13 Things I've learnt from working at Disneyland

I just quit my job. And it is scary as hell, and a whole bunch of sad. But I am trying to see the positive side of things so here's a list of a few things I have learnt during my three years working for the Mouse.

• People do whatever you want, as long as you tell them what they want to hear
  We have a lot of rules at Disneyland, and people do not want to follow rules, unless you explain why you do as you do. And you don't even have to tell the truth, but if you tell someone that the reason why he cannot go to the right is because there is a grizzly bear over there he will go to the left. However if you only say he's not allowed to go the right - he will most definitely go to the right.
  
• If someone yells at you, you are probably not the problem
  We get yelled at -  a lot, at Disneyland, and I have learnt that most of the time it isn't actually because we do anything wrong. But the guest have probably been standing in line for an hour, spent way too much money on tickets and food, maybe Space Mountain broke down - twice, and now here I am, telling him there are no more shows left. I am not the problem - his day is. And I happen to be there when he/she breaks.
  
• Be prepared
  The guests who come prepared to Disneyland always have a better experience. I think this can be useful everywhere.
  
• Go with the flow
  Like my colleague always says "On s'adapte Chouchou".
  Rules are great, but you need to be open to changes.
  
• Language is a barrier easy to overcome
  When I came here three years ago I spoke Swedish, English and some French. Now French is my first language and I can have a conversation in Spanish and I understand Italian.
  I meet people from all over the world every day, and if I don't speak their language we can usually communicate with body language or just noises. Everything is possible.
  
• SMILE!
  My first day at Disney my friend told me "Smile!" and that is the best advice I have ever had. Just smile - and everything will be easier.
  
• To be able to evolve you need to step out of your comfort zone
  Just do it. It hurts. It is scary. But you will feel better afterwards.
  
• Listen
  Most of the time when people are mad they just want to talk to someone. So the next time someone is mad - listen. And everything will be better.
  
• Children are not the problem - parents are
  I used to hate children. Then I came here and realized that children are awesome - the parents are horrible though. Not all, of course. But "bad" parents give "bad" children. That is true.
  
• It's in the details
  Disneyland is a wonderful and magical place, and it is all in the details. That is what makes the difference between the Disney parks and other parks. And it is something I wish to bring with me to my future projects.
  
• When given the chance, people excel
  Most people, even if you might not think so, are capable of wonderful things, you just need to give them a chance. I am grateful that someone decided to give me the chance to evolve at Disney, and I know, should I have stayed I could have gone very far.
  
• The Golden Rule
  
• I am not my job
  Just because I do something that everybody can do - it doesn't mean I cannot do anything else.
  A lot of very talented and intelligent people have "easy" jobs, it doesn't mean they are not capable of more. And also, a job you think is "easy"; probably isn't.

I hope you can find something interesting in my experience.
Bisous mes amours xoxo