MY BOOK IS PUBLISHED!!!!

I'm so ridiculously excited to announce that my book, "Sara Earns Her Ears" has officially been published and is now available on Amazon!!

For those of you who don't know, "Sara Earns Her Ears" is about my experience living and working in Florida in the Disney College Program. A publisher from Theme Park Press found my blog and asked if I could contribute to his series about people who participated in the DCP. I simply couldn't refuse.

Thank you so much for everyone who has supported me through this crazy experience and journey. I can't believe I can actually say I'm a published author!!

You can purchase a copy of "Sara Earns Her Ears" now on Amazon, both in print and on Kindle!

Feel free to leave a review on Amazon as well if you purchase a copy, and make sure you check out the other books in the "Earns Their Ears" series!

Interview a CP: Rachel (Caribbean Beach QSFB)

Some college program participants have the opportunity to work in more than one location, possibly in more than one role (after extending). Rachel had the rare opportunity to help open Disney's newest resort, Art of Animation! Here's what she had to say about her experience:

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

I started my program doing Quick Service Food and Beverage at Caribbean Beach and then later on went onto being on the opening team at Art Of Animation. Later on I had the opportunity to switch roles and then went onto working on Main Street USA at The Emporium in Magic Kingdom. 

What was a typical day like at work?

Typical day doing QSFB consisted of me waking up at 5 AM and catching the early bus to work. Clock in at 6 AM and either be in a specific area of the food court or on register or cleaning and I was usually out by 12:30 PM and had the entire day off. Something went for working at Art Of Animation and working at Magic Kingdom, was a whole different story. I usually went into work anywhere from 3 PM to 11 PM and work through the night and the latest I went home was between 4 and 6 AM. 

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

Starting off doing QSFB, that was the role I originally wanted because I was a culinary student. When I went onto doing merch, I originally wanted Attractions but due to health problems and restrictions I had to kiss that role goodbye. But it worked out in the end, I found out I would have worked on Splash Mountain (I hate that ride) if I did attractions. 

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

Favorite parts? Just making magic for guests. Theres honestly too many things that were my favorite.

Least favorite? Early hours, cranky guests, etc.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Actually this was from my very last day on my program. A family came into the Emporium looking for a warm outfit for their daughter who had an accident. I showed them their options (which was just a pair of leggings) that were in their budget range. The mother really wanted to get the sweatpants but was upset because they couldn't afford them. I went over to my leader and asked for a no strings for an outfit. Once I got the approval from my leader, I went and got the sweatpants and matching hoodie and packed them in a bag and told the family to have a good night and enjoy their vacation. I didn't think expect to see the family again but I was wrong. The husband came back at the end of the Wishes wave and came looking for me. He found me and just thanked me and gave me a huge hug. He told me that they're vacation so far was terrible and people were rude and nasty and they were getting ready to just give up and go home early. I gave him my name and he got my picture and spoke to my other leader (who didn't witness the magical moment earlier). Before he left he turned back to me and said "It's people like you that make this place a better place for people to enjoy. Thank you so much for what you did for my little girl and she will never forget this trip". Till this day I still cry when I talk about it or think about it. Its moments like those that made my job worth the year that I spent. 

What made you want to do the DCP?

Actually a classmate of mine in my baking class would not stop talking about his experience because he just came back from participating in his program. As he went on about it, I researched it more and more and decided to apply on a whim. I pended for a month and found out I was officially moving to Florida four days after Thanksgiving. 

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

I wish someone would have told me how much I would miss Disney when I left. No one prepared me for the weeks of crying because I missed seeing the busses to get to the parks, or go park hopping or even just going to hang out at the parks with friends. No one prepared me for that. 

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

Be prepared for early early mornings and late nights. 

Rachel and her friend Sabrina!

Any advice for the character performer audition? What should someone expect when they audition?

I only tried out for the characters once for Star Wars weekends and it was extremely competitive. Make sure you come looking your best beyond the Disney look book and always make sure that you smile and look like you're having fun at all times. 

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

Dont second guess it, just apply. It will literally change your entire life for the better. You'll meet people from all over the world, you have the opportunity to take Disney classes and learn while you work. And who could ever say no to free admission to the parks?! Getting to live on your own is fun too and I never lived on my own before the program and I loved the peace and quiet and bonding with my roommates. But enjoy ever single moment and don't take it for granted. 

P.S: I even ran my very first 5K at Disney and it inspired me to want to run more 5ks and I hopefully will be doing my first half marathon in the future!

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!

One Year Ago Today..

Today marks exactly one year since I was originally hired into the Walt Disney Company. One year ago today, I was boarding a bus to Traditions with my roommate Bethany to become an official member of the Disney family. I was anxious, excited, and overall overjoyed to finally have the opportunity and experience that I've been waiting for a very long time.

Since then, I finished my entire Disney College Program and my time with the Walt Disney World Resort. I worked in Captain Cook's in the beautiful Polynesian Resort, as well as the Grand Floridian and Art of Animation. I made amazing friends from all over the globe, and made memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

After a few months off over the summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the Disney family once again, but this time in my home state. I was hired on September 21st, 2013 as an attractions cast member in Disney California Adventure, and currently reside in Monstropolis at Monsters Inc., Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! I've also played along with Pixar characters during the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! parade, as well as experienced the magic of World of Color multiple times in one night. Spending New Years Eve at work during World of Color: Winter Dreams with all of my amazing coworkers that are quickly turning into a family was absolutely incredible, and I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for me!

I still pinch myself over the fact that this is my life. I can't even comprehend the fact that I'm going to be published and am currently writing a book about my experience with Disney so far. I have nothing but amazing things to say about my journey with the company, and I will always and forever be grateful for all of the opportunities that have been blessed in my life. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this experience so magical and incredible, without you none of this would have been possible.

Here's to many more years to come!

DCP Alumni Survey (Vlog)

Found this fun survey from Kaela's vlog, and decided to share my answers with you!

Survey Questions:

1. Name/age on the program/when you did the program
2. Did you live in Vista Way, Chatham Square, Patterson Court or The Commons?
3. Did you get along with all of your roommates?
4. Where did you work?
5. What was the best thing about working there?
6. What was the worst thing about working there?
7. Who was your favorite manager?
8. Were you friends with your coworkers?
9. Was there anyone you would have liked to hook up with/date?
10. How did you meet your best friends on the program?
11. Did you ever have a guest get mad at you?
12. Did you ever get a reprimand?

YOUR FAVORITES
Park:
Parade:
Hollywood Studios show:
Nighttime show:
Land in MK:
Country in World Showcase:
Top 5 favorite attractions: (Woops forgot to do this one)

DID YOU EVER...
Eat at the Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre?
Go on Carousel of Progress?
Ride Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover?
Take any Disney classes?
Take the bus?
Do anything you're not supposed to on a ride?

Would you ever consider moving to Orlando?
Would you ever do another college program?
Would you ever do a professional internship?
Are you glad you did the program?

Happy new year everyone!

Interview a CP: Valentina (All Star Music QSFB)

Valentina and Minnie!

Valentina participated in the DCP during Spring Advantage 2012! Unlike many other food and beverage cast members that I previously interviewed, Valentina actually worked mornings most of the time at her resort. Read on to hear about her experience!

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

I was quick service food and beverage, and I worked at the Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music!

What was a typical day like at work?
I would normally start between five and seven am. If I started at five, 5:30, or six, I had to open one of the different areas we had (pizza, grill, specialty, bakery, waffles, beverage island or market), which basically just meant getting everything ready for the breakfast hours. We were usually pretty busy between six and eleven am, but after that it was basically pretty slow for the rest of the day because all of the guests had already left for the park. At eleven we switched to lunch, so if you were in pizza, grill, specialty or bakery, you had to do changeover, which meant spending the morning getting the lunch things ready. Depending on the length of my shift, I'd be off around 11-12 or 2-3. 

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?
It wasn't even in my top five. Or ten. But I did learn a lot and while there were a lot of ups and downs during my CP, overall I had a good experience.

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

Valentina and some friends at Typhoon Lagoon!

My favourite part was working in the grill! That's where we did pancakes and French toast in the morning, and burgers and chicken nuggets for lunch. It was always very fast-paced, and shifts there went by super quickly! I also really liked specialty, because the salad bar was really fun to work. My least favourite part was having to work so early — I felt like I was constantly missing out on hanging out with my roommates and doing fun things because I had to be up at three or four am.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

The only thing I can think of is our area magical moment. I knew about magical moments before I started working at Disney, so I asked my trainer on one of my first days about it! What we did was called "Chef of the Day," where we picked a kid who was eating in the food court to be our chef of the day, asked him or her what flavour of ice cream they wanted and got them every topping in the house so they could make their own sundae!

 What made you want to do the DCP?
It was a total stroke of fate! I got an email in October of 2011 telling me applications were open, when I'd never signed up for any email alert, list or anything of the sort. Regardless, I went with my instinct and applied and it was the best decision I ever made!

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

I wish I'd been more selective with the roles I wanted when I applied, because I could have gotten a different role if that were the case.

All Star Music costume!

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

Be prepared to work a lot harder than you think you will, and for really weird hours because when you work resort F&B, you're either am or pm and you either start working really early or get off work really late!

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

DO IT!!! It was the best experience I had and I'm so glad I did it. Do what you can to get here because it'll be worth it, and when you're here, make the most out of it. Don't forget that it's not always going to be perfect, and you'll have days when you'll want to go home, but at the end of the day, you'll be working in the happiest place on earth and doesn't that make everything a little better?

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: Erin (Outdoor Foods)

Erin working at the Spectacle of Dancing Lights!

QSFB has two basic sub-roles that cast members can be a part of: quick service restaurants (what I did), and outdoor vending. I've had some questions about outdoor vending before, and since I didn't actually take part in that role, I didn't have very many answers. Thankfully, Erin sent me an email saying that she had been a part of the program in outdoor foods! 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 given the role of QSFB but when I got to casting I found out I would be working outdoor foods at Hollywood Studios. I could work at any of the outdoor carts around the park that sold items like ice cream (bars and soft serve), frozen drinks, popcorn, pretzels/churros, funnel cakes or even hotdogs at Herbies. ODF also included vending at Fantasmic. Oh...and I was there in 2012 for Fall Advantage!

What was a typical day like at work?

There were typically one of two possible schedules:

- An opening day would usually start around 10:30 where our shift would start with a meeting about the expected weather for the day, park capacity, and any new information about products or prices. We would then pick up our assignment on CDS (the park was split into 3 zones – Backlands, Icon, and Sunset and we would be assigned a zone on our schedule everyday but throughout that day we could work at any or all of the carts within that zone). After learning what we would be opening we would grab anything that needed to be taken out with us – like fruit, R2D2 steins, cups, or whatever the closers might have forgotten. All that stuff would go in a dolly and then we had to go get the register/count the money, the radio, and allergy book. Since I couldn't walk through the parks alone with the money I would have to wait for a stocker to come take me out and help me open. Most carts would be open around 11:15.

-A closing shift would start around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. It would start like a regular shift by getting an assignment and taking over whatever is next – usually someone else’s bump-out or break. You would usually find yourself at whatever cart you had to close after your break. And that place would close about an hour before we were scheduled to get off. A stocker would come out to help us close and walk us and our money back. Before we left we would have to take inventory of everything in our cart and bring the counts back with us to find out what the reload would be. We were one of the lucky parks and our GTs would count our money for us, we just had to sort the receipts based on “credit cards/room charges” or if they paid with a “snack plan.” Then if we were closing a soda/ice cream cart we would have to take all the bottles out and count them and then reload what we took out, plus whatever we needed to get the cart up to par. Popcorn and soft serve ice cream carts had to be cleaned. Popcorn machines had to be emptied and all the oil/butter wiped out. And the ice cream machines had to be drained, disassembled, and cleaned out. At first it was a pain and took forever, but if you work in certain carts often enough it became routine and you figure out shortcuts to help get it done faster.

-During the day some places would be busier than others. It was always a good day if you picked up a place that had 2 people working at it so when you did have down time you had somebody to talk to. And I actually liked working outside because there was always something going on in the park. The biggest things during the day were: we only got one break, sometimes it did get really hot (or cold), and we had to worry about constantly getting new product. Every 20-30 minutes, new popcorn had to be popped and if you were at a pretzel cart you had to call back to pretzel kitchen when you were running low on product.

-Then there was Fantasmic....it was always a fun, easy shift. It started around 4, you get your break right away, and then the coordinators hand out assignments (I always worked register or filler in a food pad. Nobody wanted to get vending, because you had to be able to count all the change in your head. We were give an hour and a half to set up. Doors opened an hour and a half before the first show and the food pads would close during the actual show. Since the second show is never that busy, most of the time the smaller food pad on the far end would close and you would get to go home early.

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

I actually did not want QSFB. I had it as low interest. I wanted attractions, character attendant or merchandise. However, I ended up loving my job, so it worked out for the best. Working with food at Disney is much better than working food anywhere else.

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

Favorite:  It sounds cliché, but the people were amazing. I met some of my best friends through my job. And not just the people I worked with, but all the employees at studios were so nice all the time. I even was able to become friends with some of the guys in Mulch, Sweat, and Shears and the 4 main cast members of the Hollywood Studios Film Crew. And I even enjoyed being outside. I got to work in the middle of a Disney park. I would spend my days singing and doing the choreography to the parade and Disney Channel Rocks (RIP Studios entertainment), The Beauty and the Beast stage show, and Mulch, Sweat, and Shears. And when I worked Fantasmic I got to watch the show! Plus....I got a lot of free food. If a pretzel cart had a lot of leftovers the managers let us eat them and I got a few free Mickey Bars and on my last day I got a cup full of soft serve ice cream and toppings.

Least favorite: CLOSING SUCKED SO MUCH. It would take AGES. I can’t even remember how many times I clocked out late because closing took forever. And it was very tiring. Especially unloading and reloading the soda wagons. Towards the end of the program we all had zones we worked at pretty much everyday, mine was Backlands. Which at first I hated because everyones least favorite place (the giant coke bottle) was part of that. But I eventually became a pro at closing Herbies so I would get put there all the time, which I didn’t mind closing. I could do it in 20 minutes.

Erin performing with Mulch, Sweat and Shears!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

I had magical moments every day. Studios was the one park where we were encouraged and required to give away free food every day. So it was fun to be able to make someone’s day in such a simple way. I had my personal favorite people to magical moment – I loved a nice old couple to surprise, or a family with a lot of kids, and especially young children who would order by themselves and were really polite. A few stand outs were I was talking to a nice family right before the park closed. And there was a high school girl who was asking me about the program and if I like it and what I do. Her whole family was nice so I gave them free ice cream sandwiches and they were floored and right before they left the girl told me I inspired her to do the program. Another one was I was at Peevy’s where we do frozen beverages with one of my best friends working with me. And we had a bride and her family (no groom) and gave her a free drink to congratulate her on her nuptials. Her whole family was like OMG and we were like where is the groom?! You have to bring him by later. SO sure enough about an hour later we hear “ERIN AND MANDY! THIS IS *grooms name*” So we gave him a free drink of his choice and they told us we made their entire vacation. And my favorite moment was more of a magical moment for me. I was having a long day and it was really hot and I was kind of cranky and this little 5 year old girl and her mom come up, order ice cream, and pay and the mom says, “What do you say?” and the little girl looked at me and said “Thank you so much for working hard all day so kids like me can have fun in the park.” I almost cried on the spot. It turned my entire day around. Not all kids are spoiled brats at Disney.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I did the program because I wanted to do something big. I was tired of just sitting at college and I wanted to go out and make a difference. I wanted to try something new that other people don’t get to do. Plus Disney has always been my favorite.

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

 I wish I knew how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. I wasn’t expecting to make such good friends. Leaving and having to say goodbye to everyone was the hardest thing I have had to do. Especially because everyone lives all over the world. Not just the country, the world. But it does give an excuse to travel.  Also, I wished I believed people when they said the winter months actually get cold. I was freezing. I wish I brought more jeans and jackets.

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

Don’t go into the job with a negative attitude. A lot of people were upset about getting stuck in food and it ruined the experience for them. The job isn’t bad. It is what you make it. Also...buy comfy shoes. The first 3 weeks my feet have never been in so much pain from standing all day. Be prepared to work hard. ODF is not an easy job, it is physically demanding. And MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE STOCKERS AND COORDINATORS. If the stockers like you they will be more likely to show up to your cart early and actually help you close or open or unload you cart backstage. And if coordinators like you, they will give you an ER. And let you close places that you actually like to close. I even had coordinators that would help me clean. You don’t want coordinators to hate you.

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

I would say be prepared to work. During the holidays most people only get one day off. Also, a lot of people self term because they thought it would just be playing in the parks all day. Don’t go and make stupid decisions like underage drinking in the apartments. YOU WILL GET CAUGHT AND FIRED. If you don’t plan on taking the program seriously, don’t do it. You are taking a chance away from someone else who actually wants to be there and follow the rules. Don’t be selfish. Really think about it.

If you would like to contact Erin about her role or the program, you can find her on these sites:

Twitter: @Rinny92DANCE

Tumblr: rinny92faithtrustpixiedust

Have a magical day everyone!

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: Rebecca (ABC Commissary)

Rebecca at work with some special guests!

Rebecca was one of my closest friends during my College Program. She was actually my one and only Blog of the Month way back when, and made some appearances in my DCP Experience Vlog! She worked in my favorite park, and I'm super happy that she was able to share about her experience with all of you!

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


I worked in Quick Service Food and Beverage at ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios. I really loved my area and enjoyed the role a lot more than I had expected to!

What was a typical day like at work?


A typical day for me at work was working a little after opening until close. ABC opens up two hours after Hollywood Studios opens, so when the park opens at 9, we open at 11. I would usually start around 11:30. Closing varied every day. ABC closes half an hour before park close. So whenever there is EMH (Extra Magic Hours) the park would be open later, resulting in ABC also being open later. The Studios usually had about 3-4 different closing times a week, so I would get off anywhere from 8:30 to 10:00 pm. CP’s pretty much ALWAYS close the restaurant, which means I would get off at park close. I would usually work 8-9.5 hour shifts, 5-6 days a week. Once in a while a rare 6 hour shift is thrown in to my schedule, from 4-10. But I would almost always trade for a longer shift, just because on days that I was working, I would rather work longer and get paid more.  The busses for DHS ran about every 35 minutes, and from Chatham to DHS it was a 45 minute bus ride, so it was a hit or miss on how early I would have to get to work. I.E., if my start time was 10:30 one day, I would have to catch the bus around 9 to get to work by 9:45. If I wait for the 9:31 bus, I would get to the CP bus stop at 10:15, which would be cutting it pretty close to get to work. But if I started at 10:45 the next day, I could take the 9:31 bus and have plenty of time. After I got off at the bus stop outside of cast services, I would usually get a new costume for work, since costuming is right inside the cast service building for DHS. If I had at least a half an hour to kill before work, I would always get a new costume. It’s also a lot more comfortable to wear regular clothes on the bus to work and then change in the dressing rooms. Then I would cut back stage to ABC (I LOVED being able to walk through streets of America to get to work!), drop my stuff of in my locker, then walk to the CDS computer to clock in. ABC is a unique location, as we also share the same building as Sci-Fi Dine In Theater. So, we share a back kitchen, a GT, etc. I was able to meet people from a new location right in my area right away! Once I was clocked in, CDS would give me an assignment. 

During my time at ABC, I was able to do basically every job there. Options were: Fryer (frying the fries, chicken nuggets, shrimp, and fish—I hated this at first because the baskets were so heavy and I would always burn myself. I have 4 scars on my arms from being on fryer……my friend from work calls them Mickey Marks), Kitchen Assistant (running the food from the fryer to the line), Grill (grilling burgers and chicken), Stocker (keeping everything stocked up everywhere in the restaurant—this is the only job I was never assigned to. Although I did close stocking twice), Line/Wells, which entails of three positions: Anchor (putting plates on trays, putting together kids meals and sending them down the line), Middle (Putting the burgers, chicken sandwiches together, fish and shrimp platters and putting lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions on the sides of sandwiches) and Window (putting fries on the plates and sending the food to counter), Toaster (toasting buns for both sides of the line), Salads (hand tossing all of the salads ordered for the whole restaurant…..this was a high stress job but I was beast at it! If the restaurant was slow toaster and salads would be done by the same person), Counter (carrying the food from counter to the guest at their counter), Drink Filler 1 (Making all of the drinks), Drink Filler 2 (running the drinks and desserts to the guests), Cash (taking guest’s orders), Condiments (filling both sides of the condiment bars---keeping all of the sauces filled, plasticware filled, etc), Bussing/Trash (bussing tables and taking out trash---my least favorite job), and the best, Prep (getting to be in the back with a few friends getting everything ready for the next day—like making the burger/chicken set ups with lettuce and tomato, or making salad dressing, making power pack kids meals, or anything of that sort). 

In order to close the restaurant one person was assigned to each position to close. We have half an hour to close our position so everyone can go home. I was pretty fast at closing, so I would stick around to help anyone else close their position.

Rebecca with the VP of Animal Kingdom!

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

Not even close! Even in the interview I was asked questions about attractions, lifeguarding, and PhotoPass. QSFB was one of my picks for little or no interest, so I was skeptical to take it. Especially since I had never worked with food before and I had heard horror stories about getting that role. Honestly, the job isn’t anything special. But the people who worked with me and the guests that I got to interact with made my experience. I was very happy I got it, and ultimately I decided to stay seasonal with Disney after my program. I ended up getting a job as campus rep for my university, so now that is my status instead of seasonal.

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

My favorite parts of the job were definitely the people I had the chance to work with, and my location. Where else do you get to walk through a Disney park every day to go to work! Working at ABC is like living a soap opera. I made some of my closest friends there, and there was always some sort of drama going on, and most of the time, it was very entertaining. I loved being on register and getting to interact with guests, and I really grew to love working in the kitchen, making salads or running the line. My least favorite parts of the job were definitely bussing and counter. Because who wants to pick up trash? Yeah, you do get to talk to guests. But most of the time they are focused on eating and want you to clean up after them. I also hate being on counter, because then everything that goes wrong through a guest’s perspective is placed on you.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?


My favorite magical moment happened around St. Patrick’s day. At ABC, we don’t usually get to do very many magical moments, as the guest flow is always very constant and busy, not allowing us very much extra time to do things. This particular day it was fairly slow, and I was put on outdoor bussing. (I would much rather be outside than inside—less tables and more people to talk to!) A 10 year old boy and his dad were sitting at a table outside. We started talking, and I learned that his birthday was the following week and that they were celebrating it! It was his first time at Disney, and his family didn’t know about the buttons, so I would have never known it was his birthday otherwise. If you have ever been to a Disney park while wearing a birthday button, you know that you do get treated a bit more special. So, I told the family that I would be right back. I ran inside, got one of the special St. Patrick’s Day Mickey cupcakes, and brought it out and sang the boy happy birthday. He was so happy, getting a hug from him was so special! By this point his mom had come out with the food and she took a picture of us together. I made sure they got a Birthday button for him so he could show off what they were celebrating!

What made you want to do the DCP?


I have always loved Disney all my life. I grew up in Michigan, and my family never took trips to the parks until we moved to Florida when I was in 8^th grade. From then on I loved learning about the history of Disney and visiting the parks. I was a senior in high school when I found out about the college program, and knew I would eventually want to do it while I was in college! During the fall of my freshman year I applied just for the heck of it, figuring I wouldn’t get in since I was a freshman. But then four days after my phone interview, I got the email saying  I was accepted!

Me and Rebecca on her last day in the parks!

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


I wish I knew how much you really work, and how hard it can be some times. I figured we would have tons of time to play in the parks and do things around Orlando. Also, you can’t expect to find the guy of your dreams during the DCP. More than likely if you get involved with someone you’ll just end up with a broken heart, because the relationship won’t go past the program (trust me, I found out the hard way).

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


Expect long and hard hours, and dealing with hangry (hungry+angry) people who have been outside in the parks all day, waiting in lines for rides who don’t want to wait longer than 2 minutes for food. But the experience is definitely worth it.

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

Be willing to take advantage of any free time you have to spare. You don’t have much of it, so spend time with friends (because you’ll make some of the best friends of your life). Go to the parks after work, even if you’re tired and it’s only open for a few more hours. After you left, you’ll be glad you have some crazy pictures or that you got to go on a ride another time, or see Wishes AGAIN. You’ll miss it after you leave. Also, be willing that real life happens. Maybe you don’t get in the first time you apply—that’s ok, you’re just not meant to do it right then. Keep applying, because I wish that everyone got to experience one college program during their college career.  

If you have any questions for Rebecca about her experience or her role, you can find her on Twitter and sometimes on Tumblr! I can also ask her questions for you if you cannot reach her on these sites.

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!