Last updated 01Jan13 – Fun in 2012.

08Dec12 - I want you to go to www.disneycastingscout.com and apply for a job indicating Dave Flynn, 448044, referred you. I may earn $100 and may win a cruise on the Disney Fantasy - based on information in the 18Nov12 D publication for employees “Eyes & Ears.” Of course, you probably have to get a job before I get my cruise.

The information I wrote in previous years was correct when I wrote it. However, last year Walt Disney World (D) changed the Casual Temporary (CT) Cast Member employment policy. I now have to work 150 hours per year. The previous 12 months are reviewed each quarter, starting Oct12, to verify CTs have met the requirement. Therefore, I am trying to work 40 hours every quarter. The web site D set up for CTs to enter their availability is orientated toward working a week at a time, but a day or two every week is best for my schedule.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK) also reorganized so I can only work in the Boneyard. When I first applied there were no seasonal openings in park operations (then called attractions), but I requested it anyway. So it is still worth filling out an application – you never know what jobs will be available next week. Read my 2008 story to see how my career started. http://wdw.disneycareers.com is the web site to apply.

I work at Walt Disney World (D) for the fun of it. It is really great fun helping people who are having fun, have fun. I have received many 50% and 40% discounts on rooms, many discounts of 35% on merchandise, many 20% discounts on meals; have received special considerations at reservation time, provided friends and family free admission to D, and a million fun times. I even received a 15% discount of a 2 hour Segway tour of Fort Wilderness – a tour you should try. I should also point out that since I am working away from home, all my expenses – tolls, auto mileage, motel room, meals (I take the meal per diem rate of $56/day), costume cleaning, etc. – are an employee income tax deduction. Since I also work for a major tax preparation firm, I use every deduction I can find to help me and my income tax clients get the largest legal refund.

I am only trained to work in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (DAK) in Dinoland in the Boneyard which features a playground area with 9 slides for kids and a dig site where kids can dig for dinosaur bones. If I can continue to work 40 hours a quarter, I see no reason to request training in other areas.

Week 01 – 12/25/11 – A D week is a Sunday through Saturday work week. The week number is based on the payday which occurs the Thursday following each week.

Week 02 – 01Jan12 – Sun, Jan 01, 12 – 6.00 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter

I was scheduled to work today in the Boneyard. My current availability for 2012 is Sundays days only. The Boneyard was not as full as I expected. I only work the Tower and the Entrance/Exit positions not counting miscellaneous tasks (parking strollers, checking first aid supplies, collecting lost and found, etc.). Entrance/Exit is the best position because it lets you greet and talk to the guests entering and leaving the Boneyard.

Observation: My favorite task is to find a VIP family. I noticed a family with all blue tie-dyed Mickey Mouse outline shirts. So I sat down and talked with them for some time. The family of 8 were from Iowa, were down here for the next week, and we were able to share some ideas and suggestions about what to see and do at D. Not a bad task at all.

Week 03 – 08Jan12 - My availability is Sunday and I was not scheduled to work this week. I could have signed up to work the marathon but you had to start work at 5AM. However about 8AM on 14Jan12 I received a call from D. I called them back and it seems the Boneyard was a little short handed and they were calling all those not working to see if they could. I suggested that living 3 hours away, I could not make it within the required 2 hour window.

Week 04 – 15Jan12 - Sat, Jan 21, 12 – 14.50 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter

My availability is Sunday and I was not scheduled to work this week. However, they decided to schedule me to work Saturday. Since I had not worked 40 hours this quarter, I decided to go and work. The Boneyard was full probably because the day was great. Because of my late start (10:30) I never worked a complete normal rotation which included the dig site. I spent most of the day at the Entrance/Exit and was there at the end of the day. In that position, you do not have to go back to the dig site to cover the bones at quitting time.

Observation: I spent some time talking with several Illini all dressed in orange and blue. We all miss the Chief Illiniwick who performed at various campus events before the stupid liberal political correctness of the NCAA killed the show.

Week 05 – 22Jan12 - Sun, Jan 22, 12 – 20.50 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter

I started the day in the dig site and continued to work through every position. It turns out it was an absolutely beautiful day and it seems almost every local resident decided to come to DAK. By afternoon it was really crowded.

Observation: The new schedules are posted each Sunday for the next week so I found out today I was to work on Sat 04Feb. I found another cast member who wanted to work and put her in to take my shift. It was denied because it would create an overtime work shift for her. I found another cast member and put him in to take the shift. It was approved. So, I can now attend my second granddaughter’s first birthday party.

Week 06 – 29Jan12 – Sun, Jan 29, 12 – 28.25 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter

The day started out with a basic training class. The class was held in the training center on the other side of DAK behind Camp Minnie Mickey. There were nine of us from different parts of DAK, all who deal with guests. We shared skills, appearances, attitudes, and suggestion on how cast members could increase the guests’ enjoyment of D. After two hours of class I went over to the Boneyard and worked various positions during the day. One of the fun positions to work is the Tower, on the third level where the longest slide starts. Most of the guests using the slides are kids, and they really beam when you recognize them from previous trip to the Tower and talk to then about how many times they have taken the slide.

Observation: The instructor in our class was from Louisville, KY. She had worked at D twice during her education at the U of KY. She loved it so much, upon graduation she immediately move down and got a full time at D. Most of the time she has worked in the resort hotels but had taken some jobs in teaching others the skills required to help guests in the resort hotels. She, like so many, many cast members, is an amazingly dedicated and happy D employee. I have never known a company where so many employees really love to work there.

Week 06 continued – somehow I ended up being scheduled for work on Sat, 04Feb12 even though my availability was Sunday and could not work because I was working at my job at home. I was able to give the shift away to another employee.

Week 07 – 05Feb12 – I was not scheduled to work this week.

Week 08 – 12Feb12 - Sun, Feb 12, 12 – 34.25 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter

Today was a normal day in the Boneyard. It started off a little cool but quickly warmed up. I arrived early and checked in at 9:45. Since my start time for pay is 10:00 the first 15 minutes was what they call grace-in – free time I give to the D. I picked up a position in the dig site and rotated positions until I left at 16:00 – D uses a 24 hour clock.

Observation: I arrived in Orlando early on the evening before I was going to work so I could enjoy a dinner at Sweet Potatoes with my sister and brother in law. I was running a little late so I took a short cut, turned off the Osceola Parkway onto SR 535 to get over to just beyond I4 where we were to have dinner. I could have continued on Osceola to I4 but it was longer. However, never try to drive on SR 535 on Saturday night. It took me 45 minutes to go 2 miles. But we enjoyed dinner anyway.

Week 09 – 19Feb12 - Sun, Feb 19, 12 – 42.25 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter – I only need 40 hrs per qtr starting Oct11.

Today was almost a picture perfect day. It started off a little cool but by noon was warm. Somehow the assignment rotation did not have me work in the dig site at all. I spent most of my time at the entrance/exit. That is one of the most enjoyable positions because you get to meet and greet the guests as they enter and leave.

Observation: One of my assignments today was to select a VIP family. I found a family from Great Britain who were here on holiday (known as vacation in the colonies). I spent my 20 minute assignment reviewing how they should spend their time at each of the 4 D parks. They were staying on D property and had not been briefed about extra magic hours (EMH). EMH are the before normal opening hours and after normal closing hours where guests staying on D property can use the parks by showing their room card and the attractions are much less crowed. The family was enjoying the warm weather 27 degrees C compared with -5 degrees C at home.

Week 10 – 26Feb12 – I was scheduled to work Sun, 26Feb12 but was able to give my shift away. I have my 40 hours this qtr and 137.75 hours toward my 30Sep12 annual requirement of 150 hours measured on a rolling qtr basis.

Week 11 – 03Mar12 – I was scheduled to work this Sun, 03Mar12 but was able to give my shift away to another employee.

Week 12 – 11Mar12 - Sun, Mar 11, 12 – 48.25 hrs so far this quarter, 95.50 hrs last quarter – I only need 40 hrs per qtr starting Oct11.

We dried out the Boneyard from the rains over night and were able to open dry at 10am. At 11am it started raining again. It continued to lightly rain through out the day. We close down the slides and have only the dig site open during the rain. If there is lightning, we completely close the Boneyard to keep guests off the stairs and open the dig site through an alternate route. There was no lightning today.

Observation: One thing to remember is never put away your plastic rain gear when it is wet. I do not remember the last time I used it, but when I got it out of the pack we wear, it was covered with black fungus in many places. I threw it out and picked up a new rain coat at costuming on the way home. I had tried to give this work day to another employee, but was unable to contact anyone who was available to take my shift.

Week 13 – 18Mar12 – I asked not to be scheduled this week and was not scheduled.

Week 14 – 25Mar12 – I was scheduled to work this Sun, 03Mar12 but was able to give my shift away to another employee.

Week 15 – 01Apr12 - Sun, Apr 01, 12 – 7.25 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 40 hrs per qtr.

We dried out the Boneyard from the rains the previous day and opened at 9am. My first assignment was the Entrance/Exit position. That is one of the best assignments because I enjoy interacting with the quests. Then I rotated through various positions, received some new training, talked with VIP families, picked the first aid kit, parked strollers, picked up lost and found, etc. for the rest of the day. The weather was great but the hot summer seems to have arrived early.

Observation: The VIP family I chose today consisted of a family of 4. They were from George. She born in Taiwan, lived in California, and met her husband, an American, while they were both in Japan studying. She really loves D and we talked for a long time about working at D and why she should get a job here. It must be the pixie dust or something but from the moment I arrive at D until I leave, I am just thrilled to be here. Even when I am just walking around as a guest it is thrilling.. She says she feels the same way.

Week 16 – 08Apr12 – I asked not to be scheduled this week because I work for the major tax preparation firm and very busy weekend.

Week 17 – 15Apr12 – I was not scheduled to work this week and was glad. I am overwhelmed by number of tax payers who are filing at the last minute. My scheduled availability is still only Sundays.

Week 18 – 22Apr12 – I was not scheduled to work this week.

Week 19 – 29Apr12 - Sun, Apr 29, 12 – 13.25 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 40 hrs per qtr.

The day started out with a normal amount of guests. However by the afternoon it seemed like everyone within 50 miles came to visit DAK because it was such a beautiful day. Since I was scheduled to work 6 hours I was on my way home by 5PM.

Observation: One of the Orlando guests started asking me about working at D. I think maybe I convinced her to apply. On my way out of DAK, I stopped by costuming to exchange one of my shirts. The collar was thinning out.

Week 20 – 06May12 - Sun, May 06, 12 – 19.25 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 40 hrs per qtr.

It was a hot busy day in the Boneyard. I only worked 6 hours today. Most of the assignments were miscellaneous tasks like pick up the lost and found, change the hand sanitizer, straighten the strollers, and twice select a VIP family. My last assignment for today was the entrance/exit to the Boneyard. That is one of the best positions because it allows for a lot of guest interaction

Observation: One of the couple I met was from Canada and had just moved to Orlando where they started a corporation to provide internet support to businesses. I did suggest in their free time they could work for D

Week 21 – 13May12 – I was not scheduled to work this week.

Week 22 – 20May12 - Sun, May 20, 12 – 25.25 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 40 hrs per qtr.

The shift schedule for today had me starting at 2:30 and ending at 8:30. I arrived early and was soon in the rotation between the 6 positions. It was a hot day and by about 5pm the number of guests in the Boneyard started to thin out. I spent some time in the tower – the third story position at the top of the big slide. One young lady, I guess about 10, kept sliding and then coming back to do it again for about 19 times. Every time I would comment on her red poke a dot flip flops or her red shirt or something and when she finally had to leave she said she would come back to say good bye. Later I was at the entrance/exit and she came back with her mother to say good bye and give me a hug. She said she had a great time. They were from Ocala and visit D often. I ended the day at the dig site. As I’ve mention before, covering the dinosaur bones with the sand each evening is the closest thing to shoveling snow I’ve done since I left Chicago. It is hard work.

Observation: Since my shift started late, I decided to drive up on Sunday and return on Monday. My spouse joined me for the trip and while we did not see any deer, pigs, or armadillos on this trip we did see vultures, sand hill cranes, and an otter (trying to cross the road) long about mile marker 185 to 190 on the Florida turnpike. Before coming home on Monday, we went by Cast Connections (CC). CC is store where cast members can buy last year’s and surplus merchandise at a discount. It only cost me about four times what I made Sunday to stop by that store. Sure glad I did not have to pay full price.

Week 23 – 27May12 - Sun, May 27, 12 – 32.25 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38 hrs per qtr.

The shift schedule for today had me starting at 1:15 and ending at 20:45. I arrived early and was soon in the rotation between the 6 positions. It was a hot day and by about 5pm the number of guests in the Boneyard started to thin out. I spent some time in the tower – the third story position at the top of the big slide. One young lady, I guess about 10, kept sliding and then coming back to do it again for about 19 times. Every time I would comment on her red poke a dot flip flops or her red shirt or something and when she finally had to leave she said she would come back to say good bye. Later I was at the entrance/exit and she came back with her mother to say good bye and give me a hug. She said she had a great time. They were from Ocala and visit D often. I ended the day at the dig site. As I’ve mention before, covering the dinosaur bones with the sand each evening is the closest thing to shoveling snow I’ve done since I left Chicago. It is hard work.

Observation: Since my shift started late, I decided to drive up on Sunday and return on Monday. My spouse joined me for the trip and while we did not see any deer, pigs, or armadillos on this trip we did see vultures, sand hill cranes, and an otter (trying to cross the road) long about mile marker 185 to 190 on the Florida turnpike. Before coming home on Monday, we went by Cast Connections (CC). CC is store where cast members can buy last year’s and surplus merchandise at a discount. It only cost me about four times what I made Sunday to stop by that store. Sure glad I did not have to pay full price.

Week 24 – 03Jun12 - Sun, Jun 03, 12 – 38.50 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38 hrs per qtr.

The shift schedule for today had me starting at 12.45 and ending at 19:45. As soon as I arrived, I began the position rotation by working in the dig site. It was a hot day and it seems everyone in the area decided to come for the afternoon.

Observation: I met a met a lady and her family from Cincinnati who wanted to work at D as soon as she retired. I of course suggested she try now and work a week a quarter. Perhaps I was able to recruit a new cast member. I just remembered that Thanksgiving is less than 6 months away and dinner reservations at the Hidden Canyon Café in the Wilderness Lodge need to be made 6 months early because they fill up fast. I spent an hour online trying to get reservations and gave up since there were no reservations available for the whole day. I called the cast reservation line and got reservations for dinner at the Hidden Canyon Café for 10 in 5 minutes. Being a cast member has perks.

Week 25 – 10Jun12 - Sun, Jun 10, 12 – 44.50 hrs so far this qtr, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.50 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38 hrs per qtr.

Last week, as soon as I found out I would get my 38 hours in this quarter; I requested I not be scheduled for the rest of June. My request for week 25 was denied (based on the rules, I was late in requesting time off). The shift schedule for today had me starting at 13.45 and ending at 19:45. When I arrived (and generally I check in 15 minutes early) I was scheduled to work the entrance/exit position. That is one of the three best positions and allows probably the greatest interaction with guests. One of my later assignments was to restock the first aid kit. After verifying no new supplies were needed, I went out ask asked other cast members if I could relieve them so they could take a quick trip to get more water. It was a hot, hot, hot day and two of them quickly took advantage of my offer. My last position of the day was at the dig site. I’ve previously mention my “thrill” of covering the dinosaur bones with sand. Doing it in the heat today was even more exciting!! I was exhausted by the end of the day.

Observation: I spent some time talking with a teacher from Kansas. Seems she would like to get a job at D for the summer time. I suggested she apply because if she worked 4 weeks each year she would meet the hours requirements for a CT cast member. I forgot to mention that in my area, last time I heard, cast members had to work every 6 months or be retrained. I drove up Sunday morning and was able, thanks to help from MaryAnn at Motel 6 (Main Gate West), was able to check in early and relax before I went to work. This Motel 6 is within 2 mile of cast parking at DAK.

Week 26 – 17Jun12 – I requested the day off – I have my 44.5 hours the quarter.

Week 27 – 24Jun12 – I requested the day off – I have my 44.5 hours the quarter.

Week 28 – 01Jul12 - Sun, Jul 01, 12 – 6.0 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 2:45pm with an assignment to work the parade. After the parade, my next assignment was the tower, then mid level roamer, ground roamer, and lastly the dig site with various breaks in between. The best work assignments are the entrance/exit and dig site where you can converse with and help the guests. The worst work assignment is the dig site at the end of the day. I, with the help of two other cast members, spent 15 minutes covering the dinosaur bones with sand.

Observation: One of the other cast members called me over to look at something. Seems we had an unwanted guest in the bone yard. A pine snake, almost 10 inches long, was trying to find a place to hide. I picked him up, much to the concern of two other cast members (seems picking up a snake is something they would not do), and released him in a more appropriate habitat.

Week 29 – 08Jul12 - Sun, Jul 08, 12 – 12.0 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 09:45am and I arrived 15 minutes early and helped clean up the Boneyard before it opened at 10am. I had every position assignment before I left at 3:45pm.

Observation: I met many guests from Indiana(2), Toronto, Jersey, Texas, Singapore, Tulsa, New York, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and a young couple from Tampa. The couple from Tampa had previously worked at a museum in Indianapolis and both were interested in dinosaurs. I of course suggested they sign up to work for D. On my way out of DAK, I switched shirts and hats, boarded a D bus, and joined the family at EPCOT.

Week 30 – 15Jul12 - Sun, Jul 15, 12 – 19.25 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 08:15am and I arrived 15 minutes early and started cleaning up the Boneyard. At 8:30am another cast member arrived and we split the task. There are a lot of benches, railings, bones, and slides to dry. Then the safety equipment and communications have to be checked. Management reviews our check list and we opened a little early. I started working as ground roamer and rotated through all the positions before the 3pm when the rains came. Then only the dig site was open because wet slides go too fast. It was a hot and wet day.

Observation: I met many guests from England (2), Scotland, Brazil, Russia, Fort Myers, and Virginia. The Scotland family wondered why we were bothered by the little rain. They claim it always rains in Scotland. I tried to convince another family from Texas that they should each get jobs at D. I have a feeling they won’t apply because Texas is so far away, even though I told them of my 03Jan10 discussion with the cast member from Alabama.

Week 31 – 22Jul12 - Sun, Jul 22, 12 – 25.25 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 1:45pm. I arrived early to pick up a couple copies of Eyes and Ears, the D publication for employees. The day was an average position rotation day until the rains came at 4pm. Then the slides closed and only the dig site was open.

Observation: Canada seems to be coming to D in numbers. I spent time talking to guests form Oklahoma, Charleston, Houston, California, Ohio, Michigan, and several other places. While working in the dig site, in addition to helping the kids dig, I have time to converse with the guests and make suggestions as to where they should go the following day at other D parks. A military family for Georgia who had just returned form 4 years in Germany discussed the various military bases where they had vacation, including Hawaii, Japan, Korea, Key West and others.

Week 32 – 29Jul12 – I’m not scheduled to work this week.

Week 33 – 05Aug12 - Sun, Aug 05, 12 – 31.25 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 1:45pm. I arrived 15 minutes early and was assigned the standard rotation starting with the dig site. About 30 minutes later, the rotation moved me to mid roamer. About 2:15 the rains started. During the rain, the slides are closed and only the dig site is open. It remained raining, off and on, for the next 5 hours. The rains came so fast and heavy, I got soaked.

Observation: Prior to going to work, I stopped by the D employee’s store, Cast Connections. Generally they sell older merchandise at discounts. Also located at the same site is property disposal where used, excess property is sold. Among the available used property were 11 Segways for sale at $399 each. They looked well used. If you have never ridden a Segway, D has an EPCOT tour, a Ft. Wilderness tour, and a 5 minute orientation class in EPCOT. I talked with a lot of United Kingdom visitors, most seemed to be happy away from the Olympic crowds in London. One of the best parts of working the dig site is the opportunity to give suggestions on fun activities at D. I spent some time with one guest from Canada discussing the Wilderness Lodge (where she had dinner reservations), and the Ft. Wilderness campgrounds. They enjoy camping but have never been to Ft. Wilderness.

Week 34 – 12Aug12 - Sun, Aug 12, 12 – 36.25 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 1:45pm. I arrived 15 minutes early and was assigned various miscellaneous tasks such as collecting the lost and found, filling the first aid kits, and filling the hand sanitizers. Then I entered the standard rotation starting with the dig site. About 2:30 the rains started. However, today the sun came back within 15 minutes so we dried the slides and opened them up again.

Observation: I had a discussion with a teacher from Canada. She seemed quite interested in working at D after her retirement. I suggested she start now to take advantages of the available cast discounts. She was especially interested in the D Cruise Line discounts. As of today (30Sep12), there are 35 cruises on 4 different ships leaving from 20Oct through 13Jan on 4 to 14 day cruises which will cost cast members between $45 to $110 double occupancy. I’ve been told that is a discount of about 50%.

Week 35 – 19Aug12 - Sun, Aug 19, 12 – 43.00 hrs this qtr, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, 95.5 hrs 4th qtr 11 – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

Today started at 9:45pm. I arrived 15 minutes early and helped the opening staff open the Boneyard. I started the rotation in the dig site and rotated throughout various positions for the 7 hours. It did not rain today.

Observation: I had a discussion a military spouse who had lived at various military installations throughout the world. She was staying the weekend at Shades of Green, the D military resort hotel. She pointed out that even veterans with a DD-14 can stay there at various times. www.shadesofgreen.org is the web sites which has all the latest discounts and availability. I was also staying at Shades of Green this weekend with the family. They were offering a 33% discount off normal rates. It was a great place to stay. At the end of my shift, I changed my shirt and hat and became a guest enjoying Dinoland with my family. As soon as I found I was working today, I changed my availability to none for the rest of the quarter and it was approved.

Week 36 – 26Aug12 – I was scheduled to work. I pointed out my unavailability which had been approved. I was unscheduled.

Week 37 – 02Sep12 – I was scheduled to work. I pointed out my unavailability which had been approved. I was unscheduled.

Week 38 – 09Sep12 – I was scheduled to work. I pointed out my unavailability which had been approved. I was unscheduled.

Week 39 – 16Sep12 – I was not available to work this week.

Week 40 – 23Sep12 – I was not available to work this week.

Week 41 – 30Sep12 – Sat, Oct 06 – 6 hrs this qtr, 43.00 hrs 3rd qtr 12, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

I was not available to work this week, but when I found that I was not working next Sunday, I picked up an open shift for Sat. It was a standard shift and I was lucky to end the shift at the entrance (thus no work covering the bones in the dig site).

Observation: Today was the last day for a fellow cast member from South Korea. He was moving to another assignment in D. He was working on his degree in resort management from a school in South Korea. His English was outstanding, for it seems he had spent some years in New Zealand. The next morning I went to the Orlando Navy Exchange to buy a D FL resident annual pass for a family member. Seems they sold them, but were out of tickets. So I drove back to Shades of Green, the D military resort hotel. I purchased the pass at SOG for the same price and they gave me a complementary one day pass to be used within the next two days. So I went back to Motel 6 where I was staying and gave the pass to the Mary Ann who works the front desk. I later found out she had used it to go the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival and had a great time. It always makes me feel good when I can help someone have a great time at D.

Week 42 – 07Oct12 – New quarter so I reset my availability to every Sunday but was not scheduled to work.

Week 43 – 14Oct12 – I was available to work but not scheduled.

Week 44 – 21Oct12 – I was available to work but not scheduled.

Week 45 – 28Oct12 – I was available to work but not scheduled.

Week 46 – 04Nov12 – I was available to work but not scheduled. I’m getting a little concerned I may not make my 38.5 hrs this qtr.

Week 47 – 11Nov12 – Sun, Nov 11 – 12 hrs this qtr, 43.00 hrs 3rd qtr 12, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

I was available to work but not scheduled. However there was a shift posted for 11Nov12 and I picked it up. Seems sometimes shifts become available after the scheduling has been finished. Today was a standard day in the Boneyard. I worked at various positions and mostly tried to request kids not crawl up the slides so they would not get hit by someone coming down. The shift ended by covering the bones in the dig site – real work like shoveling snow up north.

Observation: Talked with a couple from Hernando State College about jobs at D. Did not have any information about jobs in entertainment, but did help them find the Hidden Mickeys in the Boneyard. Talked to another lady from Utah who indicated her parents dream was to retire to Florida and work a D. I did my best to encourage her to get them going. Talked to another family from Houston (and many places before that) who was so interested in working at D as a CT employee they were discussing buying a condo, working one week a quarter, and renting the condo out the rest of the time. There are rental services in the area which do this and I have stayed in some of the condos on family visits to D.

Week 48 – 18Nov12 – Sun, Nov 18 – 18 hrs this qtr, 43.00 hrs 3rd qtr 12, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

This was a normal day in the Boneyard. I worked various positions and my shift ended at 3PM.

Observation: When my shift was over, I changed shirts and hat and joined the other guests on a bus. Since I was camping with the family in Ft. Wilderness and the family was at EPCOT, I joined them there. Working today gave give me 150+ hours for the 12 months ending Dec12.

Week 49 – 25Nov12 – I was available to work but not scheduled. I requested more availability for the week of 09Dec12. I would like to get 40hrs this qtr.

Week 50 – 02Dec12 – I was available to work but not scheduled. I requested more availability for the week of 16Dec12. I would like to get 40hrs this qtr.

Week 51 – 09Dec12 – I was available to work but not scheduled. I requested more availability for the week of 23Dec12. I would like to get 40hrs this qtr.

Week 52 – 16Dec12 – Sun, Dec 16 – 26 hrs this qtr, 43.00 hrs 3rd qtr 12, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr.

This was a normal day in the Boneyard. I worked various positions and my shift ended at 6:30 PM.

Observation: One of the assignments I enjoy the most is “VIP Family.” I’m not sure what that should be, but I find a family, generally the parents since the kids are playing, and discuss D and what I would suggest they do. The family I talked today was from Manitoba where he worked in the energy services industry. Their direct flight had been changed to require a 1 stop plane change so they did not get to the Magic Kingdom until 4pm yesterday. Among the things I suggested was that when the Animal Kingdom closed at 7pm they should go over to Hollywood Studios (HS) and see the Indiana Jones Show (nighttime is best) and the Osborne Family Lights (nighttime is required). Since they were staying at a D resort, they could take advantage of Extra Magic Hours and stay at HS for an extra 3 hours after it closed at 8pm.

Week 53 – 23Dec12 – Fri/Sat, Dec 28/29 – 40 hrs this qtr, 43.00 hrs 3rd qtr 12, 44.5 hrs 2nd qtr 12, 48.25 hrs 1st qtr 12, – I need to average 38.5 hrs per qtr I was available to work 23Dec12 but not scheduled. However, since during the week of 02Dec12 I had requested I be scheduled for extra hours on 28 and 29 Dec (it must be done 3 weeks in advance), I ended up being scheduled to work for 12 hours each day. I did not need the hours to make my 150 for the last 4 quarters but may for some future 4 quarters

Friday morning the temperature was 40 degrees and warmed up to 75 during the day. It was a normal day with rain coming about 6pm.

Saturday morning the temperature was 60 degrees and warmed up to 75 during the day. It was windy day with rain coming at 8:45 and after it stopped at 9:15 we reopened the slides. The slides are too wet and fast to safely use when wet.

Observation: I sort of wonder how many times a child has to be told not to go up slides or down rope nets. From about 50 ft while working at the entrance I saw about a 10 year old trying to go up a slide. The slides large enclosed tubes which turn enough to prevent a clear view of the top end. He waited while two children and an adult came down and then entered the slide. Almost immediately the came out holding his head and another two children came out almost on top of him. Then he went back in. I discussed the wonders of working at D with a fellow Illini and family, strongly suggesting he get a part time job at D. There were several of Canadian families and one very nice Australian family I had time to talk with and suggest D adventures they might like.

It seems at D there are 3 types of cast members, full time, part time, and seasonal (also called casual temporary (CT)). If you decide something like this would be fun for you, go to http://wdw.disneycareers.com and apply for a seasonal position. You can also call the Walt Disney World Job line at 1-407-828-1000. As you go through the application, please remember that Dave Flynn DAK 448044 is the cast member who recruited you. Also, as you can read in my 2008 story, things change; seasonal does not mean a season, 6 to 8 weeks is not always 6 to 8 weeks, full availability does not mean 5 days, the hiring procedure this week is not the same as last week, the jobs available this week are not the same as last week, my hiring experience will not be the same as yours, etc. My job category is Operations (was Attractions) and it took me months from the time I first went to casting until a position opened up (Dave in Disney 2008). I accepted the position before I knew what it was; again read about my application process in my 2008 story. Also remember, Dave Flynn DAK 448044 recruited you.