On an April morning in 1998, I woke and prepped to attend what is called Traditions. A prerequisite to starting a new career with Walt Disney World. That day changed my life without any expectations about what was to come. On the day the traditions were to begin, I got into my Buick station wagon and made the 28-mile drive.
I was told to park in the Disney University Parking lot. When I saw the university building, I was somewhat in disbelief. A modern building with all kinds of new gadgets I did not recognize. Little did I know at the time that this building would be part of my destiny, shaping my future employment with the company.
Off to the meeting room, the traditions teacher began. During the early days of traditions, we were all asked to dress appropriately. I wore a suit and tie that day. Initially, the traditions classes were a three-day event; later, they were shortened to a day. I felt that day as if I were in a tornado of mystery. All my senses came alive; my brain ran overtime. Emotions ran high as I engaged in this new land of opportunity.
By the third day of these in doctrinarian lessons, we learned how to greet guests, and calling them guests became paramount. Many other aspects of operations, including slang terminology, became part of my life as I absorbed them.
The following Sunday, I was to report to my workplace to officially join my team. On that day, I parked my Buick heading for building W105, which turned out to be a double-wide on what was called contractor row. No more show side would I see; now I have begun to discover what it was to see the back side of everything. Meeting Ken, a counterpart team member, we sat over coffee that Sunday morning. We talked, sharing information about ourselves. From that day my journey began.
Working at Disney for 30 years, now retired, gave me more than I ever desired. I have incredible, can’t-make-this-stuff-up stories from my career there during my tenure. It was for me the opportunity of a lifetime to join their team and be part of the Magic. Thanks, Walt.
From-The-Road Adventures 