My shift was a different, yet exciting one. For those of you who don’t know, the store recently opened up the first two rooms (as of writing this, the entire store is now re-opened). These rooms showcased the new industrial-style design and architecture. There were also a lot of new merchandise for Guests to buy, including cool T-shirts and coin pouches shaped like churros and Mickey gloves.

Working this shift was fun because I got to experience the new store at the same time as Guests. This was also challenging because whenever Guests asked for items, we either did not have them in stock (due to 2/3 of the store still being closed), or I was not sure where they were. The first time I stepped foot in the new store was after clocking into my shift.

It was hard dealing with angry Guests who wanted to buy things that were in the then-closed section of the store (and had seen it a couple days before), or were looking for items we just did not have. Some were understanding while others walked away in frustration. Please note that it’s not our fault that the store is under-construction, or that we don’t have that one specific item you’re looking for. If we could physically grab the item from another store inside the parks, or from the closed section of the store, believe us, we would.

Another interesting part of the shift was working at the new t-shirt wall. It’s essentially what it sounds like, a wall full of folded Disney t-shirts. It’s cool because it’s a great way to sell a large variety of merchandise that do not need to be hung up. The bad part is, however, that so many people mess up the shirts. This is understandable, as it is something I do too when I visit clothing stores. People just want to see what the design looks like and how it will fit on them. Cool, me too. But it takes forever to make them look nice again.

I’m not complaining; I’m just expressing the pros and cons of this new concept introduced at our store. The best part of the shift was after the store closed and everyone pitched in to help fold the shirts and make them look nice on the wall. It’s a great time for us to bond, laugh, and share meaningful stories and interactions we had that day.

At the end of the shift, at 3 am, it was raining outside. I knew it was going to rain so I brought an umbrella, but many other Cast Members were unprepared. Because the walk to our parking lot required we walk outside, we were given optional trash bags to keep ourselves dry. I thought it was a nice gesture, and a cute story to share. I even asked my roommate to take a picture of me.