CP

Training

| Sarah

Hey everyone. It’s been a while I know. I had a lot going on in my life. I had my niece and nephew, so I was spending time with them. I’ll go into detail on what I did with them in a different post. I also started school this week. That’s fun…not really.

Today we’ll be talking about training, more specifically, training and orientations after traditions. After traditions, you’ll be broken up into groups called Welcome to Operations, then be broken up even farther to Welcome to (insert role here). For example, if you’re in QSFB, you’ll be in Welcome to Food and Beverage.

In Welcome to Operations, you’ll learn about how things work backstage, how to keep yourself, your fellow cast members, and most importantly guests, safe. Welcome to (role) goes to in detail about your general role.

Depending on when your schedule, you’ll have your park/resort orientation. For Hollywood Studios, that orientation is called On with the Show. All of the All Stars Resorts, it’s called Rolling Out the Red Carpet. During this orientation, you’ll take a tour of the park or resort. You’ll learn about the history about the property. During this time I do believe you’ll get your costumes from costuming.

After all those orientations, you finally start your on the job training. The first day your trainer will give you a personalize tour of the property. The following days you learn about the different positions and stations you could be assigned. Once all of that is done you’ll be given an assessment to see if you can work on your own.

That is all I have for you today. Yeah, a bit of a short post. But there is not much I can say without giving a lot away. Also I may or may not of said something stupid to someone and trying hard not to think about it. It was a major faux pas on my part and said it out of no where.

Thank you so much for reading this post. If you enjoyed what you read, please give post a like. If you feel so inclined, please subscribe and follow this blog so you don’t miss out on other content. It really means a lot if you do. It motives to keep going and writing. I still have so much to write about. Stay tuned for that.

Okay I’m going to jump off a microwave now. Stay magical, stay safe guys!

Housing Meeting/Traditions

| Sarah

So you just moved in to your apartment. You met all your roommates in person, and maybe you all did a roommate gift exchange. Maybe you all have plans to do the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream or some other roommate bonding. Also depending on when you have casting, you finished casting. What happens next?

Depending on your itinerary, you may have a day or two free. The next big thing that happens is the housing meeting.

Housing meeting?

Yes, housing meeting. In the housing meeting, you go over the rules and guidelines about housing. They go over what you can and cannot do, what can/cannot have in your apartment, and safety things. It takes about one hour, one and a half hour tops. If you have any questions about not sure what can go up on the walls or things like that, this is the time to ask them. It is boring, don’t get me wrong. But they do try to make it fun.

Next major thing to happen next is Traditions!

Sarah, you kept hinting about Traditions is your other posts. What is Traditions? What goes on during Traditions?

Traditions is your first major work orientation. You learn about the Walt Disney Company, Walt himself, things like that. There are a lot of surprises and other things I can’t talk about because I don’t want to ruin the magic of it. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It will move you.

I wish I can tell you what goes on but alas, you’ll just have to wait. But I can tell you this next part.

You do get to walk through Magic Kingdom. You’ll get to walk through Main Street USA through the eyes of a cast member. You’ll get to learn about things about the parks. But that’s all I can say about that. You’ll just have to wait until the real thing to find out what you do.

Before you go to Traditions, make sure you get enough rest! Traditions takes up a good part of your day. Some of you might gave the morning session, meaning you might have to get up at 6 or 7 am in order to get ready. There is a bus that takes you to Traditions. Be sure to be there on time. This bus will take you directly there, so if you miss it, you have to find your own way there.

Also, make sure you’re dressed in Disney Look!

Disney Look?? This again?

Yes, this again. Your leaders will be checking to make sure you are dressing in Disney look. They will look you up and down. They will ask you if you have tattoos and how you covered them up. If you don’t, the leaders will call you out on it! If you are not dressed in Disney Look, they will turn you away and make you go changed.

I made a post about the Disney Look (named “The Disney Look”) you should check it out in the little sidebar. Read it to save a life.

Sorry for a shorter post. There’s not a whole lot I can say without giving things away (that I can say online). But I hope answers the general on goings of the Housing Meeting and Traditions.

Thanks so much for reading. If you have any questions, leave a comment and I will do my best to answer them. If you like what I’m doing, please give this post a like. Follow and subscribe to keep up with me and when I post new content. It would mean a lot if you do. It tells me that you like what I’m doing and want to see more in the future. It really motivates me to keep going. I will see you in the next post.

As always, stay magical, stay safe!

DCP Interview #6 With Cait B!

| Sarah

Hey guys. What is up? I’m tired, not gonna lie. I’m on day…seven? Eight? Without coffee. It’s been a while. I might need to get back on that coffee grind again…starting tomorrow. It’s almost midnight as I am currently writing this.

But enough about my coffee needs (or lack there of) it is time for another DCP interview. This is another special one for me because today I’m interviewing my really good friend, Cait. She was first my pen pal but then we found out we did the same program (Fall 2015). It does make me think if we even unknowing cross paths. Same bus. Did she see me on the trams. Did she sell me food? But let’s get right into this interview!

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Cait! I’ve completed two DCPs, one regular and one alumni**. My first role was quick service, food and beverage in the fall of 2015. I worked Outdoor Vending in Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. My second role was the same, QSFB but in the summer of 2017. I worked in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, back in the Africa land. My job location was Africa’s Outdoor Foods.

**CPs who successfully completed a program have the opportunity to do a Summer Alumni Program. It’s a summer program, usually May to August. Normal people can’t apply for this specific program since it is exclusively for alum CPs.

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

Unfortunately no, my role wasn’t my first choice, but I ended up really enjoying it anyway because of the people I got to work with and the friends I made. My first choice would’ve been attractions, who wouldn’t want to work Peter Pan’s Flight?

Can you tell more about your role? Take me through a typical work day?

Working Outdoor Vending at MK, every day on my schedule a different land would be listed and I would need to have the costume that matched, including all the bells and whistles from the socks to the bow ties to the right hat. It was all themed. After clocking in and a costume check, I would be sent out to an ice cream/popcorn cart in a land and I would be in that position (cashier or filler) until someone came to me with a slip to move on to my next assignment or break. Working at a food cart in a Disney park can be stressful because it’s extremely hot weather, long lines and you need to keep your cart fully stocked and clean for safety. Put all that aside, it’s also kind of the best. You get to interact with guests all day, and I’d tell kids Disney jokes and make magical moments whenever I felt like it. I also saw every parade and firework show that day, so it was incredibly magical for me too.
I absolutely loved working in Africa in DAK as well. Two of the locations (Tamu Tamu and Kusafiri Bakery) were indoors for us cast members with the guests ordering at the window so we got a little bit of that AC. Our third location was Harambe’s Fruit Market right outside of the safari. I learned how to make dole whip with alcohol in it and these delicious waffles covered in ice cream at Tamu Tamu. I loved being in the fruit market, having that freedom to be outside, walk around, walk backstage to get more products and interact with guests was so fun. But we had a bit of a bee problem surrounding our frozen ice machine because of the sugar syrup flavors so we all dreaded getting that position haha. Whenever we went 101 (not running/working) at the fruit market, we got to let these blinds down and we couldn’t touch the registers so it was a fun break for us cast members. We would huddle around each other and just joke around until the lightning went away and we got the okay to work again. Working in Africa was also amazing because Disney provides so much entertainment with these beautiful singers, bands and acrobats. I heard Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) at least two the three times a day and we’d all sing it and sometimes our leaders would let us out on the floor to dance! Weirdly enough, closing was my absolute favorite shift. Closing down a location with your team, basically a group of your best friends where you get to dance and goof off as guests are no longer there was such a highlight. Afterwards we’d celebrate with free frosties at Wendy’s or go to Splitzville at Disney Springs to bowl.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

I lived in Disney housing both programs, so I got to experience Chatham Square as well as Patterson Court.

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

I lived with five other roommates both programs, so a total of six girls to an apartment. My apartment in Chatham Square only had two bedrooms, three girls to a room, and yes you guessed it..bunk beds. Luckily I got a bottom bunk, but my roommate tended to drop a lot of things on me from the top. My roommate and I decorated the living and dining room for every holiday. We got to hang up lights and stockings for Christmas, but we had to use a fake tree since real ones weren’t allowed. My second apartment in Patterson was a three bedroom, two girls to a room.

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

I always loved Chatham Square and always tried to get it. It had a bus stop, a pool and it’s not as expensive as some of the others. I heard a lot of stories about Vista Way so I tried to stay away from it, which I regret now because it has easy access to Wendy’s, the Dollar store, Chick Fil A and a Walgreen’s. Also, living at Patterson sucked a little bit because you had to walk all the way to Chatham Square to use their buses. Normally I love a good walk, but when you’re sweating your tail off or you just got off a twelve hour shift, you don’t want to have to walk another couple blocks to get home.

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I heard about the Disney College Program from a mutual friend.

Why did you want to do the program?

I’ve always loved Disney since I was a little girl, but a trip to Disney World is extremely expensive. I went to Magic Kingdom and Epcot once when I was twelve and I told myself I will do whatever it takes to get me back to Disney, and that’s when I learned about the program. As a grown adult and now graphic designer, working as a designer for the Walt Disney Company is a dream of mine.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned a lot about independence on my first program, as it was my first time living on my own, working and food shopping. I also learned that you can make friends from all over the world, and a new place can feel like home. I learned that not everyone working at Disney is a nice person and you can’t trust everyone. Disney also taught me to keep striving for my dreams and to not give up.

Are you happy you did the program?

I am very happy I did the program and I wish I could’ve extended mine.

Did the program have an impact on you?

I would say I think about Disney/my programs at least once or twice a day. It created friendships with amazing people I would’ve never had the chance to meet since we all live around the world. It also taught me how to work hard, in hard conditions and still be grateful and happy.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish I cherished it more when I was living it. There will be days when you’re run down and just want to sleep in your apartment or you miss home. I wish I played in the parks every chance I got, didn’t turn down a couple Jelly Rolls trips and participated in more housing events because those were bomb. I also wish I networked more because it’s my dream to move back to Orlando as a graphic designer for Disney.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

I did make a bucket list for my programs and I believe I got most of them done. The one thing I couldn’t make happen was the backstage tour of the Haunted Mansion. It’s still a dream of mine.

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

I met the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom on my first program, and he reached out to me about a visual merchandising opportunity, which I was studying before the program. Sadly I had changed my major to graphic design, and had to turn it down.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

I didn’t get the chance to extend my program because I needed to return to school and finish my semesters since I was behind schedule for changing majors.

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

I would recommend the Disney College Program to anyone with ears. It was and is the best experience of my life. The people you meet, the amazing backstage experiences only cast members get to see and the magic you create for little kids is indescribable.

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

I would tell future CPs to cherish every single moment. The program flies by in a blink of an eye. Take every opportunity, go out with your roommates, co-workers, and friends. Go see the beaches, Universal, cast events, housing events, Miami, Disney Springs. I would also recommend taking personal days for you to rest and recharge because you will be exhausted from working long hours.

Thank you so much Cait for taking the time to do this interview. It means a lot that you took the time to answer all my questions. I know you’re doing amazing things right now. Thanks for tolerating me with my rants about life and stuff.

That is all I have for today. Thanks so much reading. I hope this answers any questions about quick service and outdoor vending. If you have this role/locations, I hope this gave you some insight. If you have any questions at all, please leave a comment and I will try my best to answer them.

If you like what I’m doing and want to continue to follow my journey here, please follow and subscribe so you don’t miss anything. It really helps me out a lot. Also give this post a like to let know that you enjoy what I’m doing. It really motivates me to keep going and to put out content. I have a lot more I want to put out there. I will see you in the next post!

As always, stay magical, stay safe!

Check In Day/Casting

| Sarah

So the day has finally came! Check in day! You’re giddy with excitement! I know I was. But what really goes on during check in? That is what we are going to be talking about today.

A couple of days before you arrive, you’ll get an itinerary stating your role and location, check in information, including what time you should check in and where. You’ll also find out when you have to do casting, drug testing, and attend the housing meeting on the itinerary.

On Check In Day, you’ll walk up (or more like drive through security) to your housing complex and head to the clubhouse. The person greeting you at the door will hand you a program guide with your information on the back. If you decided to bring your car they’ll hand you a form on how to get your car decal from DORMS.

The next station will be where you take your housing ID photo. Then it gets printed out right then and there. Next you’ll head over to the next station. There you hand in all your forms. During this time they’re hand you a bunch of stuff; bus schedule, a welcome letter from whatever complex you’re living in, things like that.

After that, you’ll take a seat and fill out the forms for your car online via DORMS. Once you completed that, you’ll show that you completed the forms, show your car’s registration, driver’s license, and insurance. Then they’ll do whatever they need to do on their part, hand you your car decal. You’re pretty much done after that.

Depending on what time casting is, you’ll either go to casting or start moving in to your apartment, but let’s take some time and take about casting.

For casting, you would head over to Chatham and wait for the bus that will take you over to the casting building. Before you do head over, make sure you have all your I 9 documents with you!! Once at the casting building, you’ll line up and wait before they take you into an office and go over your I 9 documents, go over all the information, all that. While they are doing that, they’ll give a form to fill out.

After that is done, you’ll go over to the next station with the form you filled out. They’ll ask you if you have any questions about the Disney Look (which by the way if you haven’t read that post “The Disney Look”, you should totally check it out. I went into detail about the Disney Look). They’ll check for the basics: allotted ear piercings, no visible tattoos, if your make up is natural and on point.

Next you’ll go to a different room with different tables set up with different CMs from Disney training services. They will tell you to open up an email you get after check in. The email will contain your training schedule for the three days after Traditions. They’ll go over that and make sure you don’t have any questions.

The next station after that is security. This is where you hand over that form you filled out earlier in casting. Here they go over to see if you are convicted of a felony and do your fingerprints. I remember when they did mine, my pinky fingers would not scan for whatever reason. So I had to write down all the places I lived in. I had to text my parents and my siblings if they knew one of the addresses of the houses we lived in. I was three when we moved so I didn’t know the address.

Once all of that is completed, you are free to go. Just hop back on the bus and head back to your housing complex. Finish moving in and get to know your roommates!

Oh, I should note that depending on your role, you might have to do a drug test. But since how you check in has changed since I was a CP, I don’t know if it’s the same process or not.

Well that is all that I have for you guys. I really hope you enjoyed that. I hope you found this helpful at all. If you did, please give this post a like! If you like what I’m doing, please follow and subscribe to this blog. It would mean a lot to me if you did. It tells me that you actually take the time to read what I have to say and motivates me to keep going.

With that being said, thank you so much for reading. As always, stay magical! Stay safe!

DCP Interview #5 with Ashley S!

| Sarah

What is up guys? How are you? How is life? Tell me about it.

I have another interview for you today. This one is extra special for me because I get to interview my good friend, Ashley. A little bit of a spoiler, she and I did the DCP during the same time. We even worked at the same park! We didn’t find that out until we became pen pals and it came up in conversation. It just makes me think; did we ever run into each other without knowing it? Were we ever on the CP bus at the same time and never realized it?

Oh well, no time to dwell on the past. Just like Uncle Walt said, we have to keep moving forward. So let’s move forward towards this interview!

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Ashley, I did QSFB in Hollywood Studios in 2015, and did Attractions in Animal Kingdom in 2016.

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

My first program, no, QSFB wasn’t my first choice. I think Character Attendant or Attractions was my first choice.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

Yes, I lived in Vista Way my first program, and Chatham my second program.

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

Vista Way – 5 and Chatham – 1. I found my roommate on Facebook and connected with the others via DORMS.

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

Neither housing complex was my first choice, but I did end up enjoying both of them (actually, I enjoyed Vista Way more).

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

My community college in 2010 had a flyer about the program.

Why did you want to do the program?

Disney was always one of my dream companies to work for and to be part of something that had a huge influence in my childhood.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned so much! Being on my own for the first time, learning how to be more social in group settings, how to handle situations in a professional manner, etc.

Are you happy you did the program?

Yes, I’m VERY happy I did the program!!!!

Did the program have an impact on you?

Very much so! This will always be one of the best experiences of my lifetime thus far.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish I could’ve networked more with people within the company. And I wish I could’ve been more out-going with my roommates.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

Sort of. I did get to go to Typhoon Lagoon, as I hadn’t been to a water park there before. I got to do “Mission: Space” – the more intense version of it. I also got to see Smash Mouth and Neil Patrick Harris in person during their events!

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

I took the Disney Heritage class twice, but I wish I would’ve networked more with the instructors and the guest speakers.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

I originally wasn’t going to extend, but I decided to give it a shot. Once I found out I got Attractions, of course I stayed! I would LOVE to do another program (especially at Disneyland or to work Attractions at Epcot)!

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

Absolutely! It is a one-in-a-lifetime experience and such a great one too!

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

If you’re considering doing the program, DO IT! I promise you you will have the best time of your life!

Thank you so much Ashley for doing this interview! I know you’re super busy with work and all! It means a lot that you took the time to answer all my questions. Let me know what you think!

That is all I have for you today. Be on the lookout for my next post. If you like what you saw and want keep up with me and this blog, please give this post a like. Since you’re already doing that you might as well follow and subscribe to this blog. It will help me out a lot. It says to me that you like what I have to say and motive me to keep posting more. I’ll see you guys in the next post!

As always guys, stay magical! Stay safe!

DCP Interview #4 with Diamond!

| Sarah

Welcome back guys. How are you doing? I’m super tired. It’s been a long day for me. Every time I tried to sit down and write something came up. Phone calls were made. It was just annoying. I wish it was good news but it was family stuff.

But enough about personal stuff, I’m back at it with another interview. Let’s jump right into it! Here goes.

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Diamond, I did Front Desk at All Star Movies, and my first program was Fall Advantage 2018.

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

It was not, but it was my second! My first choice was Convention Guide.

Can you tell more about your role? Take me through a typical work day?

It’s hard to go through a “typical” work day for Front Desk because there is no official closing or opening time, there is a constant motion always. However, if i worked mornings, that would mean coming in at about 6:30 am and working until about 4:30 pm. It would typically get busy around 9 am when people would start checking in or checking out early. Since I worked at a value resort, it stayed busy pretty much all day every day. A “typical” day would see about 600 guests checking in. If I worked a night shift, which is what I typically worked, I came in at 5 pm and worked until about 1:30 am. Usually it would die down between 10 – 11 pm for the day. I also worked overnight a few times, which meant that I started at 10 pm and worked until 8:30 am. Overnights were slow, with only a few people who were checking out coming into the lobby.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

I lived in housing!

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

I had 5 other roommates (6 of us in total in the apartment). We lived in Chatham Square! I met my roommates through groups on Facebook for the program!

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

Yes, we were very lucky that we got exactly what we wanted! Since there were 6 of us, we asked for an apartment with 3 bedrooms/3 baths which we got!

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I heard about it originally in High School through the grapevine, but didn’t seriously consider or research it until college.

Why did you want to do the program?

As much as people say it and it’s corny, I love Disney. I also love to make people happy and I had gone to Disney a few times in the past and loved seeing how many people come to visit and from so many different places! I wanted to be apart of that, and get to see first hand how the company runs it’s parks. I’m a Hospitality major so it was a no-brainer to go for it!

What did you learn from the program?

I learned to be more confident. I didn’t have my family there to tell me how to do things or help, so it was really a lesson in learning how to fend for myself and get myself out of my shell of anxiety. I learned just how much every single cast member works to make a visiting guest feel immersed in the magic and just how much actual work that is.

Are you happy you did the program?

Absolutely yes. I was really lucky in that I honestly couldn’t have had better roommates or a work location. I know a lot of people who end up not enjoying their time on the program as much, either because they don’t like their location/role/living situation, but I lucked out. I learned so much and had so much fun!

Did the program have an impact on you?

Again, absolutely. I had days where I didn’t think I was good enough, and where i was really homesick. But once I learned more and became more comfortable I had a better time. I’ve become more confident in myself and made some amazing friends. Getting to work for Disney was such an amazing experience!

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish I had a car during my program. Getting to go to the parks whenever was so awesome, but I didn’t really get to really explore Orlando outside of Disney World. At first it wasn’t a big deal, but after a while I would have liked to go to some of the little towns in the area or to the beach or other places. I wish i had picked up more at other locations, or gotten to do some of the parties at Magic Kingdom during the holidays.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

I definitely didn’t do everything, but I think I got almost everything i really wanted to do crossed off!

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

Unfortunately no. I tried to sign up for a class once and it was already full by the time i tried to get in.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

I did extend into Spring 2019, in the same role and same location! I would definitely do another program, and I’m already making plans to do just that!

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

I would, especially if you are a Hospitality major, or any major that would benefit from seeing how such a big company is run.

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

1 . If you are planning on applying for the DCP simply because you want to spend a semester at Disney World/Disneyland, make sure you are seriously considering this. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do it, but working at the Disney parks really is work. If you come into it thinking it’s gonna be just like a vacation, it absolutely is not.
2. Save as much money as you can beforehand. You won’t get paid for the first couple of weeks, and you are gonna need to get things for the apartment, not to mention wanting to go to the parks straight away. Try not to blow too much in the beginning, as you really won’t know what kind of hours you’re going to have until you really start working. It’s not fun living paycheck-to-paycheck.
3. If you have an angry guest in front of you, it can be scary/ intimidating sometimes. Try to remember that generally they aren’t yelling at YOU but rather the name tag. Don’t let it get to you, sometimes things don’t go right and people need somewhere to direct their anger.

Thank you so much Diamond for taking the time to do this interview with me! I know that you’re busy with life and it means a lot that you answered all my questions! I really appreciate you doing this for me!

I hope this answers all your questions about front desk. If you have this role and location, I hope this gives more insight on the role. Let me know if you any other questions and I’ll try to answer them the best I can.

That is all I have for you today. Be on the look out for my next interview. If you like what you saw and want keep up with me and this blog, please give this post a like. Since you’re already doing that you might as well follow and subscribe to this blog. It will help me out a lot. I says to me that you like what I have to say and motive me to keep posting more. I’ll see you guys in the next post!

As always, stay magical! Stay stay!

DCP Interview #3 with Morgan E!

| Sarah

Hey guys! I’m back at it again with another interview! Are you excited? I’m excited. Let’s just jump right into it.

What is your name, what was your role, and when did you do your program?

My name is Morgan E, Quick-Service Food and Beverage, Spring 2019

Was your role your first choice? If not, what was your first choice?

No! QSFB was not my first choice, Children’s Activities or Front Desk was my first choice.

Can you tell more about your role? Take me through a typical work day?

a. I worked at Cosmic Ray’s in the Magic Kingdom. Cosmic Ray’s is known for being the second busiest restaurant in the world.
b. A typical work day for me would be walking about around 11-12 (due to late night hours), eating lunch, getting ready for work. I’d leave my apartment around 4 pm every day to go to work. I’d have to be at work around 5-6 pm sometimes even 7-8 pm at night and wouldn’t get off till 11 pm -12 am or even 2-4 am. When I arrive at the MK Cast parking lot, I get on the MK bus to take me to the Utilidors (basically backstage behind beast castle). I’d walk to the Tomorrowland breakroom and drop off my dinner and backpack; sometimes I’d arrive early enough to talk with fellow cast members. To clock in we would have to go up into the kitchen to our CDS office, where we would clock in and get our assignment for the first half of our shift. (I was placed in the kitchen for my program, not where I thought I’d be placed) A few of the positions I could of held are Fryers (fries or nuggets), salads, KTF (cleaning the kitchen, taking out trash, stocking, food waste, etc.), Food runner, the Anchor, middle or window (getting orders put together for guests), and the boiler (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,) (basically making the buns and burgers we serve.) Normal, depending on length of shift you will be that spot for 3-5 hours before you get your break and can get a different position. After your break, you will get another assignment (normally to bump someone out; since CP means Closing Person). You would get put into your closing position till an hour or hour and a half till we closed. Some of the closing positions you could be would be closing a bay (takes an hour and half to two hours to close – 1 person closing), fryers (takes an hour to hour and half to close – 1 person closing), boiler (30 minutes to close – 1 person closing), salads (30 minutes to close – 1 person closing), and Take Downs (takes one and a half to three hours to close – 3 to 4 people closing). Once you have closed your area you have to have the kitchen coordinator and leader walk you to double check everything before you are able to clock out. Normally, once you have walked the kitchen coordinator has to change your time because normally they schedule us to get out earlier than we actually do.
c. Also, depending on who the closing coordinator and leader are you may actually get stuck doing extra work or helping out someone else that’s behind. Or they may make you redo your area.

Did you live in Disney Housing? If not, how did you find housing on your own?

Yes, I lived in Disney Housing – I lived in Chatham Square.

How many roommates and which housing complex (if applicable) did you live in? How did you find your roommates?

a. I had five other roommates (we lived in a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment. Yay, no bunk beds!) Like I said in the previous question I lived at Chatham Square!
b. I found my roommates on the Disney College Program Spring 2019/Spring Advantage 2019 Facebook page.

If applicable, did you get the complex and apartment you wanted?

Yes, we got the complex and apartment we wanted! When we had to register for roommates and apartments we could only link 3 others, so we linked the 4 first roommates and had the 2 other roommates link and then we sent the DCP housing and DCP program and email asking if we could all be linked together no matter where we were placed.

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I heard about the DCP when I was in elementary school, and knew someone that did the program in 1970s! I started applying in January 2017 and after finally got accepted in Fall 2018 (My fourth application!)

Why did you want to do the program?

I wanted to do the program because I thought working for the company long-term once I’m done with college would be the dream. I wanted to work in Human Resources or Guest Services.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned how to be on my own and how to make friends. Back home, I’m the type of person that goes to school and goes home or to work. So, being in a totally different place miles away from home I knew I needed to meet some people and learn how to be on my own working 30-40 hours a week and managing a schedule.

Are you happy you did the program?

I am happy that I did the program. Once it got closer to me leaving I got very nervous about leaving and not wanting to leave, but I’m glad I did it and moved 2,000 miles away from home for 5 months.

Did the program have an impact on you?

The program did I have impact on me because I was able to come home and know exactly want I wanted to do in the future and I was able to break out of box and be more open to staying on campus longer to meet people.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I don’t wish I did anything differently. I do regret not going to some of the late-night work outings due to work early in the morning. I was able to achieve everything I wanted to on my program and more.

Did you make a bucket list? How much of the list did you complete, if it all?

I did make a bucket list, I complete about half of my bucket list. If I had more days off and stayed through the summer, I believe I could have completed my bucket list.

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

This year Disney changed how you can take classes or seminars to more of a lottery taking and I was unable to get into those classes and seminars that I wanted to take.

Did you extend your program? If so, did you stay in the same role and location, or did any of that change? Did/would you do another program?

a. No, I didn’t extend my program. I came home to take summer school and work for more money back home so I wasn’t behind and could graduate on time.
b. I don’t know if I want to do another program. I think if I did another program I would want a different role or would even try for a full-time position with the company.

Would you recommend the Disney College Program to a friend in college?

I would recommend the DCP to a friend, but I’d tell them to be picky with the role they would want to do for their program and not put interest in a role that they really don’t care for.

Lastly, what advice would you give to future CPs doing the program?

a. Some advice I would give to future CPs to do the program for you and not for your family. Make sure you are prepared to make little money and have only 2 days off a week to explore in the park. Enjoy your program by going to the parks before work to have more park days. Get to know your coworkers because they will be your long-life friends, since you will see them more than your roommates sometimes (depending on everyone’s work schedule). Make sure you are only putting interest in roles you actually would consider doing for the company!! Take days off to doing do stuff in Florida, I regret not asking for a day off to go to the beach, so take a day off to do that stuff.
b. IT’S OKAY TO CALL OUT!! Don’t be afraid to call out to explore Florida or for a mental health day! I called out 4 times because I wanted to explore and needed mental health day and it was totally worth it!! Disney doesn’t care, as long as you don’t call out too many times! (Hint: if you call out bereavement versus call out, you don’t get a point!)

Thank you so much Morgan for taking the time to do this interview. I know that you’re very busy doing amazing stuff. It means so much that you answered all my questions.

Thank you to all of you for reading this post. For those who have QSFB/Cosmic Ray’s as their role and location, I hope this answers all your questions and gave you some insight. If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I’ll try to answer them as best I can.

If you like what you read, please give post a like, follow and subscribe for more posts like these. It really helps me out a lot by telling me that you’re actually reading and listening to what I have to say. It motivates me to keep putting out more content for you all.

As always guys: stay magical! Stay safe!

Packing List

| Sarah

Hey you all. What’s going on? I really ran out of witty/cringy things to say as an intro.

So we went over the Disney Look, travel plans, and bucket lists, but we haven’t went over the most important list, your packing list. So let’s jump right into this.

I’ll break it down into if you’re driving or flying and into different subgroups like clothes, bathroom things, etc.

Pro tip for you fall program peeps: wait until places like Target, Kohls, or Bed, Bath, and Beyond do their annual back to school/college dorm move in sale for the following things. You’ll save a lot of money and get really nice stuff. That’s what I did…thank me later…also not sponsored…

Bedroom:

  • Bedding. Bed sheets. Pillow cases. Things like that. Disney does provide you with a twin sized bed.
  • Pillows
  • Comforter
  • Blanket
  • Mattress cover (You don’t no bed bugs)
  • Mattress pad (the mattresses are the same ones they use in actual college dorms. Not super comfy)
  • Small bookbag
  • Step stool (If you’re short like I am)
  • Hamper (my bedding’s packaging doubled as a hamper, with handles and over-the-shoulder cross strap. Found it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond)
  • Bed risers (this will open up more storage space. Try to find ones with an outlet/USB charging area. Also found one at Bed, Bath and Beyond)
  • Hangers
  • Alarm clock/iHome
  • Lock for your locker. Everyone in your apartment gets a locker. They are usually found in the closets.
  • Under bed storage

Bathroom:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Make up (if you use it)
  • Sunscreen
  • Lotion
  • Hairbrush
  • Shower curtains. Disney provides you with the liner.
  • Shower cady (maybe. I say maybe because I bought one and didn’t use it at all. You can get one if you feel the need to keep your stuff organized and tidy)

Kitchen:

  • Tuber ware
  • Water bottle
  • Lunch box

Electronics:

  • TV (decide among you and your future roomies who is bringing one)
  • DVDs/DVD player
  • Video games
  • Phone/phone charger (duh)
  • Headphones
  • Laptop/laptop charger
  • Camera (for taking pics/vlogging)
  • Lamp

Personal/check in documents:

  • Blank check
  • DORMS registration forms
  • Valid passport OR
  • Social Security with valid government ID (ie driver’s licence. You’ll need it regardless if you’re bringing your car with you)
  • Car registration (for your car)
  • Insurance card stating that you’re on the policy (for your car)

Clothes:

  • T shirts
  • Pants/leggings
  • Shorts/skirts
  • Long sleeve shirt (believe it or not it does get a bit chilly during the winter months, especially during the night)
  • Sweaters
  • Business casual, Disney Look approved, clothes for Traditions (I went over this in my “The Disney Look” post. If you haven’t read it or forgotten (Remember me, though I have to say goodbye) take a look for a refresher)
  • Dress shoes
  • Casual shoes
  • Flip flops/sandals
  • Bathing suits

Tips/tricks for those who are FLYING:

  1. Use space bags. You’ll have more room in your suitcases for the more bulkier stuff.
    • Insert dryer sheets with your clothes. It’ll keep your clothes fresher, longer…thank me later
  2. For the clothes you’re going to be wearing during your travels, fold your clothes into thirds or roll them up. Another space saver. Don’t forget about the dryer sheets!
  3. Spring for the second checked bag. Let’s get real for a second guys. Listen, listen Linda, before you get all mad. Hear me out. You’re not paying for a semester’s worth of classes, dorms, meal plans, textbooks, parking, etc. I know you paid a good amount in your fees (trust me, I know. I seen the price), but still. You can pay 50 dollars for another suitcase. The more space the better. You’ll have two suitcases, a carry on, and a personal.
  4. If you can’t get some of the stuff on this list, go on a Walmart run and get them on Check In Day. I get it. You can’t fit everything in a suitcase. Just hold off until Check In Day and buy it then.

Tips and tricks for those who are DRIVING:

  1. Place all your stuff into reusable bags. If you use reusable bags, for packing, you can use those same bags to do grocery shopping later. Save the planet and all.
  2. While you’re stuffing your reusable bags, fill them with toiletries and other dry foods! Fill them lots of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, cereal, pasta/pasta sauce (just don’t get lost in the sauce), mac and cheese, and things of that nature. You won’t be paid for the first, like, three weeks. This way you’re not hurting too terribly the first couple of weeks. Get things like milk once you arrive.
  3. You might want to invest in Sunpass. Florida has a lot of toll roads. I learned that the hard way. So if you’re planning to take trips outside of Orlando/Lake Buena Vista you might want in getting a Sunpass for your car. I guess the best way to explain it is that it’s Florida’s EZ pass, if your state does EZ pass. I know in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia, it’s our cute way of saying our regional area) area we have EZ pass.
  4. Don’t be afraid to pack more! Having your own car means you’re not as limited. So don’t be afraid to pack a little more.
  5. Finally, if your carless roommates ask you (nicely) for a ride to the store, do it! Help each other out. It’s to get along with all your roommates so you help them out with going to the store, they’ll help you out when you need it. Or at least I hope they would return the favor.

That is all I have for today. Thank you so much for reading. I hope this helps in all your packing needs. If you have any more questions, let me know down in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer them!

Again, thank you all so much for reading. If you like what you saw, please be sure to give this post a like. While you’re at it, you might as well follow/subscribe so you don’t miss out on when I post. It would mean so much to me. Knowing that you like what I’m saying motives me to keep going.

I have so much more that I want to do share with you all. More interviews. More stories. More tips and tricks of the trade. So be on the look out for that!

I will see you in the next post, But until then, stay magical and also, stay safe guys!

Slacker out!

It’s 3:17 in the morning…wtf is wrong with me? Why do I insist on writing so late at night?

The Disney Look

| Sarah

What is up everyone? It’s been a couple of days since I posted anything. I was off playing Where in the World Showcase is My Brain? (aka cleaning out my closet).

As you can tell by the title of this post, we are talking about the Disney Look that everyone keeps talking about.

The Disney Look? What is that?

I’m glad you asked! The Disney Look is…well in simple terms the set of standards of which Disney has for their CMs. Let’s start from top to bottom.

Hair. Your hair has to be clean cut. No wild colors: green, purple. No colors you would see at a gender reveal party (aka pink or blue). Basically if your hair color isn’t a color that can naturally grown out of your head, it needs to go. Your hair can’t partially shaven. Streaks/highlights or ombre hair, has to all be one natural looking hair color. Roots can’t be showing. No uneven haircuts. No mohawks. Basically nothing experimental haircuts

Guys, your facial hair game has to be on point! All even. If you have that mustache/beard combo it MUST connect together (we’re all in this together, and it shows, when we stand hand in hand, make our dreams come true). Nothing too overly bushy (you don’t want to giving off them Santa vibes). More on the 5 ‘o’ clock shadow look. Lastly you can have a shaven, clean cut look.

Guys: your beard/mustache is patchy or uneven/messy. You will be asked to go shave or come back when it’s more clean cut. Ladies, if your hair doesn’t look natural or still has highlights in them, you will be asked to come back when its more consistent.

Face. You have to have a natural looking face. With that being said, your make up has to look natural. It has to compliment your face. No colorful eye shadow. Eye shadow can’t extend up to the eye brows. Nothing like that. It basically has to match your face. Make up as to be blended.

Eye wear. If your role is an outdoor role (like I was in parking attendant), you are allowed to wear sunglasses. But you have to be able to see your eyes. Your sunglasses can’t be completely blacken out. If you wear glasses (like me), your glasses can only be black, brown, or metal rimmed. It has to be solid colored and can’t have any brands on them.

Piercings. Oh boy. Women can only have the traditional ear studs, one on each ear. So no multiple earrings on each ear. No nose, eye brow, tongue, or gauge/spacers of any kind. All of that needs to removed. Guys can’t have any piercings of any kind (from what I seen guys can have studs but I would check with your leaders just in case. But I would take them off anyway. Better safe than sorry!)

Tattoos. Tattoos are tricky. Yes, you can have tattoos, BUT they need to be covered up. YOU NEED TO BE UP FRONT ABOUT YOUR TATTOOS. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT TRY TO HIDE THEM. On Traditions (more on that in a later post), you need to tell the leaders that you have tattoos and how you hid them. Some people can get away with putting on the normal costumes (the tattoos are on the upper arms, shoulders, back, and upper thighs). Some wear longer pants/skirts and sleeves (the tattoos are on the lower arms and legs). People with just wrist tattoos can get away with covering up the tattoos with make up as long as it matches your skin tone. Your leaders will call you out if you try to lie about your tattoos. Honesty is the best policy…I stated that in my “How to Apply for the Disney College Program” post. Go read that if you haven’t already.

Nail polish/hands. If you are in a food role (Quick/Full Service Food & Beverage, and certain merchandise roles, peep my interviews with both Rachels for more information on that), you cannot have nail polish at all. The only thing you can have is a ring band with no gems. Basically if your role has you handle food on the daily: no nail polish or rings with gems. All other roles you can have a ring on your ring finger. Your nail polish has to be clear or match your skin tone. No colors or designs. No painting them like one of french girls, Jack (no french tips). No dirty fingernails. No *toy aliens voice from Toy Story* the claaaww fingernails (no super long acrylic nails that look like cat claws).

Clothes (general). Be sure to keep you clothes classy. Business casual. Iron/steam out your clothes. Don’t show up to Traditions in clothes that look like they’ve been slept in. No wrinkly clothes. Form fitting. Nothing too tight or too loose. No wild prints or patterns. Make sure your clothes are free of any stains. Keep it clean. Keep it classy. Keep it professional. Keep the club clothes at home.

Clothes (guys). No t shirts. Plaid shirts are okay. Khakis (Jake from State Farm approved). Slacks. Polo shirts. A nice dress shirt and pants are best.

Clothes (girls). No short skirts or dresses. Nothing too revealing. No spaghetti straps. Nothing strapless. Straps need to be thicc (you have to able to fit 3 fingers on the strap, 4 if you have smaller hands like I do). The closer to the shoulder the better. Your best bet is something with sleeves. If you think the straps won’t be long enough, you can always bring a nice jacket or cardigan just in case. Girls are allow to wear pants, but make sure their business slacks or those business suit type pants.

Shoes. No tennis/running shoes. No open toed shoes. Dress shoes. Girls, as a heads up, in Traditions and a lot of your orientations, there’s gonna be a lot of walking around. If you’re someone like me and you’re not used to walking in heels, please bring flats. I’m not gonna stop you if you want to wear heels. If you slay in heels and love them, more power to you. But you will be doing a good amount of walking. So if you think you can handle that, more power to you. You do you boo. I’m just warning you now.

I hope this clears up any confusion about the Disney Look. I know it can be daunting with all the rules. If you have any more questions about the Disney Look. Please leave it down in the comments. I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can.

If you found this helpful at all, please leave a like on this post. You might as well subscribe while you’re at it. It really helps out a lot by letting me know that you’re actually reading (and caring) about what I’m saying. It makes me feel good and gives me the motivation to keep going. I still have much more to share with you and I can’t wait to tell to you all.

Thanks for being here, and remember, stay magical guys!