Interview a CP: Monica (Main Street Merchandise)

Monica was able to walk right down the middle of Main Street USA...every day! Here's what she had to say about her experience working in merchandise in Magic Kingdom!

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

I worked in a merchandising role on Main Street East at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Main Street East is the opposite side from The Emporium. I worked in stores such as The Confectionery, Uptown Jewelers, Main Street Cinema, and Town Square Theatre.

What was a typical day like at work?

First thing, I checked my schedule to see what costume I needed, as The Confectionery costume is different from all other Main Street East costumes. If I was working in the Confectionery, once I clocked in and received an assignment, I was generally in that position until one of my breaks. However, if I was not working in the Confectionery, my location and tasks could change every half an hour. Generally, I would help guests complete their purchases at the different stores, assist in watch sizing, customize hats in the Chapeau (my favorite), or working the outdoor carts (my least favorite).

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

I was pretty open to accepting a number of different roles. I had ranked Merchandise, PhotoPass, Character Attendent, and Attractions in my top four choices. During my phone interview, it became pretty obvious that I was going to be placed in a merchandise role because all the interviewer wanted to talk about was my previous retail experience (I had quite a bit). I was happy about my position - although it would have been nice to learn something new.

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

My favorite parts of my job were interacting with guests and my fellow CPs. Making magical moments for Guests is something that I will never forget. My favorite job was to personalize Mickey ear hats at the Chapeau. I really liked working with the sewing machines and putting my own touch on things. My least favorite parts of my job were the long hours. The Magic Kingdom often has extra magic hours late into the night, and as a CP, you are first in line to fill those shifts. However, that said, one of my best memories is standing on Main Street with a group of CPs looking at Cinderella Castle at about 3:30am, when all the guests had left and the park was closed. I also really didn't like taking the Confectionery trash out to the dumpster - it smelled really bad back there!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

I was lucky enough to be a part of so many magical moments during my CP. One that really stands out to me, was a couple celebrating their 40th anniversary. The Magic Kingdom was also celebrating it's 40th anniversary, and the couple had saved for a several years to be able to spend their in Disney. I was working in Townsquare Theatre as the Photopass check out and it was a slow night. I got to chatting with a Photopass photographer and we both noticed the couple, sitting and waiting for their dinner reservation at Tony's restaurant. We went over to them and started talking to them. They were the nicest couple! We ended up getting on the phone with our supervisors and we got the green light to pretty much do whatever we could to make their trip special. We were able to give them Mickey and Minnie 40th Anniversary plush dolls, a large customized Mickey Rice Crispie treat, Bride and Groom ear hats with their names on it, and the photopass photographer took so many pictures of them, and gifted them all the pictures that they chose as their favorites. What was really sweet was one of the pictures they chose was one where they were posing with me in between them. They said it was their favorite and that they would always remember what I had done for them. It was so sweet!

What made you want to do the DCP?

I have always loved Disney World and have always wanted to be a part of the magic in some way. Their was a presentation at my campus that I attended, and after that, I was obsessed with the idea and couldn't wait to apply!

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

I wish I would have known how much work it would actually be. You are working a full time job. I had done this before, but just know going in that just because you are at the happiest place on earth it doesn't mean you won't have bad days, cranky guests, and sore feet. Also, I wish I would have known how fast it was going to go by! There are so many things that I kept pushing off to do "the next time" and before I knew it, it was January and time to go home.

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

Have fun! Interact with guests as much as you can. Never be afraid to ask questions and to learn more about your position.

Interview a CP: Lizzie (Main Street Merchandise)

Lizzie hangin' out on Main Street!

Lizzie is my closest friend that I made on the program. We started as roommates, and started to grow closer because of similar night hours with work. I miss this girl like crazy, and I'm so happy she was able to share her experience working on Main Street with you!

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

Hi my name is Lizzie! My role was Merchandise and I worked on Main Street East in the Magic Kingdom!

What was a typical day like at work?
Confectionary: Go into work. Work in a candy store all day which is amazing cause I NEVER thought I'd do that. Selling candy making tons of people happy!

Shops: Go to work get an assignment and don't know what stores I'll work in until I get there. Work in numerous locations throughout the night. Which can be fun selling artwork, jewelry, photographs and also hats. A bit different vibe all day.

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?
No I wanted Photopass but it was in my top 5 roles so I was fine with it. Before my program I worked in the Disney Store in my mall so I was used to working in the Merchandise field within the company. I was happy with the location very much so for the role!

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?
Favorite parts are creating magical moments for families and meeting people from around the world. Also working on Main Street I get the privilege of hearing the parades, shows and Wishes every night. I love singing along and dancing when I'm working.

Least favorite part is being forced extended when the park hours are extended. Also working on Main Street the shops stay open an hour after park close so the hours are a bit crazy.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?
One day I picked up Confectionary merchantaineer. I thought well this is strange cause that's NEVER an assignment. Anyways my friend Taylor and I put stuffed Remy's on our shoulders and walked around the store. Little kids and parents thought it was adorable. A lot of people took pictures with us that day.

Also we magic momented a family that day by talking to them and learning about their family and their vacation. We gave the two daughters cake pops and cotton candy samples. Then the parents pulled out a signature book used for characters, but this book was a bit different. It was filled with cast members signatures and they wanted us to sign it and it was pretty awesome to know I was included in it.

What made you want to do the DCP?

Lizzie with me in the Confectionary!

I've been coming to Walt Disney World about every year since I was two years old. So I've been here a lot and obviously in love with everything Disney. But strangely I never thought that I could work here. So when I found out about the DCP I immediately jumped on the idea and wanted to do it as soon as I could.

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?
The thing I wish I'd known before my program is that you meet so many amazing people here that you never thought you'd meet. I thought that I'd make friends here but not with SUCH amazing people. These are people that you might be lifelong friends with and will always stay in contact with. Then the worst thing happens when your/their program ends and you have to say the hardest goodbyes. So please hangout with these people as much as possible. Make the most of your program with your friends and coworkers!!

What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role?
Just be ready for doing your job but have fun with it. You need to enjoy it. Otherwise its just another job. You need to make it memorable for you and the guests. By the energy at work you have and enjoying what you're doing.

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?
DO IT. You'll meet amazing people, work with amazing people, and just enjoy every second of it.

Lizzie is actually still doing the DCP! She extended through August in her same role, and plans to do a double extension that will last until December! As of now she plans on permanently residing on Florida to continue her schooling and further her career with Disney. Just shows how much the DCP can impact someone's life!

If you would like to ask Lizzie any questions, she has a blog right here that you can contact her with! If that doesn't work, you may leave comments below and I can ask her the questions 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!

Have a magical day everyone!