When I started with the Walt Disney Company in December of 2017, I had no idea the connections, knowledge, and experience I'd gain from my time in the Trolley Car Cafe. To guests, we're just a coffee break in the middle of their day at Disney's Hollywood Studios. To myself and my fellow cast members, Trolley is our everyday. I know every nook and cranny of the counters, tricks to work the machinery, and the best way to pop open the mixed fruit containers at the end of the day.
I thought this location would teach me about Starbucks, and about Disney, and about customer service. In my 16 months at Trolley, I've learned so much more about the people that walk through the doors, both onstage and backstage.
Tayler Klinkbeil
I've created Magical Moments, I've done Guest Recoveries, I've trained new cast members, but when I look back, what I remember is my coworkers. I remember comforting them in times when we were busy and stressed and hectic. I remember being comforted when the weight of school and the morning rush was just too much for me at the moment. I remember shadowing another trainer and giving the first pep talk of my life to the first person I've ever trained. I remember the last time I hugged her before she left the Company.
Tayler Klinkbeil
Trolley was the part-time job I worked while going to college, and I was there for three days every week for almost a year and a half. When graduation cast a shadow on the horizon, I started looking for jobs related to my degree. I hit the English-major jackpot by scoring a writing position right out of college, but I also knew this amazing opportunity meant the end of my time at Trolley.
I've spent the last few weeks scrambling to find a way to make it work, including considering if working 7 days a week is feasible. Once reality set in, it came down to deciding how best to say goodbye. I've worked with the AM cast members, the PM cast members, and everyone in between. I previewed Toy Story Land with cast members I still work with, and others I keep track of through social media.
As the number of times I have left to clock in dwindles, I remember the early morning opens when we were all bleary-eyed and dreading layered Frappuccinos, and the late-night closes when "Last call for dishes" was more of a battle cry than a suggestion. I've never worked holidays before this job, but I'll never forget our dance party in the lobby on New Year's Eve. I remember running outside as hundreds of guests crowded Hollywood Boulevard and chanted in unison the countdown to 2019. I cried as the fireworks illuminated the Chinese Theater, and I held the hand of one of our newest cast members at the time who had been my trainee. We hugged each other as 2019 ticked into the present.
Tayler Klinkbeil
The upcoming days involve graduating from college and starting my 'big girl job,' but as I take the next step into my future, I'll hold onto the memories of the people I've worked with up until now, who have taught me so much about Disney, about life, and about myself.
