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Interview with - Bruce
Metcalf
How long have you worked at WDW?
Two years.
Where in WDW do you work?
Magic Kingdom, Main Street, WDW Railroad, back end of the train
-- I'm a conductor.
What would be a typical day's work for you?
There are two rotations for conductors, normally four people in
each. I'll spend about 1/4 of my time riding the train, 1/2 my time
working a station platform, and 1/4 on break or lunch. Most shifts
also include opening or closing a station, or taking a train on
or off the track.
I also get stuck with the occasional parade shift or special event
like Grad Night. Conductors are also on duty for at the stations
when the park is open but the trains are closed, like New Years
Eve.
What do you like most about working at WDW?
The people. The vast majority of the guests and cast are fun folks
to be around. I'm also happy to be able to put to good use my extensive
knowledge of railroad and Disney Park history.
No, that's not it -- it's the look in people's faces, especially
young people, when I'm able to make magic happen. Sometimes it's
sneaking a family up to a balcony to watch the fireworks, sometimes
it's giving a kid the chance to yell "All Aboard" to start the train,
and sometimes it's just watching their expressions when they come
into Town Square for the first time. I've loved that magic since
my first visit to Disneyland at age 4, and being able to help create
that magic is what I love best of all.
Do you have a particular magical memory that sticks in your
mind, from working at WDW?
Many, but I'll choose one from my first month on the job. I was
working Main Street Station platform, and a small kid with huge
glasses came through the turnstiles and up to the fence. He was
so short he looked at me through the fence instead of over it, and
slowly he stuck his hands through the fence -- holding a pen in
one and an autograph book in the other -- while he looked at me
with an expression of awe. The only thing that kept me from puddling
up right then and there was the sudden realization that I didn't
have an autograph designed that I could draw for him! I've been
using the one I invented for him on the spot ever since.
If you could give one tip to someone visiting WDW, what would
it be?
One tip would be very difficult indeed (especially if you know how
I love to talk). Here are a few of my best:
Early, early, and early! These from Bob Sehlinger of the "Unofficial
Guide" are the three best pieces of advice I've heard yet. Get to
the park when it opens, and go full speed until the crowds make
you stop -- then go back to your hotel for a swim or a nap. Returning
in the evening is optional, but you'll be refreshed if you do.
Chill out. It's not a contest to see who can do it all first --
indeed, I don't believe it's possible *or* desirable to do it all.
Look at me, I've lived here for three years, had a free pass for
two, and even I haven't done it all yet. Even if you're a type A
at home, experiment with something different -- you *are* on vacation,
remember?
Get with the program. Mickey is real, the castle is real, all of
it's real. You want to be cynical? Do it on the way home. No point
in sending your body to Florida if the rest of you doesn't come
to play too. Talk to the characters, ask Alice what her kitten is
up to, chat with the cast members, and don't bother yourself with
how it's all done (unless you really *really* want to know, then
take a backstage tour).
Listen to the instructions. I know this sounds bad coming from
a place that can't even run a simple election, but there are a whole
lot of instructions, written, recorded, and shouted at you by live
humans. Almost all are there to keep you alive and healthy, and
the rest are necessary to manage crowds of this size. Please pay
attention and stay safe.
Talk to the cast members. Do they look bored and distracted? Of
course we are, we do this every day. As a result, most of us are
delighted when someone asks us questions about our attraction, menu,
shop, or resort. Get me started and I'll talk about steam locomotives
for hours! Sometimes we'll be in a safety position and unable to
chat, but we'll do our best. Remember, answering your questions
is a very important part of our job.
Bruce A. Metcalf
http://figzu.com
Thanks Bruce!
Make sure you look out for Bruce next time you take a ride on the
WDW Railroad!
Are you a WDW Cast Member, or do you know someone who is? I'm
looking for WDW Cast Members to take part in the interviews. Please
email me.
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