October has been a rush of hot weather and lots of training. It’s still hard to believe we’re technically in fall when it’s 86 degrees and humid outside. Leaves are finally starting to fall in my neighborhood, which at least has a hint of autumn to it, and the evenings occasionally cool down enough so you’re not drenched in sweat.

I spent about the last two weeks in classes and training on-the-job for my new park greeter position! After Traditions was Welcome to Operations, which contains important information but is a basic training class about how to stick to the Four Keys at your role.

More exciting was DAKlimation, the “Intro to Disney’s Animal Kingdom” training all-new cast members at the park take to learn the lay of the land and mission of the park. Animal Kingdom is a particularly cool place to work since it focuses so much on conservation and the magic of animals and nature. I loved learning about the different conservation focuses in each land and how the animals serve as ambassadors for their species in the wild.

Our facilitators worked in Animal Kingdom for several years too, so it was wonderful to hear their stories and passion for the park. A lot of the people who work here care so much for DAK; it’s really nice to work among people who want to be at their job and care.

I kept coming across that in my on-the-job training, too. Everyone is really nice and, overall, seems happy to be at their job. Being a park greeter is a basic role, but requires a lot of focus and attention to detail. We need eyes on the back of our head to ensure we see all and know all that comes and leaves the park, but a lot of that will come with time.

I’ve been working just a few shifts as an official park greeter now, but I really like it so far. Being part-time can be a little challenging, but so far I’ve been able to find extra shifts to bulk up my hours. Really, it’s nice to choose when I work and build a schedule around any other activities happening during the week.

After almost two months here in Florida, I’m excited to actually start working my Disney job. Although I still have more steps I want to take, I’m doing my best to enjoy the free time I’m getting right now and living up my “funemployed” life while I can.

If you happened on this blog because you’re starting a DAK park greeter role and have any questions about it, please don’t hesitate to comment below or email me at scribblemargins@gmail.com - I’d love to help!