Hey guys, what is up? I’m back. Did you miss me? Well I missed your lovely faces.

Today I have my first interview with Rachel R. She so kindly took the time out of her busy life to do this interview. So without further ado, here’s my interview.

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

My name is Rachel R. I was at the Sunset Boulevard Quick Service Restaurants in Hollywood Studios.

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

No, I had wanted to be in entertainment as a character attendant or working in attractions as a ride operator.

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

Depending on the shift I was either “Market” or “Boulevard”. If you were scheduled as Market you would be working Rosies or Eddies; Burgers and Pizza. Boulevard meant working Produce, Fairfax, or Scoops; Beers, Frozen beverages, pretzels, churros. Texmex. Ice cream. You would rotate randomly all the time so it was a nice change of pace. If you had to do condiment bar or bussing it was all outdoors. So in the summer it was tough, but we had cute little ducks that came around so it was a cute distraction from the heat. Filling people’s orders was the best role cause you had a chance to talk with guests while you worked. It seemed so tough a job when I was on my program, but after becoming a real cast member I picked up a shift a few months later and realized it wasn’t as hard as I remembered. I still look back fondly at working there and if I had my alcohol training renewed I would probably try to get a shift there again!

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

Both. I started at Vista Way in a 6 person apartment. I didn’t get along with my partying roommates so I looked elsewhere. I was fortunate enough that my aunt had a friend who lives in Florida in the winter and Pennsylvania in the summer. I was able to house sit for them for the rest of my program.

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

Yes and no. I wanted the Commons because they were the nicest and had wood flooring. I am allergic to carpet so I put in that medical request when I applied. They gave me a renovated Vista apartment which had wood flooring. As much as I wanted Commons and put Vista as my bottom choice I was pretty okay with it since my brother had Vista on his program too.

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

My older brother did it while I was in high school.

Why did you want to do the program?

It has always been my dream to work at Disney! I’ve been saying since I was a child. I wanted to live in Florida where its not cold and work at Disney. Here I am now still here!

What did you learn from the program?

I learned how to push myself to work long hours. I learned to not give up and quit just because of people are trying to make you give up. There were many times I thought, “This is the day I quit and go home and never look back!”, but I would cool down and then say, “I’m not gonna quit my dream job over something stupid” and I’d keep going. I also learned a lot about the mouse and how things run and it was amazing! I took Disney History 101 while on my program and that was probably my favorite class I’ve taken in my life! I learned SO much!

Are you happy you did the program?

Absolutely! If I could go back in time I’d do it again sooner!

Did the program have an impact on you?

Of course! It was my first time being on my own paying for all my own expenses! I had studied abroad before, but my host family paid for most of my expenses as well as my mom. This program gave me the chance to see what it was like to truly be on my own! I learned to overcome a lot and it has helped me on my journey of adulthood.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

Only regret was not being able to click with my roommates. I wouldn’t change having a bad living situation cause it made me grow more. Some of the girls I lived with are still here at Disney too which is why I regret not really befriending them.

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

My bucket list was to get every characters autograph before my program ended. I did not complete it haha. I got about 40 autographs I think, but some characters are only out for special events so it was fun trying. Too bad I still haven’t done it.
Another bucket list I had was to work at all 4 parks. I was never able to get a shift outside of Hollywood Studios even when I tried to trade and other leaders at other locations would be like “sure we will put that trade through” and they never would. Proud to say though now as a Park Greeter (this is my 3rd location now) I have finally worked all the parks! Now ESPN, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach are my new bucket list!

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

I only took Disney History 101 on my program. I never got a chance to network because my work hours got in the way of the networking times.

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 applied to be Part Time/Full Time at 5 other QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) locations; Be Our Guest, Libery Tavern, Electric Umbrella, Sunset Boulevard, and ABC Commissary. I had wanted to work at Epcot and there was only 2 QSR that an American can apply for since you need to be from the country to work there. I had applied for 2 Hollywood QSR since I thought I had the best chance for those locations and then I applied for Be Our Guest cause I loved that restaurant, but thought there was absolutely no way I’d get it. While waiting to see if I had gotten a Part Time/Full Time position I had applied to extend as well. They told me if I accepted the extension and got offered a job after I could just keep the job instead of the extension so that’s what I did. I got accepted as Part Time at Be Our Guest and I was stoked!

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

Absolutely! Its a great chance to grow and looks great on a resume! Also a great way to get your foot in the door at Disney!

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

Hang in there! It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of hours, but when you look back on it, it will be one of the fondest memories you’ll have!

Thank you so much Rachel R for taking the time and doing this interview with me! I hope this gave some insight on QSFB (Quick Service Food & Beverage) on Sunset Boulevard. I hope for those who have this role at this location learned something and cleared up any questions. I hope all of you reading this enjoyed this first in what I’m hoping will be a series on my blog.

Please be sure to subscribe to this blog to learn more about the Disney College Program, Disney/Disney travel, and tricks and tips. See you guys in the future!

As always guys, stay magical!