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: Heather (Parade Audience Control)

I had the pleasure of interviewing Heather to learn more about her experience as a Parade Audience Control cast member during her college program! It's interesting that they offer this role on its own in Walt Disney World, because in Disneyland it's automatically included for everyone who works an attraction. Let's here what Heather had to say about her journey!

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

I was  PAC (Parade Audience Control) on Main Street U.S.A.  Basically we were in charge of setting up and taking down the parade routes from Main Street to Frontierland depending on what position we were assigned. We did street entertainment (hula hoops, etc) with the guests, answered questions, gave suggestions, worked in the Theater with Mickey, participate in Flag Retreat if we were selected, AND did crowd control for the fireworks each night at The Magic Kingdom. Super awesome job!

What was a typical day like at work?

A typical day at work, for me, meant arriving about 5:30 pm, being sent out to Main Street to visit with the guests or begin laying down the TONS of tape needed along the parade route. If we were south side that meant we were working on Main Street/ the Hub area. If we were West side then it was Frontierland/Liberty Square. At 7 pm we would divide into our sides and head to separate meetings to get our positions for the set up and break down of Disney's Electrical Parade as well as the number we were to report to directly after to help with the crowds during Celebrate the Magic and Wishes. Before parades and Wishes began, we would stand out on the streets and control the crowds to keep people moving through open walkways. When all the chaos was over we would have a quick meeting backstage, take a 20 minute break then head out to the same positions and set up for the second Electric Light Parade. Clocking out time was anywhere between 11 pm-12 am depending on the show schedule. Flag Retreat was very simple marching, mixed with crowd control, and knowing what stance to take at what time.

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

I didn't really have a plan for what role I wanted. I just knew that I wanted to work at The Magic Kingdom because its my favorite. Luckily, I loved it. Wish granted.

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

My absolute FAVORITE part of my job was talking to the guests. They loved any tidbit of Disney advice we could share or any fun stories we to tell. In return I had the chance to learn what brought these awesome people to Disney World. We took pictures for them and sometimes they even wanted us in them too! Super cool. Another awesome thing was being able to make their lives easier...usually. Helping them find a nice spot to view the parade, helping guests get in to the rose garden to do their proposals (MAGICAL), listening to all the kids sing along with Frozen during Celebrate the Magic and see the fireworks. From a back stage perspective it was my awesome coordinators and PAC members that made the job never feel like work. I couldn't have made it without them.

The worst part is a tie between the heat from standing out in the sun, humidity, and rain (when they say always have your rain poncho they aren't kidding. You will use it!) and the rude guests. When people go to Disney they expect everything to be perfect always since they pay good money to visit. Unfortunately as we all know it can't always be and I guarantee I've been cursed out in a variety of languages!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

My favorite Magical Moment was helping a Marine, his parents and his soon to be in-laws, surprise his girlfriend by proposing to her in the rose garden during Wishes. She was totally surprised. The parents got to see it go down and a Disney photographer came in to catch the whole thing on film for them. I felt honored to help out with that memory for them.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I wanted to do the DCP because it was always my dream to work at Disney even if for a moment. I'm 37 so it shocked people that I took a semester away from school to do something they thought I was "too old" for. Best decision of my life.

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

I wish someone had warned me about all the giant wild turkeys walking around Chatham! OMG they were huge and everywhere.

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

Advice that I have for anyone interested in working PAC is this: remember to be strong and as kind as possible. The guests will try to rattle you but, if you stick to what you are taught you can do it. Always ask for help BEFORE you go set up on the street regarding your position. Everyone is busy and guests have a thousand questions so be prepared! Be prepared to walk, stand, and be out in any type of weather all the time. Lastly, HAVE FUN! This is an opportunity to precious to not enjoy it. When you go back home you will miss it more than you can even imagine. Oh yes I forgot...only the guys look good in those PAC uniforms LOL.

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

If you are interested in doing the DCP just do it! Don't be afraid to leave home and take a chance. You will make more friends than you can imagine. You will have so many adventures that you never expected...Wal-Mart being one of them. You will change and grow in so many ways. If you have the chance to extend and you can do it...stay! I'm married so I came home but, I would have stayed if I weren't LOL. Lastly, don't worry if you aren't majoring in Recreation or Tourism that you won't fit in. It takes all types to make magic. You only live once!

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: Emily (Hollywood Studios Parking)

Emily meeting Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope!

When you think of Main Entrance Operations, most would immediately think about the turnstiles and working the entrance to one of the Disney parks. However, that's not all that you can do with this role! Emily was kind enough to share about her experience during the DCP as a cast member working in Hollywood Studios parking. She loves it so much she continues to work in this role and location to this day, months after her program!

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

My role is Main Entrance Operations Parking at Hollywood Studios.

What was a typical day like at work?

A typical day at work depends on whether you work a day shift or a night shift or a double which means working all day. If you work during the day there is a lot more going on. There are about eight possible positions. You can be Auto 6 which is the pointer position of whatever row we're parking. You could be Auto 9 which is in charge of assigning buses a spot in the charter lot, AAA Diamond Parking, Sending guests to the medical lot, medical overflow, and drop offs and pick ups. Auto 7 is the pointer of traffic to whatever section of our parking lot we are parking. Fielders is another option. There are usually between one and three helping the cars park, not physically, but directing them into the correct spots. Audience Control makes sure the guests are safe while trying to get from their cars to the trams or even walking to the park. Tram Loader does as the name indicates: load the tram and make sure everyone is following the guidelines. Tram driver obviously drives the tram. Tram Spieler spiels and lets guests know important information such as where they are parked and park information. That's basically every position you can have in a rotation. 

When you start you call Auto 5, which is the coordinator, and get an assignment. You are at that assignment until someone breaks you then you call for a break time. After your break, you call Auto 5 for a new assignment. Our role is a little different because we use CDS to clock in and out, but not for assignments. If you work a night shift you are either on a tram (so driver or spieler), Auto 6 repark and you do the same as day Auto 6, but you're in the Stage parking lot and usually you don't have a fielder, or tram loader. If you work a double it just means you work all day and transition from day positions to night positions which are the same just with less people. For CP's at Hollywood Studios Parking we usually work the night shift so it's not too bad and it keeps you out of the sun for the most part. For me a typical day at work is clocking in, getting an assignment which usually is a tram unless I get Auto 6 and sometimes I get tram load. For the most part though if I work a night shift, I am on a tram (which I love).

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

No, this is not the role I originally wanted. I originally wanted Concierge/Front Desk at a resort because I really wanted to see what it would be like. I also thought that would be a great role to expand my communication skills and put my bilingual abilities to good use. But here at Disney that is every role. Even though it wasn't my first choice, believe it or not I am very glad I got Parking and it has definitely changed my life and made me learn a lot about myself.

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

My favorite parts are the people I work with because without them I don't know if I would enjoy my job as much. My favorite part is getting to work with my boyfriend. Yes we met in the parking lot. ;) I love being on a tram, I don't exactly know why, but I do. I like that we don't use CDS for breaks because that seems stressful to me. I like being able to add things to my spiel and the chance to sit down if you get to drive. 

My least favorite parts about my job are sometimes having to be standing in the hot sun for hours. Sometimes I hate the long hours. I really dislike Auto 9. I don't know why, maybe because it can be a little boring. I don't like tram loading after Fantasmic because I'm incapable of being mean and people really don't want to listen after a long day, they just want to go home and don't understand that we do what we do for their safety. It can get frustrating sometimes.

Emily and her roommates!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

When I first found out I was going to be in the parking lot I was like great so much for guest interaction, but I was wrong. I still get some guest interaction so I was glad about that. I have quite a few magical moments from the last six months, but I'll share the latest and probably one of the most magical ones I've had. 

A few days ago I was spelling on the back of a tram and was kinda down because I got moved away from my boyfriend and I wasn't having a good day. So I was put to spiel which I usually love, but I was just not in the mood to be magical, but I had this huge group (I think a tour group) and they filled up the whole last cart of my tram and they saw my name tag and they just started chanting my name the entire ride. Like, "Emily, Emily..." It lifted my spirits and put me in a better mood. That was a magical moment for me. One magical moment I created was that there was a family with three kids and they all had birthday buttons on, but they weren't triplets. So they were on my tram on their way into the park and on their way out of the park. I told the entire tram to say happy birthday both times and it totally made their day. The parents thanked me and even asked me if I would be there that Wednesday because they would be coming back and they told me they hoped to see me again. It was sweet.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I don't know anyone who knows about the DCP and doesn't want to do it, honestly. Well, I first heard about the program my senior year of high school. My ex was a freshman in college and found out about it at school and told me about it and I had to find out more. Then I started college and heard about it again. I tried to go to a presentation my freshman year, but never was available at the time. Then I came to Disney for the first time ever in my life last summer and my friend was doing the program and I learned more about it and I knew I wanted to do it. Last Fall I applied as soon as the application came out and eventually finally went to a presentation on campus. I really like Disney and once I did the research I knew that it was something I couldn't pass up. Once I saw how much my friend was enjoying it, I knew it was for me.

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

I wish I would have known the importance of bringing a car. Even though there's buses I really feel like life is easier if you have a car. Yes, you make friends who have cars and if you're lucky like me, have a boyfriend with a car. It's still helpful to have your own. I did my research so I was pretty prepared and knew what to expect for the most part. I wish I knew how humid it gets here. It is definitely a big change from Wisconsin.

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

Anyone who is going to be in parking (especially at Hollywood Studios) the advice I can give you is be prepared to work hard with long hours standing up unless you're driving. If you're doing Advantage like I am get ready for a hot and humid summer. Always stay hydrated. If you burn easily wear sunscreen. If you don't like it at first (because some don't), don't give up. I can't think of anything else at the top of my head, but if anyone gets parking they can definitely reach out to me and I'll be glad to answer any questions.

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

First off, DO THE PROGRAM! It has changed my life and I could not be happier that I decided to do this program. You could end up like me...I like to think I found my prince charming and at Disney and I never expected that. Goes to show anything can happen. Advice I can give from personal experience is that do your research and decide when the best time for you to do the program, but make sure you do it. I say that because I didn't plan on staying here, I planned on coming back after graduation, but then after months of thinking I have decided to stay and go seasonal and will be going to school in Florida.

If you would like to contact Emily for any questions about her role or her experience during the DCP, you can find her on Twitter and Blogger!

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 also want to personally apologize to Emily for taking SO long to post this interview. I'm so thankful she was able to share her story, and I'm so appreciative of her support and kind words. Thank you Emily!

Have a magical day everyone!

Interview a CP: Jenni (ESPN Box Office)

Jenni (left) and Pamela enjoying goodies at work!

I'm really happy that Jenni messaged me asking to do an interview, because I've never heard of anyone with her role before! I unfortunately wasn't able to visit ESPN Wide World of Sports during my program, but it's really cool to hear about her experience since it's so different from many other jobs for college program cast members!

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

My role during the DCP was Guest Relations/Box Office at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. I originally applied for Main Entrance Operations as my number one choice. My undergraduate major was Sports Administration and during my phone interview the lady asked if I would want at all to be placed at EWWOS. Of course this wasn’t what I expected, but it was perfect for me.

What was a typical day like at work?

Unlike some roles, my typical day varied. During the first month I was there, I was often an usher for various events including cheer and dance competitions as well as youth basketball games, just to name a few. Right before the Atlanta Braves Spring Training started, I was sent to train in the box office (which meant a little more pay since I was handling money). During Spring Training and after, I spent most of my time in the Box Office selling tickets; often for multiple sporting events at once. During Spring Training and RunDisney events, I often had 6 AM shifts and would end up getting extended because of constant, unexpected rushes. During non-peak sporting event times, I was often deployed to the theme parks to work main entrance operations (turnstiles.) My favorite was Hollywood Studios because you got to hear the parade! I also did a few shifts at Epcot and Animal Kingdom and even was given a few PAC Shifts (which I would definitely suggest doing, but be prepared; you will get asked TONS of questions).

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

This isn’t the role I was expecting to have at all when I applied for DCP. Heck, I don’t even think I knew how big of a deal this place was (which many of you may not if you aren’t a huge sports fan). I’ve always worked in sports so this was the perfect place for me to spend my DCP.

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

My favorite parts about my job were definitely that I was constantly surrounded by sports but also the excitement of athletes leaving our complex to head to the parks to play. I was given the opportunity to be sort of a hub of knowledge of ALL things Disney. I got to interact with people from all over the world, as we often held international competitions. I also got paid to watch Atlanta Braves spring training so that was pretty awesome. My least favorite part, at first at least, was getting deployed and having literally no idea what I was doing or where I was going. However, whenever I would tell other cast members I was from the Wide World of Sports, they would seem to take pity on me and help me out in any way possible! Specifically working at EWWOS, my least favorite part was sort of the monotony that comes with selling tickets.  However, there was a different event every single weekend which made for an interesting time for sure.

Jenni and her roommates in Magic Kingdom!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

There is one very special magical moment that happened while working at the Wide World of Sports. I was standing around working turnstiles (which can also get boring at the complex after the huge rush comes in) and I began talking to a little boy named Chase. His dad would bring him once a spring training to let him watch the Braves practice. The previous year, Chipper Jones (a Braves baseball player) had given him his batting gloves after practice and he just really wanted to get them signed. Chase had heard that Chipper would walk out the main entrance so he was waiting to find him. He had almost given up and went back to find his dad inside the complex. I saw Chipper walk out (I’m a HUGE Braves fan so this was definitely to my advantage and of course I wasn’t allowed to talk to him myself) and I found Chase to let him know which way he went (which sounds sort of creepy, but I guarantee it’s not!) Chase got Chipper’s attention and he signed his batting gloves and I swear I’ve never seen a kid so happy.

What made you want to do the DCP?

Since my freshman year of college when I’d heard about the Disney College Program, I couldn’t wait to do it. However I played softball for my college so I didn’t really have the opportunity to… Until I made the decision my senior year to not play and hope that I got this opportunity I’d wanted so badly. I didn’t know anyone who had done it, but really nothing in the world seemed better than getting to live and work at the Happiest Place on Earth!

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

No, I think I was pretty prepared. You definitely work a lot but I was expecting that before I went into it.

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

Some parts can boring at times and you’re definitely going to work with some older people and people that you may not have anything in common with (this is true to any role/job ever.) Also invest in a really good pair of tennis shoes… your feet will definitely hurt.

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

Have an open mind!!!! We had 8 girls in our apartment and only 3 were American. I lived with 3 girls from China and 2 from North Korea and had my eyes opened to a very huge culture shock! We celebrated Asian New Years and often got to experience their very own cooking.

Also, don’t be afraid of doing things by yourself. I learned SO much about myself as a person and definitely became much more self-aware. I went by myself to the parks a lot more than a lot of people, but those were often the times I met amazing people and got to share my experiences. One time at Epcot, I was having dinner by myself and ended up meeting two chaperones from a school trip and told them all about my experiences doing the DCP. After all the great things I said about my experience, they both wanted me to talk to their kids about it. I often had secret tips I could share with guests that I may not have normally been able to if I was talking to my friends. Of course going with friends is fun, but don’t miss out on awesome opportunities just because you may be scared to go alone! 

If you'd like to contact Jenni with any questions, you can contact her through these sites:

Twitter: @J_Mart247
Tumblr: http://jennimartin7.tumblr.com/

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!