Friday, July 5, 2013

Interview a CP: Brian (Hotel Concierge)

Brian hanging with Tigger at the Crystal Palace!
Brian was kind enough to share his experience working as a concierge cast member at one of Walt Disney World's most beautiful resorts!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?
I was a concierge cast member at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. I also did front desk and 3rd shift cashier.


What was a typical day like at work?

A typical day would consist of attending to all of the guests needs. We would do check-ins/check-outs. Also we would help them purchase tickets, book dining reservations, and help them plan their days. On 3rd shift we would run reports and deliver items to the rooms.


Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?

This was the role I had originally wanted. I had worked before in resorts and love the atmosphere.


What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?

My favorite part of the job was that every guest was different. You would have to adapt to each of the guest needs and find solutions to their problems. Also I enjoyed recommending attractions and dining to them. My least favorite part of the job was that there wasn’t enough interaction with kids. I would give out stickers often and ask about their favorite characters/rides but I still would have liked more child interaction.


Any specific magical moment you want to share?

There was a little girl and her family who had visited Boardwalk in the past and asked the comedian Brian (who is HYSTERICAL) if he wanted to share her dessert years. We had taken the picture and had it framed. During the comedy show the little girl had a special part in the show to hit a bell every time the comedian had said the magic words. After the show about 25 Boardwalk cast members gave the little girl balloons, got to interact with the family, and present the picture to the family. Then the little girl and the comedian held hands and we all walked to the ESPN Club where the comedian got on the TV screens and told the family that Mickey said the meal was free. It was AMAZING and describing the story doesn’t do it justice.


What made you want to do the DCP?

Honestly, I was in a rough situation and had heard about the program from my friend Mallory on Tumblr. She had loved the program and although I wasn’t a huge Disney fan at the time, I knew it would be such an amazing opportunity and I was right.


Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?

I don’t feel like there’s anything I wish I knew ahead of time.


What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role?

My advice for future hospitality and concierge cast members is to make sure to read as much as possible about Disney. Go to the parks, go on the attractions, eat at the amazing restaurants. The more you know about the parks and resorts, the better you can assist guests. Also don’t take things personally. A lot of guests can get frustrated (especially at DVC resorts) so do your best to stay calm and try to find solutions to their problems.


What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?

My advice would be to go into the program without any expectations other than to plan to work hard. Also think about whether or not you’re coming for the right reasons. If you’re worried about having too many hours, want to party, or to meet your “prince charming or princess”, then you really shouldn’t even consider applying. Network a lot with leaders and take advantage of all the networking events/workshops Disney has for the cast members. Go into it with an open mind because you’ll learn a lot about yourself during the program. I highly recommend the program for anyone.


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If you're a current or past college program cast member and would like to share your experience, email your name and role to thedisneyden@yahoo.com to participate!

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