My long awaited final Disney
College Program post! I’m sorry it’s so late, and I don’t really have an excuse
because I have just been enjoying life outside of work and relaxing. But I am
here now, and that is what counts, right?! Anyways, my program end date was
August 2nd, 2013—and my last day of work was July 31st. I’m
not going to lie, I was very anxious for my program to end; almost every one of
my CP friends’ was as well. I absolutely loved the program; but after a while sharing
a 3 bedroom apartment with 5 other girls, having no other transportation
options except for Transtar, and getting silly hours because you were a CP was
a little exhausting. This caused me to make this post a list of things that I
wish I would’ve done or had known before, during, and after the program.
Before I came down to Florida for
my program, I believe that I prepared myself quite well for what I was going to
experience. I knew that I would work hard and consistently long hours, and that
I was basically at the bottom rung of the ladder. If you decide to participate
in the Facebook groups, Google hangouts, and any other way to meet new people
before you arrive, just know you probably won’t hang out with half the people
you met or friended on Facebook. My best friend was one of my roommates who I
hadn’t even said a word to before we arrived in Florida. However, some of the
greatest people whom I am blessed to call my friends and Disney family—I met
over Google hangouts. You just never really know who you’re going to get along
with and become friends with until you meet everyone in person. I also would
highly suggest bringing your own car down with you. I knew that I’d regret not
bringing mine down with me; however, it just wasn’t feasible for me. While I
did have some memorable moments on those lovely buses (A, B, and K buses I’m
talking to you…) my life would’ve been so much simpler if I had my own car.
Just make sure you can afford the gas down there, and that you don’t mind being
used as a shuttle service for some of your lovely DCP friends… I may have been
guilty of this.
During the program you will have
some time to play but you will definitely spend most of your time working. When
you have free time go do something fun!!!!! On my days off I always tried to do
something; whether it was going to the parks, watching the fireworks, tanning at
the pool or water parks, planning a beach day, or just shopping at Downtown
Disney. You have so many options available to you, most of which are free for
your use! Don’t get me wrong a chill and relax day is definitely nice after a
long work week, but just make sure your taking advantage of all of the
wonderful things to do around you. You’re living next to “The Most Magical
Place on Earth” which people pay thousands of dollars to visit for just one
week. Visit, have fun, and enjoy your time down there.
If your program is anything remotely
like mine you will probably have two separate groups of ‘families’ as I like to
call them. One will be your roommates and friends that you have met, the other will
be your work family. I honestly believe with my entire heart that I had the
greatest work family a girl could ever ask for, and I know that you’ll feel the
same way. These people make you you feel okay working a 15 hour shift because
at least you’ll get to see their face for a few minutes. If we had someone who
had a car when we closed the park, you could guarantee that you would find us
at IHOP or Ale House that night after work, maybe even “waffley house”. These
are the people that will probably either make or break your experience down in
Disney. Just know that you will get close to your fellow cast members, no
matter how hard you try to tell yourself that you won’t care when you leave, you
will—it’s inevitable. I know a bunch of part timers and full timers who hate CP’s
because they become friends with us and become friends with us, and then their
hearts are broken when we leave. It’s a terribly wonderful and horrible process
that happens every semester and maybe if you’re lucky it won’t hurt as much
when you leave. Because I know when I left it was the most painful thing I ever
had to do; to leave these people whom you saw every day for 5 or 7 months, and
then they’re just gone.
I am lucky though because I was
able to go into a seasonal position at Fantasyland when my program ended. This
is where I believe one of the most important aspects of this program came into
play for me, networking. I hate that word; I hate the idea of it and everything
that comes with it. I wish people could get an interview or a job based on
their motivation, work ethic, education, and values. Unfortunately, life doesn’t
like to play that game, so you need to network if you want to move up or around.
Thankfully Disney makes networking pretty simple for you. They have all sorts
of workshops, meet and greets, and you will have several managers whom you can
always talk to and get to know. If you show them your determination and how
hard of a worker you are you’ll have no issues networking. I was lucky enough that managers got to know
who I was for good reasons! I emailed my old homeroom manager and asked if it
were possible for me to go seasonal in my old role; she was able to contact
casting and scheduling and they were able to open a seasonal fantasyland attractions
position for me! So I am still an official Walt Disney World Cast Member, and
hope to continue my career with Disney far into the future.
Well guys, this’ll be the last post
I make in reference to my Spring 2013 Disney College Program. Hopefully, I’ll
be able to keep y’all updated on where life takes me—PI’s, management internships,
coordinator positon, CEO! The possibilities are endless.
All
our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney
