Behind the Magic Podcast Interview

A few weeks ago, I was invited to participate in an interview for the podcast Behind the Magic to talk about my book, Sara Earns Her Ears. I had never done an interview about my book before, much less anything for a podcast, so I was excited. The hosts, Rachel and Zeek were incredibly nice and tons of fun.

Feel free to listen to my interview below to learn more about my book, and some behind the scenes details about my experience during the DCP!



If you'd like to check out some of Behind the Magic's other podcast episodes, swing by their website! Also, feel free to follow them on Twitter!

I'm actually going to be interviewing for another podcast this afternoon, but this time for a brand new podcast from Theme Park Press, the publishing company in charge of the entire "Earning Your Ears" series. I'll keep you posted!

Also, make sure to like the Earning Your Ears Facebook page for updates and amazing giveaways!

Have a magical day!

Interview a CP: Olivia (Expedition Everest)

Olivia and her coworkers!

Ever wonder what it's like to work at the popular and thrilling Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom? Olivia was kind enough to share with us her experience during her college program!

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

My role was attractions, and I worked at Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom. I extended my program and remained in the same role and work location as well. So I worked there for a total of 8 months (April to January).

What was a typical day like at work?

Typical days were 6 or 8 hours total. I would be put into rotation (you basically move to a different position every 45 minutes) and I would have a couple 15 minute breaks and maybe a 30 minute lunch. The positions were varied. Some included greeting guests outside, answering their questions and checking heights of kids. There were also load and unload positions, where you send the train and check people's lap bars, or at unload you would direct people to the exit and check each seat for lost and found.

The best role was “Tower”, where you watch the trains on several monitors and make sure everything was safe. Why it was the best was for one simple thing: air conditioning! The entire ride is outside so most positions you are standing outside in the heat. “Tower” was a nice little break where you get to sit in an air conditioned room. I also enjoyed “Load” and “Grouper”. These are the positions that you help direct people to their rows to get on the next train. These were probably the most stressful since you have to fill a train with 34 people under 53 seconds, and the load area is very loud and people are very excited to get on the ride and don't exactly listen. But you get used to it and the positions actually become a bit of a game which is fun!

And as a CP, you are guaranteed to be a closer. If the leaders are in a good mood you get to do a ride-through once you close the ride for guests. I have so many silly ride pictures with my coworkers from those ride-throughs! But being a closer means you also have to walk up the mountain and check that the track is clear and for any lost and found. There's no elevator, so yes you walk all the way up to the top! In case you're wondering, there are 17 flights of stairs. But there's a fantastic view of Disney World, and you get to see Betty up close (that's the unofficial name cast members gave to the Yeti). At Everest, you definitely are going to be losing weight!

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

I always wanted attractions, and I always wanted to work at Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror. But those are obviously really popular and I knew there was a slim chance I would get those. I remember thinking, “I'm fine with working at any park except Animal Kingdom” and then come check-in day of course I got that park! But I am so incredibly happy I got Everest. It was a stressful, and sometimes monotonous job, but I made such amazing friends there. It was incredibly worth it. If you get Everest, prepare yourself for working with some amazing and hilarious people. The Everest break room is legendary! Don't be surprised to walk in there and see one person turning the lights on and off and everyone else starting a twerking dance party. But you become a family. Once a Sherpa, always a Sherpa!

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

My least favorite part was some aspects of the job. Everest is known for being the best at getting guests on the ride as quickly and efficiently as possible. So out of the four keys, besides safety, efficiency is pushed more than anything else. Unless you're out at the entrance greeting guests, you don't really get to practice courtesy. That's something I really wanted to do more often, making magic for guests.

And you are working at Animal Kingdom, where basically everything is outside and it can get very very hot. There can be a lot of grumpy guests! It is not uncommon for a parent to yell in your face because you cannot let their child ride since they are too short. It never happened to me but I had coworkers get punched or hit by a guest. Luckily that's when security steps in! But I have had all sorts of guests yell at me. One time a woman thought I was laughing at her and yelled "Shame on you!" at me multiple times. I was confused to say the least but you just keep your composure and try to calm the guest down. You become a bit used to it, really :)

Everest CM's modeling the latest trends

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

There are two. One morning I was opening which was rare, and I was feeling awful for personal reasons. These two guests were waiting for the ride to open, and I got to have a wonderful conversation. They talked about where they were from (Georgia) and we got to discuss everything we loved about Disney. It was a nice way to start work. A few days later I got a fanatic card from a leader, and found out the two ladies I talked to went to guest relations to write a compliment about me. I never expected such a nice thing on what I thought would be a terrible day!

Another moment happened during an event shift. Companies and people can rent out Everest after hours for parties or conventions, so sometimes I was scheduled for those extra events. One time a family had an event there for the 4th of July weekend. They got to have the Asia area decorated with candles and prayer flags and there was music, food, drinks, dancers and even actors playing the characters in the Everest storyline (there was a Bob and Norbu, if anyone knows that reference!), there were people on stilts dressed up as yetis. And there was a Bollywood dance mob! The best part was they had a projection of the yeti moving around the outside of the mountain. It was so amazing, and you could hear the yeti roar. The cast members working got to witness everything (There's a photo of us that night wearing these beautiful flower leis that were given to us) It was so beautiful and magical and I wish everyone could experience Everest and Asia that way!

What made you want to do the DCP?

I am studying film, and I absolutely adore the Disney parks and films, so it's my dream to work for Disney Animation or Pixar. I thought it would be a great way to open the door a bit into the company. There is also a part of me that just really wanted to work in a Disney park. That was the kind of thing I dreamed about doing as a little kid, so it was very cool being able to make that childhood dream come true. I am pursuing the professional internships right now, I definitely see Disney as a home!

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

I always read that the Transtar buses were awful, but because I live in Oregon I felt it would be easier to just use those then drive all the way to Florida. And I thought the transportation system here at my school was bad. But I was very wrong. If you have a car, TAKE IT. It is so much easier to have a car and not worry about the bus schedules, which usually don't matter because the bus is late. I was late for work a couple times because of Transtar, thankfully my leaders were understanding and I didn't get any points. And if you want to go to Universal or anywhere outside of Disney, you have to depend on someone with a car. It really is a hassle. If there is no way you can bring a car, Transtar does its job of taking you to work and back and to go to the parks on your days off, but not much else. So make friends with people that have cars!

Also, stop worrying about making friends. It is going to happen, and they are going to become some of your closest friends. Seriously, stop worrying!

Braving the drop!

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

You have to be creative. With attractions, especially popular ones like Everest, safety and efficiency will be more important than courtesy. And we all really want to create magical moments every day at work, but it can be hard when you're in attractions. So you have to be creative! When I was at a console at load (where you send the train), a friend and I would tell the whole train that we would not send it until everyone put their “yeti paws” up and roar. Kids and, surprisingly, teenagers loved this. Instead of the usual magical moments that we cannot participate in, we made up our own. And Everest has a really rich back story, so it was fun to talk to guests about our travel company Himalayan Escapes and that there was no need to worry about yetis, it was just local folklore and that our trains are totally safe ;) So my advice: think a bit outside the box so you can create those magical moments!

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

Take advantage of everything! The housing events (FREE FOOD), the trips that they set up (I went to a trampoline park with my roommates one time), as well as the classes. And I think everyone that does the DCP wants to continue working for Disney, and my advice for that: network like crazy, and stay in school. Managers, leaders, coordinators, they are all there. But you have to seek out communication with them, let them know you want to continue working at Disney. If you see a manager, ask how their day is going, see if they need any help. Just make your presence known with them and set up meetings to discuss your resume, find out if they know anyone that is in your field and that you can contact for future jobs or internships. Seriously, managers know a lot of people. And if they like you, they will help you!

Also, getting to work in Disney World and going to the parks for free- it can be addicting! I know a lot of people that stopped going to school and just moved down to Orlando and got a full-time or part-time frontline job at Disney. But it is so difficult to move up in these jobs. I got great advice from an area manager at my work: Disney will always be here. There will always be jobs available. So after your DCP ends, go back and finish school, get your degree, and then come back. And if you have already graduated, find a job that utilizes your degree, get a year or two of work experience there. Keep in contact with leaders, check in with how they are doing, and tell them how you're progressing. With a degree and more work experience, you will have so many more opportunities to work for Disney, ones that pay better and utilize your skills much better, rather than just those full-time and part-time roles in the parks which can get monotonous. I know how hard it is to stay away though, I'm currently living it! So appreciate every moment you get during your DCP. Collect keepsakes, photos and memories, stay in contact with the friends you made. Use those wonderful memories to help push you to work harder, get better grades, be more professional, so when you do go back to Disney, not only do you get to go to the parks again, but you get to work at your dream job!

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!

Why I'm Thankful My Dreams Were Crushed

When I visited home a few weeks ago, I found an example graduation announcement (pictured left) in my junk mail. When I opened the envelope and saw this fake Santa Clara University card, I couldn't help but laugh.

Four years ago I was applying for colleges and preparing to graduate high school. Some of my friends weren't exactly sure where they wanted to go or what they wanted to do. I was one of the few who had her mind set: I wanted to attend Santa Clara University to pursue a degree in psychology and a minor in creative writing. I toured SCU earlier in the year and absolutely fell in love.

I received acceptances from all the colleges and universities I applied to (except Stanford which was no shocker), but the day I received the giant envelope from SCU I literally screamed and barely fought away tears. I knew my dreams were starting to come true.

Flash forward a couple of months and a few friends of mine were accepting offers and posting their excitement for their new future schools on Facebook. Meanwhile, I hadn't accepted SCU's offer yet. Finances were an important factor...SCU is a private school. Saint Mary's University (another private school) had offered me a huge scholarship to pay for half of my tuition and attend their honors program, so I had high hopes that SCU would do the same.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I received the email from SCU with the subject "Financial Aid." This was it. This was the moment of truth.

I took a deep breath and opened the email. My heart sank.

All they offered me was loans.

No scholarships.

Nothing.

I was so upset. I knew that the reality of the situation required me to think of other options; I simply couldn't afford to go to SCU. I was crushed. I was so hopeful and confident in my plans...I didn't expect anything to go awry. I had no idea what to do.

Remembering what I was feeling when my clear vision became a complete and total blur reminds me of some messages I've been receiving from people about not getting accepted into the Disney College Program. I may have gotten accepted into the DCP when I applied, but this never would have happened if I hadn't gotten the disruption from not going to my dream school.

I've received messages confessing, "The DCP was my dream. I'm completely crushed. It's all I wanted to do. I have no idea what to do now."

When I read messages like this I respond in a way that reflects what happened with me. This was the moment that I realized that everything seriously happens for a reason. When one door closes, another one opens. Add any other cliche mottos/sayings you may have about challenges and opportunities, and they're all true.

The door to SCU shutting in my face opened up a chain of events that I never imagined would be possible. I decided to go to my community college near home, changed my major, finished early, and participated in the Disney College Program. I found the DCP because I knew I was finishing early and wanted to take that opportunity. I might not have even found the DCP if I went to SCU like I had originally planned.

I had doors closed during my DCP: I didn't get the role I wanted, I didn't get the apartment I wanted, nor did I work in a park like I was planning on doing. I wanted to work in attractions or merchandise at Hollywood Studios and live in Chatham Square. Instead, I worked in foods at the Polynesian Resort and lived in Patterson Court. I grew to love what I did and where I lived, and learned a lot about myself in the process.

After the DCP, I took another chance and did something I never thought I would do: move to Southern California. I transferred schools to a completely foreign city, far away from my family. Also, during my DCP my plan of becoming a campus rep was denied (another door closed), but this was great because if I had gotten that job, I would have never applied or gotten hired at Disneyland and meet all my amazing friends I consider my second family and have this incredible job.

Now not only do I work in attractions in California Adventure at my favorite rides, I accomplished a dream I never thought would be possible at my age:

I published a book.

Looking back, this dream was accomplished because another dream was crushed. Receiving this fake graduation invitation the other day reminded me that if I had attended SCU like I had planned, my life would be completely different from what it is today.

If you're rejected or denied from the DCP, an internship, a school, or any opportunity you might have your heart on, just keep in mind that there's a reason behind every action and every moment. This may have been the dream you wanted, but there's another dream out there just waiting for you to discover and accomplish. You can do it, I believe in you. It may be a rough path, but it's all completely worth it in the end.

Update and GIVEAWAY!!

A couple months ago, I published a book called Sara Earns Her Ears, an autobiography about my entire experience in the Walt Disney World College Program. What you might not know is that my book is actually a part of an entire series of stories in the DCP called Earning Your Ears, which currently consists of three other books!

In honor of our launch of a new Facebook page dedicated to the Earning Your Ears series, Theme Park Press is giving away the ENTIRE Ears series to one lucky fan!

All you have to do to enter is "like" the official Earning Your Ears Facebook page here!

If you're the lucky winner and already have some or all of the books in the Ears series, you can choose any other books from Theme Park Press.

Winners will be announced April 1st!

Good luck, and have a magical day!

DCP Reunion Part Three: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

I was so excited to visit Hollywood Studios during my trip! My group even participated in a group Disneybound, where each of us dressed up as characters from Big Hero 6! We even met Hiro and Baymax! It was so much fun! Sadly, I felt ill later in the day and had to head back to the hotel to catch some rest, but thankfully I felt much better for the rest of my trip.

Enjoy!

Be sure to check out my other videos on my Youtube channel!

Have a magical day!

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!

To see my other videos, be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel!

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!