That's the End

Now that I was done with my Jungle Cruise duties the only thing left on our agenda was the closing ceremony at the hotel.  We said goodbye to Randy and Jordan.  They gave us a Jungle Cruise pin and a copy of the whole script (not just the few pages we were given to memorize in the weeks before arrival).  The script was about 45 pages with alternate jokes for each scene.  

at the closing ceremony

The closing ceremony was very nice (would you expect anything else?).  We were greeted by our character mascots and had some delicious snacks and desserts.  The cast members and ambassadors that had helped us throughout the event thanked us for being so wonderful and making the event so much fun for them.  We were each given an amazing gift.  It was a photo of Mickey giving us our Cast Member pins after our Disney etiquette training and all of the Dream Job members in front of the castle.  The frame was a golden hue with Mickey's in the scroll design.  

team mascots

We said goodbye to each other and then my family and I headed out to the park.  Disneyland was open until midnight... that means lots of fun for me!  Those that know me are well aware of my last night at Disney/I'm leaving syndrome.  I burst into tears during the fireworks--especially the wish upon a star part.  After that it was all smiles.   

Jungle Cruise Donald Duck

 What do you do when the park is fairly empty after fireworks?   I head to Fantasyland since most of the little kids are gone and the lines are short.  Can you guess what line was really short? 

Dumbo had "no" line.  I was able to walk off and walk right back on again.  After doing this about 5 times the cast member working there told me I didn't have to exit unless there were about 10 people in the line.  Another dream come true... getting to fly with Dumbo over and over again.  I think I rode on every single Dumbo there was.  My mom chatted briefly with the cast member during one of my flights and I was given a Magic Feather to take home.  

It was an amazing experience and I loved every exhausting minute of it.  

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho it's off to work we go....

I left the hotel at 6:30 , but no breakfast for us behind the scenes so I had a bagel in the room.  We were all shuttled over to the park where we did a walk through of our role in the sub opening ceremony before costumes and makeup.  After the whirlwind of costumes and makeup (we only had 2 hours) it was off to the opening ceremony where we walked across stage in a line (we were told to be careful and to wave our right arms so we didn't block our faces) to the tune of Heigh Ho, and then right off stage and backstage again.  Our families were put in a special viewing area with a big screen to watch the live event.  While they waited they were introduced to some new "prototype/test" Disney stuff.  They were describing some 3-D shooting game to me... Guess what?  It's part of Toy Story Mania now.  Very cool. Then my family had some time to explore before our event (other families not as much time).  I'm telling you everything was precisely planned and ran very smoothly.   

screen in the viewing area

on tv

We had about an hour to eat lunch, more boxed lunches but this time at the Inn Between.   We all managed to chat about what we'd experienced so far... the Mansion dream jobs getting to walk the track that morning, Parade Performers dancing all afternoon and the Pirates creating their "characters."  The pirates had a lot of fun, just like us since they really had the opportunity to interact with guests.  One pirate was cursed with being literate and murmured "Finding Nemo... just find the bloody fish already."  Another pirate was cursed with always wanting the 7th guy and a piece of the 8th.  They looked great and after their show they were allowed to ride Pirates of the Caribbean in their costumes. 

My boat leaves in about 30 minutes!

getting ready to board the boat with the crew

Show Time!!!  Well, not for me just yet.  We were each given a 45 minute blocks of time and I was the 4th slot.  We got to sit at Aladdin's Oasis and wait our turns or stand on the dock.  I needed to sit and be away from the busy area.  I was so nervous.   So I sat and waited and stretched.  We were all pretty nervous sitting there waiting.  But we had lots of reassurance that we would do great from the camera crew and our hosts Donna and Rebecca.  I can only imagine how exhausted the crew was from having to be prepared to get us early and help us out all day.  They were amazing and continued to smile through it all. 

Skipper Randy introducing me

Then a Skipper named Jack came back on the way to the bathroom and saw us sitting there nervous.  He gave us some confidence and helped settle some nerves.  "Don't worry about it kids, nobody knows what you are supposed to be saying and you don't have to drive the boat.  You have visual cues in the jungle and once you get out there it will just happen."  Fortunately he was right.

waiting for them to load the boat so we can get the show on the water

Here in the jungle...

looking for a cue/sensor

I don't know how I managed to get through the first boatload of people, probably not that hard other than the fact that I had a media camera in my face and a giant light to soften the shadows.  Round two, it wasn't so bad.  It was the same group of people from the first boatload for the camera.  They were asked if they would be willing to ride the attraction twice, sign some legal document about their image/likeness being used for promotions and given something as a thanks for doing this. There was a nice couple on my boat that had gotten married the day before and were wearing thier bride/groom ears.  They laughed at the jokes and saw me later in the day and told me they loved being on my boat.  Third boat load a piece of cake, even though it was just regular, not specially picked, dock people.  I can't believe it went by so fast.  My official skipper duties had come to an end.  

whew...it's over

wearing the jacket

After we all went they whisked us to the upstairs line area (only used in really busy months) and did wrap up interviews with us before returning to costume and makeup for the last time.  We tried to convince them that we should get to keep the hats but it wasn't going to happen.  I know the pirates wanted parts of their outfits, pieces were actually worn in the movie.  We were brought back to the hotel, where I once again scrubbed my face.  Then I got ready for the Dream Job Closing Ceremony at the hotel.  

with my parents

Dream Job...Day 3-Party

Holy Cow it was awesome.   The media party was a private event and we got to walk down the Dory Blue carpet into the area near the subs. As we stepped onto the carpet each of us was handed a pair of light up dreams come true mouse ears.  There were scuba a go-go girls dancing, characters in their nautical attire and of course, Dory, Nemo and Crush.  

Papa Bear with the Scuba a Go-Go Girls

walking the carpet in style with character...

A band was playing, there were blow ups everywhere making it look like we were underwater.  They had the characters from Nemo hanging around for photos. A big bubble machine helped you feel you really had gone under water. Plexiglass tables with fish swimming in them were scattered around and a huge bar with Mount Wanna Hawk a Loogie behind it (the tank in Nemo).

love the cast member costumes and plexi-tables

Everything was all included and they had some exotic blue and orange drinks.  Lots of giant shrimp, seafood and other foods available to eat plus more awesome desserts.  They had cupcakes with coral and Nemo on them, clear aquariums (gelatin with gummyfish?), and a slushie machine and popcorn machine. 

our drinks (they contained alcohol)

one of the bars

dessert

characters and seafood table

 They had all sorts of nice photo opportunities available.  When we did ride the subs we had to wait about 30 minutes.  That was not bad though because the line the next day was over 8 hours and I believe they had to close the line.  

sub-mobile (like the wiener mobile)

family photo

The dance floor in front of the band had a projection machine above it creating an underwater dance floor.  We also got to go on the subs!  It was quite amazing and really neat.  I can't even begin to describe the ride, we saw the characters from the movie and how it was all done I'm not sure, but it was amazing.   We left the party around 9:20 cause I wanted to catch the fireworks and the party would end at 10 anyways.  They were cancelled cause it was a bit windy.  Oh well, I went on rides til 11ish. 

dance floor (see the scuba girl boots)

Dream Job...Day 3-training

Welcome to the Jungle

Day 3 began the official start of our job training.  Again, no cameras were allowed so I'll just stick in some random jungle cruise photos throughout this post to keep you from boredom.  I'm also breaking day 3 into two parts--training and the Nemo party.  I lucked out on the waking up thing with the Dream Job.  The skippers didn't have to be in the lobby until 7ish for costumes and makeup.  The princesses had to go in at about 5am or earlier.  We were the last group to go over.  We were shuttled over to the backstage area where we were put in a room for a continental breakfast and introduced to our camera crew that would follow us around for the day and again tomorrow.  Each group was assigned a crew.  Joan was great.  She was from Celebration, Florida.  The guys got their costumes first and were filmed, asked to say something witty about getting them.  Each of us had to "get our costumes twice," to make sure they  got a good shot and audio.  Our costumes were taken out of the main wardrobe building warehouse and brought over to the parade costume area.  

the African Bull elephant

 Across the hall from the "checkout" were rows and rows of lockers.  I Went into a large changing room to change-- no one else was in there since the earliest parade was still a few hours away.  There were photos and mirrors everywhere of what colors and how the parade make-up should look.   I was ready to be a skipper... but no, all cast members wear makeup.   Makeup was crazy.  Usually the cast does their own makeup but we were getting special treatment.  After what felt like forever (half an hour) I was all makeup-uped with a camera in my face asking how I felt.  I wanted a spatula to scrape it off my face. I had mascara, eyeshadow, blush, gooey foundation stuff, powder, the works, while the guys just had the "fluff and puff" (just powder to reduce shine).  We were given gold colored locks to lock up our stuff. 

oh the jokes here...

Rock on, we were ready.  Off to traditions class where we learned the Disney way.  Each group was assigned a character to escort them into the theatre for class.  Ours was a safari dressed Donald Duck.  Class was mostly be friendly and helpful.  Smile at everyone and don't lean, always stand up straight.  There were four basic guides to follow-- safety, courtesy, show and efficiency.  Safety always came first, being nice to people and helpful, putting on a show and lastly making sure things were efficient.  People are willing to wait in line if the show is good.  Perhaps the most interesting was never point, always use two fingers or an open palm.  (Now a habit I've formed).  We were given a team project to name as many disney animated characters in one minute.  After we were presented with our honorary cast member name tags from the one and only Mickey Mouse!  

hippos that wiggle their ears and blow bubbles

Off to lunch at the Eat Ticket backstage.  We were given smocks to wear so our costumes didn't get dirty and boxed lunches.  The cafeteria was decorated with old ride props (a Timothy mouse from Dumbo in the corner, some boat hanging from the ceiliing and dozens of photos).  After we were escorted to the Castle for a dream job cast photo.  We were Pirates, Princesses, Parade Performers, Haunted Mansion Caretakers and Jungle Cruise Skippers.  All these people stopped to take pictures of us and there were security people keeping the crowd away so it was just the castle in the background. 

After our photo came the actual job training 101.  Randy and Jordan took us on the Amazon Belle for our trip through the various rivers of the world.  Each drove the boat and gave their spiel.  Then Randy went and pointed out where sensors were that triggered motion and noise and explained how the boat runs on a track and there were C and S curves that can cause deraialment.  If there is a derailment then it will be about an hour delay and you will hear 6 cap gun shots fired.  There are all sorts of codes at Disney.  For example if you have a guest who is really sick and needs medical attention you don't call and say "i have an undesireable guest in front of me" you say "I have a "some number."   Well, after about 3 trips through the jungle we were each given three shots to practice our spiel.  We sat on the boat while one another practiced with a fifteen minute break.  I feel like I am one with the jungle after being on that boat nearly 5 hours.  The dock felt like it was moving when I finally did get off the boat.  A few of the skippers wanted to try out their own jokes  and wander away from the script we were given.  A few were acceptable and others were a big "No, I will take the mic from you and that will be the end."  

Trader Sam--Head Salesman of the Jungle

Back to costumes where we returned our costumes and dressed before taking a shuttle to return to the hotel.  A quick shower, and much scrubbing of my face,  then back to the park with my family to the finding nemo media launch party. 

Dream Job...Day 2

 Ok, so this is a really long one that I probably should have split into two or three posts.  Here it is anyways.  Day two of the Dream Job Adventure started with a character breakfast.  All you can eat buffet where we stuffed our faces and took photos with characters.  As with all Disney character meals there is some sort of special event that takes place about every 30-45 minutes.  Some places have a conga type line, others involve napkin twirling to a song.  At Goofy's Kitchen they have guests get up and dance with  Goofy and pals.  Of course it was mostly little kids and a few of their parents plus me. 

at Goofy's Kitchen

dancing with the kids

Chef Goofy and me

There is a large display case of Disney memorabilia in the lobby area as well as an Autopia car.  Mom and Dad climbed in and posed.  Dad looks like he's enjoying the "Sunday Drive."

Autopia Car

We walked through Downtown Disney to the park.  Disney World is really spread out between the parks but at Disneyland they are literally a stones throw away, making it very easy to park hop and lose a minimum amount of time between parks (no boats, monorails or busses).  I mailed post cards and then we were off for an adventure.  First adventure for the day--it's a small world.  I have to admit I like it's a small world and can find something new/different every time I am aboard the happiest cruise that ever sailed.  The Disneyland version is huge compared to Disney World.  

at Disneyland train station looking at Cali. Adventure

Main Street mailing post cards

it's a small world

We took a mid-afternoon break in a quiet side alley/street off of Main Street.  My dad thought he was pretty funny striking this pose and grabbing the door.  All of the sudden we start hearing noises from the upstairs window of the building.  We were treated to the sounds of a dentist office with a patient getting their cavities filled.  

Laughing Gas

We went back to the hotel to relax at the pool for a bit. It was about time for the Dream Job to officially begin.  We met in the hotel lobby at 6pm.  All of the Dream Job winners were together for the first time.  Cast members dressed in plaid were assigned to us (one for each dream job role) plus an assistant. After brief introductions Rebecca escorted us through Downtown Disney and into the park then quickly backstage.  We filmed on top of the Plaza an intro and I'm at Disneyland.  Once we all had our opportunity we were taken to the Oasis for a dessert reception they were having for us.  

They had genie lamps made out of chocolate and filled with mousse, cookies, amazing desserts (a theme of the weekend for my family).  Then some big, and by big I mean important,  Disney people made short speeches about the weekend and the planning that went into it before each of the dream job members was introduced on stage and then sent into the "Cave of Wonders."  Quite extraordinary.  Honestly, it was kind of scary having to walk into the Cave of Wonders.  There was smoke coming out  of the mouth and lights shining in your eyes (hence the red glow in its mouth).  There were stairs but you couldn't really see them.

Cave of Wonders

Meanwhile my mom, dad and Karen are enjoying those yummy desserts and some time with characters.  They are free to stay and continue to eat or wander the park and return for our special seating for the fireworks. 

at the Oasis with Mickey

We were now backstage and after quite a long walk to some building we were escorted into a room where tables were decorated in theme. The princesses had tiara's on their table and a glass slipper.  The haunted mansion folks had a "magic ball" and other "spooks like spiders."  The pirate had skulls and gold coins, parade performers (high school musical) had red and white pom poms, megaphones and basketballs.  Our Jungle Cruise skipper table was animal print with shrunken heads, plants and flowers.  Each table contained 5 pairs of mouse ears with our names embroidered and a gift card.   Sorry for lack of pictures but we were not allowed to bring any cameras behind the scenes with us.

showing off my official ears

After another quick congradulations we were directed to give our attention two experts that would go over the duties and what we would be doing and if we had any questions.  Skipper Randy and Jordan were great, teaching us the ropes.  They wanted to know why each of us liked the cruise so much... pretty much it came down to a consensus at our table that it was a historical feature of the park and we had that type of humor.  

Our meeting ended and we were escorted back to the park to  a special viewing area  for the fireworks.  Our families joined us and my dad kept trying to give me a few cookies that he saved for me from the Oasis dessert reception. He is such a good papa bear.  My mom was all proud of the genie lamp she had to continue to snack on.  Fireworks were great (always are at Disney) and the park was open until midnight so we stayed and played until about 11.  Of course that play involved riding Dumbo and a lot of other Fantasyland attractions since it wasn't crowded at all.   


Overly excited Amanda, again.  Remember the actual Dumbo in the parade yesterday?  Yeah, that excitement level all over finding out that they hand out Magic Feathers for Dumbo to fly at Disneyland.   They are just to know how many people to let on the attraction at once, but still way too cool.

the Magic Feather

Dumbo with Papa Bear