Once I heard about the Disney College Program in high school, I knew it was an experience that I had to be a part of. Disney has always been a passion of mine; in fact, everyone who knows me knows that I am the Disney girl. To most people, this is ridiculous. But Walt Disney World is my home, and I absolutely adore everything that the Walt Disney Company stands for.
That being said, I applied for the Disney College Program my freshman year of college during the spring semester. It was so exciting... my first interview with the company, and I even went out on a limb and attended character performer auditions. I was accepted the week after auditions for quick service food and beverage. At the time, I wasn't ready for the program, and I know I wouldn't have enjoyed the experience as much. So I did something crazy, and I declined my offer.
WHAT?!
I know, I was suprised, too. It was still a dream of mine, though, so I applied again in the fall of 2015. I had another amazing interview, but I guess it wasn't my time because after weeks and weeks of waiting, I received the dreaded "No Longer in Consideration" email. At that point, I knew I would have to push back graduating a semester to do the program, and for a little while, I gave up on it. When the fall 2016 applications dropped, I had to fight the urge to apply every day. That's when I knew...
Working for Disney is my dream. This was not just something I casually wanted to do.
And believe me when I say that I stop at nothing to reach my goals and dreams! I applied again, interviewed with them about a week later (and nailed it, thanks Recruiter Patty), and I received my acceptance email just two weeks later. TWO WEEKS! This was so exciting because both times before, I waited at least a month, even up to two months the second time around. Now, here I am, and I am so ready to share my Disney College Program experiences with everyone!
To begin...
I want to share a (very) brief explanation of what the Disney College Program is because I have a lot of people asking me.
The Disney College Program is basically a pre-professional internship with the Walt Disney Company. They say the three components of the program are living, learning, and earning. Each person who is admitted is assigned a role (because with Disney, you should always be show ready). These roles range from food services, attractions, and character performers, all the way to custodial and recreation roles. That is the earning part because you work to make a living in Florida (or California if you apply for the Disneyland program). You live in apartments with other CP's, and you also have the opportunity to take up to 2 classes at Disney University. These may or may not count for credit at your school. IU does not take them for credit, but because I have such an interest in the company, I still plan to take a class.
I'm laughing because that is a very brief explanation of the program. It is so astounding that a paragraph hardly even does it justice. I love this video (even though it's a little outdated), and it may or may not make me cry every time I watch it.
So, what is my role?
I have been offered the attractions role for my program, and I could not be more excited! There are a lot of possibilities with the role, but a majority of attractions cast members work rides within the parks. Other possibilities include...
- Main entrance operations (welcoming guests and helping them enter the park)
- Working theater shows
-Facilitating themed events-within-an-event, such as culinary & wine demonstrations, children’s activities, and playgrounds
-Operating a large motorized parking tram and delivering narrations on a microphone
-Working at Ticket Operations selling various ticket media at their water parks, Disney Springsâ„¢, or ESPN Wide World of Sportsâ„¢
I will also have the opportunity to pick up parade control shifts, as well as events that happen in the parks during holidays, such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Even though this girl went to Purdue and there are some really cheesy moments, I love this video because it really shows a majority of the amazing aspects I will get to experience during this program. It wasn't one of the roles I discussed with my recruiter, but I think Patty picked the perfect role for me.
I can't wait to share this entire experience with everyone. I am so honored to have been chosen for this program. The last time I heard about statistics, nearly 60,000 people apply for the fall term and only roughly 10% are admitted. I am blown away that Disney sees potential in me, and I am happy to share my life as a CP.
I'll be posting about the application process, as well as a few pre-college program topics, but until then....
See ya real soon!
Also please enjoy this corny, yet adorable picture of my family and me with a pretty special pixie.