Interview a CP: Noelle (Animal Kingdom Custodial)

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

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

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

What was a typical day like at work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

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

What made you want to do the DCP?

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

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

After a "Harambe Nights" special event shift!

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

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

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

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

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

If you're a current or past college program cast member and would like to share your experience, email your name and role to thedisneyden@yahoo.com to participate!

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

Interview a CP: Nikki (Magic Kingdom Custodial)

Nikki in front of Be Our Guest during her last shift!

Imagine spending every day getting paid to walk and maintain the beauty and cleanliness of the wonderful Magic Kingdom. Nikki was able to do this during her program, and created some wonderful memories that she was kind enough to share with you!

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

I was custodial in Magic Kingdom east, which took care of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

What was a typical day like at work?

It depended if I was assigned to a restroom or on a streets shift. In a restroom, your only responsibilities are to keep it looking pretty much perfect; no toilet paper on the ground, no messes on the seats, making sure toilets are flushed, trash cans are emptied when they are full and keeping the water off the sinks. 

If I was in the streets, my day consisted of picking up trash off the ground and sweeping it into my pan, sweeping up popcorn at ninja-like speeds before guests can see it on the ground, and emptying trashcans assigned to my zone. In the streets you are also responsible for any codes that happen in your zone; Code V (vomit), Code H (feces), BBP clean up (blood), etc. If you are assigned to a zone with an attraction, you are also responsible for all trash cans inside the attraction, along with any codes that happen. It sounds like a really terrible job, but I promise it’s not. You have the most room for guest interaction, which leads to making magical moments! 

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

I said to the woman on the phone that I would gladly take any role, but when I got my email telling me I was Custodial, my heart dropped. I began to research it and everyone was telling nothing but horror stories and I dreaded it. Looking back on it now, I couldn’t have asked for a better role and when I move back down in August 2015 I’m applying for custodial part time. 

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

Obviously no one enjoys cleaning up codes, but Disney makes it really easy to clean any code...yay efficiency! I’d have to say that [cleaning up codes] was my least favorite part. My favorite part was hands down making magical moments. In custodial, your costume is universal throughout ALL of Walt Disney World. Because of this, if in order to make a magical moment you needed to go from Tomorrowland to Adventureland, you could, because your costume does not restrict you to a certain area. It’s great.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Gosh, I have so many. Ok here’s a good one. It was my last night of work, and I was crossing the bridge going to clock out after I had spent the day working in the Be Our Guest bathroom. I was sad for a number of reasons, as my program was ending, but I was really upset because I had not seen a single proposal during my program. It's pouring rain, and there's a couple leaving BOG, dancing in the rain, and running. Normally, I would have said something about them running, but whatever, last night of work, don't want my last guest interaction to be a negative one. The boyfriend slips and "falls" onto one knee, and proposes right there in the pouring rain. I stopped dead in my tracks and BURST into tears (oops). the girl said yes and a group of their friends came running from the Gaston area to congratulate them. I told one of their friends to make them stay put while I ran to The Fantasy Faire Gift Shop and explained to a manager what I saw. He gave me the bride and groom mickey ears for a magical moment. I went back, and told the couple that Belle and the Beast had been watching from the library and wanted to congratulate them on their engagement. I handed them the hats and the girlfriend started to cry. Her boyfriend explained that the whole trip she had been wanting a pair of Mickey ears but they couldn't let themselves pay over $20 for it. I took some pictures for them, crying the whole time, and told them it was my last night as a cast member. The couple took a picture with me, hugs all around, and then I went to clock out. Thinking about this makes me choke up every time, but I honestly could not have ended my program on a better note.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I’ve always been a huge fan of Disney. When I went in 2011 on my senior trip I asked a girl working at Pizza Planet how she got her job here, and she told me she was on the Disney College Program. I did my research once I got home and my mind was made up.

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

There is NO NEED to bring every article of clothing you own. I was working so much, I think I only did laundry like four times on the program because I barely wore street clothes. You don’t need 40 pairs of shoes, ladies! 

Nikki's "fan club" before the Electric Parade!

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

Don’t listen to the horror stories. Make the most of the role, and make as much magic as possible. The magical moments really outweigh the terrible days. 

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

I only went to one character audition, before my program, in Philadelphia. There was like 400 people there. I have a background in dance and theatre. I didn’t make it past the first round. I just wasn’t what they were looking for today. Don’t give up! If it’s really what you want, keep going, make big movements and get them to look at you without being obnoxious. The audition process was like this- I got there, they gave me a number. They called people in groups of 30. We learned a really simple dance combo, and then did it in two lines for the judges. After everyone was done the first round, they called  a bunch of numbers and said anyone who wasn’t called thank you, you may leave. My friends made it through to the next round and said the dance combo was a lot harder, and more advanced. One friend made it all the way to the end and got fitted for a wig, and had her pictures and measurements taken.

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

If you make it to the phone interview, know why you want to work for the company. I had a little script written out and knew what I wanted to say. Also, do not give up hope. I was denied four times until I was finally accepted. The DCP has been the best thing to ever happen to me and it was so worth the wait, because if I hadn’t gone on my specific program, I wouldn’t have met the people I met and my life wouldn’t be the way it is today. Keep moving forward, and never lose sight of your dreams!

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: Karlyne (Disneyland Custodial)

Karlyne (right) on her final day of training!

So far, the majority (well actually, all) of my interviews with past DCP alumni have been from cast members who participated in the college program in Walt Disney World in Florida. I was thrilled to get a message from Karlyne to learn about her experience in custodial while participating in the college program in Disneyland! Here's what she had to say:

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

I was a Day Custodian in Disneyland. I mainly worked in Tomorrowland, but just because that was my schedule preference! 

What was a typical day like at work?

I would clock in, where I got my location for the day. Usually, your schedule says your location, and either Trash, Sweeping, or Queues. Or it will say restrooms, and you'll find out your location when you arrive. I would then head to my location's locker and check in with my lead, and when my breaks were, or if I needed to go get a radio and keys for a ride. My hours were all over the place! I usually did Tomorrowland Trash, which was my favorite since it goes by very quickly.

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

This was actually my first choice! I was nervous about getting accepted since I had been denied twice. While I'm so happy I got in, I always wonder if I would have gotten in if my first choice was something else. My job was hard, but I was good at it, so I'm still happy I got it! I met a lot of people!

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

My Favorites:

• Pin trading! There were a lot of pin traders in my location, and I loved talking to them and trading with them.
• Freedom to explore! I went in so many strange places during work, like under the track of the Haunted Mansion, and in a random break room for Space Mountain, the basement of Star Tours, the parade building, the list goes on and on! As long as I got everything done, I had the freedom to chat with guests, find new areas in my location, etc! 
• Stormtroopers! This is a pretty specific one to me, but I got along really well with the wandering Stormtroopers in Tomorrowland. They would come and check inside my trash can, or bring me over to sweep something and pretend they were forcing me to. One time, they opened the lid to my can and I said "that's not the trash you're looking for." I got a lot of guests to laugh on that one. Maybe we got along because we both wore all-white?

Not-so-Favorites:

• Restrooms! I never actually had a restroom shift, but I did have to train. Not a fan. It's so fast paced and you have no freedom.
• The costumes! I am so envious of people that got to wear fun, themed costumes. And white shorts don't look good on anyone.
• Guests that assume I don't know the answers to their questions because I'm "just a custodian."

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Karlyne and her uncle, who used to be a Disney custodian!

About halfway through my program, I was sweeping the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters queue when I overheard a family talking about how sad they were that the line for Star Tours was so long. A few moments later, they struck up a conversation with me and I talked to them the whole way through the line as I swept. When they boarded, I quickly walked over to the Star Tours entrance and asked one of the greeters if he would help make a magical moment. After getting the ok, I hurried back over to greet the family at the exit for Buzz, and I took them up the VIP hallway and right on to Star Tours! They could not stop thanking me! I realized that once you’re a cast member, you are the one that makes the parks so magical, and that I wanted to keep making magic for a long time.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I was so unsure about what I wanted to study in school, so I knew this would show me what kind of opportunities are available. I assumed I would use the DCP on my resume to look good for other companies, but I realized that my career goals lie within the company! I'm applying for the WDW Fall 2014 program right now! 

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

I really wish I had worked out or physically prepared for my role. You're not only on your feet a lot, but you're walking constantly. As for the program in general, I really wish I had prepared for housing more. I didn't pick roommates ahead of time, and I brought way too much stuff. 

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

Prepare yourself physically, and wear sunscreen every day! And don't be afraid to ask for help. Make friends with your fellow cast members! While you do work independently mostly, you'll want people to hang out with at the locker. And try every location at least once! 

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

If it's the right time in your life, just apply! It's worth putting school on hold. And remember that every role is a starring role! If you think the jobs available won't help with your major, you're wrong! It will help in ways you won't even realize! Good luck to those currently applying, or those thinking about 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!

Interview a CP: Jake (Hollywood & Blizzard Beach Custodial)

Jake (left) and some coworkers at Studios!

Jake is another one of my close friends that I made during my program. I've mentioned him before in stories with meeting characters and going to Typhoon Lagoon. I consider him one of my best friends now, and I'm pretty jealous he was able to extend his program through August. He enjoyed the program so much, he'll be applying to do the Spring 2014 term and do it all over again! Here's what he had to say about his experience:

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

My role for the Spring Program was custodial at Disney's Hollywood Studios. After I extended my program from May-August, I was transferred from Disney's Hollywood Studios to Disney's Blizzard Beach Waterpark, in the same role.

What was a typical day like at work?

At Hollywood Studios, you would get to work, clock in, grab your keys and walkie (if it was available to you),  and listen to Track Talk (a discussion we have every day from our coordinators and leaders). If you're scheduled to work restrooms, you have a partner. If you're scheduled to work streets, you are all alone! In the beginning of the program, I was always scheduled restrooms, but was soon a streets worker. Personally, I love working streets because you see and experience more. Who makes magical moments in the restroom? Seriously... I've also come to realize that guys are usually Streets more than girls since there were more guys than girls. In the restroom, you have to clean, make it smell decent, make sure your supplies are stocked, and that your trash is low. When in streets, you're basically walking around all day long! Depending in what area you are at, depends on how bored you will be all day. The park does die in certain areas later in the day, so you could either be lucky, or very unfortunate to where you'll get so bored, that you'll go in a stock closet and play on your phone until it dies, and then you realize you really are screwed! But making sure your cans are empty the end of the day, responding to your calls for BBP's (Bloodborne Pathogens), Code V (vomit), or Code H (poop) is all you really have to do. The managers and coordinators are really nice, easy going, and understanding. They will help you out with anything.

In Blizzard Beach, it was different. You clock in, grab an assignment, and do that role to the best of your ability. Depending on when you clock in, when you get your assignment, and who did what before you, is what determines your day. We use the computer system (CDS - Cast Deployment System)  to get our assignments. You could either be assigned to a position, you could be a breaker, or you could be a tasker. Rarely was I restrooms. There are only 4 restrooms in Blizzard Beach. So usually the part timers and full timers get those. If you're assigned to a position, you stay in that area, and do your job. If you're a breaker, you get an assignment, and call people over the radio to tell them to go on break, and watch over their area until they come back 15-30 minutes later. If you're tasking, your assignment is just small easy stuff all day long, usually around 15 minutes to an hour long.

The difference in custodial between DHS and Blizzard Beach:

• At Blizzard Beach, you walk around with Pickers (the bucket is optional), while at DHS, you carry around a pan and broom.
• At DHS, you work more hours, and stay later. At Blizzard, you work lesser or the same amount of hours, but never exceed beyond 9:30pm.
• At Blizzard, their code for poop, is an "AFR" (Accidental Fecal Release), and if any of the codes happen on a slide or in the water, lifeguards or slide ops clean it.

Jake and his Mickey water art at Blizzard Beach!

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

I wanted to be in the program so badly, I took the role and said it was one of my top choices. Even though I requested Attractions and Transportation as my number one and two, I got custodial which was my number three. I wasn't really looking forward to being a custodian, but I am very happy I got the job. I enjoyed the majority of my time! No one really wants to clean, but we were actually well respected by fellow cast members and by guests, because we have the courage and ability to do something they're afraid to do.

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

My favorite:

• I loved making magical moments or working Custodial Fantasmic Shifts! Those were the best, because you're watching the show, and barely doing the job.
• I love working the Tower of Terror area, because even though I was not working Tower of Terror, once I entered the area, I helped make the show by playing the part. I was grumpy, I was mysterious, creepy, and I have death stares to a lot of people. Even though I looked like just an average bored custodian, inside I was happy I could help.
• At BB, I can honestly say the only things I liked were when the international tour groups came and wore their exotic bikinis, the short hours, getting off work early, most of my coworkers, and going to the top of the mountain and feeling the breeze from the observation deck. 

My least favorite:

• At BB, everything else!
• At Studios, why do guests wait to leave the park and throw up on the bus? It's hard to clean inside the bus. Especially since the bus driver doesn't know crap, and throws VoBan (vomit cleaner) on it and stinks up the bus even more.
• I hate when I'm changing the bags in a trash can, I clearly pull the trash bin out of the trash can, and yet, a guest is oblivious, and throws their trash in the trash can. Dumb guests, really. 

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

At Hollywood Studios, a little girl lost her Rapunzel doll. I found it and instead of turning it into lost and found, something told me to hold onto it. While I was walking around sweeping, a little girl was crying with her mom and as I passed by, I stopped asking if there was anything I could do to help. Her mom told me there was nothing I could do, her daughter lost her Rapunzel doll. After hearing the news, I said to myself, "Did this really just happen?" As I pulled the doll out of my pouch, the little girls face lit up! She instantly stopped crying, she showed her mom her doll and gave me the biggest hug I might have ever been given. Day made!

What made you want to do the DCP?

Jake and me at graduation!

Back when I was little, I was always fascinated by Disney. Every child was! But growing up as the youngest in my family, I experienced a lot more than my brother and sister. My moms side of the family has always been performers as long as I can remember. My cousin, Chet, did the college program around 1995. Since he did it, he's always worked for Disney. When he finished at Disney, he would work on cruise ships, move to New York for Broadway, and ultimately kept coming back to Disney. He was even one of the first people to play Crush in the Finding Nemo Musical in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I grew up knowing my cousin was a Disney performer. He is my idol and hero, and since I was little, I've always wanted to do what he has done. When he told me about the college program back when I was in 8th grade, I set my heart and goals to do the program! Time went by very slowly within those years.

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

I wish I would have known, do not get in a relationship. Especially in the beginning if the program. The rest of your program will make you miserable if you two break up. A relationship in Disney is not real. It's a fantasy. What do you do on dates? Disney parks? Fireworks? Cliche stuff! Once you leave Disney, how would you be able to compete on the other dates? You could never top them! Plus, being in a relationship, doesn't really make you enjoy work.

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

Try to endure the training, it's boring and you'll be miserable being taught how to clean, but when you finally finish and are on your own, you'll be happier. Also, when you're at Traditions, do not play on your phone or text someone, your phone will die and you'll never be able to charge it.

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

Apply! Apply! Apply!

It'll be one of the best decisions of your life! You'll love it! You will meet some of the most amazing people of your life!

If you'd like to contact Jake about his program, his role, or anything else, you can find him on Twitter and Facebook!

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: Stephanie (Hollywood Studios Custodial)

Stephanie and her best friend at work!

Custodial is one of those roles that people originally think negatively about, but honestly I've heard a lot of people say they really enjoyed their experience in this role! Stephanie is one of them, and I'm glad she could share about her experience for you!

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

I was a custodian at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

What was a typical day like at work?

I got to work in the afternoon, where I would clock in and find out which restroom or streets zone I would be in for the day.  Then after Track Talk (a discussion with our mid-shift managers and coordinators about park hours, show times, and who the closing leaders would be), I would get my keys and other equipment that I would need for the day.  If I was cleaning restrooms that day (which I mostly always was), my partner and I would walk to our spot to find our openers and get our radios from them.  If I was streets, I would normally get my radio from the Keepers' Klubhouse and then head out to my area.  For the rest of the day, it's cleaning, cleaning, cleaning until the park closes and the second Fantasmic! show lets out.

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

The first time I applied for the DCP, custodial wasn't even in my Top 5 (although that was what I was initially accepted for).  However, for this second application, custodial actually was my top choice and I'm glad it happened that way!

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

FAVORITE THINGS:

--My coworkers.  I love my coworkers so much.  They're the best people I ever could have asked for to work with.  We all click so well with each other that I'm sure guests around us wonder who the crazy people working for Disney are.

--The freedom.  My managers and coordinators are so easy-going about everything.  As long as we get our job done, then they don't have a problem with us.

--Knowing my schedule before it's actually posted.  I'll never work before noon and my clock-out time will be an hour and 15 minutes after second Fant starts or 45 minutes after EMH is over.

--The independence.  This goes along with the freedom thing, but there are days when I want to be myself and do my own thing.  I totally can do that and no one will question me.

LEAST FAVORITE THINGS:

--Training.  Don't get me wrong, training was a lot of fun and I love the woman who trained me, but it was only for two days (then there was an assessment and then Shadow Day).  Trust me, I was not ready to be on my own after only four days of preparation.  I'm much better now, but it was scary at first.

--Guests.  Every Cast Member has those days where they come home amazed at how awful people can be.  Custodians just seem to have more of those days than most CM's......

--International tour groups.  They get their own mention because they're uniquely awful.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Being a custodian who works mostly inside restrooms doesn't give a lot of opportunity for magical moments, but I have had a couple.

One time, I was cleaning my restroom and a grandmother and her two grandkids (one boy and one girl) walked in.  There was no one else inside, so I was able to hear a little bit of their conversation.  (Actually, all I could hear was the fact that they were speaking French.)  When the three of them left the stall to walk to the sinks, the grandmother started talking to me in perfect English.  I turned to the two kids (the boy was about four, the girl was probably two) and the grandmother said, "Oh, they only speak French."  I smiled at her and knelt down to get on the kids' level and asked them in near-perfect French how their day was going and what their favorite part had been thus far.  At first, the kids looked to the older woman, probably wondering if they should answer the weird lady in the bathroom who was speaking French, but she nodded and smiled at them and they answered me.  I ended up talking to them for a good five minutes and the grandmother thanked me when they finally left.  It felt really good talking to a couple of little kids in their language, especially when I kind of surprised them that I could.  (I didn't wear the language flag on my name tag because I was too lazy to get one.  And I'm horrible at giving directions in French, but that's a different story.)

Stephanie and her "twins"

What made you want to do the DCP?

The epitome of my field of study in college is working for ESPN at some point in your career.  (I'm a broadcast journalism major with a double major in sports management.  Ask me about sports and I'm your girl.)  The DCP was merely a way to get my foot in the door of the very large Walt Disney Company.  Even though being a custodian is very far removed from the Stats & Information department at ESPN (my practical dream job), just having this on my résumé shows that I've worked for the Company before, so I know how some things work.

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

I was fortunate enough to have a friend back home who had done the program three separate times, so I went to her when my parents had questions and concerns that I couldn't answer.  I'm a pretty independent person and I don't mind going into things without any background knowledge at all.  In fact, I prefer to figure things out on my own and in the moment then plan it all down to the exact second.

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

--DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP!!!!  We've all been there, we've all done that.  In fact, if you ask nicely, we might even impart some of our knowledge and wisdom free of charge.

--Don't be "That Guy".  You may have survived training, but you still don't know everything yet.  Act humble for a little bit.  Do your job exactly as your trainer taught you.  Go on break for as long as you're supposed to.  I'm basically telling you to act like a newbie.  It won't kill you.  (If you do this, the CP's who are just about to finish their programs will love you. Trust me.)

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

Apply first and see where that gets you.  Life may give you something better to do instead (that's what happened to me when I applied the first time), but at least you gave yourself the option to do the DCP.  The program will always be there (until the semester after you graduate from college that is).  You need to make the right decision for you first and foremost.

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!