#dcp spring 2015

[bobinnie]

“And the best part is, you’ll never run out of wishes. They’re shining deep down inside of you. ‘Cause that, my friends, is where the magic lives.”

Goodbye, Wishes. Thanks for all the memories ✨💙

[taylordemarcs]

The Long Awaited Relationship Story

Finally, the long awaited relationship story. It's long and filled with sarcasm, but it's finally perfect! Check it out!

Hey there lovies! When I posted about what topics you all wanted me to write about for my blog, I got a lot of inspiration. I’m currently working on a few different posts that you guys seemed to like and I’m really excited to get them out there. However, there’s one topic that really stuck to me that I’ve been working on writing for a while, but never published it. Today is the day I finally tell…

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[roguesorcerer]

1 year...

One year ago today, I moved to Orlando and started my first Disney College Program.

Today, I am completing applications for a hopeful future with Disney. 

So much pixie dust is appearing in my life and I am so lucky. 

[disneysseattlegirl]

What do I Pack?!?!

So today I have my interview for the summer alumni program at Disneyland! I am so beyond nervous and excited, as I want to do the program again so badly!

Anyway, I have decided to make a post about packing for the DCP!

So first off, before I even get to any sort of packing list, or anything of the sort, there are a few things to consider.

First off is probably the most important fact off all. YOU WILL NOT HAVE MUCH SPACE! If you have lived in a dorm room, you probably have an idea of what it will be like. Disney will put at least two people in a room, and sometimes three. No, those with three do not get more closet space, and their rooms are most certainly not much larger.

Also, Disney does provide furniture, and kitchen supplies so you do not need to bring anything of that sort.

           You are moving to Anaheim or Orlando, not the middle of nowhere, they have  little shops you might recognize like Costco, Target, and Wal-Mart fairly close by (at least in Anaheim they do) so you can buy things when you get there. I recommend doing that at least for a few things.

One more thing to consider before we start packing…how are you getting to the DCP? Are you driving, flying, or taking a train? This really can affect how and what you pack.

As far as a packing list goes, this one is super general and basic, as everyone’s true packing list will be a bit different.

Bedroom

 ~    Bedding

~    Sheets

~    Pillow

~    Comforter

~  Alarm clock (I recommend getting a cheap real one, and not relying on your phone,)

~ Under the bed plastic storage containers (totally recommend these as you wont have much closet space, and they work great to store things like shoes, and even extra clothes or odds and ends)

~ Hamper/laundry basket

~ Hangers

Bathroom

~` Towels

~  Toiletries (again, bring travel size if you are worried you wont get to the store in time, but buy regular size when you get there)

Kitchen

~ Certain things, like toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc, Disney does not provide.

~  So if you must have them, you will want to bring them with you, or pick them up at a store there.

~ Another option is ordering them online, if you do remember that they must arrive after you check in.

Living room

~  Again, Disney provides furniture, and lamps, and lockers

~  Bring a lock for your locker if you want

~  You can bring a TV/bluray/game systems if you want

That is pretty much it for the big list of stuff. I ended up bringing a lot more with me, and most of it just sat in there storage containers the whole program, then I had to lug them back home.

For bigger things like TVs, coffee makers, etc. make sure you discuss your plans with your roommates! You really wont have room for more than one of something, especially a TV!

Think about what you really use each day, and then only take that. It might be tempting to take more, but don’t do it, resist!

A few odds and ends that you may want:

·      First aid kit

·      Mini sewing kit

·      Flashlight

·      Draw String pack

·      Beach towel

If you are accident prone like I am, a first aid kit is a must! So is a mini sewing kit, for fixing rips and sewing back on buttons that get caught in things. A flashlight is just a good idea all around. California is earthquake territory, but the power can go out anywhere.

A drawstring backpack is nice for day trips, and trips to the parks, plus they are good to take to work as well.

            As far as clothes go, less is more. You will be wearing regular clothing way less than you expect, and your costume way more.  A weeks worth of street clothes is plenty. There will be some days where you close, get home late, get up late, go to work and do it all again, going from pajamas to costume. Keep in mind the climate too. You most likely don’t need a lot of bulky clothing.

Shoes

o   Tennis shoes

o   Dress shoes

o   Business shoes

o   Flip flops

Clothing

o   Shirts / tops

o   Tank tops

o   Long pants

      ~   (only couple pairs, you really wont wear them very often. Unless you are uncomfortable in shorts, and only wear long pants, which I totally understand !)

o   Shorts

o   Business casual

     ~  You will have to wear Disney look business casual for classes and traditions. So bring a few different outfits! Beginning training/traditions lasts a few days!

o   Something semi formal or formal

    ~  There is a mid program dance, and celebration at the end.

    ~  I believe the celebration/graduation has a dress code, but I may be wrong on that.

     ~  The celebration is certainly more formal than the mid program dance.

o   Rain jacket!

     ~  In florida it rains a lot.

     ~  In California it rains a little bit, but when it rains, it REALLY rains.

o   Bathing suit

     ~  No pool at Carnegie in California, but a community pool, and plenty of beaches pretty near by. Plus, local water parks, and if you stay overnight in a hotel during your program, they most likely have pools!

Like I said earlier, packing for the DCP is very individual. This list is more of a guideline from my personal experience, and what I realized once I actually got to the program and started living it.

That being said, if I am lucky enough to do the program again, this would e my personal packing list again!

[sotangledupinit]

thanks for your response!!! i'm an accounting major so i just don't know how to justify taking so much time off school to do the program haha. how was your phone interview like? i just scheduled mine and i'm teerrrifieeeed

If you get into the program, definitely talk to the leaders at your location that you want to build a foundation with the company and your interests are with accounting. My leader had a friend of a friend that knew someone with their broadcasting areas. Befriend your leaders, see how they started out, they can even be used as references down the line (one of mine gave him his card with his email to keep in touch and if I need anything, to contact him).

The phone interview is sooooo intimidating but it’s not as bad haha. If I remember correctly, they’ll start with asking you if you’ve lived with roommates before. I had only shared a room with my sister so I used that. I mentioned how I like to talk things out with others to find a resolution to any conflicts. I also said that I’m open and extremely excited to learn about other cultures and interact with people from around the world.

When you did your web-based interview, you put down roles from most interest to least/no interest. They’ll ask you what your top three roles are (please be aware what each role entitles. It helps a lot). Then they’ll ask you questions concerning each role. If you put attractions, it’ll be like “do you feel comfortable handling a vehicle that holds guests” and safety and things like that. For merchandise, I believe it was “are you comfortable handling large amounts of cash?” and I believe there was a question about handling merchandise or something.

towards the end, you might get asked if you’ve ever been in an emergency situation and how did you handle it. It could be of any kind, personal or not, big or small. They mainly want to know how you reacted and the role you took on. Where you calm and collected? As you learn, the first thing you need to concern yourself with (and the first of the four keys) is “SAFE-D BEGINS WITH ME.” Guest safety is priority and they want cast members that are aware and will be okay to handle situations (they train you further on this).

Another question they ask is why do you want to do the program/what do you hope to gain. I mentioned how I wanted to build a foundation with the company as well as learn about different cultures from around the world and such. It’s up to you to express what you want to gain.

Tip: smile a lot as you talk on the phone. They can’t see you but they can hear the smile in your voice!!!It may sound silly but as a cast member, you’ll be smiling a lot so try to smile as you answer on the interview. It leaves a positive impression with the cast member you’re talking with.

Also, peace & quiet and deep breaths. Hang out in a quiet room without distractions. It helps a lot. the cast members interviewing you - they know you’re nervous. They’re nice and kind and they know what you’re going through. Take a deep breath if you need to. Ask them questions at the end, they’ll be more than happy to answer them!

If you have any more questions, let me know. Otherwise YAY HAVE FUN AND GOOD LUCK :)

[sotangledupinit]

hey! i hate to bother you, but you did the disney college program right? i really want to do it and was just wondering if you had any tips for applying/how your experience there was/how it benefitted you and your major. thanks!!!

Hiiii! Not a bother at all! I love talking about my DCP experience. The application process isn’t hard, as much as it is long. It’s really a waiting game. If you have any specific questions about applying, feel free to ask those and I can go more in depth about it. I’ve been helping a few friends with their applications too. Honestly, I enjoyed my experience so so so much and it was wonderful. The program honestly kicked my ass and I worked so much but the people you work with and the guests and creating magic for people of all ages makes it incredibly worth it. It’s not all glamor (it rarely is) but the interactions are what make it priceless… Plus free park admission most days. Haha. As far as helping my major, I’m a TV & radio major, focusing in live broadcasting. I let my leaders at my location know what I was interested in, asked them if they knew anyone, and they helped me set up interviews with a few people in the company which led to me touring the broadcast facilities behind Hollywood Studios which eventually led to a possible job opportunity (which unfortunately I couldn’t take). I worked merchandise but honestly, your location on your DCP doesn’t have to have anything to do with your major to help you. I know that know I can say that my position helped me to figure out ways to overcome language barriers and to be more creative with what I’m presented with. I wish I could go even more in depth about it (and I will if you have anymore questions). But honestly, it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done. I lived in an apartment with five other strangers which was a first for me. I lived on my own, away from home, both firsts. I supported myself entirely, another first. I had long shifts and horrible hour almost all the time (Main Street merchandise with extra magic hours yay) and I’ve had guests yell at me for ruining their vacation because we didn’t have a shirt or the line didn’t move quick enough or some other stupid reason. But I also met the most amazing people from across the country and around the globe, those kinds of friends you’ll have forever. I had a lot of laughs and smiles. I learned the words to all the shows and parades. I got to watch people’s eyes light up when I helped create a magical moment. I connected with more than a few make a wish children and helped make their vacation a little more magical. I celebrated an 80 year old woman’s first visit. It’s truly the little things that matter so much. Not everything about the program will be great, some people even hate most of it (depends on your role, person you are, etc.) but you will never experience anything else like it. Do it. Try it.

[suzlovesdisney]

Hanging out with my buddy Chip tonight. Dale is being a dork as always.

[ruffiansthugsanddcp]

The Disney College Program was a great experience, I learned so much from it.

My original roommate Kelli and I weren’t banking on being put in Vista with 4 other random roommates we didn’t pick but that apartment itself even though it was beat up, gross and everything, it has a lot of memories in it with some great people. Kelli was great roommate to have the first half of the program. Half way through my program my roommate changed because we switched up roommates and I got one of the best roommates I’ve ever had named Alex. She  was culinary at the Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios. 

My friends during my program came from all over the world, I had a friend in almost every pavilion because I worked at Epcot and I also had my childhood friends Eryne and Lauren but we didn’t get to see each other that often because we were all extremely busy. I would never have any time to myself because I wanted to live everyday with adventure and new experiences with my friends. I met some great people although some friendships are temporary but it’s okay because you can still hold onto those memories forever. I learned a lot from my friends and I’m thankful for every moment I got to spend with each one of them.

I had the best coworkers during my program which was Spring/Spring Advantage 2015.  We were one big family and I really liked that, most of us bonded when a group of us went to Starlit Splash together because we had work that day. My favorite thing was the couple random nights when we all decided to do something like go to movies after along night when a lot of us were in kitchen. The last day most to all of us spent together was the Space Mountain tour and then later that night at Applebee’s saying goodbye to the Spring group. That’s one memory I won’t forget.

Once the spring people left I questioned if I should extend or not because I can’t lie I did not enjoy most but not all of the fall advantage group/the summer alumni group that came in after and I knew I would be stuck with the fall advantage group for the next 8 months of my program/extension. But I did extend I got my acceptance to extend and then once the rest of my group left it started to be a little bit of a struggle for me but I learned that even if you don’t enjoy your coworkers you only see them during work and you have friends outside of work. That’s when I really started to hangout with my best friend Jenny more and more. I also started to hangout with Madison a lot more (she was from the Spring group) and Abby and I became really close. I created some great friendships with people that I met during my program that also extended.

Also during my extension Abby and I decided to keep rooming together. Though we were house mates the during our program but during our extension we became actual roommates and had to move to Chatham. It was a little bit different than Vista and in the end all of our roommates moved out and we got new ones towards the end.

Everyday at work was starting to become a struggle during my extension that’s when I started to think about self terming even though the Fall group that had come to the Liberty Inn wasn’t bad and I had made some great friends from that group and started to become friends with some part timers. But it was still hard for me at work because I only enjoyed working with about 5% of the people in the work place. 95% of my coworkers were just coworker friends and I didn’t want anything to do with them outside the work place while the other 5% I enjoyed hanging out with them outside the work place, that was a big change from the Spring/SA group which everyone was family and I’d want to hangout with them outside work. But sometimes you just can’t click with everyone and I accepted that. 

I honestly wouldn’t have extended if I could change the past. The 6 months of my program was enough for me with a great fill of everything that everyone talks about during the program. But do I regret extending? No, because I was always busy meeting new people and with friends from all over the place. I started to become friends with international cps from Germany, CPs from all over the country and learning things that will last me a lifetime.

My program will always have a special spot in my heart along with all my amazing coworkers, my roommates, Vista Way 3806 and my friends during my extension. My extension will be a memory that I hold on to as well.

Thank you for all the memories you gave me, DCP 2015.