Interview a CP: Jade (Grand Floridian Café)

Jade in her Grand Floridian costume!

One role that often goes overlooked is Full Service Food and Beverage. Jade was kind enough to share her experience when she worked with this role at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa!

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

I was Full Service Food and Beverage and I worked at the Grand Floridian Café.

What was a typical day like at work?

Depending on whether I was scheduled a morning shift or a night shift, I would go in either at 5:30 am, 6:00 am or 7:00 am or I would go in at 2:00 pm or 4:30 pm. In the mornings you could get scheduled a few different shifts. The 5:30 shift would turn over all the coffee cups and make sure the dining room and hostess podium were ready. The 6:00 shift was expo, which meant you would be in the kitchen for the breakfast and lunch shifts. You would set your plates you would need for the day and you would check and expedite food. The 7:00 shift was a regular seater shift and you would come in and spend your day seating the guests. The evening shifts were easier but depending you could get scheduled an assigner shift or a GT shift. In the mornings you could get an assigner shift as well so long as you were trained. The days were never particularly difficult but it was a lot of guest interaction which could influence how your shift would go.

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

I originally put down FSFB, Photopass and Merchandise. I was leaning more towards Full Service so when I got it I was pleased. I had been a hostess previously so I had an idea of how it was going to be from a general standpoint.

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

I loved the guest interaction and I loved being able to have the experience of being in a resort. I wasn’t a fan of the costumes (every time I had to put on my polyester jacket, my soul died a little bit) or some of my fellow cast members, but not everyone you meet is gonna be a ray of sunshine, even if they work for Disney World. 

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

We had a couple of signed princess pictures one of our managers dropped by the podium so we

Jade and Peter Pan!

decided to choose two families and have them be our special guests of the day. We found two little girls who didn’t know each other but were seated at two tables right beside the other. They talked non stop throughout the meal. We took the two pictures and two roses and a glow cube for the brother sitting at one of the tables and walked over. We told them they had been chosen as our special families and gave them the gifts. They little boy was so excited about the glow cube and played with it for the rest of the meal while the little girls played with their roses. It was the sweetest thing.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I had a friend who did the program and he had enjoyed it so much, I just kinda stuck it in the back of my head as an “Oh that could be something fun to do” kind of thing. When applications opened up, it felt like the perfect opportunity to take a break and get away from my hometown for a bit. It felt right.

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

I wish I would have understood a little more about the roles. If I had fully understood everything, my top three probably would have been a little different.

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

Find the little joys in your role. FSFB can be stressful and there will be days you want to just say I quit and go home. You’ll deal with servers who feel like they can do your job better than you and guests who make you want to pull your hair out, but you’ll have that family that takes the time to talk to you and ask you questions about your day and the program or you’ll have the manager who tells you how good you’ve been doing and you’ll realize you’re job isn’t the worst and in the end you’ve got it pretty good.

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

Research it. Take the time to read as much as you can. Look up youtube videos of apartment walkthroughs, talk to people who have done the program. Study the roles and really make sure it’s something you’re gonna want to stick out. Don’t come down thinking you’re going to party 24/7, you may work at Disney World but it’s not vacation. You’ll work long hours but you can still have fun. It’s a great experience and it truly is what you make of it.

If you would like to contact Jade about her experience, you can message her on her Tumblr here!

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: Amy (Goofy's Candy Company)

Amy all smiles at work!

I was excited when Amy messaged me to participate in an interview because she has a very popular Youtube channel for her DCP that I recently began watching! An example of her videos and her entire experience is at the bottom of the page, but first let's hear about her experience working in a candy store!

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

I worked in Merchandise at Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney! 

What was a typical day like at work?

I'd take the F bus from Chatham to Typhoon Lagoon and then to Downtown Disney. I usually arrived early because I always took an early bus to avoid being late due to the unreliable busses. If I arrived early I'd usually hang out in cast services, get a coffee and read a book until it was time to walk over to Goofy's. I'd head over and clock in. There were two different kinds of shifts I could work at Goofy's: a kitchen shift or a floor shift. My schedule indicated which kind of shift I had on which days. We had to know in advance because the costume varies slightly depending on the shift. (We had to wear an apron, hair net and hat for a kitchen shift). If I was working a kitchen shift I'd spend almost my entire shift in the onstage kitchen! Possible positions I could have been assigned were "Caseline" (asking guests what treats they'd like from the case and wrapping them for them), "Production" or "Production Assist" (looking at what treats we were short on and then making them and stocking them), "Dip Station" or "Dip Assist" (making the custom orders guests fill out at the dip station), "Caramel Apples" (making, you guessed it, caramel apples), or "Cotton Candy / Candy Apples" (making cotton candy and candy apples). If I had a floor shift, then I'd spend my shift out on the floor. For a floor shift I could be assigned any of the following positions: "Register" (there were 5 registers in Goofy's and depending on the specific register I was placed at, I could be ringing up guests, bagging purchases, greeting guests, pouring icees, getting coffee, or wrapping up treats), "Heart of House" or "HOH" (making sure the floor is stocked / stocking the shelves with product from the back), or "Merchantainer" (handing out samples, waving at guests with a Mickey glove or wearing a Goofy hat and greeting). I always had fun at Goofy's. Because there were two different kinds of shifts, it never got boring! I always felt like I was doing something different! 

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

Merchandise was my second choice. My first choice was Concierge/ Front desk. Part of me still really wishes I had gotten the experience of working as Concierge. I feel like that would have given me the opportunity to learn so much about the property. And I adore the resorts, so I've always wanted to work at one. However, I am absolutely thrilled with my experience in Merchandise. Looking back on my program I would not change a thing. Goofy's was such an amazing location and I had a blast everyday. Plus, there is so much room for guest interaction in Merchandise, and I'm so appreciative that I was able to take advantage of that! 

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

My favorite part about working at Goofy's was learning to make all of the candy treats! When I was in the kitchen I loved having people, especially kids, watch me make the treats through the glass. Making fishy faces at the kids always resulted in special funny moments! My least favorite thing about Goofy's would probably be working on the registers. There were days I had great floor shifts, but then there were the days when ringing up the same items over and over made me a little crazy. But that's just me being nit-picky! I really did love my location and I find it hard to find ANYTHING to complain about at Goofy's. 

Amy with an adorable candy apple!

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

There are too many to choose from! There was the time I was greeting with the glove and Goofy hat on and a little boy (maybe 3 years old?) pointed and yelled "Goofy!" because apparently the hat was enough to make me look like him! I always loved making cotton candy in the kitchen because we were allowed to give away as many handfuls of fresh cotton candy as we'd like. So there were dozens of times I'd notice a kid or two staring at me drop-jawed through the glass as I whisped fresh cotton candy out of the machine and into the bags. It was always very fulfilling to be able to grab a fresh handful and pass it out of the kitchen to them as a magical moment! On slow days on the floor I would ask princesses for their autograph and give then a sample of our Goofy Glaciers (or icees) in return. One day in the kitchen a young man told us he was planning to ask his girlfriend to prom in a few days and wanted a way to make it magical. I grabbed a cookie and wrote "Prom?" on it  in cursive with white chocolate, then coated it in sprinkles so it looked nice and pretty. He LOVED it! He was so appreciative and told us he was planning on giving her the cookie during the fireworks at Magic Kingdom (AWWWWWW!) When you work with candy there is no limit to the kinds of magical moments you can make, and I'm so thankful for that! 

What made you want to do the DCP?

I first learned about the DCP during the summer before my sophomore year of highschool. My family and I were on vacation. We were riding the boat from the Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom when the captain (Captain Bruce, I remember him to this day) walked up to us and started chit chatting. He & I instantly started talking Disney heritage, swapping stories and sharing trivia. He paused for a moment and said "you just seem like the type of gal who could make all kinds of magic here in Disney. Would you ever want to work for the mouse?" And of course I've ALWAYS wanted to work down in Disney World. It's my favorite place! I told him that, and he proceeded to tell me about the Disney College Program. From that day on it became something that I wanted to do. I dreamt of it all through high school. I arrived at college as a pre-med major, and even though there was no connection with the DCP and my career choice, I was still determined to find a way to make it fit into my four years of undergrad. And I'm so pleased that I made it work! 

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

YES. No one warns you how bad your FEET hurt for the first few weeks! From hitting up the parks, to traipsing all over Magic Kingdom during Traditions, to walking all over your work property during orientation, to being on your feet for 6 - 12 hours a day at work... your soles will take a HARD hit at first. Invest in some Dr. Soles insoles IMMEDIATELY. They don't have to be fancy! I purchased some $12 ones and they lasted in my work shoes throughout my entire program! You'll leave Orlando with about a half inch of callus on the bottom of your feet, I swear to you. My dogs have become INVINCIBLE! 

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

The good news is that merchandise is an EXCELLENT role to have experience in, especially in Disney World!  Retail is a huge sector of employment so if you're looking for a summer job or something part time while you're in school, apply for a retail position and let them know that you worked merch for Disney... boom, I guarantee you they'll hire you on the spot! As far as advice: be prepared to stand. a lot. Behind or in front of a register usually. But there are ways to make the best of that! Merchandise gives you so much potential for guest interaction. Stand in front of your register and greet the pirates and princesses that walk by. Ask where people are from. Cheer when you see a family sporting your hometown's sports gear! (I always clapped for Phillies hats or Flyers shirts that made their way through Goofy's). Take advantage of the fact that you get more face time with guests when you ring them up than an Attractions cast member gets as they group families into rows or a Quick Service cast member gets as they plate orders. That being said, there will also be the busy times. Spring Break was crazy and so are the Holidays from what I've heard. Just remember that for every exhausting, repetitive, long shift you endure, there is another shift that is pure magic! Every role has its ups and downs, Merch is no exception. Just go with the flow and try to remind yourself: you're in the most magical place on earth! And you're MAKING the magic! How lucky are you? 

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

Do it. Do it. Do it. DO THE DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM! It doesn't matter what kind of career your'e interested in for the future, you can learn something from the DCP no matter what. I learned so much about myself, how to live with other people, how to handle conflict... the lessons go on and on and on. There are so many different roles and so many different experiences that go into and come out of this program that there TRULY IS something for EVERYONE. Not to mention you have unlimited access to the most magical theme parks, shopping destinations, resorts and waterparks the world has to offer. Yes, it's true, you work a lot and you may endure many stressful weeks... but the positives completely outweigh the negatives on this program. And each negative has something to teach you. So go for it! It's a fascinating and eye-catching thing to put on a resume, and it's a life-changing and incredibly fun learning experience that I guarantee you will always cherish!

P.S. I also kept a vlog before and during my entire program! If you want to take a look at some of the amazing memories and experiences my roommates and I shared during our time with Disney, take a look at this video:

I made it after I got home from my program. It's a big compilation of all the clips and photos I had from my program! It gives a great idea of everything I accomplished and all the amazing memories I'll have from my program... Think of it as my DCP condensed into 20 minutes!!! And if you like that video, feel free to check out my other vlogs here! I made at least 1 or 2 each week of my program!

Thanks again everybody! Remember, if you can dream it, you can do 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!

Post DCP Vlog: Sara Squared Goes Camping!

Sara went with my family to the beautiful Trinity Lake in Northern California this past Fourth of July weekend. It was a super fun trip! I wanted to share with you guys about our life after the DCP, just in case any of you were curious ;)

I hope you enjoy!

My next video is probably going to be about my role during my program: Quick Service Food and Beverage. I get a lot of questions about it since it's a pretty popular role. If you have any specific questions you'd like answered in the video about QSFB, let me know!

Make sure you stay updated by following The Disney Den on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook!

Have a magical day everyone!

Interview a CP: Jocelyn (Soarin')

Jocelyn in front of her ride!

Jocelyn worked at one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World! I actually fell in love with this ride even more when I did my program. It reminds me of home and it was really nice to ride it whenever I was feeling homesick. Here's what Jocelyn had to say about her experience!

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

I was an Attractions Cast Member at EPOCT in Future World West on the ride, SOARIN’ during my Fall CP of 2011.

What was a typical day like at work?

Well you often got one of two shifts. You either got the early morning open, which meant you had to drop the rope (which they don’t do anymore I heard, super sad cause that was always fun) at 6am and tended to work till about 5pm. Or you came in around 12 pm and closed, which was normally around 11pm unless it was EMH shift, then you wouldn’t get out till at least 2am or later. Most of your days were about 10 hour shifts (or more, as the FTs and PTs were always trying to give away short shifts) unless you could get ERs, which were unlikely as Coordinators tended to give them to FT or the dying. Holidays were different, especially New Year’s where we had everyone on deck for almost 24 hours (this was before the Extra Disney Day events). But unlike anywhere else, our ride had the most “clopens” I have ever heard of, where you barely met the 8 hours between shifts before getting double pay- though some lucky few scraped through.

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

It actually wasn’t, even though now I couldn’t picture anything else I would want to do. I actually was desperate to be a Photo Pass Photographer and even after I found out I was Attractions I wanted a Spieling role like Jungle Cruse Skipper or Great Movie Ride. Ironies of ironies had me land at Soarin’ because when I went to Disneyland in middle school, Soarin’ was the one ride I didn’t get to go on (because my family didn’t tell me and I went shopping instead) and they held it over my head for years. So of course the universe made me basically live on that ride to make up for lost time.

Jocelyn with her Soarin' co-workers!

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

For the ride itself, I loved EMH shifts. I am naturally a night owl, so being perky late at night was not a problem for me. We did have a Pre-Flight Spiel we had to do and I loved every moment of it and it made up for not being a Skipper, kind of. But Tower had to be the best. Seeing everyone’s faces and listening to them as they experienced the ride was amazing and thrilling knowing that as Tower you were the first line of defense if the ride broke or something went wrong (which it hardly ever did as that ride was automated through the teeth). As for my program as a whole, Holidays were both the good and bad parts of my program. Because I did the fall program I got to hit all the major holidays in the parks, which was good because that was when I had the busiest schedule. I drowned myself in work because I would feel the homesickness any time a holiday hit, as this was the first time away from home. I did have days off and got to attend the Holiday parties, both Hallowishes and Christmas, several times because I took shifts on the actual holidays and got some of the lesser attended days off. I loved being in the parks during those times. To see everything decked out and all of the characters in their special outfits. LOVED IT! The downside was that guests, who already have a bit of a warped sense of what cast members and Disney could do for them, would get even worse. Especially during Food and Wine or the Marathons. This is a particular problem rides in Epcot face that many of the others don’t, in which Guests drink around the World Showcase and then get on Soarin’, which unfortunately ended in more Medicals than I would hope. But if there was anything that I particularly hated, was our bus ride at the end of the day. Epcot has all of the ICPs and not many of them understand the concept of a line. So you may be standing in the queue and under normal circumstances be like 4^th on the bus, but after they mob the bus (which there never are enough of) you have waited for 2 more before you can actually get on, even then its standing room only. So if you can in ANY WAY bring a car, room with someone who has a car, or even bribe someone with a car- DO IT. That’s actually how I met one of my best friends on and off the program.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Because Soarin’ is the mainline attraction at Epcot, almost all of the celebrities that would come for the holidays made their way through Soarin’ at one point or another. Now most of them would have their GR and come in through the VIP entrance, but others would sneak up on you and catch you off guard. While they were filming the Christmas special, Justin Beiber came through and caused a huge issue because it also was the same time as the Cheer National Championships so I literally had a ride full of middle school and high school cheerleaders… and Justin Beiber in my carriage. Oh was that loud, and unpleasant for the both of us as I am not a fan and let him know as “subtly” as I could. But my favorite was when I was taking a picture for this family and Santa came through the line. Now he was a card-carrying Santa and was giving out gifts to the kids in line. Now, I am a HUGE fan of Christmas and Santa was my ultimate celebrity- even though I know he’s not real, so I geeked out over Santa and he gave me a picture of him with his Reindeer (real ones too!) and then got on the ride. Well, right as it takes off a Make-A-Wish family comes through the VIP Entrance and their little boy asked me what I had in my hand. I showed him and the kid got so excited that I gave him the picture and when the ride ended asked Santa if he could take a picture with the child, which he did. When Santa asked where my picture was (he saw the kid already had one) and found out I had given mine away, Santa then gave me a bell off of his sleigh (to which I stopped talking and just grinned like an idiot and the child start laughing, knowing exactly what it was) and gave me a wink when he realized that was my favorite story ever. The rest of the day I jingled with his bell in my pocket, wishing everyone a Happy Holidays. That bell brought more smiles that day than the rest of my program and was the perfect culmination of Disney, Cast Members and Guests all believing in the magic and will always hold a place in my heart.

What made you want to do the DCP?

My best friend and roommate had done it the year before and had gotten Mission Space Attractions, and was headed back again. So I decided to give it a shot and try as well. I thought it was a long shot because I was a History major and not Theater, Hospitality or Business like everyone else, though I did have theater training having lettered in High School. But they actually loved that about me and was one of the reasons they decided to hire me. Plus, having been a huge 90s kid the chance to work at Disney was too hard to pass up.

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

I wish someone had told me before I left that I would not get along with everyone. The Disney College

Celebrating graduation!

is still a COLLEGE program, so there is a multitude of personalities and priorities that won’t always mesh up with your own. My big example of this was I was added to a group of girls at the last minute on a roommate match up group on facebook, about 2 weeks before the program started. They had a girl drop out of their group and had seen me on the boards and knew I didn’t have a roommate. I agreed to join them, but in hindsight had wished I had left it up to the Housing lottery. Nothing is harder than breaking into a clique and I ended up moving out 3 weeks later. My second group was better, but they had still all had time to bond and get to know each other, so I was on the fringes. BUT! That also drove me to try and meet as many people as I could. I went to the mixers, signed up for a bunch of classes and even talked to people on the buses (which is harder than you think) and most of the time people are super friendly. Even better is your area begins to become your family, squabbles and all, and you will make lifelong friends even if it doesn’t seem like it as times. Its 2 years later and though I never did another program I am headed back to WDW this September to visit my friends that I still talk to daily.

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

At the time your record card might not seem like it’s very important, but if you want to have an enjoyable program keep that sucker clean. Especially if you have plans past your CP with the company. It is all too easy to call in, show up late or slip up and the points add up fast. I saw many a good CP fall prey to this and get termed, which is one of the most humiliating moments of your life (don’t let anyone say any differently). Furthermore, if you plan on doing a PI or want to move up, network from the very beginning and at all costs EXTEND. Almost every single one of my friends who left their program without extending ended up not getting their PI of choice, if they got one at all. I know they say you don’t have to have previous Disney experience to apply to those, but if you are in front of their face it is much easier to make that transition. Also, DON’T BE AFRAID TO NETWORK! Everyone at Disney is ready to help you succeed and if you want to shadow someone, just ask. I ended up in meetings with Entertainment Managers, Event Operations VPs, Tradition Coordinators and more just because I shot them an email and asked. Some of the best work and career advice I have ever gotten came out of those meetings and I am still in contact with some of them, even though we have long since parted ways. It never hurts to try and sometimes opportunities you could never imagine arise from a simple conversation.

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

DO IT!! Don’t hesitate, just go for it! Yes, it will have its ups and downs and there will be times when all you want to do is quit and go home, but the good times are so amazing that you can’t even begin to describe it. You will make friends and memories that will last a life time and flood your Facebook to the chagrin of those you left at home. CPs is like a giant fluffy mob of awesomeness that you need to dive in head first to enjoy.

If you would like to contact Jocelyn for any questions, you can reach her on her blog joeliz713! 

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: Brian (Hotel Concierge)

Brian hanging with Tigger at the Crystal Palace!

Brian was kind enough to share his experience working as a concierge cast member at one of Walt Disney World's most beautiful resorts!

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

I was a concierge cast member at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. I also did front desk and 3rd shift cashier.

What was a typical day like at work?

A typical day would consist of attending to all of the guests needs. We would do check-ins/check-outs. Also we would help them purchase tickets, book dining reservations, and help them plan their days. On 3rd shift we would run reports and deliver items to the rooms.

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

This was the role I had originally wanted. I had worked before in resorts and love the atmosphere.

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

My favorite part of the job was that every guest was different. You would have to adapt to each of the guest needs and find solutions to their problems. Also I enjoyed recommending attractions and dining to them. My least favorite part of the job was that there wasn’t enough interaction with kids. I would give out stickers often and ask about their favorite characters/rides but I still would have liked more child interaction.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

There was a little girl and her family who had visited Boardwalk in the past and asked the comedian Brian (who is HYSTERICAL) if he wanted to share her dessert years. We had taken the picture and had it framed. During the comedy show the little girl had a special part in the show to hit a bell every time the comedian had said the magic words. After the show about 25 Boardwalk cast members gave the little girl balloons, got to interact with the family, and present the picture to the family. Then the little girl and the comedian held hands and we all walked to the ESPN Club where the comedian got on the TV screens and told the family that Mickey said the meal was free. It was AMAZING and describing the story doesn’t do it justice.

What made you want to do the DCP?

Honestly, I was in a rough situation and had heard about the program from my friend Mallory on Tumblr. She had loved the program and although I wasn’t a huge Disney fan at the time, I knew it would be such an amazing opportunity and I was right.

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

I don’t feel like there’s anything I wish I knew ahead of time.

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

My advice for future hospitality and concierge cast members is to make sure to read as much as possible about Disney. Go to the parks, go on the attractions, eat at the amazing restaurants. The more you know about the parks and resorts, the better you can assist guests. Also don’t take things personally. A lot of guests can get frustrated (especially at DVC resorts) so do your best to stay calm and try to find solutions to their problems.

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

My advice would be to go into the program without any expectations other than to plan to work hard. Also think about whether or not you’re coming for the right reasons. If you’re worried about having too many hours, want to party, or to meet your “prince charming or princess”, then you really shouldn’t even consider applying. Network a lot with leaders and take advantage of all the networking events/workshops Disney has for the cast members. Go into it with an open mind because you’ll learn a lot about yourself during the program. I highly recommend the program for anyone.

If you have questions you could add me:

Facebook http://facebook.com/bfarello

Twitter: http://twitter.com/brianchase13

Tumblr: http://brianchase.tumblr.com

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

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!

Interview a CP: Andrea (Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique)

Ready for work with her wand full of pixie dust!

Andrea was one of my friends I had met on Tumblr a few months before starting our program. She actually had participated in a previous program before Spring 2013, so she was always my life saver whenever I had any questions about the program! She was previously attractions working at Splash Mountain, but her heart belongs to the Boutique in Cinderella's Castle! It sounds like such a fun role!

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

I worked at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Cinderella's Castle.

What was a typical day like at work?
My typical day would start early in the morning- 7:30am, getting ready to greet princesses coming through our doors. our doors open at 8am and I am introduced to my princess. I get to spend about 30-45 minutes getting to know my princess and her family while I do her hair, makeup, and nails. When that princess leaves, I get to meet another! I'll sometimes help other FGIT's (fairy godmother's in training) by doing their princess's nails and makeup if I'm not too busy.

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

This is the role I wanted! I actually only applied for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and I also applied for Character Performer. I didn't care which I got but those were the ONLY roles I wanted, which is why I only picked them!

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

My favorite part about my role is pretty much everything. I can't tell you how many times I've been told "thank you so much for everything you've done" and "you've really made our trip amazing!". I make a direct impact on the lives of little girls and their families, and knowing that, makes me the happiest person alive. Of course this IS a job and it becomes a job. Meaning there are things to complain about, but in all honesty, none of them are worth sharing. The positives surpass the negatives by far. If I were to pick one negative though, I'd have to say it's very tiring. I'm hunched over all day long and because I'm a bit taller, my back always hurts when I leave. It's also extremely tiring mentally. I am a fairy godmother and that is my story line. If you were to ask anyone in entertainment, you would get the same answer. I am performing for 6 to 12 hours a day. I have to be on my game every moment I am onstage. I have to be quick with answers to questions you wouldn't even think were possible questions (for example: I once was asked how long Cinderella will live until she dies). When I come home every night from work, I mentally crash. But like I said previously, it is SO worth it.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

I have to pick just ONE magical moment?! Once I gangman-styled with a 3 year old. Once I was told by a 4 year old that she made a wish that MY wish would come true. Once I was hugged by a mom who told me that she hopes her daughter becomes half the woman I am. Once I danced with a 6 year old all over the Boutique until we got everyone laughing. Once I had a little girl remember me and run up to me into my arms and kiss my cheek. Once I had a little girl cry because she didn't want to let go of my hug and say goodbye. I just can't pick one. EVERY single day is magical. I just can't get enough! 

What made you want to do the DCP?

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved Disney. My ultimate dream is to dance down Main Street USA while riding on the Trolley and so growing up I've always known this is where I wanted to be. I came to Disney my senior year of high school with my school's marching band and during a workshop, they told us about the Program. Ever since then I knew how to make my dreams a reality!

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

I'm not going to lie, I didn't really realize this is a WORK internship. I mean yeah you know you're going to work but I certainly didn't realize how MUCH I was going to work. I wish I would have prepared myself more for working long (late) hours.

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

Know your princess stories. Brush up on the princesses, their stories, their character traits... all stuff like that. You're going to get TONS of questions about them!!

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

Like I said before, you will work. A lot. You will be spending about 75% of the time you're in Florida working. There are MANY opportunities to do the DCP. If you apply and receive a role that you don't think you'd like, DO NOT ACCEPT YOUR OFFER! You won't be happy. I LOVE going to work. I come home happy. I have talked to so many people who can't say that. The worst thing is that a lot of people start to dislike Disney because of their unhappiness. Don't let that happen to you. You can always reapply and have another chance to get a role you really want. Wait until you get your dream role. I did!

If you have any questions for Andrea about her role or her program in general, you can reach her on her blog here!

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!