DCP Reunion Part Two: MAGIC KINGDOM

The second day in the parks during my trip back to Florida brought us to a beautiful day in Magic Kingdom! It was wonderful to be back for the first time in two years, and so great to see Festival of Fantasy for the first time!

Enjoy!

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Have a magical day!

Interview a CP: Olivia (Tomorrowland Attractions)

Olivia (middle) and her Speedway friends!

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

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

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

What was a typical day like at work?

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

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

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

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

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

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

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

What made you want to do the DCP?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope everyone has a magical day!

Interview a CP: Alyssa (Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid)

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

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

What was a typical day like at work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

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

What made you want to do the DCP?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope everyone has a magical day!

Interview a CP: 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: 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: 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!

A Musical Journey Through Magic Kingdom

Source

I'm the kind of Disney fan who's obsessed with soundtracks and music from the parks. Various park music loops playing in the background can actually create a neat atmosphere (and cure some nostalgia) as I either do homework, write, or just kind of hang around my apartment.

Sometimes it's hard to find decent videos or audio tracks of the theme park music online, but I recently found a playlist on Tumblr that literally walks you through an entire experience in Magic Kingdom.

It's perfect.

[ CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ]

The user who created this beautiful playlist included a series of songs that take you through Magic Kingdom from the moment you board the monorail, to the last few moments of park closing. It's 17 tracks last a total of two hours and 43 minutes. You'll definitely have plenty of Disney magic to listen to whenever you please!

Track List:

1. Walt Disney World Monorail Spiel
2. Main Street USA Area
3. Tomorrowland Music
4. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Spiel
5. Space Mountain Star Tunnel
6. Journey of the Little Mermaid Ride Through
7. Be Our Guest Area Music
8. Walt Disney World Carousel Marry Poppins Medley
9. Cinderella Castle Area Music
10. Festival of Fantasy Parade
11. Liberty Square Area Music
12. Haunted Mansion Ride Through
13. Frontierland Area Music
14. Big Thunder Mountain Area Loop
15. Adventureland Area Music
16. Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
17. The Kiss Goodnight

I explored 8tracks.com and noticed that some other users created similar playlists for other Disney parks. I'll definitely share with you the perfect ones once I explore each list a bit more!

Which is your favorite track from Magic Kingdom? I've always had a soft spot for Tomorrowland Music and the Space Mountain Star Tunnel.

Have a magical & musical day!

Celebrating Fourth of July at Disney?

Independence Day is one of the most popular days for families to spend time together in the Disney parks. Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have special plans, events, and shows for guests that decide to have their vacation during this patriotic holiday.

Disneyland Resort

For those of you spending the fourth in Disneyland and/or California Adventure, there are a few things to look out for that have been catered especially to this holiday. 

• 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band: An extremely talented military band will perform several times in Disneyland throughout the day on July 4th:
• 3:30 pm - The band will lead the way before the new Frozen pre-parade in Mickey's Soundsational Parade.
• 5:30 pm - During the flag retreat ceremony in Town Square, the band will help retire the flag for the night.
• 5:45 pm - The band will continue down the parade route right after the flag ceremony all the way down to "it's a small world."
• 7:15 pm - The last chance to catch the band will be a full concert session at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree.
  
• "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky": From July 1-4 at 9:25 pm, you can catch Disney's beautiful Independence Day fireworks spectacular above Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you want to find spots right in front of the castle, I recommend getting there at least an hour before the show starts. July 4th is extremely busy for Disney, so the earlier you find spots for shows, the better chance you will have in finding a good viewing location. If you can't find a space for you and your family in front of the castle, I also recommend watching the show from Main Street. I watched "Magical" on Main Street just the other day and it was a wonderful location to view the show.
  
• World of Color Fourth of July Pre-Show: At 9:00 and 10:15 pm, there will be a special patriotic pre-show before World of Color. Remember, if you want to watch World of Color in the dedicated viewing area, you MUST obtain FastPasses before the show. I highly recommend immediately heading towards Grizzly River Run to get FastPasses for the show. On busy days, these passes run out quickly, which is something you won't want to risk if you want a spot in the viewing area. If you for some reason don't get a FP for the show, there are dedicated areas for viewing without FPs. Two consistent locations available are in front of Toy Story Mania, and behind a white fence at the top of the bridge near Ariel's Grotto. Ask a cast member for more specifics if you need to find one of the alternative viewing area options. (Note: I will be working this show for July 4th!)

(Last year's 4th of July pre-show for World of Color)

Walt Disney World Resort

There are a few special patriotic firework shows in different parks in Walt Disney World on July 3rd and 4th:

• Magic Kingdom, "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky": This incredible fireworks display will ignite over Cinderella Castle at 9:00 pm. This is probably the most incredible and jaw-dropping fireworks show in all of the Disney parks. I've seen bits and pieces of the show from friends, and I can't even imagine how spectacular it must be to witness in person. You will definitely need to find a spot early for this show if you have a specific viewing location in mind.
  
• Hollywood Studios, "A Rockin' Fourth of July Celebration": The celebration begins at 6:00 pm at the Sorcerer Hat with a DJ to help energize the crowd. At 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 pm, Mulch Sweat & Shears will perform on stage. At 10:15 pm, the rock 'n roll fireworks will ignite the sky above the Sorcerer Hat!
  
• Epcot, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth - 4th of July": Epcot's beautiful nighttime show "Illuminations" will have a new patriotic spin for guests on the 3rd and 4th of July to celebrate America's independence. It will feature a five minute patriotic finale called The Heartbeat of Freedom. Also, throughout the day Disney characters will appear near The American Adventure in patriotic outfits for meet and greets.

Once again, 4th of July is one of the busiest days in Disney. I personally haven't experienced this holiday in the parks just yet, but some compare it to the same kind of crowd as New Years and Christmas time. It is highly recommended to plan ahead which shows you will want to watch, as well as which rides to conquer throughout the day. Lines will be long and shows will be crowded. For those of you planning on braving the parks this day, may the force be with you!

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!