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4. Vehicle operations

Safari Truck

Most spieling attractions also involve operating a ride vehicle, which might be mostly automated or might be fully under the Cast Member’s control. For example, the trucks at Kilimanjaro Safaris are actually real trucks driven by the Cast Members on a narrow, winding pathway. Although governors keep them at a safe, low speed, there are numerous spots along the route that can give new Safari guides trouble. So a good portion of training time is devoted to driving an empty truck around and around and around, gaining familiarity with the path and confidence in driving such a large vehicle.

As the Cast Member becomes more comfortable with regular operations, the trainer begins to introduce emergency procedures. Cast Members learn what to do in case of everything from simple rain to severe weather to emergency ride evacuations. Pretty much every contingency you could possibly think of is covered during operations training.

Cast Members also have to learn how to start up the vehicles in the morning and bring them online, as well as how to take them offline and shut them down at night. For example, Kilimanjaro Safaris trucks are parked at night in a massive lot down the perimeter road from the attraction. Morning Cast Members must perform an extensive safety check on all parts of the truck, drive it down the perimeter road to the attraction, and then enter the ride path. Closing shift Cast Members must exit the ride path, drive back to the parking lot, fill up the natural gas tank, park the truck and perform a short list of shutdown tasks.

5. Spiel focus

Rafiki's Planet Watch Cast Member

Because the narrated spiels are long and complicated, Cast Members are expected to do as much memorization as possible at home. However, they also get a lot of time during training to practice. At first, spiel rehearsal is done away from the ride vehicles, perhaps in the break room or a quiet backstage corner. Once new Cast Members are comfortable with the vehicle, however, it is time to start spieling and driving at the same time. At this point, the ride vehicle is still empty of guests, and training focuses mostly on learning exactly when to deliver each line.

Besides the main script, Cast Members also have to memorize a great deal of additional material. Rides can and do break down at the most inconvenient times, so Cast Members need to have “stall material,” or interesting things to talk about, ready at a moment’s notice.

6. Putting it all together

Kilimanjaro Safaris Wheelchair Loading

The most challenging part for many Cast Members is putting together everything they have learned. A rotation is a series of positions that Cast Members move through during the day. Near the end of training, new Cast Members get to try out virtually every rotation (except for those that require advanced training, such as the control tower, which Cast Members tackle a few weeks or months later). At this point, the trainer is there only to observe and to step in to assist with any particularly challenging problems. Depending on the individual attraction’s policies and procedures, Cast Members generally begin spieling for full loads of guests under the watchful eye of the trainer.

7. Assessment

Safari Spieler

Assessment is the last stage in becoming a fully trained Cast Member. All departments have assessments, but the specifics vary by job. At spieling attractions, Cast Members are often assessed in two phases—non-spieling positions first. This allows them to work independently in many positions while finishing spiel training.

Whenever it happens, assessment basically follows the same pattern. Part one is a written test, which covers a variety of information about the attraction, the immediate area and the park as a whole. For example, you might have to name all of the positions at the attraction, identify the closest restrooms and restaurants, and give detailed directions to Guest Relations.

Part two is hands-on, and involves actually working each of the non-spieling positions for a few minutes without asking the trainer or another Cast Member for help. This is often nerve-wracking, especially if unusual situations arise, but part of the point is for the trainer to judge how well you think on your feet.

Part three is the truly terrifying portion for many new Cast Members, because it is the dreaded spiel assessment. You must operate the ride vehicle while spieling for a full complement of guests, with one or two trainers on board. The catch is that you are assessed by trainers with whom you have never worked. So if your trainer let you get away with developing any bad habits, the assessment trainers will catch them! Most people do pass on the first try, though they often get feedback on things to improve.

After assessment, it is time to remove the Earning My Ears ribbon from your nametag and get to work. The first few shifts after assessment are often scary, but other Cast Members are always willing to help out.

 
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