Deployment

       At Disney World when there is not a high need for workers in your location, you get "deployed." This means that you are working at a different location for a week at a time. On your first day you get a two hour training for the resort before you are on your own. I got deployed for the first time two weeks ago to Saratoga Springs. When I found out I was terrified. I barely felt comfortable at the Boardwalk, how on earth was I supposed to work somewhere new? My only saving grace was that I've stayed at Saratoga Springs before.
       The first day I got there and unfortunately my trainer had called out so I got a mini session instead. Saratoga is such a big resort, so big that people drive and take buses to get from place to place around it. It was a little overwhelming when people would ask me how to get places. I usually ended up asking someone around me who worked at the resort regularly.
       Saratoga was only at about 40% occupancy when I was working there, so the days were really slow. Also there we get one hour long break and at the Boardwalk we get two half hour breaks, which is a nice way to break up the day. I did mostly check-in related tasks at Saratoga and only a handful of concierge related tasks. By the time I was on my second to last day and I had a really complex situation  to handle with I was excited with the chance to challenge myself.
       My second week of deployment was at the Grand Floridian. At first when I learned this I was scared to death because the Grand Floridian is one of the fanciest, best resorts in Disney World. I was afraid I wouldn't fit in and wouldn't be able to handle guest situations. On my first day I had a two hour training with a trainer who seemed to know everything you could possibly think of about the resort. She really prepared me well for my deployment. I ended up really enjoying my time at the Grand Floridian and would definitely pick up shifts there in the future. All of the leaders were fantastic and everyone was so helpful if I needed assistance. I met a lot of wonderful guests and had tons of memorable interactions with them.

 ^My costume for Saratoga Springs

^My costume for the Grand Floridian