Interview a CP: Samantha (Hollywood Studios Merchandise)

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

I worked Merchandise at Hollywood Studios in the Backlands, which covers 14 different locations including Tatooine Traders, the area over by the ex-American Idol and Indiana Jones, Stage One (where all the Muppets are!), Oaken's Trading Post, Writer's Stop, the Prop Shop over by the ex-Backlot Tour, It's a Wonderful Shop, and any carts in those areas. Tatooine and Writer's were my absolute favorite places to work!

What was a typical day like at work?

I worked longer than a lot of my friends in other roles; an average shift was between 8 and 10 hours, going up to between 9.5 and 13 during Star Wars Weekends. The times we went in varied a lot too, probably because of the park hours - sometimes I went in a 11 and got out at 7:30 or so, once I was there at 7 am (the worst), and other times I've worked more regular CP hours, like 5 pm til 1 am or so. I had a lot of shifts that would start early afternoon, like 2:30ish.

Because we worked so many locations, we were assigned one loop per day (unless we were in Tat, Writer's, or Wonderful Shop), and we would rotate between three or four locations throughout that day. There was also the possibility of stocking, which left you more or less backstage all day. Most of the time though, the day was filled with great Guest interactions and because back part of the park clears out so early, we were able to really get to know families who came in later in the evening! 

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

Merchandise was actually one of my top three roles, so I was very happy about it! As much as I knew I wanted this role, I ended up loving it even more than I thought I would!

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

Favorite: Like I mentioned earlier, the Guest interactions in this part of the park were so fun because we weren't slammed with crowds...almost ever, really. Also, I had the most amazing group of people to work with, from other CPs to coordinators to leaders...I just loved everybody so much and I've definitely made friends for life and a bunch of us already have reunion planned in a couple of weeks; spending everyday with them was the greatest!  

Oh yes, and merchantaining, which is entertaining with merchandise, was taken very seriously in my area. For example, when I was in Tatooine Traders, we would play with light sabers, Boba Fett blasters, and wear Jedi Robes on the job. 

Least favorite: I don't know if this is necessarily a part of the role so much as my personal experience, but STAR WARS WEEKENDS. This was such a struggle because we were working 30-40 hours in one weekend, we had 6 solid weeks of one day off per week (not helped by the fact we lost a ton of CPs in May) and everyone's moral had basically hit rock bottom. Also, the Backlands just aren't used to crowds, even during Spring Break. Then Mark Hamill came and that weekend was kind of my breaking point - it was the only time I can honestly say I wanted to leave and wasn't having fun. However, SWW ended and things improved so much! 

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Oh gosh, there's SO many! One that stands out was when I was working in Tatooine Traders, stuck at Build Your Own Droid, which is the absolute worst. One family was walking off of Star Tours and the droids caught their little girls' eye. They were from Wisconsin (where I grew up), so we struck up conversation pretty easily. The younger daughter left some stickers behind, so I held on to them because I knew she would be back. Of course, she did and when they came back, the dad asked if it would be ok if the younger daughter stayed with me while he took his older daughter back on Star Tours (the younger one didn't like it). I said yes and because no one was building droids at this time of night, I had chance to talk to Princess Isabel and learn about her trip and how much fun she was having. We built about four droids before her family came back and the older sister joined the fun! While the girls built, I found out that their dad used to be a Cast Member, in merchandise, no less! The family was with us for about 45 minutes and Isabel refused to leave, gave me about a dozen hugs before she left, and only left once her dad said they could maybe come back to Studios later in the week to see me again! It was by far the greatest Guest experience of my program. 

Obviously, this is just one of many!

What made you want to do the DCP?

I've wanted to work at Disney since I was 3 years old. I didn't actually visit til I was 4, but my family is so immersed in everything Disney that I've known and loved it quite literally my whole life. When I was little, my mom told me she wanted to work at Disney when she was in college, but she met my dad and ended up staying in the midwest. From that day on, I wanted to work at Disney, but I figured it was like that thing I'll never be able to do. However, when I was at my cousin's wedding in 2009, my aunt introduced me to a friend's daughter who had done the DCP and now works as a leader down there. From that moment, I knew I needed to do the DCP! 

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

BRING A CAR IF YOU CAN  - seriously, the CP buses are the worst and I wish someone would have told me that. They're never on time, they break down a lot, just...they're a pain.

Also, this is going to sound so cliche and silly, but it's going to go by so much faster than you ever expect, so seriously, make every single moment count. There are so many things I didn't do because I thought I had all the time in the world. 

I wish I would have known to take advantage of the networking events and such as well. I feel like they would have been great experiences and I'm actually considering doing another CP just to make those connections to give me a better chance at a PI. 

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

Be super outgoing! I know it seems like a pretty obvious thing for Disney, but asking where someone is from or what they're favorite part of the day was can spark a conversation. In my experience, those are the best Guest interactions. 

This probably applies to all roles, but don't be scared during your training because someone will make sure you know what you're doing. I remember learning returns/exchanges/how to charge someone for autographed pictures/making coffee and dealing with Writer's Stop/building lightsabers/where the heck do I clock in was so scary and I was convinced I wouldn't be able to learn it. I did, of course, and you will too! 

If your area is big into merchantaining like mine was, have fun with it and don't be afraid of looking silly. We went CRAZY and Guests loved it!

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

First and foremost, if you want to be there, KEEP APPLYING!! It took me a couple of tries to get in, but perseverance was worth it! And really be able to pinpoint why you want to do it as well, since I think that really helps in your phone interview. Finally, when going through the WBI, go with your gut always; that was where I got stuck in my first application process. 

Oh yeah, and don't be afraid to reach out to those who have already done the DCP to ask for advice! Most of the time, they are more than willing to help out (my ask is always open!) and give you real perspectives about their role. Helpful as the DCP blog it, it can sugarcoat some things and obviously omit some of the less-than-glamorous parts of the job.  

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: Bridget (Pop Century Hospitality)

Bridget and her fellow Pop Century CP's for Fall '07

Hospitality with the college program can be a competitive role, but Bridget was able to experience this position during her DCP. Here's what she had to say about her experience in Pop Century Resort!
What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

I had the role of "hospitality" at Pop Century resort, which meant I worked front desk as well as runner-I checked people in or would run special deliveries such as packages or Disney merchandise to rooms to set up for guests arriving to the resort. My favorite time to be the runner was at Christmas as I got to set up Christmas trees in guest rooms for their magical Christmas vacations!!!

What was a typical day like at work?

Work was busy, we were a 2,880 room hotel and we constantly had a line of people waiting to Check in. This was fine with me as it was a constant flow of people and it made the day go by fast. I typically worked 5pm-1am (I worked about 2 weeks on overnight as well) so rooms were ready to be checked in and guests were eager to check in and get their vacation on a roll....the check in process was lengthy as you described the building/section of the resort they were in, where the lobby/quick service restaurant and gift shop were/where to catch the buses to the parks and any questions guests had about the parks/park hours/nearby attractions....each check in took some time, depending on the guest. On runner days I was mostly back office and running around the resort-assisting with packages, Disney merchandise delivery to rooms, towels, blankets or any room items needed to rooms...I also completed the DME letters to be hung on guest doors during the overnight shifts.

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

Yes, I was worried about getting a job I was not interested in, as hotel ops was my main focus in college. I was very pleased with my location after I started-as I knew nothing about the value resorts when I started my CP.

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

Favorite- my team, the full/part time CM were all so welcoming of the CP's...I gained friendships that will last a lifetime and It made being away from home a lot easier working with such amazing people.

Least Favorite- having to learn the hustle and dance to it at 6pm each day. We litterally would leave the desk and go "hustle" in the lobby. It was really embarrassing as I'm the worst dancer, I would try to avoid it by "getting a call" on runner days! Front desk days i couldn't get out of it! (Everyone did it together including management so we all looked silly together)

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

My favorite was the day I was handing stickers to these little kids as their parents were checking out-and I asked what their favorite rides at Disney were during their vacation and the little girl goes "the Disney bus!!!!" All proud of herself. Made me smile and I still recall it when I visit the parks :)

What made you want to do the DCP?

I was apart of a leadership group in high school and we did a trip to Disney my senior year and we did tours/classes through Disney as part of our trip...we did the Keys to the Kingdom and our tour guide explained the CP to us and it intrigued me. My senior advisor and I talked about it more In depth afterwards-I went on and graduated honestly forgot about it-then at the end of my first semester of college she dropped me an email telling me they were having a open house about it at OSU and I should attend. So I did-and fell in love with the idea of having my interning credits done at disney, I applied that night, interviewed and a few months later got my acceptance!

Bridget's first night with her roommates from Vista Way!

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

I wish I would of known all my roommates...I had never lived outside of my parents house and having to move in with five other girls was shocking as I had only met my immediate roommate on Facebook a month before. I became best of friends with her and one other roommate...other than that, one moved out in the middle of the night 3 weeks in because she missed her boyfriend (kind of shocking to find her side of their room empty when we all woke up) and then one roommate moved out because she had differences with us-and the last one was always working we rarely saw her. It was odd to be thrown into a living situation with strangers at first but I guess it forces you to "network" in an odd way! Ha! I loved it though!

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

Be prepared to work allllllll different hours. There is not a set schedule and hotels are open 24 hours, people tend to forget this...we had one girl who refused night audit, I jumped on the overtime any chance I got so I picked up shifts all the time...it worked out great on days I took the Leadership class once a week because that was like working a shift, and couldn't work during those days.

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

Take advantage of their class courses they offer. I took the leadership class and still have my notes. It's a great networking class and gets you to meet people outside of your roommates or fellow CM at your location. Also, you don't need a car-the busses were an awesome

Mode of transportation. You can give yourself an extra 20-30 minutes a day to take the bus and save on gas...you're paying for it anyways! Plus drivers in Orlando are bad enough...save your car from tourists! 

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: Erin (Animal Kingdom Park Greeter)

Erin in front of Rapunzel's tower

Imagine being the first cast member guests see before they begin their vacation in a Walt Disney park. Erin was able to do exactly this during her college program. Here's what she had to say about her experience!

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

I was a park greeter at Animal Kingdom! I also worked the auto plaza and I was part of the opening team of FastPass+! 

What was a typical day like at work?

I typically opened the park. I would usually work 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, just making sure lights go green and guests can get into the park!! Lots of tasking as well, straightening strollers, magical moments, sweeping turnstiles, etc. Aka the easiest role ever! 

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

Yes! Main Entrance Operations was my number one choice and I was overall VERY happy with my role. 

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

Favorite-by far my fellow cast. And I loved being one of the first cast members to interact with the guests. 

Least was having to wake up sooooo early for the buses. Bring a car if you can. Seriously.  

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

A little girl asked me what my favorite princess was, and I said Rapunzel. She got so excited and shared with me that she was hers too. She came back towards the end of the day and gave me her favorite Rapunzel pin. Such a small gesture really reassured me at that moment that that was where I was supposed to be. 

What made you want to do the DCP?

My mom worked for the Disney Store for about 10 years growing up, so Disney has always been a huge part of my life. I was influenced by it all throughout my childhood. My family was also fortunate enough to be able to vacation frequently. My junior year of high school, I started to observe the fact that some CMs had schools on there names. I did some research, and I was hooked instantly. 

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

I wish I would've known that bringing a car would have been so beneficial. But I honestly made the most of my program in every way, and wouldn't change anything about it. 

Erin with promotion for Disney's new Avatarland

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

Be ready for a monotonous job. I like routine and repetition so it was perfect for me. But it was excruciatingly boring for some. Also be ready for LOTS of guest interaction and also guest complication. Because it's YOUR fault that they forgot which finger they used. 

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

Do your research. Be mentally prepared to throw yourself into something so challenging and different. Save money. As much as you can. Understand that you won't be in the Magic Kingdom 24/7, and not all of your moments will be magical. 

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!

DCP Reunion Part One: DIAGON ALLEY

I was able to travel to Florida for the first time since my college program at the beginning of January. Most of my closest friends from my program (as well as coworkers from Disneyland) also came to Florida at the same time. We were able to visit Universal Studios, along with all the parks in Walt Disney World.

I vlogged the entire trip, and each day is going to be edited into separate videos. Our first day was visiting Diagon Alley and Hogwarts in Universal Studios. It was AMAZING! Unfortunately, we were rained out by a torrential storm near the end of our day, but I was able to film quite a bit before it happened!

Hope you enjoy!

Be sure to check out my other videos and subscribe on Youtube!

Interview a CP: Jessie (The Great Movie Ride)

Tour Guide Jessie!

Imagine taking a spectacular journey into the movies every day...and getting paid to do it! Jessie was able to do just this during her extension for her college program in Walt Disney World. Here's what she had to say about her experience!

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

I actually did two programs with DCP. First I was in merchandise in Hollywood Studios Backlands in the fall of 2010, but then I got extended for Spring 2011 into attractions at one of my favorites, The Great Movie Ride!

What was a typical day like at work?  

No day and no schedule was ever the same as the next, but usually I'd clock in at whatever time, then start on a rotation performing in/driving the vehicle.  The "tour" would last 22 minutes.  During the tour I'd go through different movie scenes, get hijacked by a gangster or bandit, and then save the day!  Throughout the day, along with doing the tours, we would rotate through "land positions".  While at these land positions, we would lead guests into the "movie set" because the director was waiting!  The CPs at the ride tended to close most of the time, which was always super fun.  If you closed a vehicle, you would go through the ride in the vehicle by yourself and park in whatever scene was assigned to you.  Another job I always volunteered for was track walk. You got to walk the track!!!! 

Another thing movie riders did during the day (if you were lucky enough to get picked by the CDS) was parade control during the parade!

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

When I first applied for my first program, it wasn't even on my mind!  I really wanted entertainment.  However, by the time I was able to extend into my second program, my first choice was GMR!  One of my merchandise managers actually told me I would be officially extending into GMR while my family was visiting and I was working.  I started jumping up and down and screaming!!

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

My favorite part was definitely the performing for all of the guests every day.  It was always tons of fun watching little kids faces when I got hijacked and "died" and then killed the bad guy myself when I came back.  They would always ask, "How did you do that?" or just cry from happiness that I was alive.  I also loved being able to talk to the guests to find out where they were from.  I can't tell you how many people, who were obviously much older then I, would comment about my name tag.  They would tell me they were also from Philadelphia (my hometown), and more often then not it just so happened they had gone to my high school way back when!  The family atmosphere among my fellow movie riders was a super close second.  Everyone was just amazing to work with!  I was lucky enough to have a fantastic group of CPs with me, we all got along so well.

My least favorite part was having to leave my job when my program ended!  I know that sounds totally crazy, but I don't think I have any other least favorite parts.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?  

I don't even know if I can pick just one!!  I was able to be a part of magical moments every day, whether it was making a child a "Junior Tour Guide" or letting a random family go into our VIP entrance to make them feel that much more special.

What made you want to do the DCP? 

As I was growing up, I knew multiple people who did the DCP.  When I was in 6th grade, my family came down for a vacation and we got to ride on the Jungle Cruise of a family friend who was on the DCP!  I knew then I wanted to do the DCP someday.

Jessie (middle) and her fellow movie riders at DCP graduation

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

I just wish I would have known even more of what Disney had to offer.  There are so many things happening there that we didn't even get to experience them all!

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

Don't let the training and all of the spieling scare you.  It is a lot to handle with the long script and the quick loading, but the trainers will be there every step of the way.  Once you get it down, it will never leave you.  And always ask questions!  The other movie riders will help when you need it!  Be friends with your fellow movie riders.  They will become your family.  As we like to say a movie ride, "Once A Movie Rider, Always a Movie Rider."

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

Go for it and do it!!!  You will never get another chance like it!  I did mine right after I graduated from college.  In my opinion, that was the best time to do it.  I was able to extend my program without having to worry about missing to much school, I didn't have to take the Disney classes so I had more time to play in the parks.  It was much better to be in the 21 and over apartments.

I would also tell anyone interested, if you know you are a BIG rule breaker, rethink the DCP.  Disney is super strict on rules.  I knew CPs who were terminated for things like cell phones out onstage, going to the park when you called in sick, having alcohol in the under 21 apartment, and other stupid little things.  Be smart and follow the rules and you will love your program! 

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!