2/21/12: My first DAK shift, AND something something something NASCAR.

Well technically the 20th was my first DAK shift.  I was a spare, but immediately got pulled to hang out with Goofy at the Tusker House breakfast in Animal Kingdom.  Tusker, as well as some other restaurants, have Magical Moments where the characters generally lead the kids in a Conga line or something, so that expended a bit of energy mid-set.  Other than that it went well, and apparently NASCAR driver Jimmy Johnson was there, and had the pleasure of meeting Goofy (heck if I recognized the guy, though).  But after two sets of that I had a long break before taking Goof over to do a set at Camp Minnie-Mickey.  Overall I only did three sets, but was there 7-4.  Can't complain much.
The 21st I spent with Sulley at DHS.  Generally, being with Sulley is a busy job, but most of our crowd comes from the exit of the Backlot Tour... which is currently closed for refurbishment.  Therefore it was much slower, and prolly will be through March when the refurbishment is over, but, with some pandering by Mike and Sulley, the line forms, then is burned through, and then the process is repeated.  Now for two days off!

2/19/12: A Little Catch-up

It's been awhile since my last post, but for the most part, my job has been business as usual.  I had a shift with Woody the 14th and saw Fantasmic, which had just reopened the previous day, spent the 15th playing at Epcot for the first time since I got down here, went back to DHS on the 16th (and saw Fant again), and hung out with Goofy till midnight on the 17th.
The 18th was a slightly different day, as I spent two sets with a Green Army Man, then one with Woody, then two more at GAM again.  It was kinda' nice, because it gave me extra-long breaks when I was transitioning characters, but it also meant twice as much stuff to lug back to Costuming at the end of the night.
Today I was a spare at Epcot, but immediately got pulled to work with Goofy at the Beach Club's character breakfast.  I'd kind of been dreading working dining, just because it was an unknown factor and I'm a worrier, but it turns out it was unnecessary.  My sets went fine, despite what was apparently some less-than-perfect conditions, and I got nothing but positive feedback from my Captain/Character Attendant.
As an added bonus, I was done in time to go play at Blizzard Beach AND see the Boyz II Men concert at Universal, which was awesome.  They occasionally referred to "real music", which I really appreciated.  Oh, 90's music... where did you go?

2/13/12: First day with a Green Army Man!

After three consecutive days of hanging out with Sulley, I finally had my first day with what is called a GAM, or Green Army Man.  The GAMs are a unique kind of character, as they don't have one specific spot to be at with queue, photographer, and character attendants like most.  Instead, they get to roam freely around Pixar Place at Disney Hollywood Studios and interact casually with guests.  Frequently a line (or more of a mob) forms to meet them and get autographs and pictures, but when they're not being sought after, they're free to play as they please.  Technically they're supposed to be guarding the area, but more often they're having push-up competitions, playing with grenades, or sneaking up on people using branches as camo.  Overall, it's a really fun shift, and one that's pretty popular.

2/10/12: First shift with Sulley

Today was my first day with Sulley!  It's always interesting hanging out with someone for the first time.  I rush myself to make sure that everything will go smoothly and figure out where I have to play, but the captains and other CM's are generally very helpful.  Today, I'm glad to say, went without a hitch, though, so I'm feeling pretty good (though just a little sore in the arms) with my new friend.

2/9/12

Today was another day with Woody, but I spent some of my downtime watching the Green Army Men playing around outside with guests.  There was a surplus of 'em today, so they were able to do things on a larger scale than normal, like marching down the street and playing with grenades.  What I saw got me really excited to hang out with them, which I'm scheduled to do in the near future, so I'm looking forward to that!

2/6/12: Two new shifts

Yesterday I worked with Goofy at the Epcot Character Spot which I kinda' enjoyed.  Plus, I had the chance to parts of IllumiNations after work from backstage.  I realized during the show that I know WAY too much about the timing of the fireworks to the music, but it is my favorite show...

Tonight I worked with Goofy again at the Disney Jr. Dance Party, which was interesting.  Most characters' Personal Biographers really dig the shifts, since you pretty much just play with kids the whole time, but I was slightly out of my element.  Still, maybe they'll grow on me if I do those shifts again.

2/4/12: Fittings and JASON ROBERT BROWN!!!

To start from the beginning, I had two fittings today to see if I could hang out with Mr. Incredible and Frozone.  I got a denial on Mr. Incredible because my shoulders are too broad, and I'd make him look inferior to my own masculine self (honestly, though, my shoulders are just too broad to be friends with him... I know, it's weird).  Frozone I'm apparently too chubby for, which is no surprise to me.  Apparently Frozone's entourage has to be a bit more fit.  I was told I could try again after I lose some of the weight.  Now for the REALLY fun part of the day...

Before I came here I knew that Jason Robert Brown, my FAVORITE Broadway composer, was going to be in Winter Park for a concert tonight.  By the time I finally got access to The Hub (how Disney cast members request time off) it was too late and I was scheduled!  Luckily I managed to shrug the shift off on someone else, rent a car (which is KILLER expensive if you're under 25), and make it up to the concert.  It was awesome.  Honestly, probably the best musical experience I've ever had.  Yes, it wound up costing me... well, a ridiculous amount, but it was completely worth it.

2/2/12: Meeting Woody

Not much to report today.  I had my first shift with Woody at Pixar Place in Disney Hollywood Studios.  Just two 35-minute sets, but it's a fun job!  I do the same thing tomorrow, so I doubt I'll have much to report then. :)

2/1/12: Stilt Workshop

Today I went to a two-hour stilt workshop at the Animal Kingdom Rehearsal Facility.  I've never done stilts before, but by the end of the workshop I was able to do MOST of the steps to the portion of the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It! parade that we learned.  Grapevines are NOT something I can safely do on stilts... yet.
I will say, though, that I think I sweat more during this workshop than I do even when working with characters.  If I keep up with this, it's gonna be a heck of a workout.  My calves are still sore and I got done about 13 hours ago...