Interview a CP: Noelle (Animal Kingdom Custodial)

It's been a while since I've posted a college program interview! I apologize for my absence...I was focusing on finishing college! Now that I'm done, I'm ready to dedicate more time towards this blog and share even more interviews with you, like Noelle's!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

Custodial at Disney's Animal Kingdom during Spring Advantage 2014! (Jan-Aug)

What was a typical day like at work?

Typically, I got street shifts and mostly closing. With that, I'd usually work 6-8 hour shifts where I'd be assigned to a specific area in the park. I'd have 1-2 trash runs and would get a radio for my area depending on the schedule. When I didn't have a trash run I'd be sweeping and interacting with guests (and also watching the animals or doing water art!) I'd occasionally get called for codes (I actually rarely had anything: 1 BBP, 1 code U, and just a few code Vs during my whole program). DAK is really relaxed and I loved the people I worked with. I'd get restroom shifts too which would typically start an hour before the park opened and end an hour after it closed (10-12 hours or I'd help cover a restroom which is a much shorter shift). Restrooms are either one or two depending on how busy the restroom or the park is. I'd even get back of house shifts (too many) which is really relaxed and you clean the restrooms backstage.

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

It was my top choice! I have anxiety so I loved how relaxed this role is! I wanted to be in a park but my last choice was DAK because I heard it was the hottest. Of course I'd get it but I'm so happy I did and wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else! It's actually not as bad with heat because there is so much shade (heat and humidity in FL will always suck).

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

Least: POPCORN SPILLS. Especially after it rains. People seem to love to spill all of their popcorn and no matter how many times you sweep up around a popcorn cart, there will ALWAYS be popcorn. It's even more difficult cause people step in it. I also hated when it would rain because the drains have to be cleared and they're terrible at DAK (and MK) and cause massive floods. Some people aren't always helpful but I had a lot of other coworkers who were amazing. I didn't like getting BOH shifts because I like keeping busy and being in the park interacting with guests.

Favorite: The park, guests interactions (for the most part), and my coworkers. DAK is so great with all the entertainment and animals! It's super detailed and easy to keep yourself from being bored. Guests aren't usually ever out right rude to custodians (but some can act superior but you start laughing at it and it's not bad and most are super kind and grateful). I had a lot of cool interactions with guests especially because I LOVE facts about Disney and the park. I also had a really great group of coworkers that I still talk to all the time and some are even my best friends. It's like a family at DAK  cause it's small enough to know everyone but big enough to not feel lonely. 

Noelle and her best friend creating pre-parade water art!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

I LOVED getting to do pre parade water art! One of the best times I ever had was when I got to draw Donald with my best friend who drew Mickey and see all the kids get excited and trying to pump up the crowd (which is really hard and you learn to have a great time even if no one is listening haha.) A specific magical moment was that time because I got to draw Donald for a little girl that was sitting away from the crowd and couldn't see. I got to talk to her one on one and had her guess what I was drawing. It's such a magical experience to watch as kids try to guess what you're drawing and she was so excited to guess Donald correctly! While some of my friends were more into interacting with larger groups and making everyone super excited, I loved getting to have special smaller moments. Having preferences for magical moments is so much easier in custodial because it has more freedoms and is flexible.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I wanted to do the program as soon as I found out it existed! Doing the program also helped me figure out more specifically what I want to do in school and after I graduate.

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

After a "Harambe Nights" special event shift!

Don't panic during training and as soon as it's over. Your team won't just let you loose without knowing you're ready. Most of the job is learned through doing. Don't take things personally. Don't trust Transtar [company in charge of the bus system for the DCP]. Do as many thing as you can including housing events. It can be really hard transitioning back home after your program if it was amazing so be prepared and keep in contact with the friends you make. Go into work at 100%, your worst personal days are some of your best work days.

What advice would you give to those who want to participate in your role?

I think custodial is probably one of the best hourly paid roles because it's low stress and has lots of freedom. Don't be scared of the responsibilities and what people may think of you because I LOVED it even though I came in with a low tolerance of anything gross (you can work on it too!). It's a great role for anyone with anxiety! DAK is a perfect location too so I'd highly recommend requesting it!

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

Research the program! Make sure it's something you want to do and you understand it. It's not a vacation and it can be super hard and stressful but for me and so many others it is life changing. If you have roommate or work drama don't let it get to you and try to work through it. Do things that are outside of your comfort zone but also don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable to the point of panicking. Make a bucket list and set time aside for your roommates because it can be so hard to stay in touch when your schedules are conflicting. Also make sure you know a staff member from your school who understands the program and how it will affect you if you're taking a semester off. 

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!

Also don't forget to follow The Disney Den on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube!

DCP Reunion Part 5: ANIMAL KINGDOM

Our final day in Florida consisted of Animal Kingdom and a little bit of Magic Kingdom! This entire trip was absolutely amazing. I was so happy to see most of my friends from my college program, and have them meet some of my close friends from Disneyland. It's been wonderful seeing where everyone has progressed and what they have accomplished since our program two years ago. Reuniting back where it all began was a perfect way to start off the year.

Hope you enjoyed the series of videos of our vacation!

If you would like to see the others and more in the future, feel free to subscribe to my Youtube channel!

Have a magical day!

Interview a CP: Olivia (Expedition Everest)

Olivia and her coworkers!

Ever wonder what it's like to work at the popular and thrilling Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom? Olivia was kind enough to share with us her experience during her college program!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

My role was attractions, and I worked at Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom. I extended my program and remained in the same role and work location as well. So I worked there for a total of 8 months (April to January).

What was a typical day like at work?

Typical days were 6 or 8 hours total. I would be put into rotation (you basically move to a different position every 45 minutes) and I would have a couple 15 minute breaks and maybe a 30 minute lunch. The positions were varied. Some included greeting guests outside, answering their questions and checking heights of kids. There were also load and unload positions, where you send the train and check people's lap bars, or at unload you would direct people to the exit and check each seat for lost and found.

The best role was “Tower”, where you watch the trains on several monitors and make sure everything was safe. Why it was the best was for one simple thing: air conditioning! The entire ride is outside so most positions you are standing outside in the heat. “Tower” was a nice little break where you get to sit in an air conditioned room. I also enjoyed “Load” and “Grouper”. These are the positions that you help direct people to their rows to get on the next train. These were probably the most stressful since you have to fill a train with 34 people under 53 seconds, and the load area is very loud and people are very excited to get on the ride and don't exactly listen. But you get used to it and the positions actually become a bit of a game which is fun!

And as a CP, you are guaranteed to be a closer. If the leaders are in a good mood you get to do a ride-through once you close the ride for guests. I have so many silly ride pictures with my coworkers from those ride-throughs! But being a closer means you also have to walk up the mountain and check that the track is clear and for any lost and found. There's no elevator, so yes you walk all the way up to the top! In case you're wondering, there are 17 flights of stairs. But there's a fantastic view of Disney World, and you get to see Betty up close (that's the unofficial name cast members gave to the Yeti). At Everest, you definitely are going to be losing weight!

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

I always wanted attractions, and I always wanted to work at Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror. But those are obviously really popular and I knew there was a slim chance I would get those. I remember thinking, “I'm fine with working at any park except Animal Kingdom” and then come check-in day of course I got that park! But I am so incredibly happy I got Everest. It was a stressful, and sometimes monotonous job, but I made such amazing friends there. It was incredibly worth it. If you get Everest, prepare yourself for working with some amazing and hilarious people. The Everest break room is legendary! Don't be surprised to walk in there and see one person turning the lights on and off and everyone else starting a twerking dance party. But you become a family. Once a Sherpa, always a Sherpa!

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

My least favorite part was some aspects of the job. Everest is known for being the best at getting guests on the ride as quickly and efficiently as possible. So out of the four keys, besides safety, efficiency is pushed more than anything else. Unless you're out at the entrance greeting guests, you don't really get to practice courtesy. That's something I really wanted to do more often, making magic for guests.

And you are working at Animal Kingdom, where basically everything is outside and it can get very very hot. There can be a lot of grumpy guests! It is not uncommon for a parent to yell in your face because you cannot let their child ride since they are too short. It never happened to me but I had coworkers get punched or hit by a guest. Luckily that's when security steps in! But I have had all sorts of guests yell at me. One time a woman thought I was laughing at her and yelled "Shame on you!" at me multiple times. I was confused to say the least but you just keep your composure and try to calm the guest down. You become a bit used to it, really :)

Everest CM's modeling the latest trends

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

There are two. One morning I was opening which was rare, and I was feeling awful for personal reasons. These two guests were waiting for the ride to open, and I got to have a wonderful conversation. They talked about where they were from (Georgia) and we got to discuss everything we loved about Disney. It was a nice way to start work. A few days later I got a fanatic card from a leader, and found out the two ladies I talked to went to guest relations to write a compliment about me. I never expected such a nice thing on what I thought would be a terrible day!

Another moment happened during an event shift. Companies and people can rent out Everest after hours for parties or conventions, so sometimes I was scheduled for those extra events. One time a family had an event there for the 4th of July weekend. They got to have the Asia area decorated with candles and prayer flags and there was music, food, drinks, dancers and even actors playing the characters in the Everest storyline (there was a Bob and Norbu, if anyone knows that reference!), there were people on stilts dressed up as yetis. And there was a Bollywood dance mob! The best part was they had a projection of the yeti moving around the outside of the mountain. It was so amazing, and you could hear the yeti roar. The cast members working got to witness everything (There's a photo of us that night wearing these beautiful flower leis that were given to us) It was so beautiful and magical and I wish everyone could experience Everest and Asia that way!

What made you want to do the DCP?

I am studying film, and I absolutely adore the Disney parks and films, so it's my dream to work for Disney Animation or Pixar. I thought it would be a great way to open the door a bit into the company. There is also a part of me that just really wanted to work in a Disney park. That was the kind of thing I dreamed about doing as a little kid, so it was very cool being able to make that childhood dream come true. I am pursuing the professional internships right now, I definitely see Disney as a home!

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

I always read that the Transtar buses were awful, but because I live in Oregon I felt it would be easier to just use those then drive all the way to Florida. And I thought the transportation system here at my school was bad. But I was very wrong. If you have a car, TAKE IT. It is so much easier to have a car and not worry about the bus schedules, which usually don't matter because the bus is late. I was late for work a couple times because of Transtar, thankfully my leaders were understanding and I didn't get any points. And if you want to go to Universal or anywhere outside of Disney, you have to depend on someone with a car. It really is a hassle. If there is no way you can bring a car, Transtar does its job of taking you to work and back and to go to the parks on your days off, but not much else. So make friends with people that have cars!

Also, stop worrying about making friends. It is going to happen, and they are going to become some of your closest friends. Seriously, stop worrying!

Braving the drop!

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

You have to be creative. With attractions, especially popular ones like Everest, safety and efficiency will be more important than courtesy. And we all really want to create magical moments every day at work, but it can be hard when you're in attractions. So you have to be creative! When I was at a console at load (where you send the train), a friend and I would tell the whole train that we would not send it until everyone put their “yeti paws” up and roar. Kids and, surprisingly, teenagers loved this. Instead of the usual magical moments that we cannot participate in, we made up our own. And Everest has a really rich back story, so it was fun to talk to guests about our travel company Himalayan Escapes and that there was no need to worry about yetis, it was just local folklore and that our trains are totally safe ;) So my advice: think a bit outside the box so you can create those magical moments!

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

Take advantage of everything! The housing events (FREE FOOD), the trips that they set up (I went to a trampoline park with my roommates one time), as well as the classes. And I think everyone that does the DCP wants to continue working for Disney, and my advice for that: network like crazy, and stay in school. Managers, leaders, coordinators, they are all there. But you have to seek out communication with them, let them know you want to continue working at Disney. If you see a manager, ask how their day is going, see if they need any help. Just make your presence known with them and set up meetings to discuss your resume, find out if they know anyone that is in your field and that you can contact for future jobs or internships. Seriously, managers know a lot of people. And if they like you, they will help you!

Also, getting to work in Disney World and going to the parks for free- it can be addicting! I know a lot of people that stopped going to school and just moved down to Orlando and got a full-time or part-time frontline job at Disney. But it is so difficult to move up in these jobs. I got great advice from an area manager at my work: Disney will always be here. There will always be jobs available. So after your DCP ends, go back and finish school, get your degree, and then come back. And if you have already graduated, find a job that utilizes your degree, get a year or two of work experience there. Keep in contact with leaders, check in with how they are doing, and tell them how you're progressing. With a degree and more work experience, you will have so many more opportunities to work for Disney, ones that pay better and utilize your skills much better, rather than just those full-time and part-time roles in the parks which can get monotonous. I know how hard it is to stay away though, I'm currently living it! So appreciate every moment you get during your DCP. Collect keepsakes, photos and memories, stay in contact with the friends you made. Use those wonderful memories to help push you to work harder, get better grades, be more professional, so when you do go back to Disney, not only do you get to go to the parks again, but you get to work at your dream job!

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!

I hope everyone has a magical day!

Interview a CP: Erin (Animal Kingdom Park Greeter)

Erin in front of Rapunzel's tower

Imagine being the first cast member guests see before they begin their vacation in a Walt Disney park. Erin was able to do exactly this during her college program. Here's what she had to say about her experience!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

I was a park greeter at Animal Kingdom! I also worked the auto plaza and I was part of the opening team of FastPass+! 

What was a typical day like at work?

I typically opened the park. I would usually work 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, just making sure lights go green and guests can get into the park!! Lots of tasking as well, straightening strollers, magical moments, sweeping turnstiles, etc. Aka the easiest role ever! 

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

Yes! Main Entrance Operations was my number one choice and I was overall VERY happy with my role. 

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

Favorite-by far my fellow cast. And I loved being one of the first cast members to interact with the guests. 

Least was having to wake up sooooo early for the buses. Bring a car if you can. Seriously.  

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

A little girl asked me what my favorite princess was, and I said Rapunzel. She got so excited and shared with me that she was hers too. She came back towards the end of the day and gave me her favorite Rapunzel pin. Such a small gesture really reassured me at that moment that that was where I was supposed to be. 

What made you want to do the DCP?

My mom worked for the Disney Store for about 10 years growing up, so Disney has always been a huge part of my life. I was influenced by it all throughout my childhood. My family was also fortunate enough to be able to vacation frequently. My junior year of high school, I started to observe the fact that some CMs had schools on there names. I did some research, and I was hooked instantly. 

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

I wish I would've known that bringing a car would have been so beneficial. But I honestly made the most of my program in every way, and wouldn't change anything about it. 

Erin with promotion for Disney's new Avatarland

What advice would you give to those who want to participate in your role?

Be ready for a monotonous job. I like routine and repetition so it was perfect for me. But it was excruciatingly boring for some. Also be ready for LOTS of guest interaction and also guest complication. Because it's YOUR fault that they forgot which finger they used. 

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

Do your research. Be mentally prepared to throw yourself into something so challenging and different. Save money. As much as you can. Understand that you won't be in the Magic Kingdom 24/7, and not all of your moments will be magical. 

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!

I hope everyone has a magical day!

Interview a CP: Ashley (Animal Kingdom Photopass)

Selfie with Tigger!

Photopass has the unique opportunity to help guests capture memories through pictures that they can keep for the rest of their lives. Ashley was able to experience this opportunity through her college program in Animal Kingdom. Here's what she had to say!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

I was lucky enough to be a PhotoPass Photographer at Animal Kingdom! I did Spring Advantage 2014!

What was a typical day like at work?

I usually got to work a little bit early. I usually worked morning to night shifts. I would park, and make my way backstage. I always got myself a sub from Subway for my break later on and would go sit in Base until it was time to clock in. Base was usually a busy place and I would catch up with any cast members that were in there. I was lucky enough to work with an amazing group of people. By the end of my program these people felt like family to me. 

After we clocked in we would pick up a blue bin from our coordinator that had all of our gear. We would have to set it all up and put it all one. This took me a while to get used to but everyone is always willing to help! 

We were deployed to one of these zones: South, North, or East. Each one of these had multiple locations and characters. The locations were: 

South- Entrance of the park, The View station, and multiple locations on the bridge and plaza in front of the Tree of Life.

North- Mickey and Minnie, King Louie and Baloo, Pocahontas, Everest Corner, Everest Bridge, Africa Drums, Tree back-side. 

East- Daisy, Donald, Goofy and Pluto, Dug and Russell. 

Once we ready with our gear we would hit CDS (cast deployment system) . Which deployment we assigned to depended on what location CDS gave you. I spent most of my program working in the North. When I was in the North, I always loved working with the characters instead of shooting one of the icons. Mickey and Minnie we amazing to work with, specially because they were in the AC. 

I was the most excited when I got East shifts because the day was filled with just characters. Getting to work with the character attendants and characters made the shift go by much  faster, which made it more enjoyable. Goofy and Pluto were amazing to work with! They all messed around and could make anyone smile! Goofy loved to throw autograph books and pens at me all day. 

Working icons was a nice break from the busyness of characters, but was unfortunately usually in the sun. This made it hard because it go so hot in the summer. Being from Boston, I wasn't used to the heat! I loved being able to have guests do magic shots and create poses. This gave guests unique photos to remember their time in Disney. 

No matter where you working, Photopass is a very social job! We engage with so many guests all day long on a one to one level. We have to be outgoing, confident and excited for our job! The more outgoing and excited you were, your photos showed it!

Once our shift was over, we headed back to base to turn in our equipment and to clock out. Since I usually closed the park, a whole group of us would all take the bus to the parking lot together, those bus rides were always interesting! Everyone I worked with was amazing!!!

Ashley and the boss!

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

When I first learned about the college program, I wanted to be a photographer before I even knew it was possible. During my phone interview I expressed my interest in Photopass and talked about all of my experience with photography. Getting this role was beyond exciting for me and I couldn't have been happier! 

I am an Art Education major, and love children.  Photography is a passion of mine. This role brought photography and working with children together for me! 

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

As every job at Disney there were many ups and downs! My favorite part was being able to capture families memories in the park. Years down the road families will look at my photos and remember certain moments of their vacation because of me. My other favorite was getting to work with all the amazing characters! Spending a few hours with Mickey and Minnie was truly amazing. Seeing them interact with guest of all ages was magical! From them seeing new born babies, recently married couples, children to people who were meeting them for the first time. The amount of times I cried while working with them can’t be counted… happy crying of course. 

My least favorite parts of my job is what every other Disney cast member hates.. the heat and the thickness of our costumes. But that is something we are unable to change!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

I was told before I went to Disney that I would be part of many magical moments. Little did I know that many of these would be life changing for me. I got to meet a little girl was very very sick. She was at Disney as a Make a Wish child. She was visiting Donald and Daisy with her parents. She was lucky enough to come when there was no one else at all in the area. She interacted with Daisy and did many cute poses with her. She came over to Donald and I instantly went picture crazy. Her parents approached me already crying and I soon realized the little girl was crying too. We brought Daisy over and let interact with both together. I can’t tell you the amount of pictures I took. There was not a dry eye around. The family thanked us so many times and gave us so many hugs. After they left we spent a good amount of time getting ourselves together for the next family. Once we all finally did the mom came back in crying again. She thanked us all again, and gave out another round of hugs. She gave each of us a little card thanking us for everything. All me and my fellow cast members did was do our job and let her take pictures with both of them together yet we made this little girl's vacation. She got to meet her two favorite characters regardless of how sick she was. I remember this day like it was yesterday and I don’t think I will ever forget it. Cast members can do truly amazing things for the guests. 

This isn’t the only magical moment from my program. Sometimes simply getting a guest a new Mickey Ice cream sandwich made their day, or taking the extra 5 minutes to show a guest where to go. Magical Moments happen all the time while you are working!

What made you want to do the DCP?

I told my parents when I was about seven that I was either going to move to Disney World or Australia. Of course, my parents laughed at me. I learned about the college program but was unable to do it at that time. I waited a year and decided to just go for it. What made me wants to do it from such a young age was just simply enjoying my vacations at the parks. I wanted to be part of it! As I did research about the program I learned more about how much people learned and appreciated their time at Disney. I wanted to experience everything I was reading!!

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

I wish before my program I understood how hard the program would honestly be. I knew we worked long tough days in the heat, but you truly don’t understand this until you worked a 13 hour shift, in the direct sunlight, with a heavy costume on, carrying your camera gear and dealing with hot angry guests. But as these days happened they were something to learn from. Each day is what you make it! For ever five rude guests, there's one guest who couldn't appreciate your hard work any more. Those long days become worth it! 

Ashley with Pluto and Goofy!

What advice would you give to those who want to participate in your role?

Having some prior knowledge about photography is helpful but a few people I trained with had none! It is helpful but Disney teaches you everything you need to know! I feel as though to be a Photopass Photographer, you need to have lots of energy, create, be social and love your job! If you are able to do all of this, you will love Photopass!! (And of course be able to smile all day.)

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

There's a lot of advice I would give to people interested in the DCP. Do all of your research before hand and talk to people who have down it before. That gives your a first hand experience of the DCP. Don’t just talk to one person but talk to many different people from many different roles! Its helps you be prepared and to know more about your future at the company!

When you get the awesome email saying congratulations on being accepted, that is when your new adventure starts. When you finally get to move in, from day one take NOTHING for granted. Meet as many people as you can. Pick up shifts anywhere you can. Instead of going to bed early, go see Wishes for the 50th time. Go meet Mickey for the 20th time. Just eat ice scream on Main Street. Ride Space Mountain 10 times in a row. Because at some point your gonna have a week left in your program and you don’t want to leave with any regrets. Your last week, enjoy it with your roommates and your best friends. Say good bye to your fellow cast remembers and of course Mickey. This could be a once in a life time opportunity and take advantage of it!! 

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!

I hope everyone has a magical day!

Interview a CP: Sarah (Kilimanjaro Safaris)

Sarah with her safari truck!

Sarah was one of my roommates during my program. She had one of the coolest jobs as a safari driver in Animal Kingdom! It was so neat to hear some of the stories about the animals and the guests she would tell us after work some days, and after a while some of us started to memorize her safari spiel! ;) Here's what she had to say about her experience!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?
I was Attractions, and was fortunately placed at a spieling attraction, more specifically Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

What was a typical day like at work?
A typical day included getting assigned a specific truck and then going through a checklist to get the truck ready to be taken to the ride path to be used for the day. The checklist included things like checking the tires, making sure the gauges and other electronics worked properly, and just generally assessing the vehicle for the day. After opening the truck and getting signed out by a manager, I would drive the truck a mile or so down to the ride path and then start taking guests! The days are broken up into (approximately) 2 hour sections, three or four of which are spent on a truck and the other spent on a "land" position like info guide (greeter) or departure (grouper). At the end of the day whatever truck I was on I would take off of the ride path and back to the Vehicle Maintenance parking lot where I would get it fueled and then shut it down for the evening! On any given day I would spiel to around 400 guests total. Or more.

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?
I originally wanted entertainment, but after a bombed dance audition, I couldn't have been more pleased with KSR (Kilimanjaro Safari Ride). Plus, entertainment success came later on... But thats a whole 'nother story. 

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?
My favorite parts.. oh man, there are so many. The people I work with are incredible. KSR is a massive, beautiful attraction to run, with around 85+ cast members working each day, and about 200 employed in total. I love every single safari driver I work with, and their dedication, passion, humor and family-style love are things that are indescribable. Also, my guests. Getting to spend around 22 minutes alone with my 35-45 guests is a magical thing. I love being able to educate them while playfully bantering with and entertaining them simultaneously. Each exclamation of "oh wow!" or "I didn't know that!" that I heard on my truck makes me love my job even more. There is also nothing like applause after a safari ends or the numerous guests who would come up and tell me that my safari is the best they've ever been on, or come up to ask questions or share stories and facts with me. Not only did my guests learn a lot from me, I definitely learned a lot from them as well. Lastly, the animals. Even though I have grown accustomed to spending every day surrounded by lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, etc., these fabulous creatures still take my breath away. I can't believe I get paid to watch baby elephants splash around in a river, or to have white rhinos nuzzle my truck, giraffes linger within arms reach, and to hear lions roar. I won't ever forget each moment that I got to see the guest's reactions to these gorgeous, awe-inspiring animals.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Action shot!

There are too many. One of my favorite Guest Service Fanatic cards came from a couple who happened to get on my truck during a slow point and I gave them a private safari. The lady had never been on the safari and, in fact, had just gotten released from a long stay in the hospital. She was amazed by each individual animal, but the lions were her favorite. When we pulled up to the kopje rock, I was so thankful to see the gorgeous male lion perched powerfully at the top of the rocks. Since I knew no other trucks were around, I sat and let her admire the lions for much longer than normally allowed. The tears on her face are something that will stay in my heart forever. Of course, small children provided many of the magical moments of my job. A lot of magical moments came, surprisingly, from working land positions. I always loved when tiny princesses would throw their arms around me or blow me kisses, and having guests ask if they could take pictures with me (I always say yes!). I just love interacting with guests.. I could go on forever. Also I got filmed to be on the Brazilian version of American Idol... that was interesting.

What made you want to do the DCP?
Honestly, I think I was born knowing I wanted to do the DCP. I can't remember when I decided I wanted to do it, Disney is a fire that has always been in my blood.

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?
YOU WON'T NEED HALF THE STUFF YOU BRING. Also, two bedrooms in Patterson are wonderful, Vista Way actually isn't bad and I wish I would have lived there because of the social life, the party bus IS A BAD IDEA slash gross, don't date full timers even if they are a prince, DO NOT EVER CALL IN OR GET POINTS, yadda yadda yadda.

What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role?
Ooh this one is a bad one for me because my attraction is so different than others. The people you work with WILL BE YOUR CLOSEST FRIENDS (99.9 percent of the time) because you have similar schedules, you understand each other's work stories/problems, etc. If you are lucky enough to be placed at KSR then 1. congrats, 2. cross your fingers that Jimmy is your trainer cause he's the bomb, 3. always sit in the back of the VIP cast bus. Khaki rules!

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?
Pick the earliest arrival date possible, don't stress too much over which apartment complex you get, don't waste time oversleeping, enjoy every moment and spend every free moment with friends or at the parks, choose Advantage, DON'T get ANY points, pick spring because you get Star Wars Weekends, bring bed risers and a vacuum, take classes (particularly Entertainment PDS, its life changing).

If you would like to see some of Sarah's safari tour, she makes a guest appearance in my Sara Squared Animal Kingdom Vlog here!

If you have any questions for Sarah, you can ask through her twitter here! Or, if you don't have a twitter, feel free to leave any questions in the comments below and I can ask her for you!

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!

Interview a CP: Erika (Maharajah Jungle Trek)

Erika in front of her favorite ride!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

My role was attractions! I ended up working at Animal Kingdom and I was placed at the Maharajah Jungle Trek. 

What was a typical day like at work?
So at MJT, our role is to educate guests and answer all of their questions about all the different animals that are on our trail. We had a Komodo Dragon, Fruit Bats, Tigers, Banteng (Asian cattle), Eld's Deer, Blackbuck Antelope, and a ton of different birds from literally all parts of Asia. All the CM's rotate positions every hour or so, so it never got to be too much. We also worked the Flights of Wonder bird show at Caravan Stage, making sure guests knew about the show, directing them to seats, etc. 

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

Attractions wasn't my first choice (it was my second). I originally wanted concierge. In the end, I was so grateful that I got attractions. In my opinion, my job was one of the most fun ones you could have! I got to continuously talk to guests and make magic without worrying and being distracted by other things, such as operating a "real" attraction. 

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?
My favorite parts about my job were that I was able to be an educator and advocate about all of our animals, and also teaching guests conservation methods! (^ see above for more favorite things). My least favorite part about my job was that I constantly had to repeat myself to guests. I hate sounding like a broken record.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?
I was at the place in the trail where we have the Fruit Bats. A family came in and I just went up to them and started talking to them, since there were no other guests at the time. They had a little girl who couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old and she was in a wheelchair. I was talking to them about the bats and I knelt down and was talking to their daughter. I asked her who her favorite princess was. Her mom explained to me that she had cerebral palsy and isn't very responsive. She started to cry and told me that she loves how CM's treat her daughter like a normal person and thanked me for keeping the magic alive. It was really touching.

What made you want to do the DCP?
My best friend told me about the program. I never even knew it existed to be honest. As soon as I found out a little more about it, I fell in love with the whole idea of working at The Happiest Place on Earth. Disney was always a huge part of my life and I wanted to take it to the next level. I also loved the idea of meeting a ton of new people, and making memories that would last a lifetime. 

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?
Not really! Like I said, I did a lot of research. I watched a ton of different YouTube videos about the program, and I just tried to gather as much information as I could.

What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role?
Since my role really wasn't the "typical" attractions role, just because you get chosen for Attractions you should keep an open mind. I honestly thought I was going to be placed at a ride. It could turn out to be anything!

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?
DO IT! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT ONE BIT! I just finished up my program 2 weeks ago and it was the best thing I could've ever done for myself. I had the time of my life! I loved my job and I met some of the greatest people in the world who I know I'm going to stay in touch with forever. Don't believe everything you hear about people's negative experiences with the DCP. It's different for everyone but it's what you make of it. Sure, you might have your bad days at work, or just bad days in general. Everybody does. Don't let that ruin your attitude. It's seriously a once in a lifetime opportunity and Disney doesn't pick just anyone ;)

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Erika through her blog, erika-in-wonderland!

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!

Have a magical day!