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5. Special events are fun

The popular ride's queue was rarely empty except during special events.

Corporations and other groups often rent out portions of Universal Orlando for parties and other special events. Kongfrontation was a popular choice for these after-hours gatherings, and it seemed that the supervisors had trouble convincing enough employees to work late nights. After my first special event, however, I was hooked.

In contrast to the daytime crowds, who always seemed to be in a hurry to tick the next attraction off their list, the special event guests were almost invariably laid back and relaxed. Alcohol was usually a part of the event, but most guests seemed to know their limits. Slightly tipsy guests made for a fun ride, the line was normally nonexistent, and we were free to have fun with them.

This taught me the importance of going outside my comfort zone. Working special events definitely required a different attitude, keeping different hours, and even different procedures than working during the day. But by remaining open to the experience, I was rewarded in numerous intangible ways. My special event days led me to take risks, step outside the box, and greet the new opportunities that come my way.

6. Safety is key

We could never forget that we were working 30 feet above a concrete floor.

No matter what else might be going on, Kongsters never forgot that the attraction utilized elements that were frankly dangerous. Live pyrotechnics, working at 30-foot heights, and the responsibility for 30-plus guests per tram made it absolutely essential that we put safety first in all circumstances.

As a result, I developed a keen eye for possible safety risks in every environment. It made me more aware and proactive when I later owned a historic restoration and remodeling business in New Orleans, helped me understand the repetitive use injuries that are common among writers, and has allowed me to proactively address possible risks in the annual haunted house I run at a local RV resort.

7. Expect the unexpected

With more than 30 guests on each tram, show stops and emergency stops were always an adventure.

Although it might have been an ongoing nightmare for the supervisors, Kongsters found great fun in going in for an afternoon shift and finding out what had happened earlier in the day. One of the animatronic Kongs once got its hand stuck in an unfortunate “flipping the bird” position. One got its hand inside a tram once and knocked the driver out of her seat. I became an urban legend at the loading dock when the tram behind me did not stop as programmed and tapped my tram from behind. There was no damage, but years later it had transformed into a story of some girl falling 30 feet to her death!

No matter how well-planned your day might be, things will invariably happen to throw off your schedule. Working a dynamic, ever-changing attraction that required me to use a complex set of skills helped me to learn to adapt. It built the confidence to know that I can react to whatever might arise.

8. Everything is better with friends

Universal threw a huge party for Kongfrontation's last day of operations, allowing us all to say goodbye.

Kongsters worked hard under often-challenging conditions. Even the cleaning procedures were grueling, requiring us to scrape gum from the queue floor or collect pennies that guests threw into the show scenes to donate to charity. One of the biggest challenges was squeegeeing the floor. During the normal course of operations, the ride utilized heavy fog effects. Eventually, some of the fog settled onto the floor as water. Although this was in the show scenes, far below the guests in the aerial tram, we couldn’t let it pool up indefinitely. So now and then, we held squeegee parties. Everyone from hourly employees to team leaders and occasionally supervisors would grab a squeegee and head down to push the water into the floor drains. It was a messy, physically demanding job, yet it is one of my best memories. Kongsters were great at turning everything into a party, and the laughter of those nights still rings in my ears.

No matter what I have to do, no matter how difficult or annoying it might seem, it always goes better when I am surrounded by friends. The next time you have a tough job, such as painting your house or repairing your car, invite your nearest and dearest to help you out. Serve snacks, turn up the radio, and let the warm feelings wash over you.

 
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