Top 7 Favorite Rides at Disneyland

Like many Disney fans, I've been going to Disneyland since I was barely three-years-old. Through those years both the Disneyland Resort and myself have changed in many different ways, but one thing remains constant: I love rides.

Attractions have always been my family's favorite part of going to any Disney park. We never really spent much time meeting characters or watching too many shows...probably because I was deathly afraid to meet characters, but that's another story. I remember always loving it's a small world back when I didn't know any better...and now I can barely stand to ride it barely once a year.

Now that I've lived in Southern California for almost three years and have frequented Disneyland too many times to count, I thought I'd share my top seven favorite rides within the Disneyland Resort (including California Adventure). Let's see if any of mine are your favorites too!

Top 7 Favorite Rides at the Disneyland Resort

7. Toy Story Midway Mania - I'm so ridiculously competitive on this ride, but it's just because it's so much fun! For the longest time I had an undefeated streak, but my brother broke it a couple times within the last year. It's a complete must-do whenever my family comes to visit, mostly because my dad is obsessed!

6. Big Thunder Mountain - I remember loving this attraction when I was younger, but I would always close my eyes whenever the train dodged and weaved through caves and dark tunnels because I was scared something would jump out at me like the yeti in the Matterhorn. However, with the most recent refurb and added updates to Big Thunder Mountain after closing for the big incident, I have to say this is one of the most fun and enjoyable attractions in the resort. Great for anyone, really! Even those who don't prefer roller coasters!

5. California Screamin' - One of the biggest and probably most fun thrill rides within the park. You can't really ride Screamin' without a giant smile on your face.

4. Soarin' Over California - I honestly wasn't the biggest fan of Soarin' until recently...I always liked the ride, but I felt like it was a "one and done" kind of experience since it was the same film every time. However, this place now has a very special place in my heart because it's been the location I've grown personally and professionally the most at work, as well as where I made the closest friendships with my coworkers. 

3. Space Mountain / Hyperspace Mountain - The original Space Mountain has always been a favorite of mine, but I have to give huge props to the new rendition with Hyperspace Mountain. They did an excellent job with the new score and effects, I almost don't want it to ever leave!

2. Indiana Jones Adventure - When I participated in my college program in Florida, this was the one ride I missed the most. It's so different from anything else in the parks, combining thrills and incredibly fun animatronics and effects. Even the queue is fantastic!

1. Tower of Terror - This ride stole my heart the very first time I rode it. I even found a short narrative the other day that I wrote about my first experience riding Tower for a school project back in middle school. The theming, the story, the bellhops, and the drops...everything together just makes this ride (in my eyes) nearly perfect. It's been such an honor and great experience to be a bellhop for the past year!

I originally tried to keep this at only five favorite attractions, but it was nearly impossible to narrow it down to only that many!

Which are your favorite Disneyland attractions? Do you agree with my list?

Have a magical day!

Interview a CP: Zachary (Toy Story Midway Mania)

Zachary was kind enough to share his experience working at one of the most popular rides in the Walt Disney World Resort during his Disney College Program!  

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

I was attractions at Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood studios. During my program I also had shifts working Fantasmic, Frozen fireworks, Osborn Spectacle of dancing lights, and Star Wars fireworks. 

What was a typical day like at work?  

As a CP I had almost completely all closing shifts. About halfway through my program they put our attraction in charge of clearing the park at the end of the night so I could be scheduled up to two hours after park close. I mainly had 6 hour shifts along with some longer ones thrown in. Working at Toy I would rotate through the different positions required to operate the attraction and also some extra ones like Fastpass kiosk. 

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

Attractions was my top role when I applied, I was also interested in the hospitality roles but those are really hard to get. 

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

My favorite and least favorite thing about working Toy Story was that it was the most popular attraction in the park if not on all of property. I loved learning all of the secrets of the ride and trying to beat my high score each time I got to ride it. 

Any specific magical moment you want to share? 

Toy story is one of the few attractions that anyone can ride at Disneys Hollywood studios. We had one ride vehicle that was able to transform so that people in a wheelchair could ride. It was always great to see those people coming back in after riding through and the smiles on their faces.

What made you want to do the DCP? 

I have known about the college program since high school and have always wanted to participate in it. I saw it as a way to get down to Florida and experience a semester down there. As a hotel, restaurant, and tourism management major it was the perfect opportunity to get experience working for one of the largest companies in the industry. 

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

I wish I had looked into the location of CP housing more. I wish I had known what restaurants were around and also where the closest grocery store was before I came down. 

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

Attractions is an interesting role, prepare to get people complaining and yelling at you for things that are out of your control. Many people do not understand how to use the Fastpass+ system so prepare for answering a lot of the same questions. 

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

If you have a car bring it! I did not have one and relied on transtar. Transtar worked well enough but there were several times the buses were late or never showed up.

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!

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: Olivia (Tomorrowland Attractions)

Olivia (middle) and her Speedway friends!

Ever wonder what it's like to work the Land of Tomorrow? Olivia was kind enough to share her experience in attractions during her college program in Florida!

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

My role has been attractions for the full year, but I've had 3 locations: 1. Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground at HS 2. Tomorrowland Speedway at MK, 3. Space Mountain at MK

What was a typical day like at work?

The playground is what you'd expect, watching the slides and finding lost children. Speedway consists of loading people into cars, making sure they have their seatbelt on, and telling them not to bump the car in front of them (the rule they never follow.) It's very laid back because it's a guest driven attraction so you can only go as fast as the people. Space is similar whereas you get people into rockets and send them, but you have to deal with resets when the mountain breaks down. The pace is much faster there since its a computer based ride system and it normally has a long line.

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

I LOVED my cast member family at studios, but the playground was chipping away at my soul. So, I moved locations for my first extension. I was once again disappointed to hear I got speedway, another hot outdoor attraction. It turns out that speedway has been my most favorite place and I've had the time of my life there. We have an amazing cp group and I'm so thankful everyday I got placed there. I was able to cross train over at space for my final extension which will have my program end in January.

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

As with all attraction roles, the guests can make or break your day. Speedway is particularly difficult because of the loud engines, it can be hard for guests to pay attention and listen to what you tell them. Don't even get me started on trying to explain rules or assigning car numbers to foreign guests that speak very little to no English. But as with everything else, you take it in stride. Hands down the best part of my job is seeing and interacting with the little kids that are absolutely the most excited to drive a car. Some are scared at first but they come back laughing and having the time of their lives. It's amazing. Make a wish children always make your day. Most of those kids won't make it to their 16th year to go through the process of getting their drivers license, so being able to see them drive a car and give them our speedway Mickey licenses is truly magical. I love my fellow cast members and we have AMAZING mechanics and they make us food and we all have a good time together.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Oh my goodness, there are just too many to choose from. I'll say the most typical magical moment to guests (but seemingly ordinary to us) is when an adult comes up with 2 kids, both crying and fighting over who gets to drive and the adult is freaking out over it as well. We have a flag we can put on the car that lets us know to let it go around twice, switching drivers after a lap, so that both kids can drive. When we tell them about that option, they literally worship the ground we walk on because it saves them having to wait in line twice and waste an hour of their day.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I am your typical life long Disney lover so I was immediately interested when I heard about it. But I came down for reasons other than to be able to work at Disney. I did the college program to sort of come out of my shell and over come shyness and things like that. It's absolutely worked. I am 100% more outgoing and can strike up a conversation with a stranger with no problem.

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

I felt prepared about the weather, and the bugs, crazy work schedules, and the barely there pay checks, but I didn't full realize the kinds of guest interactions I would have. I mean all of them, ranging from the absolute best to the absolute worst. People freaking out over the fast pass system will be your worst nightmare, but your coordinators will always have your backs in those situations.

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

Again, be prepared for the range of guest interactions, the good the bad and the ugly. But you will survive. You will also have amazing days that will make it all better.

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

Be sure you are ready and prepared to work a lot. If you come down to just party and have fun and play in the parks all the time, you will be sorely disappointed and probably go home within the first month. But honestly, 90% of the time, my best memories and most fun times come from work. Be prepared to be optimistic because if you don't, being pessimistic will ruin your experience. It has hands down been the best experience of my life. I don't know how I'm going to leave all my friends, but it was absolutely the best decision I've ever made for myself.

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: Alyssa (Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid)

Let's learn about Alyssa's experience going under the sea every day during her college program!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?
Originally in QSFB at All-Star Music, but I extended in Attractions to Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and Ariel's Grotto at Magic Kingdom (which will be the subject of the rest of the questions).

What was a typical day like at work?

A typical day for me started at around five in the afternoon when I would clock in and get my first assignment. I could get sent to a variety of positions, but I would hope to head up to Greeter where I would get to welcome guests to either the attraction or character meet and greet and answer any questions they may have. Late afternoon was our busiest time, so we would usually have around a 45 minute wait. 

Under the Sea is an omnimover, so it has a moving belt on it and continuously goes around until stopped. If you were "on the belt". you walked for the rotation and did the major safety stuff (tell people to watch their step, check safety bars, run the computer/console, or ensure that everyone exited safely), that depended on the position itself. We usually rotated around every 45-50 minutes, so you were never in one place for very long, which was my favorite part. 

Depending on when the park closed, I would usually get off around 1:45 am in the summers, but on Sundays MK was open for Extra Magic Hours until three in the morning. Those days, I would get off at 3:45, and usually didn't get home until around 5:00 AM.

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

This was the role I originally wanted, so when I got offered the extension, I was extremely excited. Under the Sea is one of my favorite rides, so getting that location was even better.

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

My favorite part of the job was getting to be right there in the middle of the magic and making Magical Moments for the guests. My least favorite part of the job was when guests wouldn't listen to instructions, and I would have to yell or say no. Also, when people got out of their clam shells and stopped the ride. That sucked. Stay in your clam shells, please.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

My favorite Magical Moment is actually a tie. The first one is when I saw a little girl dressed up as Ariel outside the Grotto, and asked her why she wasn't seeing the guests inside. The little girl was so excited to be mistaken for Ariel, and hadn't gotten to meet the real one yet. I escorted the family down Fastpass and they got to go take pictures with Ariel. They came back out and the little girl ran up to me and gave me a hug. The second one is when I was pin trading with a little boy (he was maybe four years old). He was in love with one of my pins, but couldn't decide which one he wanted to trade. I just gave him the pin and told him to go have a magical day. His smile lit up the entire entrance of the ride, I swear. 

What made you want to do the DCP?

I wanted to do the DCP because I love Disney with all my heart. It is my favorite place in the world. It is a place where you truly escape reality and get to live in a world of magic where anything is possible and dreams really do come true.

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

I wish I would've known how stressful it was. Making magic isn't an easy job, and I was a little disillusioned about how it would be. You are there to work, first and foremost, and people can forget that.

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

My advice would be to always pay attention to everything around you. Attractions is a fast paced role, and you need to be on your A-game at all times.

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?
If you're interested in the program, my advice is to make sure you know what you are getting into. It is long hours, with bad pay, and it will be the most amazing time of your life. Life will be crazy and insane and stressful, but it will never be better. Remember that you are there to work first, and your role will have to be your top priority. There will be time to play, as well, but go to work. 

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: Jessie (The Great Movie Ride)

Tour Guide Jessie!

Imagine taking a spectacular journey into the movies every day...and getting paid to do it! Jessie was able to do just this during her extension for her college program in Walt Disney World. Here's what she had to say about her experience!

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

I actually did two programs with DCP. First I was in merchandise in Hollywood Studios Backlands in the fall of 2010, but then I got extended for Spring 2011 into attractions at one of my favorites, The Great Movie Ride!

What was a typical day like at work?  

No day and no schedule was ever the same as the next, but usually I'd clock in at whatever time, then start on a rotation performing in/driving the vehicle.  The "tour" would last 22 minutes.  During the tour I'd go through different movie scenes, get hijacked by a gangster or bandit, and then save the day!  Throughout the day, along with doing the tours, we would rotate through "land positions".  While at these land positions, we would lead guests into the "movie set" because the director was waiting!  The CPs at the ride tended to close most of the time, which was always super fun.  If you closed a vehicle, you would go through the ride in the vehicle by yourself and park in whatever scene was assigned to you.  Another job I always volunteered for was track walk. You got to walk the track!!!! 

Another thing movie riders did during the day (if you were lucky enough to get picked by the CDS) was parade control during the parade!

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

When I first applied for my first program, it wasn't even on my mind!  I really wanted entertainment.  However, by the time I was able to extend into my second program, my first choice was GMR!  One of my merchandise managers actually told me I would be officially extending into GMR while my family was visiting and I was working.  I started jumping up and down and screaming!!

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

My favorite part was definitely the performing for all of the guests every day.  It was always tons of fun watching little kids faces when I got hijacked and "died" and then killed the bad guy myself when I came back.  They would always ask, "How did you do that?" or just cry from happiness that I was alive.  I also loved being able to talk to the guests to find out where they were from.  I can't tell you how many people, who were obviously much older then I, would comment about my name tag.  They would tell me they were also from Philadelphia (my hometown), and more often then not it just so happened they had gone to my high school way back when!  The family atmosphere among my fellow movie riders was a super close second.  Everyone was just amazing to work with!  I was lucky enough to have a fantastic group of CPs with me, we all got along so well.

My least favorite part was having to leave my job when my program ended!  I know that sounds totally crazy, but I don't think I have any other least favorite parts.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?  

I don't even know if I can pick just one!!  I was able to be a part of magical moments every day, whether it was making a child a "Junior Tour Guide" or letting a random family go into our VIP entrance to make them feel that much more special.

What made you want to do the DCP? 

As I was growing up, I knew multiple people who did the DCP.  When I was in 6th grade, my family came down for a vacation and we got to ride on the Jungle Cruise of a family friend who was on the DCP!  I knew then I wanted to do the DCP someday.

Jessie (middle) and her fellow movie riders at DCP graduation

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

I just wish I would have known even more of what Disney had to offer.  There are so many things happening there that we didn't even get to experience them all!

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

Don't let the training and all of the spieling scare you.  It is a lot to handle with the long script and the quick loading, but the trainers will be there every step of the way.  Once you get it down, it will never leave you.  And always ask questions!  The other movie riders will help when you need it!  Be friends with your fellow movie riders.  They will become your family.  As we like to say a movie ride, "Once A Movie Rider, Always a Movie Rider."

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

Go for it and do it!!!  You will never get another chance like it!  I did mine right after I graduated from college.  In my opinion, that was the best time to do it.  I was able to extend my program without having to worry about missing to much school, I didn't have to take the Disney classes so I had more time to play in the parks.  It was much better to be in the 21 and over apartments.

I would also tell anyone interested, if you know you are a BIG rule breaker, rethink the DCP.  Disney is super strict on rules.  I knew CPs who were terminated for things like cell phones out onstage, going to the park when you called in sick, having alcohol in the under 21 apartment, and other stupid little things.  Be smart and follow the rules and you will love your program! 

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: Carmela (Concierge & Attractions)

Carmela in the Grand Floridian!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Carmela and learning about her experience in two different roles during her college program! It's always interesting to hear a person's opinion and compare their experience within the different roles. Let's see what she had to say!

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

I was a Concierge/Front Desk at the Grand Floridian for the first half of my program! Then I extended and was attractions at Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom!

What was a typical day like at work?

For Concierge I would make sure to answer every guest's questions. I mostly got questions about My Disney Experience and magic bands since they still confuse people since they are fairly new. I dealt with magic bands all the time and I learned to love the new system! I also got to sell park tickets, book dining reservations as well as recommending places to eat/shop! That was my favorite part! I loved sharing my knowledge of Disney World to all of my guests that I encountered. One day, I spent an hour planning this family's vacation because they have never been to Disney World before! I loved my my job! It can get repetitive but I never got bored. I had live music playing during my shifts all of the time. I loved listening to the band! They played all of my favorites: Disney tunes, Dixieland music and jazz. When I wasn't in the lobby, I was at lounge. Lounge is mostly in Deluxe Resorts. I would serve the food on the buffet tables and make sure everything is restocked and clean. Not a lot of people liked lounge, but I enjoyed it. Sometimes managers would let you "test" the food for "product knowledge." As CP's, you would almost always get at least 2-3 lounge shifts a week. 

At Dinosaur I could be placed at various locations. Tower, which is the eyes and ears of the entire attractions, AKA the most stressful thing ever! I also was placed at Greeter (my favorite), Fastpass, Grouper and most important belt check! I liked attractions but it was REALLY stressful! I loved Concierge so much more.

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

Concierge was my first choice and I cried when I was accepted into it. Not going to lie, when I found out I got accepted to extend into attractions I was very upset. I felt that it was a demotion and a major step down. But, I did enjoy working at Dinosaur! I met great people and it was nice to have had the opportunity to work in a resort and a park!

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

I loved everything about Concierge! I would have to say that the one part I didn't like was standing in one spot for 8+ hours. Concierge is more flexible than Front Desk and I don't think that it is repetitive like people say. I enjoyed every moment of concierge!

At Dinosaur, I did not like Tower. I was very overwhelmed and one mistake could cost you your job.

Carmela and her coworkers on Dinosaur!

(Not even kidding). Since I transferred from Hospitality, I was not used to saying "No." That was hard for me. It was upsetting to turn away people if the child was too small to ride. I felt that attractions isn't for me because it is very safety oriented and very uptight. You have to be alert at all times and even if you sneeze or blink something could go wrong in an instant. Also, every time I went to work, I was always afraid to do something wrong and get a reprimand. If you are a nervous person, like myself, attractions is not for you. I did enjoy my time at Dinosaur though, it was a great experience!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

I had so many wonderful moments with guests!

At Concierge, like I said before, I helped a family plan their vacation for over an hour and they were so grateful! They would come visit me throughout their stay every day and would tell me about their day! They would always ask me if I would be working tomorrow, and when I said "Yes" they were so excited. They were so adorable and it made my week that they were so appreciative of what I did for them!  At Dinosaur, I had a task called "Make a Magical Moment" along with another coworker. I had a Dinosaur vest, a construction hat and scientist goggles. I stood at greeter and waited for a little boy and ask if he would like to be an "Honorary Technician" then I would get the family through Fastpass and get them a free photo from the ride! I found a little boy and he was so excited! His parents told me that the son wanted to ride Dinosaur again but they didn't think that they could because the line was so long! They were so grateful that we got them through fastpass! I'm glad that I picked the right family! 

Lastly, I was training for Concierge, and a little girl kept looking at my name tag. The father finally said that his daughter had the same name as me! It was awesome because I never met a Carmela that was younger than me! The little girl asked if I can take a picture with her so she could put it in her scrapbook! I was so honored to be in her scrapbook!

At Beaches 'n' Cream to conquer the Kitchen Sink!

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

Not really! I had no regrets! I came in with a very opened mind!

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

For Concierge, make sure to product knowledge! Go to as many restaurants as you can, including quick service! Explore the parks! If you do not have the time to do so, research ahead of time. Before I went to Florida, I studied the whole Walt Disney World Resort map. I also studied the surrounding area. It is really helpful to know your way around because a lot of people will ask about Churches, malls, etc. For attractions, be prepared to be very alert! Don't be nervous! I was really nervous and I had to keep telling myself not to be! 

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

Enjoy every moment of it! The DCP is really a once in a lifetime opportunity! Don't take it for granted! It was the greatest experience of my life! Make sure to take advantage of your free park admission and your 40% Holiday merchandise discount. I did not meet a single person who did not like their college program. Make the best 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!