DCP

Disney College Program FAQs

March 31, 2017

I feel like over the last few months I've become an unofficial adviser about the Disney College Program on my campus. I've hosted info sessions and always have people emailing me questions that they have and I've noticed that many of the questions are the same. So because I clearly love talking about the program, I'm here to answer some of the top questions I always get asked!

1. How do I apply/is it hard to get in?
Applying is a three step process. A regular application, a web-based interview (WBI), and a phone interview. Applications drop in August for the spring program, and in January for fall. It is a competitive program, but as long as you have common sense and a passion for the program, you shouldn't have any trouble with applying and interviewing. The application is at cp.disneycareers.com  
2. What should I put in my application?
Well I can't really answer that for you but I have two tips when it comes to role selection. If you 100% do NOT want a certain role, don't put it in low interest because you can still be considered for it. And make sure you have some of the "big 5" roles in your interests, those are attractions, merchandise, quick service food and beverage, custodial, and lifeguard. They are the top roles that they recruit for because they have a lot of spots to fill for them. 
3. AHH! I have a phone interview and I'm freaking out!
DON'T FREAK OUT! Smile, have 1-2 sheets of vague notes, write your recruiters name down in the beginning and thank them by name, and be energetic! Think of it as a conversation. 
4. I GOT ACCEPTED! Now what?
CONGRATS! Accept your offer, pay your fee, join some Facebook groups and make friends! The hard part is over now you just have to wait for check in.
5. So... What's up with housing?
Okay, so there's 4 different apartment complexes; Vista Way, Chatham Square, The Commons, and Patterson Court. They all have their pros and cons, I recommend looking at apartment tours on YouTube and be open when doing housing selections. Disney takes your rent out of your paycheck every week, and I will admit that housing can be strict sometimes. Especially be mindful of cleanliness and safety inspections. 
6. Should I bring a car?
Well, it's always a good idea, especially if you plan to explore Florida outside of the Disney bubble. But, it is possible to survive without one and take the buses. Just make friends with people who have cars and you'll be all set. 
7. Roommates? Random or nah?
Honestly it's up to you but don't stress too much about it. Once everyone starts working, you'll never all be in the apartment at the same time. Just make sure you're all on the same page about cleaning and stuff and you'll be fine. 
8. What's the first thing I should do??
Definitely take your free time in the first few weeks to explore around property and relax. You don't get your park passes right away and it's boring to stay in your apartment all day. The outlets are in walking distance from most of the complexes, Disney Springs doesn't require park admission, and you can always hang out at the resorts. Also getting a Universal Studios annual pass was one of my best decisions.
9. What was your favorite part?
Getting to go to any of the parks whenever I wanted, for as long as I wanted. If I wanted a coffee I could go to Magic Kingdom, grab a coffee, sit on the hub grass and then leave. That's a luxury that not many people have, and it's not something I took for granted. (I still text my friends to see if they want to go to EPCOT for dinner, even though we all live in different states now). 
10. Can I talk to you when I think of any other questions?
Absolutely! I'm always excited to talk about my experience and help anyone who needs it because I remember how hard it was to find info when I was first applying. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions you may have!

DCP

Once a Cirkie, Always a Cirkie! My DCP Home

March 29, 2017

Come one! Come all! Step right up to see me! In three! yes, THREE! Different kinds of stripes! 
For my Spring Advantage college program I was a merchandise cast member in Magic Kingdom, specifically at Big Top Souvenir (across from Dumbo). 
And let me tell you, I was not too happy about it when I first found out. In fact - I could have cried if I didn't have to pose for my ID picture right after I was told the news. Don't get me wrong, I had nothing against the circus, it just wasn't where I pictured myself working.

DCP

My Favorite Disney Days: Little Moments

March 28, 2017

When I started this series of DCP stories, I had way too many to choose from but most weren't big enough for their own posts, so here's some of my favorite little moments.

The last Dream Along with Mickey performance 
Dream Along With Mickey has always had a special place in my heart because well, it was around long enough to be there for all my trips to Disney with my family. I also caught part of the show during Traditions for my College Program, and yeah I cried. Being able to experience the last performance surrounded by fellow cast members and former DAWM entertainment cast, felt really special. Everyone knew all the words, were cheering on the cast, and some released balloons at the end. One of my favorite parts of it was when it was over and I saw the faces of some of the guests in the audience who didn't know what was going on. 

Sunrise Yoga in Magic Kingdom
Being a cast member has it's perks, like special cast-only experiences. This was one I took advantage of and it was beyond cool, even though we had to wake up at 3AM (after closing strollers at Hollywood Studios the night before). Getting to see the sun come up behind the castle and take a yoga class in the most popular amusement park in the world - while it's almost completely empty -  is way better then any gym I can think of! 


Best Friend Weekends!
Another perk of being a cast member? Discounts and guest passes! Because of these, my two best friends were able to each come down to visit. Getting to show them around, and spend some time as a guest in the resorts was the best cure for homesickness. 
  
Getting Stuck
When you can visit a park whenever you want, you go on a lot of rides - and you get stuck a lot. So I was pretty used to it, but sometimes were much scarier than others.
Like this time my roommate and I got stuck on Dinosaur. We were stopped at one of the darkest parts of the ride and our ride vehicle stopped moving through the ride, but Seeker was still talking over our speakers, and our time-rover was still shaking and moving in place, as if we were going through the ride normally. This went on for a few minutes and was actually terrifying - hence the beautiful ride photo.

What is your funniest experience getting stuck on a ride? Leave it in the comments below! 

Birthday

My Favorite Disney Days: My 21st Birthday

March 27, 2017

Monday's are the worst. Monday's that are rainy and cold are 10x's more horrible. So in order to cure my Monday blues, I'm going to start this series of stories from my Disney College Program! First up, my 21st birthday!

Basically I was planning it as soon as I accepted my job offer in September, (I'm getting a degree in planning, don't judge) and my roommate and I were prepared to make it as perfect as possible. And we definitely succeeded. 


My birthday was also pretty bittersweet because the night before was the last night at work for a lot of my coworkers and friends. So we did what anyone else would do in this situation, and went to IHOP until 3AM. So I was surrounded by friends from the second my birthday started at midnight AND I got to eat pancakes multiple times that day. 
After IHOP I took a glorified nap, and was woken up to get ready for brunch at the Grand Floridian with my best friends. Our server brought us cupcakes with our mimosas and it seemed like every character who visited our table knew that we would be headed to EPCOT for the rest of the day and told to stay hydrated and not die. Imagine the Mad Hatter calling you out and lecturing you on drinking responsively, it's pretty hilarious. 

Then it was off to EPCOT for the one thing everyone should do on their 21st; drinking around the world.



At the end of the night (while I fell asleep in Steff's backseat in the Wendy's drive thru), I couldn't have been happier with how the day turned out. Perfect weather, perfect friends and perfect drinks made it one of the best birthday's I've ever had.
The day after 21? Not as fun...