The morning started with me taking a one hour drive that should have only been twenty minutes. I printed my directions out backwards, so when I got to about half way, I turned around and came back. I even celebrated when I passed Victory Way only to find myself back at my hotel minutes later – everything looking familiar.
I got some good advice from the woman working security at the All Star Music Resort gate, and I followed it, which surprised me. There was a point where I thought I knew how to get to the orientation place faster but decided against the maneuver. I made it before 9:30 a.m.
Getting lost wasn’t a bad thing. The process went quickly as I proceeded from station to station with relatively small lines, though it did remind me of being in the parks. (I was told that participants were lined up around the building earlier.) The people were pleasant. I met a guy who majored in journalism and wants to be a TV personality. Another guy said that his father wanted to retire to Eagle River, AK – they had lived there for a year.
We had to go to Casting to get our assignments. It felt kind of like being called on a mission, or at least what I imagine it might feel like. Someone got the Magic Kingdom, another person got Animal Kingdom, a third person got Epcot. I got… Saratoga Springs.
There was a twinge of disappointment; really I want to sweep up at the Magic Kingdom. The cast members were all excited for me, and apparently, I will have a lot of freedom to go where I want on the resort grounds and to act as an information conduit for those staying at the resort.
There was a lot of joking and good humor amongst cast members and CPs (College Program participants – so designated because Disney also has a professional internship program). The process took almost three hours. I am still waiting on my background check and a roommate.
Tomorrow, we have a housing meeting. Wednesday is free, and Thursday, I start working. Thursday will also be the day that some of my cast member benefits will kick in.