DCP

Disney College Program: What To Pack

June 27, 2017

I have less than 2 months until I leave for my second college program! It may seem like a long time away but I’ve started to put things aside and my roommates and I have already started making a list of who is bringing what. But I know that given the fact that I’m moving in pretty late, some of you are really into your packing stage right now. So I wanted to share with you what you really should bring for your college program! 

First of all, you’re going to need to bring I-9 paperwork and identification for check in, you’ll get emails about that as check it gets closer, but its really important so DON’T FORGET! Also make sure to be checking your email constantly for updates about when housing is opening up, and for on boarding procedures.

*I’m also going to be providing a downloadable version of this list so you can print it out and use it when you're packing!
** also keep in mind that a lot of this list can be split up between you and you roommates

Apartment:
Bedding (twin size)
Pillow(s) 
Extra blankets
extension cords 
Hangers
Laundry basket
Pictures and things to decorate your bulletin board 
*(Toiletries, cleaning products and bathroom stuff can be bought at Walmart once you move in)
Hair and makeup stuff
Combination lock 
Wifi router
Tv/dvd player (only your living room with have a cable connection)
Blender
Coffee maker
Toaster
Tall kitchen trash bin (and trash bags)
Drying rack 
Clothes:
Professional clothes for traditions and training
Going out clothes 
T-shirts and tank tops
Sweatshirts
Rain coat
Light jacket
Vest (I didn't bring any warm clothes my first program and I froze so I'm bringing some light hoodies and my north face vest this time)
Swimwear
Shorts/jeans/leggings
Socks* (you’ll have to get specific socks for your work location so get ready to buy new ones)
PJ’s 
Underwear/bras 
Flip flops/sandals
Flats & dressy shoes for traditions and training
Casual shoes (vans, converse, toms, sperry’s, etc) 
Running shoes
Miscellaneous:
Lunch box
Backpack for work
Small backpack for the parks
Chargers/portable batter/extra headphones

Thats all I can think of right now, but I'm going to make a post of some of the things I'm bringing when I start parking for real. Also keep an eye out for an upcoming post about what I keep in my park bag! If you're packing for your program, don't stress out! Get excited! 

DCP

Disney College Program: Things I Never Thought I Would Miss

June 11, 2017


Being a CP is a dream - most of the time. Though like any job, there are annoying things that when you're in the thick of it, you think "god, I'll never miss this". But then you end up being home after your College Program and realize that you do miss those things. Like a lot. 
So here's my list of things I never thought I would miss, so you don't take these things for granted during your program.
Also don't forget to check out my DCP Must-Do's!
Area music loops - Okay, when I found out I was working at the circus, the first thing anyone told me was that i would love it and "would want to listen to the music all the time once you're home". Now I'm all for area music (- hell I listened to this ResortTV loop for three weeks during finals). BUT, I didn't believe this woman at all. The music at the Big Top was mind numbing, for a few weeks they changed our already obnoxious music to even worse-organ only music. And I never had the urge to listen to it outside of work, until today when I was watching Dumbo and recognized the music. Suddenly I was transported behind my favorite register interacting with guest and working with my friends. So yeah, area music at your work location is annoying, but it's going to stay with you forever, so get used to it.

Morning shifts - Morning shifts can be the worst no matter where you work, BUT there are perks about working morning shifts in Disney so listen up! I only opened at Big Top a few times, but the days I did were so cool especially because the circus is in the back of the park so it takes guests a little longer to get to us. So seeing the park empty and ready to go in the morning is just like this video from the 90's Disney Sing-A-Long VHS tapes. 

Wasting days in long lines - This one hit me last week as I was texting my old roommate who was waiting in a 6 hour long line for a new attraction in PANDORA. I realized that wasting a day in a long line for a new attraction was a lot better than wasting a day watching Netflix or doing basically anything else. I had lines down to a science and would bring headphones or a book to keep myself preoccupied. So yeah it seemed like a wasted day then but looking back I still miss it a ton. 

Relaxing days at the park - This one comes from my old roommate Justine who said: "I miss the little moments of being able to go to the hub grass with Starbucks and relax. I took being able to relax in Magic Kingdom for granted! I miss looking over my shoulder and seeing Mary Poppins making magic". 
THE FOOD! - if you've ever been to Disney, this one wont be a shock to you. But my other roommate Steff said that she missed the food and unique dining experiences she had during her program. Luckily she can still enjoy all the amazing food now that she's back participating in the DCP Alumni program! Follow her adventures here!


What are you looking forward to during your program? Where would you want to work in Disney? Leave a comment and let me know! 

DCP

Disney College Program: How To Prepare

June 09, 2017


So you're accepted and officially doing the Disney College Program and it's getting real right? And you're probably freaking out because you don't know what to expect or where to begin with shopping and packing? I've been there, and I'm here to help. Here are my tips for prepping for your college program!
  • When it comes to packing, keep in mind that while you may be moving to Florida, it wont always be 80 degrees and sunny. On my first program I checked in in February with only a few light sweatshirts, a denim jacket, and a rain coat - BIG MISTAKE. It wont snow or maybe even go below freezing, but it gets cold, especially when you have to get on the bus before the sun comes up for work, so bring at least one warm coat.
  • Also with packing, bring cute outfits if you want, I'm not gonna stop you, but know that you'll probably wear more running shorts and tank tops than you expected. They're the easiest to change in/out of for work, and the comfiest when playing in the parks. Just a heads up!
  • Make sure you have a backpack and lunch box for work. (and a small backpack for the parks!) 
  • Invest in a good portable battery 
  • Get a lanyard and ID holder - it just makes things easier when getting on the buses or going through cast areas. 
  • Know about Disney Look guidelines before you leave so you don't have to deal with any surprises at check in.
  • Also with Disney Look, stock up on neutral nail polishes because that's all you can wear (if your work location even allows it)
  • If you're flying down for check in, consider renting a car. It makes check in/move in a lot easier and I promise you'll need to make a Target or Wallmart run that day. 
  • Know that the classrooms in Disney University are FREEZING so make sure your business causal outfits for training have layers. 
  • Also training days can involve a lot of waling so comfortable flats are a must!
  • GET EXCITED this is going to be the best experience of your life! GET. PUMPED. 

Hopefully these tips will help you to prepare and survive your first few weeks! I'm planning on making a packing guide once I start packing for my next program. But what other DCP posts would you guys like to see? Leave me a comment and let me know!