Monorail Platform Training, Day 1

Well, yesterday was my first day of platform training.

I stupidly thought "Hey. I've got some time to kill before training. I'll go to Hollywood Studios."



What a bad idea. I got so tired, but have some pretty good pictures. I was (in 2 1/2 hours) able to ride Tower of Terror, Rockin' Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Muppet Vision 3D, and the Studio Backlot tour.






Mike Wasowski (that's just one "i") came out to say hello during our backlot tour. I also saw some well known vehicles including Herbie, Lightning McQueen, and Mater.





So, after spending time walking around the Studios, I changed into my costume (didn't have a chance to get the other things) and went to work.



There's the picture I promised. Like I said, not too bad.

So, the training was from 4:00 yesterday afternoon until about 1:30 in the morning. The training was platform based. We started in the TTC (ticket transportation center) and then walked to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts. There are no pictures of any of the training, by the way.

We then helped with the exit at Epcot and closed the Magic Kingdom station.

Essentially, we learned how to operate as a platform host. This involves crowd management and safety concerns for the guests. The basic concept is to open the doors of both the train and the gates. Some gates are automatic, some are hand operated.

One nice thing is that when we move from station to station (generally) we ride in the front car with the pilot. Now, this is something that people USED to be able to do, but not anymore. It's a great view.

Tonight, pretty much the same schedule. We will be closing the Epcot station and helping with the exit at the Contemporary.

By the way, the word "exit" means when everyone leaves the park. This is generally after a show and the park is closing. Close means the station is shut down and no further trains will be coming into the station. Power is killed to all tracks and the station is secured.

To be honest, it's still a little bit overwhelming. I'm just trying to keep up.

The biggest problem (the same problem with the Braves) is people try to do things their way and not the way we are telling them. Our goal in Monorail exits is to get as many people on the train as quickly as possible after the park closes. This is a couple of thousand people. We need everyone to fill in all of the available space.

Anyway, I'll try and post some more stuff a little later. It's, like I said, still a little overwhelming.

Oh, last thing. They intentionally shut the Monorail doors on my arm. It didn't feel great, but it didn't cut it off or anything. Lesson here, please stand clear of the doors or they will not shut. They won't hurt you, but they won't shut and you can't go anywhere until those doors shut.

Still earning my ears.