My Disney Bucket List

This is a meme I've noticed among other College Program participants. They list all the things that they want to do, either on their program, or at Disney in general. I figured, eh, why not.
So, here are all the things I want to do at Disney - not just during my program, but throughout my entire Disney career. Booyah!

1. Eat at every restaurant at least once.
Obviously, this isn't going to happen overnight. Between quick service, casual dining, and formal dining, Epcot alone has 28 restaurants. Magic Kingdom has 25, Hollywood Studios has 15, Animal Kingdom has 9. Thus, the four main parks alone have a grand total of 77 restaurants. This doesn't include any of the resorts or Downtown Disney or the water parks or anything else. But it shall happen! The menus look too good for me to resist.

2. Try Dole Whip.
Related to #1, a lot of people I've talked to go absolutely ape shit when I say that I've never had a Dole Whip. (Pineapple soft serve you can get at the Aloha Isle in Adventureland) They consider it betraying mankind to not have ever had Dole Whip. Dole Whip, Dole Whip, DOLE WHIP. Even the Judgmental Disney Nerd says it:

Thus, I shall have to try this miraculous Dole Whip.

3. Drink Around the World
At Epcot, there are 11 countries represented in the World Showcase - Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In addition to having attractions that make you feel as if you are in other country, each pavilion offers its own unique alcoholic beverages. There is a challenge out there to drink one beverage from each country before moving on to the next pavilion. I would like to take on this challenge.

4. Meet Rapunzel
Of all the meet and greets I went to, Rapunzel was the one that I just didn't get to. It's a shame, really - she's one of my favorite princesses. I just never got around to saying hi to her. Thus, I'd like to meet her.

5. Complete the Ultimate Tours
The Ultimate Tours are special planned routes that get you to every attraction in a park in the same day. This includes rides, shows, parades, character greetings - you name it. These are intense challenges, but they look amazing. They would also get me into some shows I would otherwise avoid. It would be fun!

6. Learn to draw at least 10 Disney characters from the Animation Academy
As I've said before, I love the Magic of Disney Animation. It's one of my all time favorite things about the parks. I only ever attended the drawing class once though, when I learned to draw Ray the Firefly. I regret not going there more. So, when I go back, I plan on learning a lot more characters.

7. Buy a Figment t-shirt
There's one t-shirt in the gift shop for Journey Into Imagination With Figment. It was Figment purple, with a deliriously happy Figment on the front and the words "One Little Spark." (aka. The Figment song) I loved going in and looking at it, but I never bought it. Next time...it's mine.

8. Collect all of the Figment pins
Yes, I collect pins - specifically, Figment pins. I have one set of Figment pins already - the senses. I need to finish collecting the emotions - apparently, there are two sets of five. Do want.

9. See Fantasmic!, Wishes and Illuminations in one night.
Easier than you think. At certain times of year, Fantasmic! is at 6:30 pm. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is consistently at 9:00 pm, year round. Wishes varies almost daily, so you have to look ahead for times and plan accordingly. But it's entirely possible.

10. The Four Mountains
Space, Thunder, Splash, and Everest - all in one day. Boom, boom, boom, done.

11. Four Parks, One Day.
I want to hit at least 2 rides in each park in one day. (Like, the Mountains for Magic Kingdom, the Tower and Rock-n-Roller Coaster at Studios, etc.) When I decide to do it for real, I'll post a more defined plan on here.

12. Work in all four parks
Thus far, I've had official jobs in two - Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. I trained a bit in Epcot as a Character Attendant. But I would like to be able to pick up shifts in all four parks - that would be AWESOME. Working for the weekend!

13. Character Hunting
That is, meeting all of the characters in one park in one day, including photos and autographs. I'm not doing all four parks in one day for this - that's impossible, even for me. But in one park? Entirely possible. You just have to know where to be when and be willing to hunt around and ask questions.

14. Participate in Gay Days
Shocker! But yes, I would love to participate in Gay Days...I was sadly working during the last round.

15. Top scores on Toy Story Midway Mania and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
I was SO CLOSE last time I went on Buzz Lightyear. I was only a few points away! It makes me sad that I didn't make it...but I will! Just watch me!

16. College Program Attraction Tours
These are behind the scenes tours of various rides and shows that are exclusive to College Program participants. This is another thing that I passed up on - and I regret this immensely. I'd love to see behind the scenes of the Haunted Mansion or the Great Movie Ride. Please?

17. Visit DisneyQuest
This is an indoor, interactive theme park in Downtown Disney. I went there years and years ago, and I remember it being completely of the charts epic, other than the whole "paddling into lava" thing. I kept meaning to return during my months in Florida, but I never got around to it. I need to go back though...I need to redeem my title of Pinball Queen.

18. La Nouba
This is the Cirque du Soleil show that is exclusive to Downtown Disney. I've only seen pictures and video clips of it - never seen the real thing. Hell, I've never seen a Cirque du Soleil show anywhere. Thus, it must be seen.

19. The Water Parks
I have not once in my entire life been to either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. (I hear Blizzard is the better one, but I'll pass judgment on that myself) I would love to be able to go and slide down Summit Plummet like a giggling child.

20. Halloween at Magic Kingdom
I found some very good videos of the Halloween celebrations at Magic Kingdom. More specifically, Hallowishes, the Halloween fireworks. It not only confirmed my suspicions that "Heffalumps and Woozles" and "Pink Elephants on Parade" are two of the creepiest songs that have ever come out of Disney, but it also made me scream with delight. Grim grinning ghosts, come out to socialize!
Ahem.
I also want to meet the villains. Just saying...

21. Collect all of the Disney Fastpasses
As in, legit Fastpasses. Not the ones that say "Not a valid Fastpass." As in, the ones that actually have a time on them. As in, I will have to go into the parks and collect Fastpasses that I don't use. Yeah.

22. Club Cool
I want to try every soda offered in Club Cool at Epcot. Thus far, I've only had Japan (yummy) and Italy (YUCK). But I want to try the rest.

23. Visit every Disney Resort
From the All-Stars to the Grand Floridian, I want to visit all of them. I shall take a picture of the main entrance of each to prove that I was there.

24. Do a "bored face"/"silly face" photo on every photo-taking ride
Normal, screaming faces are boring. You've got to do something that makes the photo memorable. And I want to make special memories for a family. :P

25. Hidden Mickey Hunt
I want to go hunting for Hidden Mickeys (with the booklet in hand). Nuff said.

26. Spa Day at the Grand Floridian
After a hard day of work (that makes your back very stiff and your skin all red and sweaty), a spa day sounds reeeeeally good.

27. Visit Mickey's Retreat
Basically, it's a fun little area with pools and sports courts and other fun things. It's a place for Cast Members to go and relax and not worry about things. I want to visit it, especially since it's literally right next to Chatham Square, one of the apartment complexes for College Program people.

28. Get picked as an extra at the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Ok, yes...I have done this before. And you know what? IT WAS SO MUCH FUN.

29. Be on a ride during the fireworks
By this, I mean like riding Thunder Mountain while the fireworks are going off. That way, I can see them while screaming like a wee bern.

30. Rent a boat and explore Seven Seas Lagoon
Just paddle around, looking at all the lesser beings in cars...fun times.

31. Backstage Tour
I know that Disney offers a lot of backstage tours, like the Behind the Magic tour at Magic Kingdom. I'd like to go on it and learn what the Guests see and hear when they take the tour. You never know - I could learn something amazing to impress all you underlings with!

32. The Kitchen Sink
Because this seems to be on everyone else's bucket list, I'll add it too. The Kitchen Sink is a dessert served at Disney's Beach Club Resort. As you can see, it's huge and has more sweet stuff than you should ever eat in a single life time. It's designed for a group of people - but there is a challenge out there to eat it solo. I shall do it!

33. Explore the Wide World of Sports
Another one of those "Never been there" stories. I really don't have any idea what it is or why it's there, but I know there's a lot of testosterone involved. Either way, I want to go and check it out. Maybe eat some chicken wings...like a MAN.

34. Ride something at least 10 times in the same day
The closest I've ever come to this was on the Tower of Terror - seven times. Expedition Everest and Rock-n-Roller Coaster are tied for second, with six times. It'll likely end up being Tower, but I've heard other suggestions include the Haunted Mansion, Dinosaur, Test Track, Soarin', Mission: SPACE, and Star Tours. (Actually, Star Tours sounds like the better option, because it changes so often...)

35. See all the variations on Star Tours
If you missed the memo, Star Tours has been updated. Now the ride can change - you could go to Hoth, or perhaps Naboo. Maybe you'll get a message from Yoda, or maybe Princess Leia. Either way, there are many, many combinations of things that could happen. And I want to experience ALL of them.

36. Go on a Disney Cruise
YOU KNOW IT WOULD BE AWESOME.

37. Visit Disneyland
This really shouldn't need to be explained...beyond me wanting to ride the Matterhorn.


If I come up with any more, I shall let you know. But I think this is a pretty good bucket list for right now.

AGENT R IS OUT. PEACE.

The Life of a Character Attendant

*~*WARNING: If you don't want any of the magic ruined for you, LEAVE NOW. This article contains major Magic Destruction*~*

As I've mentioned before, one of my jobs at Walt Disney World was that of a Character Attendant.

One of these guys.

But never gone into much detail about what that job actually is. I personally thought it was self-explanatory - I attended to the Characters. But my good friend Sprinkles pointed out "I don't know how this shit works."
I guess I need to explain exactly what I did.
Well, Sprinkles, this is what a Character Attendant does.

8. Information Central

Much like the other Cast Members, you are expected to be a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about the Parks and Disney in general. You have to be able to tell someone where something is, when something is, what it is and why it is. Not only that, you're expected to always carry copies of maps and times guides, just in case you run into that Guest who hasn't read one of my previous posts. That's why it's good to experience attractions and restaurants yourself during your off days - that way, you'll know that while The Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is an awesome, family-friendly, air-conditioned show, Stitch's Great Escape is a cage of horrors that you can't escape until Disney says so. It's also handy for you to know other Character times and locations - that can distract Guests when you have to take your own Character away.

7. Getting the Line to Move

You've all been there. You've wanted to see Mickey Mouse, but the line was out the door and into the harbor. Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie, Stitch, the Princesses - they've all got long lines. And as the Character Attendant, it's my job to help that line move as fast as possible. That's why we're always walking the length of the line (if we can) and telling people to have all cameras turned on (and on the correct settings), to have all autograph books and pens open and set, and if they have a Photopass card, have it ready to hand off. We understand that it can get a little repetitive, especially if you have one of those kids that wants to meet every single character, but that's only to help everyone see the characters as quickly as possible. We also sometimes have to literally encourage the line to move up, especially if there are shady spots in a queue that is typically very sunny. That not only keeps the line moving, but it helps us as well - we can estimate wait times better.

6. Time Management

This is perhaps the biggest task of all Character Attendants. All Characters have to be on and off at certain times for their health and sanity. Your job is to keep an eye on the time and make sure that those times are met. This is also the other reason why you're telling everyone in the queue to have everything ready to go by the time they get up to the Characters. Remember: If the character has to be gone by 6 p.m., it's your bloody job to make sure that they are gone by 6 p.m., no matter how many people you have waiting. This is also why you should communicate often with your Character - they can speed up or slow down depending on your needs. You just need to let them know what you need them to do.

5. Directing and Taking Pictures

If you're not good at taking pictures, you'll get good really fast. Typically, the Photopass Photographer will take pictures, but there are a few Characters out there that do not have one. There are also times when a family or group will have a lot of cameras. Thus, you're going to help taking the pictures. Feel free to suggest poses, and keep an eye out for anything that you can't take a picture of. Example: If someone's wearing an explicit shirt, have them cross their arms or stand sideways. If it's a girl in a bikini top, for the love of God, have her facing the camera. You also get to make strange noises in hopes that the three-month-old who has no idea what's going on will look at the camera.

4. Pin Trading

This is how I first tasted the crack. For those who Pin Trade, you know exactly what I'm taking about. For those who don't, Pin Trading is exactly what it sounds like. You trade pins that have different Disney characters, movie images, etc. There are several sets of pins you can buy...but then there are the Collector's Pins which you cannot. You can only get them by trading with a Cast Member. (i.e. My personal collection of Figment pins. YOU CAN'T BUY THOSE)
Ahem.
All Character Attendants are issued a lanyard. While you're walking your line, you will always have some kid (or adult) go "Hey! Can I see your pins?" Why yes, little child, you can. And as a Cast Member, you have to trade with them - unless they try to give you a pin you already have.

3. Story Telling

"Buzz Lightyear's going to check in with Star Command! But don't worry - he'll be right back! Just stay in line."
"Mickey's going for a quick bite of cheesecake. He'll be right back, though. Don't you worry!"
"Stitch is heading back to Hawaii. He has a big luau to get ready for!"
And no, they are NOT going for a potty break.
As I said, Characters have to be on and off at certain times. This doesn't just mean they have to be on at 11 am and off at 7 pm. (Dear lord, I Attended Buzz Lightyear way too much...)
During the winter months, there are two people playing a Character. One goes out for 30 minutes, and then they switch. The switch generally only takes a minute, but it makes Guests panic. That's why, about five minutes ahead of time, an Attendant walks the line and tells the Guests a reason why the Character is leaving. And when it is time to go, reassure the next family that the Character will in fact be coming right back - it will only be a few minutes. Be prepared to dodge a few punches when you do this.
The other time you get to tell stories is when you close the line. Definitely have some bloody good stories for this - this is REALLY when Guests get angry. That's why you always have a Captain and/or a Manager helping you....some people just don't want to hear that they can't see Winnie the Pooh today.

2. The Gritty Backstage Stuff

Ok, here's the secret: Character costumes can be notoriously difficult to put on. Most of them at least require a second set of hands to zip it, but others require tucking, clipping, or other forms of adjustment. Guess who helps them put it on?
Yep, that would be you. And it doesn't matter how sweaty or gross the costume becomes as the poor soul stands in the sun and signs books. You still have to help them. How gross does it get?
The worst one for me was Tigger, even though I did it hundreds of times. There's an orange and white flap that hangs from his head, and it requires being tucked into the main body of the costume so it doesn't hike up or pop out during the set. How does one perform the Tigger Tuck? You reach up underneath the person's arms and pull down. As in, your arms meet up with their armpits. Think about it.
You're welcome.

1. Attend to the Characters...Or ELSE.

I'm not being funny here. This is your number one, super most important task. You must attend to and take care of your Characters. Keep at least one eye on them the whole time. If there is a costume malfunction, you have to get it fixed. If a Character gets sick or injured, you have to get them off set and find them some help. You have to communicate back and forth - let them know how much time is left in their set, tell them if there's a little kid somewhere they can't see (like right in front of them). Direct them to which camera is taking the picture. Let them know if something spills or it starts raining or thundering. Believe me, they appreciate it when you actually take care of them.

And that's what we do as Character Attendants. Glamorous work, no?

AGENT R IS OUT. PEACE.