Patterson Court

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!

DCP Interview #2 with Rachel H!

| Sarah

Hey guys, I’m back. I can’t think of anything witty or cringy to say. It’s 1 in the morning and my brain has gone on vacation. My brain has left for Disney and it didn’t even bother to take me with it. It better be eating a churro, wearing some cute Minnie ears, and posing in front of the castle for me.

Does that count as a witty intro? I’m counting that as a witty intro.

As you can tell by the title I’m here with another DCP interview, but this time it’s Rachel H. Let’s not waste any time because you all want all them juicy details.

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

I’m Rachel H, I was a DCP CM from April 2016 to August 2016. I worked in Magic Kingdom at Storybook Circus as a merchandise cast member in Big Top Souvenirs.

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

My first choice was attractions but due to the fact that I had had almost 4 years of merchandise experience before applying, I can understand why I was chosen for merchandise over attractions.

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

While working at the Circus, there were 3 different types of typical work days. The most common for me was working production, then working register, followed by working floor stock.
Production: Production was working in the kitchen to make treats at the Circus. A normal day in production is split into 4 different tasks which can be mixed up pretty often. The tasks could include making cake pops, making candy apples, making caramel popcorn, making caramel apples, decorating rice crispy treats or fruit, making cotton candy, working the caseline, or doing dishes. My normal day was making caramel popcorn, break, do dishes, break, work the caseline. Then, since I worked the last shift on most days (4:30pm – 1am), at around 11 pm when all the guests have left, we cleaned the kitchens (on stage and off stage).
Register: This shift typically included working either the inside registers, the outside cart, walking around the floor and straightening things, greeting people at the entrance, greeting people at the exit of the character meet and greet, or embroidering hats. If I was the closing shift, I would usually help straighten and stock any missing items before leaving.
Floor stock: Floor stock basically means making sure all spaces on the floor are filled with something. Other tasks include tagging items backstage (with ink tags), stocking the on stage kitchen with bottled drinks, stocking the large fridge with bottled drinks, and making sure the cart outside always has enough items.

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

I did live in Disney Housing!

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

I had 5 roommates. We lived in Patterson and our apartment had 3 double rooms, 3 bathrooms (one for each double), a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen. I liked all of my roommates, however, one did end up moving out because she didn’t get along with the person she was sharing a double with.

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

Yes, we wanted a 6 person apartment with 3 rooms and in Patterson.

How did you hear about the Disney College Program?

I had heard about the college program in middle school and had always planned on doing it.

Why did you want to do the program?

My end goal is to be a Disney Imagineer and I have heard that if you do the DCP in college, they are more likely to give you an interview. I also love Disney and living in Disney and being able to go into the parks for work or for fun was the best thing ever.

What did you learn from the program?

I learned that I wouldn’t work at a park like that for the rest of my life because it is super tiring, even though it is fun. I also learned a ton of people skills. Before the DCP, I was pretty much an introvert but the program made be such an extrovert and I love it.

Are you happy you did the program?

100%, it was an amazing experience. I still miss it sometimes.

Did the program have an impact on you?

Oh yes. As mentioned above, I think it made me a better person in many ways, including being able to talk to people out of the blue.

What do you wish you did differently? Any regrets?

I wish that I would have not taken 2 online classes while completing the program. It forced me to have to stay home on my off days to do homework instead of going into the parks. I definitely wish that I would have spent more time appreciating just being in Disney whenever I could.

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

I did not make an actual bucket list but I had a few things I knew I wanted to do and I was able to do them! Like just take a day to go into the parks by myself and walk around and appreciate what the imagineers have accomplished. There are so many little details in every park that a normal guest doesn’t necessarily see because everyone is always rushing around.

Did you network? Take any classes or seminars?

I did Disney’s Ultimate EnginEARing Exploration After Dark and it was AMAZING. If you are an engineer of any kind or wish to be an imagineer, this is what you should participate in. We were put into teams to complete interactive field work in Hollywood Tower of Terror.

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?

No. As much as I did want to extend, I knew that I had to go back to college and work towards completing my degree. If the program was in any way related to my major, I would have gone back, but no roles were even close to being related to it.

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

100% yes. If you like Disney and want to create magic for others or want to eventually work for the Disney company in some capacity, I would recommend applying.

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

Even if you don’t get the role you originally wanted, still do the DCP. Every single role in Disney is so important and even if the work isn’t the best, the guest interactions will make your day every day. Along with that, if you have any bad guest interactions, don’t let them get you down, for every bad interaction, there will probably be at least 2 good interactions. Plus, when you look back at the bad interactions, it just makes you laugh (and it makes good stories).
Also, if the DCP has nothing to do with your major, don’t fret. It will look good on ANY resume. I am in the computer science field and just having Disney on my resume always amazes people and they always want to know more.

Thank you so much Rachel H for taking the time to answer all my questions! I know you’re very busy and it means a lot to me. I’m super appreciative that you did this interview with me. I hope this answers any questions/clears up any confusion about working merchandise in Big Top Souvenirs at Storybook Circus. If you’re a future CP and you have this role and location, I hope this was helpful.

Thank you all for reading this post. Be sure to give this post a like and subscribe. It helps me greatly to keep putting out more content. It makes me happy knowing that you enjoy what I have to say. It motivates me to keep going. If you have any questions, be sure to leave a comment and I’ll try my best to answer them! I’ll see you in the next post!

As always guys, stay magical!

Okay, now I gotta play Where in Disney World is My Brain…

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.