4. And this camera?

When I worked at Innoventions, I had to cross through a heavily-traveled guest area to reach my break location. Breaks were strictly controlled at 15 minutes, and we could get in a lot of trouble for returning late. I was always stopped by a guest who wanted to ask a question or have me take a quick photo, and I never minded doing these things, but I always had an internal clock counting down the minutes to make sure I was back on time.

On one particular day, a teenage girl with a camera stopped me to take a photo of her. I gladly did so, and then turned to walk away. “Wait,” she said, digging in her backpack. “Can you take a picture with this camera, too?” I agreed, and she posed again in exactly the same position in precisely the same spot.

“Don’t go yet,” she said, digging around for yet another camera. “I need one with this camera too.” After taking exactly the same picture yet again, she smiled. “And this camera?” On and on this went for a solid 20 minutes, as the time for me to be back from break came and went. I was starting to wonder if was being Punked, when finally she thanked me for my time and ran off.

Thankfully, I was able to explain the situation to my team leader and avoid punishment, but to this day I really don’t understand. Even a few years ago, was it really that hard to share photos with friends rather than taking the same one with dozens of different cameras?

5. Turn off the rain!

My all-time favorite bizarre guest conversation also comes from my time at Innoventions. I was working the door when a heavy thunderstorm blew in out of nowhere. As it was a big, dry location with plenty of things to do, Innoventions was always a favorite with guests trying to wait out the rain, and that day was no exception. A line of guests was streaming in when a woman wearing a poncho stalked up to me.

Her (in an angry voice): Tell them to turn off the rain!

Me (confused): I’m sorry, what?

She was five foot nothing, but managed to fill the room with her voice. People began to stare as she got progressively louder and more upset.

Her: You heard me. I paid thousands of dollars for this vacation, and I don’t appreciate you people deciding to turn on the rain! Tell them to turn it off now!

Me: I’m sorry, ma’am, but we don’t control the weather. It’s just a Florida thunderstorm, and it should blow over soon. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience.

Her (now shrieking at top volume): Don’t give me that! Get hold of someone in charge! I want the rain turned off right now!

I had a radio, so an idea popped into my head. We were able to tune into Disney’s weather station, which was shockingly accurate in its forecasts.

Me: Yes, ma’am. Let me call someone right now who might be able to help 

I made a big show of flipping the channel on my radio.

Me (into radio): God? This is Innoventions Greeter. I have a nice lady in front of me who would like you to turn off the rain, please.

In my earpiece, the automated voice at the weather station told me the storm would pass in 12 minutes.

Me (into radio): Thank you, sir.

Me (to her): Ma’am, He says He will turn off the rain in 12 minutes.

Her (now smiling broadly): 12 minutes? That’s perfect! Thank you so much for your help. Have a good day now!

She trotted off to one of the Innoventions exhibits just as happy as she could be. After she left, several guests in the area came up to congratulate me on my quick thinking and turning the situation around.

Walt Disney World cast members, as well as Universal Orlando team members, will go out of their way to give you the best vacation they possibly can, but they are only human beings. Never hesitate to ask for the help you need, but try to remember to pack your common sense!