Thursday, November 29, 2012

Gaston's Tavern

In mid October I met with my friend Ciana and some of her work friends for a visit to New Fantasyland during it's soft opening. The Dream Builders' walls were down and we were able to walk through the new castle walls. It was evening so everything was lit up with  a gentle candle light glow. The new land is the "forest" and full of greenery and land forms such as a waterfall by Beast's castle. 

We sat at the large circular table in a nook of Gaston's Tavern. The place was small and full of antlers all over the wall. At the counters you can order "lefou's brew" a frozen apple juice drink and snacks such as cinnamon rolls. They both looked really good. Afterwards, we poked around "Village Gifts" which is more of an upper scale boutique of Beauty and the Beast inspired items. 

Then we went on Voyage of the Little Mermaid. In my opinion, the most incredible part is the queue where you wrap around Prince Eric's castle, past a waterfall, over a little river, and into the grotto. The ride itself was pretty decent. The paint was so vibrant and new feeling. I liked riding in a clam shell going through the scenes represented by the major songs in the movie. Although it isn't in my top Disney attractions, it is definitely well done and worth a visit. One thing disappointing is that people come to the Finding Nemo ride saying that our clam shells are just like the Little Mermaid's. We were first! And our shells are better in my opinion because we have a door that closes you in verses a lap bar. 

Before leaving we went to the Enchanted Tales with Belle which again was very well done. 

We watched Wishes from the forest area and then rode Space Mountain and was able to see some of the Electrical Parade. 

I'm definitely looking forward to seeing New Fantasyland during the day time!


Monday, November 26, 2012

Guest Service Fanatic!

Back in October I got my 1st Guest Service Fanatic Card! Managers and other cast members can fill these out for exceptional demonstration of one or more of the Four Keys: safety, show, courtesy, efficiency  You can rip off the top sheet to put into a prize drawing and have it filed to your permanent record. I was outside at greeter interacting with the kids and handing out Mickey stickers. One of my managers came by and saw how special and happy I was making them feel. Being outside at greeter is one of my favorite positions because of all the positive guest interactions I can have. :)