will be able to share all of the exciting things with all of you who may not be able to rush down to Orlando this spring.
I can say these things though...Universal Orlando (UO from here on out), I think, is going to be a really great place to work. Having worked for Disney, which is the other big theme park I can compare UO to, I think that UO focuses on the team members more.
One more thing...I can not say yes or no to any of the rumors about WWoHP, but I will say this...stop speculating or furthering the crazy rumors. Having gotten to ask some questions of my own, I have gotten some suprising answers (and many questions are still left unanswered). I think that when the veil of silence is lifted, everyone will be suprised and happy about what WWoHP is going to encompass.
Saturday will most likely be my next blog. A 9am to 5pm shift, which includes riding rides, touring both parks and CityWalk, and lots of fun!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My Introduction--Or How You Get to Work for Harry Potter
Let me start with a short story about how I got to this point.
About 12 years ago, a mania began in my life. It was innocent enough in the beginning. An aunt (shout out to Aunt Lib!) of mine gave me a book. A small, unassuming paperback with a picture of a geeky looking boy on the cover. I opened the book...and some sort of enchantment was released. The signs of this enchantment include: fanciful wandering of thought about being accepted to a school of magic, wondering if you would be able to ride a broomstick, dreaming of said school and inhabitants, secretly casting spells under your breath on all who make you angry during your otherwise mundane day, and naturally carrying around battered copies of books that are like children to you. If you are reading this blog, chances are you know these symptoms very well; you most likely live with them everyday. The cure--more Harry Potter of course.
Well, as I am sure you have heard (about, what, four years ago they announced this?), there is going to be a Harry Potter island at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. This magical place, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (which from here on out will be referred to as WWoHP), happens to be right here in my town. This I think was providence...meant to be. Harry knew that I wanted to work for him.
As the years have gone by, punctuated by book release parties, standing in line at theaters for hours in the middle of the night, and most recently, stalking the highways around Universal (I can see the towers of Hogwarts!), this mania has only gotten worse. I have been looking for the culmination of my fandom pride...and what better way than working at WWoHP?
I started this process in January, after seeing the job posting announced via Universal e-mailing me, and on MuggleNet. A couple of days later, I had my 1st interview. This I thought went great, and the most wonderful thing was that they quizzed me on Potter facts, and they were excited about the results (I got all 20 right). In most situations people would raise their eyebrows and mumble something to the effect of "dork" (I actually prefer nerd, thank you). However, Universal just loved my neediness.
A 2nd interview was held in February, about a month after the first. This was more about typical interview questions and my goals. This I thought went well too. I was told that I would get my call within a week. However, the next day I got the call. I almost screamed my excitement in the poor woman's ear, instead, I screamed in my husband's ear as a way of letting him know I got the job.
I have left my job working for the "Mouse," and tomorrow, I start my full time position working at WWoHP in Merchandise. These next two weeks are my Orientation period, so hang in there with me until the real work starts. I will share with you all as much as I am able, but please understand that until the opening I can not share most of the exciting things, as we are under a "gag order."
Signing off,
A Wizarding World Worker
About 12 years ago, a mania began in my life. It was innocent enough in the beginning. An aunt (shout out to Aunt Lib!) of mine gave me a book. A small, unassuming paperback with a picture of a geeky looking boy on the cover. I opened the book...and some sort of enchantment was released. The signs of this enchantment include: fanciful wandering of thought about being accepted to a school of magic, wondering if you would be able to ride a broomstick, dreaming of said school and inhabitants, secretly casting spells under your breath on all who make you angry during your otherwise mundane day, and naturally carrying around battered copies of books that are like children to you. If you are reading this blog, chances are you know these symptoms very well; you most likely live with them everyday. The cure--more Harry Potter of course.
Well, as I am sure you have heard (about, what, four years ago they announced this?), there is going to be a Harry Potter island at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. This magical place, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (which from here on out will be referred to as WWoHP), happens to be right here in my town. This I think was providence...meant to be. Harry knew that I wanted to work for him.
As the years have gone by, punctuated by book release parties, standing in line at theaters for hours in the middle of the night, and most recently, stalking the highways around Universal (I can see the towers of Hogwarts!), this mania has only gotten worse. I have been looking for the culmination of my fandom pride...and what better way than working at WWoHP?
I started this process in January, after seeing the job posting announced via Universal e-mailing me, and on MuggleNet. A couple of days later, I had my 1st interview. This I thought went great, and the most wonderful thing was that they quizzed me on Potter facts, and they were excited about the results (I got all 20 right). In most situations people would raise their eyebrows and mumble something to the effect of "dork" (I actually prefer nerd, thank you). However, Universal just loved my neediness.
A 2nd interview was held in February, about a month after the first. This was more about typical interview questions and my goals. This I thought went well too. I was told that I would get my call within a week. However, the next day I got the call. I almost screamed my excitement in the poor woman's ear, instead, I screamed in my husband's ear as a way of letting him know I got the job.
I have left my job working for the "Mouse," and tomorrow, I start my full time position working at WWoHP in Merchandise. These next two weeks are my Orientation period, so hang in there with me until the real work starts. I will share with you all as much as I am able, but please understand that until the opening I can not share most of the exciting things, as we are under a "gag order."
Signing off,
A Wizarding World Worker
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