Disney

Traveling to the DCP

| Sarah

Hey you all. How are you?

So you got accepted into the program, picked roommates, and make a bucket list. But you have no idea how to get to DCP. What do you do? How do you get there? Hitchhike?

Well no, let’s not do that. That can have some dangerous results. Today I’ll tell you how to travel to the DCP.

I do want to say is that you do have the option to bring your car. Yes, you can have your car during the program if taking the bus does not fit the bill. Just make sure you have your car’s registration, insurance, and a declaration saying you are insured. Keep that in mind while making your travel plans.

First off, you can always drive. Make a road trip out of it. A plus of taking your car is that you can pack more stuff. You’re not limited the space in your suitcases. Also, I’ll mention this here, you can also pack things like reusable grocery bags and fill them with things like shampoo, conditioner, body soap, cereal, fruit snacks, etc. This way you have supplies ready to go beforehand. You won’t get paid the first couple of weeks, so it helps to get some things beforehand so you’re not hurting terribly until you do get paid.

If you have a bit of an older car (like I do) and you think it won’t be able to handle a lengthy road trip, taking the auto train is also an option.

Auto train? What is that?

I’m glad you asked! Amtrak has a train called the auto train that will take you and your car to Florida. The auto train runs from Lorton, Virginia (which is in the Northern Virginia area, where I’m located, about 20 minutes south of Washington, DC) to Sanford, Florida (which is about an hour away from Orlando). Now, this only works if you’re the WDW DCP. There isn’t on that goes to California. DLR (Disneyland Resort) CPs you’re out of luck on the auto train. Sidenote: I’m not being sponsored by Amtrak to say any of this. I’m simply just sharing information. It would be cool if they did though.

Now if the auto train or driving doesn’t appeal to you, or you can’t take your car, you can always fly. You can check studentuniverse.com (not sponsored) for deals on flights. I flew with JetBlue (not sponsored) when I did my program. Remember that you are limited to what you can pack so just be mindful of that.

Okay, cool. But I have a question: should I get to Anaheim/Orlando the day of my check in or the day before?

Good question. I suggest you arrive a day or two before your check in day. This way you have a buffer just in case anything happens. Your plane gets delayed. You’re late getting to your destination. Weather decides to be a jerk and cancel your flight. Whatever.

So now you figured out if you want drive, take the auto train, or fly to the DCP. Next step, where to stay.

If you have family or friends in the area who are willing to let you stay with them for a night or two, great. Be sure to thank them for their generosity. Maybe take to Downtown Disney/Disney Springs for dinner, one day park tickets, something as a thank you.

If you don’t, then its hotels for you. Airbnbs are good options. You can get a nice place for a fair price. The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista on State Road 535 is also a great location. It’s right across the street from Vista Way. A little down the way from the other three complexes. Good prices. You can’t go wrong with them (Not sponsored).

I can’t give any advice for the DLR program. Sorry my friends. But if anyone who has done that program and knows any good hotel recommendations please let me know. I’ll be sure to make an edit and give you credit.

That is all I have for you today. Please be sure to give this post a like and to subscribe to this blog. It will help me out a lot. It makes me feel like you are actually reading and enjoying on what I have to say.

Be on the look out for my next couple of posts because I will be interviewing actual college program participants. Yes, you read that right. I will be interviewing former/current CPs who have been where you are. I’ll be getting their insight on their programs. I’m gonna try and get many different roles as I can. So this way you all can get some first hand experience on some of the roles you yourself may of gotten. Please stay tuned for that.

Thank you guys so much for reading, and remember, stay magical everyone!

Slacker out! (If you get where that is from bonus points to you!)

DCP Bucket List

| Sarah

Hey guys, what’s up? It’s ya girl coming back at you with another post.

Okay was super cringy and painful to write. I’m never doing that again…

Anyway, I’m here to talk about DCP bucket lists. You’re going to Disney, so you’re gonna need things to do while you’re down there. But you no idea what you can do or have any ideas. Well, I’m here to help. I’m going to break it down into different sections so you can pick and choose for your own bucket list.

I’m sorry in advance for this list is going to be for Disney World. If someone wants to help me out and send a Disneyland bucket list, leave a comment and help me out. I’ll be sure to give you the credit! Enjoy!

Mid writing edit: I made notes of certain things of when it’s available. So you’ll see (fall program)/(spring program) if it only happens during those programs. Just take into account. Kay, thanks :3

General Stuff/DCP Must Do’s:

  • Welcoming parties! During the beginning of your program there will be welcoming parties with different themes. Music will be played. Free food will given. Meet and greets with different characters (sometimes with rare characters not seen in the parks). It’s a great place to meet other CPs and socialize.
  • Grocery Bingo. Here’s your chance to win free groceries for your apartment. It’s free to go.
  • Graduation. Towards the end of your program there will be a graduation party. A DJ will be playing music. Free food will be eaten. You will Mickey and Minnie in their cap and gowns.
  • Winter Formal (for the fall program). It’s a dance where all the CPs get all dressed up and head to Coronado Springs. It happens towards the end of the program. Music, dancing, food, all included. You also get to meet some rare characters.
  • Starlit Splash (for the spring program). You get to go to Typhoon Lagoon (I think) and hang out with your fellow CPs all night. CPs get free range of the water park all night. You get music and food. I don’t think you get to meet characters but I could be wrong.
  • Be the first person on your favorite ride for the day.
  • Be the last one out of the park.
  • Disneybound with friends/roommates.
  • 4 parks, 1 day.
  • Go to Rope Drop at each park at least once.
  • Fill an autograph book.
  • Pin trading.
  • Devote a full day to character hunting.
  • The Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream.
  • Go to the parks by yourself.
  • Do every ride in every park at least once.
  • Have a day where you go to the parks and don’t go on any rides.
  • Pick a comfy spot in the park and people watch.
  • Play in the parks in the rain.
  • See every show and parade.
  • Take a nap on a ride.
  • Take a photo in front of each parks’ landmark.
  • Pick one of the parks and watch the fireworks show on New Year’s Eve (if you’re not working. I go to see from the parking lot during my shift and it was BEAUTIFUL).
  • Get to know your roommates!
  • Visit Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Citywalk.
  • Go to Hollywood (Halloween?) Horror Nights at Universal Studios (this happens during the fall program around Halloween time)
  • Go to Grinchmas at Universal Studios (during the fall program around Christmas time)
  • Go to SeaWorld.
  • Go to Busch Gardens in Tampa.
  • Go to the Florida Mall or Mall of Millenia.
  • Steak N’ Shake after midnight.
  • Ihop after midnight.
  • Go to Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach, St. Pete’s.
  • Pick up a PAC shift.
  • Pick up shifts in all the parks (if your roles allows that)
  • Shop at Company D.
  • Shop at Property Control and Cast Connections.
  • Use your CM discount (especially that holiday 40 percent on merch. Big, 100 dollar Stitch just became 60 dollars. Am I right?)
  • Visit Mickey’s Retreat.
  • VoluntEAR.
  • Earn your Ears!
  • Get your haircut on Main Street.

Magic Kingdom:

  • Festival of Fantasy parade.
  • Move It! Shake it! Celebrate It! parade.
  • Happily Ever After parade.
  • Space Mountain.
  • Splash Mountain.
  • Big Thunder Mountain.
  • Conquer the mountain trio (aka ride Space, Splash, and Big Thunder Mountain all in one day)
  • Ride Space Mountain with the lights on.
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
  • Haunted Mansion.
  • Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor.
  • Walt’s Carousel of Process.
  • Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table (make reservations early)
  • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (fall program)
  • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (fall program)
  • Meet the characters!
  • Meet the princesses!
  • Buy some treats from the Confectionery.
  • Get a Dole Whip from Adventureland.
  • Eat at Be Our Guest.
  • Try the Grey Stuff (it’s delicious!)
  • Listen to the Dapper Dans.

Epcot:

  • Soarin’ (spring program)
  • Spaceship Earth.
  • Mission Space.
  • Eat at all the countries in the world showcase.
  • Visit all the countries in the world showcase, get a passport from Guest Services.
  • Food & Wine Festival (fall program)
  • Eat to the Beat (fall program)
  • Candlenight Processional (during the holiday season) (fall program)
  • Flower and Garden Festival (spring program)
  • Take a picture in the phone booth in the UK Pavilion.
  • Ride both the green and orange side of Mission Space.
  • Sit in the front row of Soarn’.
  • Take a picture in every country.
  • Take a picture inside Bruce’s mouth at The Seas with Nemo and Friends.

Animal Kingdom:

  • Ride Expedition Everest.
  • Visit Pandora.
  • Kai River Rapids (prepare to get SOAKED)
  • Kilimanjaro Safari.
  • Find DeVine.
  • Play in Dinoland USA.
  • Ride Dinosaur as many times as you can.
  • Watch Festival of the Lion King.
  • Watch Finding Nemo the Musical.

Hollywood Studios:

  • Fantasmic!
  • Rockin’ Rollercoaster.
  • Tower of Terror (my personal favorite)
  • Ride Tower of Terror 13 times in a row.
  • Ride Tower of Terror during the day, at night, and while it’s raining
  • Toy Story Midway Mania.
  • Visit Toy Story land.
  • Visit Galaxy’s Edge (if opened to the public by now)
  • See The Little Mermaid Show
  • Sit in the very front row of Fantasmic!

Disney Springs/Water Parks:

  • Blizzard Beach.
  • Typhoon Lagoon.
  • Mini Golf at Winter/Summerland.
  • Get ice cream at Ghiradelli.
  • House of Blues.
  • Go to Lego World.
  • Get lost at World of Disney.
  • Go bowling at Splitsville.
  • See a movie at the dine-in thearte
  • Stroll around Disney Springs at night.
  • Eat at Earl of Sandwich.
  • Shop at Disney Springs.

Resorts:

  • Ohana Luau at the Polynesian.
  • Get leis at the Polynesian.
  • Relax in a hammock at the Polynesian
  • Ride the monorail around all the resorts, just for funzies.
  • See the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian during the holiday season (fall program)
  • Visit the Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian (I will get married here. Idk what anyone says. Fight me)
  • Have a spa day at the Grand Floridian or Saratoga Springs
  • Have tea at the Grand Floridian.
  • Chef’s Mickey’s at The Contemporary.
  • Take a carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans Riverside.
  • Archery at Fort Wilderness.
  • Campfire and singalong with Chip and Dale (Mr. 305) at Fort Wilderness.
  • Explore the Boardwalk at night.
  • Go to movie night at any of the resorts.
  • Go resort hopping.

Food:

  • 50’s Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios)
  • Sci-Fi Drive In Theatre (Hollywood Studios)
  • Hollywood & Vine (Hollywood Studios)
  • Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom)
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magical Kingdom)
  • Casey’s Corner (Magic Kingdom)
  • Nutella waffle sandwich at Sleepy Hollow (Magic Kingdom)
  • Cupcake crawl
  • Dole Whip
  • Churro
  • Mickey-Shaped pretzel
  • Mickey waffle
  • Mickey Premium Bar
  • Mickey shaped rice Krispy (I think you can get this at the confectionery in MK or Goofy’s Candy Co in Disney Springs)
  • Turkey leg (Hollywood Studios)
  • Try a sand pail at the water parks
  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review (Fort Wilderness…I think?)
  • Earl of Sandwich (Disney Springs)

Aaaaannndd done. I hope this list helps. I had to dig up my list from my program. It’s just a hot mess of line marks, chicken scratches and multicolored highlighter markings on it. I plan to do other lists for you all to use.

You know what would be cool? If you all could subscribe by adding your email. You, as Areosmith would say, don’t want to miss a thing. By using your email you’ll be notified when I post. Clicking the “follow” button in the bottom right hand corner helps too! I would appreciate it greatly if you did!

Stay magical guys!

DCP Housing

| Sarah

After waiting what seems like an eternity and a half. You finally get the email you’ve been waiting for…that oh-so-magical congratulations email! You’re going to Disney World! Or Disneyland if you got Disneyland. Which is also cool! One of the choices you have to make is if you want to opt for Disney Housing, or opt out and live off housing.

Wait, Disney has housing for their interns…inside the parks?

Yes Susan Disney does offer housing for all their Disney College Program participants…no its not actually inside the parks itself. That would be cool and all but alas only a dream.

Both Disneyland and Disney World have housing complexes for the CPs. Yes, you do have to pay rent, but it’s automatically taken out of your paycheck. How much you pay for rent can vary depending on which complex you live in and how many roommates you have. During my program I have four other roommates (five of us in total) and we all paid 97 dollars each week. Remember this was back in 2015 and we were only getting paid 9.50 an hour. Rent does include electric, water, AC/heat, cable, and wifi. All of the apartments come fully furnish: kitchen stuff (forks, knives, plates, etc), couches, dining table, chairs, beds, nightstands. No tv, so you would have to bring your own!

Housing is also divides you into wellness and nonwellness. Wellness just means you are not allowed to have alcohol in your apartment. If you are under 21, you are automatically placed into wellness. If you turn 21 during your program, you have the option into moving into a nonwellness apartment. If you are over 21 you do have the option of being in a wellness apartment, you just have to agree to the same rules of not having alcohol in the apartment.

As a side note: if you’re under 21 and feel the need to go out and drink, don’t…just don’t. The risk isn’t worth it. It’s not worth getting kicked out of the program just to get wasted and party. If you get caught drinking underage you will kicked out of the program and you’ll have to deal with the police. I get that college kids party with booze to let off some steam. But please for the love of Mickey Mouse and all things magical don’t do it!!!! If you want to go to clubs and party, fine. But there are so many other things to do at Disney, and even the Anaheim/Orlando area to do that underage drinking isn’t worth it. It has happened to so many people during their programs. I don’t want any of you to waste this amazing opportunity during one careless night. Don’t think it will never happen to you, because it can and it will happen to you. You have been warned.

Housing does do inspections on a monthly basis. They check if you don’t have drugs, alcohol (if you’re in wellness), other things that you shouldn’t have in your apartment. There is a two week period on when they do inspections but you don’t know what day exactly they will come.

Wellness? Inspections? Roommates? Forget that! I want to live on my own and do my own thing.

And that’s perfectly fine. You can always decline housing. But once you opt out of housing. You can’t change your mind. You are responsible on finding a place to stay during the duration of your program.

Sarah, you said that there are complexes, as in more than one. What are my options?

Good question. I’ll go into detail about each one.

Disneyland

I’ll start with Disneyland’s housing. They only have one housing complex: Carnegie Plaza. Not a lot of people get into the Disneyland Program so there’s only one. I don’t know a whole lot since I’ve only the WDW (Walt Disney World) Program. But I’ll try my best.

Carnegie Plaza has two style of apartments: one room/three person apartments and two room/five person apartment. The one room/three person is obviously a triple occupancy room: meaning that there are bunk beds and a single platform bed. The other apartment was a triple occupancy room and a double room: two single beds. Parking is available in a garage below the complex.

One of the things that Disneyland doesn’t offer that Disney World does, is transportation. If you don’t have a car in Disneyland, then you’re stuck using public transportation. I’m not sure how that works exactly but once I do, I’ll make an edit about it.

Disney World

The Disney World Program offers free transportation to and from all the parks and resort via bus. So no worries if you don’t have a car. You can still get to work without a car. Whether or not you want to bring your car is really up to you.

If you decide to opt out of WDW housing, it is important that you HAVE YOUR OWN CAR. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to use housing transportation. I want to make that clear. You need the Disney housing issued housing ID in order to get on. They will not let you on if you do not have a housing ID.

Disney World has four housing complexes: Chatham Square, Patterson Court, The Commons, and Vista Waaaaay.

I personally stayed in The Commons, two bedroom/five person apartment. That meant I was in the apartment with triple occupancy. I was actually in the triple occupancy room with two other girls. Honestly, it wasn’t that bad.

Wwwhhhhhaaattt?

I know. Crazy. I’m only speaking from personal experience. I don’t speak for everyone who were in my shoes. But all three of us got along pretty well. We would have “nightly talks” each night. We would all hang out, watch movies, go to the pool and mall. Was it my first choice to be in a triple occupancy room? No, but I’m glad I got the chance.

All four of the complexes are guarded 24/7. Security will check for your housing ID at the gate.

The Commons

Since I was talking about The Commons, I’ll start with it. The Commons is the newest complex out the four. It was originally only for the ICPs (International Disney College Program participants, yes international students can also do the program!) but it opened up to all CPs some time ago.

Pros:

  • In unit washer and dryer! You get to wash your clothes in your own apartment. No dragging your dirty laundry out and about and having to pay for it!
  • The Commons also has The Grid and The Clubhouse. The Grid is a small convenience store within the complex. It has all your basic needs. The Clubhouse is where the housing meeting (more on that later), grocery bingo, movie nights, and other events like that are held.
  • Also you’re right across the street from the outlets. So if you enjoy shopping you have that option.

Cons:

  • Not all buses go to The Commons. Only the parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney Springs buses only go to The Commons. All of the resort buses do not go to The Commons. You can request those buses to pick you up/drop you off. Otherwise you would have to walk to Chatham to take those other buses, which is like a 5 minute walk.
  • Rent is a little higher (the rent is too damn high) because there are in unit washer and dryer. Personally, I think is trade off is worth it. I’d rather pay a little rent for unlimited washer and dryer. But that’s just me and my opinion.
  • The gym is kinda small. So if you’re really into fitness and need all the fancy gym stuff, you probably won’t find it here.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 1 bedroom/2 person (double occupancy)
  • 1 bedroom/3 person (triple occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/4 person (2 double occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/5 person (1 double occupancy and 1 triple occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)
  • 4 bedroom/8 person (4 double occupancy)

I love living in The Commons. It was nice. It was quiet. Having a washer and dryer in your apartment was amazing. If I ever do another program I would choose this complex again.

Chatham Square

I put Chatham Square as my next complex because well its number two at a lot of stuff. It has the second bus hub. Its the second biggest complex out of the four. It was the second complex built after Vista Way. Chatham would of been my second choice to live.

It is also second on my list…intentional? Well maybe.

Pros:

  • All the major housing events are held here. Welcoming parties, graduation, things like that. Chatham has this huge field to hold these types of events.
  • As I mentioned before, Chatham has one of two central hubs for housing. So all the buses come through here. No walking to other complexes required.
  • Some of the classes and seminars are held here.

Cons:

  • The housing parties. If you’re someone who needs their beauty sleep, or need peace and quiet, this complex may not be for you.
  • These apartments tend to be a bit more smaller than the others so if you’re someone who likes spacious apartments, this complex may not be for you.
  • Lastly, you may have to haul all your laundry to different building to do your laundry at a cost.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 1 bedroom/2 person (double occupancy)
  • 1 bedroom/3 person (triple occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/6 person (2 triple occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)
  • 4 bedroom/8 person (4 double occupancy)

Patterson Court

Patterson Court was the third complex to be built. It’s be dubbed the “grandma” complex because it looks like your grandma’s retirement house. Whether or not you like that aesthetic is up to you. Patterson would of been my third choice.

Pros:

  • It has the nicest pool and clubhouse out of the four complexes, not gonna lie.
  • It also has the biggest fitness center.

Cons:

  • None of buses come to Patterson.
  • You have to go to Chatham to catch a bus anywhere. This can suck even worse when its raining, which happens nearly everyday in Orlando.
  • See Chatham’s situation on laundry.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 1 bedroom/2 person (double occupancy)
  • 1 bedroom/3 person (triple occupancy)
  • 2 bedroom/5 person (1 double occupancy and 1 triple occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)

Vista Way

This is the oldest WDW program complex. The first complex to be built. It’s been here since day one. It’s seen some stuff. It’s known as the “party complex” for a reason. Did you know that Vista Way once had a hot tub? It was removed when some things were found, just stewing in there **cough cough** STDS **cough cough**

This is why we can’t have nice things people….

This is also my last choice complex……..it’s why it’s listed last here. Shots fired! Oooooh! No, but really. You’ll see why it’s my last choice.

Pros:

  • It has the OG central bus hub. All of the buses come through here. No leaving the complex required.
  • This place is so big that is has 2 pools.
  • Here at Vista’s clubhouse you can rent movies.
  • Classes and seminars are held here.
  • You have Walgreens, Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, all that good stuff within walking distance
  • Parties are held here. So if you’re a social butterfly (unlike myself) then this is the place for you.

Cons:

  • Parties. All day, everyday. They can be LOUD. So if you’re not a party person, you may not like it. They don’t call Vista the party complex for nothing.
  • Since it is the oldest complex, its apartments are run down, dirty, and gross. Not pleasant. Yeah, they started to renovated some of the apartments, but you won’t know until you actually move.
  • It’s farther away from all the other complexes. The others are a five minute walk from each other. It would take maybe 15 or 20 at most walking.
  • No hot tub. RIP. All around me are familiar faces…..worn out places…..worn out faaacceeesss.
  • See Patterson’s situation on laundry.

Apartment room breakdown:

  • 2 bedroom/4 person (2 double occupancy)
  • 3 bedroom/6 person (3 double occupancy)

Finally, take in consideration the amount of roommates you have will effect how much you pay in rent. The less roommates you have, the more rent will be. The more roommates you have, the less rent will be. How many roommates you want and in which complex you want is all up to you. Also consider if you want to live in a triple occupancy room.

I will make a whole separate post on roommates. That’s a whole different story in it of itself for a different time.

Thank you so much for reading. I tried to go into detail about housing. I hope this clears up any confusion for you all. If you have a question, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer them! You should also consider subscribing so you’ll miss when I post! It would be cool if you did. I’ll see you in the next post!

Also as a little aside, I broke my own record for late night writing. It’s currently 3:04 in the freaking morning as I’m writing this. I’m weirdly tired and widely awake all at the same time. Does that make any sense? Has that happen to any of you? Okay. I’m gonna go now and attempt at sleeping. Well see how that goes.

Phone Interview Questions

| Sarah

Here are some DCP phone interview questions. Use them to your advantage. I hope this helps!

Why do you want to work for the Disney Company?

If given a lot of tasks and a deadline, what would you do?

What would you bring to the company?

Are you working now? Tell me about your current job.

Why did you leave your last job?

What did you like/dislike about your last job? Explain

Can you handle working in a high pace environment or outdoors?

Why did you choose these top there roles as the roles you like to preform?

How would you deal with language barriers with guests?

If you disagreed with another cast member, what would you do?

Tell me about a time when a guest was difficult and how you handled it.

Do you mind working and living away from home?

Would you rather work independently or in a group setting?

How would you handle an emergency?

How would you make a guest’s day special?

I see you put (insert role here) as high interest, how would interact with guests in this role?

Are you okay with working early mornings, late nights, or long shifts, often times constantly on your feet?

These are all the questions I can think that someone would ask. If more come up, I’ll be sure to update as I go along. Good luck with your phone interview!!!

How to Apply to the Disney College Program

| Sarah

So you want to apply for the Disney College Program? What’s that? You need some help and tips? Well you’re in luck! You’re in the right place! I’m here to answer any questions you may have.

The first step is to fill out the application. Easy enough. But here’s the trick: applications are only open twice a year for about two weeks at time. It also depends on when you want to do the program. There are two kinds of programs: Fall/Fall Advantage and Spring/Spring Advantage. The only real difference between a regular program and an advantage is the duration. Fall is August to January. Fall Advantage is May to January. Spring is January to May and Spring Advantage is January to August. No one program is better than the other. It’s just a matter of preference and when you can do the program. Remember you are taking a semester off from college so you have to take that into account.

Speaking of college, you HAVE TO BE IN COLLEGE to do the program. It’s why it’s called the Disney COLLEGE program. You now have up to a year after you graduate from college to apply for the program. But that’s the extent of it.

The initial application is like any other application. You fill in your information, past work experience, what school you attend, things like that. Then you rank the roles. Here’s a tip: place the roles you really want at HIGH interest. Place the roles you wouldn’t mind doing at MODERATE interest. Place roles that you don’t want at all to LOW TO NO interest. It helps to have three to four roles at high interests.

The Web Based Interview

You made it to the web based interview, now what? This part of the process YOU NEED TO PASS in order to make it to the phone interview. If you fail, sorry, try again next time. The web based interview is timed. In the US it can take about 40-50 minutes to complete. It’s a multiple choice, highly disagree/agree type of deal. They will try and trick you and ask you the same questions over again. You just have to smart enough to answer them the same. For example, they’ll ask: I prefer to lead other than follow. I would describe myself as someone who takes initiative. I consider myself to be a strong leader. I like to take charge of situations. They basically want to know if you have strong leadership skills. They just want to weed out them liars.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. Lying will come back and bite you in the booty hole later. Disney will know if you bs your way through it. So you might as well be honest with your answers and yourself.

Pro tips: work in quiet place, away from distractions. Turn your phone on silent. Relax and breathe! Go in with a clear mind. Be honest!!!! What’s the best policy? Oh yeah, honesty!!! Make sure your wifi game is strong so you don’t lose your place.

The Phone Interview

You aced your web based interview and moved on to the phone interview. Yay! Nervous? Trust me, so I was.

Disney has a specific brand. Learn it. Use it. How? Add some Disney magic razzle dazzle to your answers. Magical. Family. Creating memories. Guest. Happiness. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Okay, maybe not the last one.

Wait, did I spell that right? **computer typing** **doing a google search** **more typing** yeah, I spelled that right.

What helps me is writing down the questions and practice your answers. I would write down my answers and review them. I would reread the answers, even say them out loud to help practice my speaking skills. Maybe even get someone to go through a mock interview with you.

Also it helps to ACTUALLY KNOW the parks and rides. Don’t say, “I enjoy the rides.” You say, “I enjoy dropping into the Twilight Zone on the Tower of Terror.” It helps to use theme language during the interview.

I’m going to be writing down some interview questions so you can practice in a separate post. Best of luck to those that are applying. I know how stressful it can be. Don’t worry about not getting on your first try. I didn’t get in on mine. I got in on my second try. Some people get in on their third or fourth. Others get in on their seventh. Just keep applying and it will happen.

I hope this answers any questions you may have about the application process. If you have any questions I missed leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Stories From the Lot

| Sarah

Hey guys. It’s Sarah, coming back at you with another post from…my bedroom. I just finished my last post, “Parking Cars, Taking Names” (if you haven’t read that post, I highly suggest you go read that. I’ll wait. Go ahead. I’ll be here…done? Finally. Welcome back. I missed you.)

Insomnia sucks. So what do I do when I can’t sleep? Write. I’ll be sharing some random stories from my program. A lot of these stories are gonna be when I’m at work. I’m trying to save other stories for other topics, so be on the look out for that.

**cough** subscribe and stuff to be notified when I update so you miss don’t a thing **cough** Oh, excuse me.

Story 1

This first story was during the holiday season. It was just one of those days where you were just mentally spent. A lot of us were getting yelled at for enforcing safety rules and things that were just out of our control. A couple walking through the parking towards the main entrance sees me and begins approaching me. Here I’m thinking, oh great, here’s another couple here to complain and use me as their personal punching bag. I wonder how they’re going to tell me that I ruined their vacation.

But instead of yelling, the wife comes up and gives me a hug. I was confusion. She tells me, “Thank you for all that you do. I know you guys work so hard, especially during this season, often times in the heat and people can be rude for no reason. I just wanted to let you know that you’re doing an amazing job and keep up the good work. Can we get you anything to eat or drink?”

I politely declined but she kept on insisting. I had to tell I couldn’t take anything from her like that. It was too much but I thanked her for her kindness and generosity. CMs take a ish from a lot guests, some days more than others. But it was moments like those that working at Disney a whole lot better. It made me feel like I was doing something right.

Story 2

A bunch of us CPs were leaving work. Two CPs that lived in housing drove to work and had enough room to take everyone home. So they offered to give us a ride. I was in a with three other male CPs. I was still kinda new so I was just mindlessly on my phone while the other three talked, the driver flipping through the stations on the radio. He finally settled on one.

Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You came on the radio. I didn’t think much of it at the time. Suddenly I noticed all three guys are singing along. Okay, no matter. It’s a good song to sing the car. I was slightly amused. I went back to my phone. Then the moment of truth came.

“Annnnnd IIIIIIiiiIIIiiIIiIiI WILLL ALWAYS LOOOoVE YOOU I WILL AllllLLLlllWayS LOOoVVEE YOOU IIIIIiiiIiiiii WILL ALLLlllWAYS LOOOVE YOU OHHHHH”

I am confusion…AGAIN.

Here I was being treated to a concert of three male 20 somethings belting out Whitney Houston at the top of their lungs. The guy next to me was really getting into it. I was both surprised and amused.

(Side note: I’m writing this later on. I had to at least try and get some sleep because I had to take care of some car stuff early the next day. Yay for adulting…eye roll.)

Story 3

Another car story for you guys. Four of us interns where leaving for the night. One of the CPs was kind enough to give the three of us a ride back to housing. It was towards the end of our program and we all knew each other pretty well at this point. We all knew each other pretty well at this point.

We had to walk through DHS to get to the car since CMs had to park in a different location during the holiday season. Seeing the park all empty and dimly lit was such a surreal feeling. Just walking through the lowly lit streets, feeling the late night December air against our skin, no music playing, no guests talking. It would of been a great moment to take photos with your fellow CPs. But I doubt that was allowed after hours so I didn’t want to risk it.

We hopped into the CP’s car and drove back to housing. We all just sang songs by Adele and other artists that came on the radio. It was a nice way to end the night. Just a group of us finally being able to relax and enjoy a moment of fun. We spent the past few months dealing with whatever guests threw our way. We all formed this bond and overtime, they became like family. We all this running gag that my last name sounded good with any name. But more in that in a second.

Story 4

This isn’t much of a story as much as it an ongoing joke. I have a very common name. Basic white girl name if you will. In my location we had three other Sarahs. Often times I was referred to “CP Sarah” since I was, well, a CP. I was the only CP with the name. While talking with people in the break room. Someone who was supposed to break a Sarah but wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be me or the other Sarah. He asked me for my last name.

Now usually people are confused by my last name. But everyone commented on how unique my last name sound. They even said it went with every and any name. One even started to rename everyone with my last name. According to them it rolled off the tongue. They were going to name his kid after my last name. I’m pretty sure they were joking but I found it amusing. Since people in my location called me by full name. Which I thought was pretty cool.

That’s all the stories I have for you today. At least the ones that I want to share for now. I have more, but I want to place them in different topics. If I can think of more, I’ll make a part two to this post. Be on the look out for future posts. I have so many ideas to share with you all. Until the next post, stay magical guys.

Parking Cars, Taking Names

| Sarah

Hey you all. It’s Sarah, back at it again with another post about the Disney College Program. How are you guys?

During my program, I was a parking attendant at Hollywood Studios. If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t know this was even a role, much less a role a CP (Disney College Program participant. Basically what you’ll be called if you do the program). But what do parking attendants do? Let’s take a look.

On my first on the job day of training, I met my trainer who first took me to get my costume. Then she showed me the break room and how to use CDS on the computer. She lead me outside and we walked around the parking lot safely for a brief overview. Next on our tour we went into DHS (Hollywood Studios) and she showed me some of the main attractions, pointing out some trivia and other little facts along the way. She introduced me to some people and other coworkers. After that was done, we went backstage (the place guests don’t see) and showed me the workings that go on backstage.

Noon rolled around and we broke for our 30 minute lunch break. I was introduced into more parking CMs (cast members) during that time. Me, the introvert, was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of people I was meeting.

All too soon our break was over and it was back to training. My trainer had me read from a binder to learn about safety stuff. I read, while trying not to fall asleep. That concluded day one of training.

The following days my trainer showed me the different things you can be assigned to do. I was trained to do opening/morning, regular, and night/closing shifts. The opening training days was hard since I had to get up early. The sun wasn’t even warm yet…

Who am I kidding? It’s Florida. It’s warm 24/7.

Some of the jobs you can be assigned to comes in two groups: trams and the actual lot. I’ll start with the trams. You can either the driver or spieler. Driver is self explanatory: you drive the tram. You learn how to drive the tram, the different signals, how to start it, how to shut down, and how to make turns. The spieler is the person on the back of the tram telling you all the corny jokes. Spielers tell you where the tram is going, gives you some important information about the park for the day, and makes sure everyone is safely in their seats.

A lot of the lot tasks include directing traffic to the actual parking lots, telling you where to park, and if it’s busy, help people load the trams. It will take too long to go over every little job. They are like 7-9 jobs depending on the time of day.

Then came the day that would showcase everything I learned; my assessment.

The first part of my assessment was to take a test. My assessor checks it and goes over what I got wrong. We moved on to the actual testing. I do all the positions while answering questions thrown my way.

Remember how I said I was introverted? Well, I am extremely introverted. I’m so painfully introverted that I failed the spieling part of assessment. I cried. I literally cried. I wish I was joking but I’m not. I’m super hard on myself so that the fact that I failed hit me hard.

And guys, let me tell you this: if you fail your assessment, it’s not the end of the world. You’ll just get more training on what you failed then get reassessed. It’s not a big deal if you fail. I was reassured by many people in my location about failing. Other CMs told me stories on how they messed up while testing.

During my break on my assessment day, two of the parking CMs did their best to try to cheer me while trying to get to know me. They took me on a walk backstage to help me calm down. That meant so much to me. It made me feel like they cared. It did help me feel about myself. They didn’t have to do that but they did. They could of been mean or not acknowledge me since I was only a CP. It’s something I’ll always remember.

I passed the spieling part of my reassessment after a couple of days. I was finally able to be on my own. Being on my own for the first time was intimidating to say the least. But over time I got over that fear. I fell into the groove of things.

Working during the fall program meant I would be working the major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Eve/Day. I will say this; I’m so glad that I was placed in DHS rather than Magic Kingdom during these holidays. From what I heard, it was crowded AF at MK (Magic Kingdom). Like it was shoulder to shoulder, can’t move a muscle crowded. People could only ride 3 rides all day because it was so crowded. I don’t doubt it.

When I was working my Thanksgiving shift, it was pretty empty for a major holiday. Well it was reasonably empty for when I was working my 2-8 shift. I can’t speak on what happened in the morning or during the closing shift. But for the most part, it was pretty chill. I was surprised.

Working the Christmas and New Year’s shift was a bit of a different story. From what I heard, the parking lot got filled real quick Christmas morning. People had to redirected to Epcot. I was closing the night shifts for both Christmas Eve and Day. The lot was fairly full but we were parking people in our own lot. Cars were coming, but not as frequent.

Let me tell you a story. During my Christmas Day shift I was in the lot. Part of the job I was doing required me to call in to my coordinator when I was open and close rows over the radio. I was with another CP, just casually talking. I called in to my coordinator that the current row was full and we were opening a new one. While I was waiting for a response, a guest was passing out candy canes with a thank you note attached. The other CP asked what the guest gave me.

At the same time, the coordinator responded. I, without thinking, held down the button on the radio and, instead of replying to my coordinator, I answered the other CP and said, “Candy cane.” We both looked at each other for a second and bent over laughing at my error. In between gasps for air I corrected myself and open and closed the rows.

Working the New Year’s shift was magical in its own right. We were coming in during the night to ring in the new year. After a while it slowed down to almost a stand still. I was on break when the clock was about to strike midnight. The coordinator working that night called everyone in the break room to come outside. We counted down to midnight as a group. At the strike of midnight, fireworks from all the parks went off at the same time. We all hug each other, wishing each other a happy new year. Getting to see all the fireworks from all four parks was something I never thought I would experience if it wasn’t for my program.

Like with any job, there are ups and downs. Highs and lows. But overall I loved my time there. Being a parking attendant wasn’t my first choice, but I don’t regret my time spent in the parking lot. The parking CMs became my family. I got along with the other parking CPs. I can tell you many other stories and magical moments with guests, but I’m planning to write about that in a different blog post.

That is it for this post. Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed what you read. Be sure to be on the look out for more. I still have so much to share. I hope this gave some insight on on-the-job training and by overall parking attendant journey.

On a random, unrelated side note I’m finishing this post at 1:16 am again. This time I’m not on the couch watching Degrassi. I’m in my bedroom listening to The Psychology of Azula by Hello Future Me on YouTube. Did any of you watch Avatar: The Last Airbender or Legend of Korra? I did. If you did, you should check out his channel. He makes a lot of great content about Avatar and other movies/shows.