Another Kind of Magic...

Today I had my first day of Orientation for Universal Orlando!

It’s definitely strange having to wake up early and actually being around people for 8+ hours out of my day, haha, but I guess I’ll just have to readjust to it…! #IntrovertProblems (-u-)
Of course, since it was only the first day, we had to cover all of the basics. We did the usual new hire paperwork, payroll, benefits, taxes & all that good stuff. And don’t forget about learning about Safety! Surprisingly, this whole section, though, was a lot of fun! Rather than sitting in front of a computer reading about hazardous chemicals, or playing games about safety awareness, Universal took it to a whole new level. They mashed up a bunch of clips from their movies like The Mummy or The Nutty Professor, and re-dubbed the characters to say all this random safety information. What made it great, though, was the fact that Universal was able to make fun of themselves. They know that learning Safety Critical information is boring, so why not make it fun and entertaining?? And so, with the help of the Mighty Safety Man! we covered a whole 45minutes “Safety Begins With You” lecture without ever being bored.
The best part of today was definitely getting to walk back-stage. We only took a trip to the Backlot Bistro for lunch, but I couldn’t help but stare with amazement at all the witches and wizards passing me by! And did I mention we got to walk under the Hogwarts Express??? I was having so many Fangirl Moments- it was great! It’s too bad we’re not allowed any photos, I wish people could see all of the amazing things I get to witness on a daily basis..!
Another big part of today, I thought, was differentiating between the cultures of being a Disney Cast Member and a Universal Studios Team Member. Now, if I didn’t love both companies and theme parks EQUALLY I wouldn’t be working there. I even said it during my interview- I have to be in a work environment that I enjoy..! And I really do! Yes, you’re working for the busiest theme parks in the world & you have to deal with crazy/ incompetent/ rude guests quite often &&& the weather can be grueling in Florida &&&&&& sometimes the pay and/ or hours just plain suck- but so what??? Personally, the Magical Moments are what make it all worth it. Whether it’s having a wonderful experience with a guest or getting to learn about the wonderful things happening back-stage and within the company before anyone else- I absolutely have loved “working for the mouse,” and I’m certain I’m going to love working for Universal as well..!
As for learning to differentiate between the two- I’m sure more will come to light once I actually start working for Universal, but here’s some of what I’ve noticed.

Favorite Things About Working for Disney:
Free entry into all 4Major Theme Parks plus 3Water Parks as well as Guest Resorts.
FREE PARKING
Great Cast Member Discounts on Merch as well as Full Service Restaurants.
9/10 You get to interact with some of the coolest/ nicest Cast Members in the World.
Most of the Managers I know are very helpful and great to their Cast Members.
Parties in the Tunnel!
And Disney gives us Free Food a lot, haha! At least for Fantasyland Attractions!
Peer Recognition! (It’s great when you get it, but really sad when you KNOW you’re a fanfuckingtastic worker, but no one actually recognizes you…!)
That warm fuzzy feeling when you get to make a family vacation even more magical
Being with my people!! WE ALL LOVE DISNEY & RANDOMLY BREAK OUT INTO SONG & DANCE!
It’s Disney!! ‘Nuf Said!!!
What I Greatly Dislike About Working for Disney:
Block-Out Dates for Cast Members!! (>_<)
Having to pay extra for the Hard Ticketed Events..!
The company is so large there’s often miscommunication between departments.
Sometimes I feel that Disney can be a bit too-faced (sorry! I still love you!)
Favorite Things About Working for Universal (so far):
Free Entry into both Universal Orlando and Island of Adventures as well as Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens pluuuus discounted tickets at Wet ’n Wild.
NO BLOCK OUT DATES FOR UNIVERSAL!!
FREE ENTRY FOR HARD TICKETED EVENTS!
FREE PARKING @ Universal
Greeeeaaat Team Member Discounts on Merch as well as Full Service Restaurants &&& QUICK SERVICE! (FUCK YA!)
9/10 You get to interact with some of the coolest/ nicest Team Members in the World.
So far the Management Team seem great and very helpful/ reliable to their new members!
They hold an Annual Team Member Survey just to hear what we have to say
There’s a Party Trolley?? That’s cool!
They even celebrate Mardi Gras! Awesome!
They gave me a free lunch today, so that counts! Haha..!
On top of getting recognized by your fellow Team Members at your specific location, you get to gloat about your success with a photo in the UO Newsletter &&& a personalized parking spot (if you get recognized for the month)!
PLUS, all of your recognition can actually be redeemed for real money! Now that’s what I’m talking about!
We’re all Nerds Here! While Disney has it’s fair share of Magic, I love to let my inner nerd out! Bring on the MARVEL Universe & the Harry Potter Wonderment!!!
Dislikes of Working for Universal:
Weeeell, I can’t exactly put anything here yet since I’ve only been to 1day of orientation, but I’m sure it’s going to be similar… Dumb Guest Interactions, dealing with Florida weather… Who knows..??

It may actually be because I actually worked at Disney for 6months and I am so ready to take on a new challenge, but I still love it! I wouldn’t be going back if I didn’t! That’s another thing! I hate that people complain about Disney so much! If you hate it so much, then fucking leave! I don’t wanna hear your nonsense! When you work for a theme park, especially for a place like Universal or Disney, you HAVE to be happy! Be grateful that you fucking have a job & more importantly, show that you LOVE your job! You may be having a crappy day, whether because of something personal or something work related, but that has nothing to do with the Guests. I hate when I’m working with someone who has nothing good to say about their job. Do you not realize how many thousands of people would kill for an opportunity like this??? I know I greatly appreciate my job- both of them! And I’m so glad that I’m getting to live out my dreams.
Mom keeps telling me how proud she is of me, which is the mom thing to do, of course. But what she added to that really warmed my heart. “Most people work all their lives wishing to find their dream job. And you did it right out of college.” I never thought about it until she told me, but it’s so true. I know so many people, my mother included, who are only finding their dream job in the later years of their life. So many people who say they have regrets for not pursuing their dreams… And maybe that’s why I’m so adamant about chasing my own. I know I must sound like a silly little girl, but I truly believe in chasing your dreams and following your heart. (Obviously, that’s the Disney Kid in me!) But then again, if I didn’t think like that not only would I not be a Theatre Major, or an Actress pursuing an almost impossible dream, but I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
I had dreamed of someday visiting Japan ever since I was in the 5th grade- summer 2012, I made that dream come true. The Disney College Program became a dream of mine way back during my Junior Year of High School- 5years later, I made it happen. Auditioning for FUNimation, working with renowned Anime Voice Actors- all dreams and goals I made for myself years and years ago and somehow, it all came true. Even getting to work for Universal! Although I never actually said I wanted to, I’ve wished to be a wizard since forever, and now I’ll be helping make the Wizarding World of Harry Potter come to life! There’s just so much I want to do with my life, so many goals and so many dreams… I am so grateful that at such a young age I’m already getting to see the fruit of my labors and I am more than happy to be, as my family has often told me, a “role model” for my younger brothers and cousins. 2015 was such a Magical Year and 2016 looks like it’s going to be quite an Adventure..!

Happy Chinese New Year! 

Here’s to my year- The Year of the Fire Monkey!

And although I know most people don’t believe in the pseudoscience of Astrology or the sacred power of the Chinese New Year, but when it’s so accurate to my current life situation so much of the time, how can I not believe?? And so, I leave you with a little Monkey Wisdom:
“With the right blend of optimism, playfulness, dedication, and passion, you can experience amazing achievements in every area of life.”