7 Reasons Why You Should Do The Disney College Program

I've kept a very detailed account of my DCP experience, but when it comes down to it, WHY would I do it again, and encourage others to look into it? Here are reasons why the DCP is a great option for any student with any major.

1. Resume building. So many people have come straight out of the program and gotten jobs just because of "The Walt Disney Company" is written on their resume. Employers know that Disney only trains the best people for guest service and satisfaction. 
2. Networking! There are SO many jobs that go into Disney, you are bound to meet someone with connections to your major. I'm an Agricultural Business major and was able to meet MULTIPLE managers and leaders in this area! I met the head of the plant science professional interns, an animal keeper manager from Animal Kingdom, and an education conservation intern for marine biology. You're limited only by your own drive to seek these people out!
3. You get into the parks for free! Seriously do you know how much money you save on parks by working here! That's hundreds if not thousands of dollars in Disney tickets you're saving. 
4. Real life experience. Sure in college you're independent, but even there you have dining halls, advisors, and face it: college just isn't "real life". Here you get a taste of what it's like to hold your own job, pay rent, and grocery shop on your own.
5. Cheapest family vacation to Disney ever. You get family in for free, AND get crazy good discounts! 40%-60% hotel, free tickets, 40% merchandise (in the winter months), free parking, and 20%-40% dining discounts. Seriously? Now not only you benefit from this program. but your friends and family get a piece of that magic as well.
6. Kids. You get paid to make magical moments happen all day long! You can do something special for those families and kids who just look like they need a little extra magic. You can see people smiling and laughing all day long, and know that you help that happen. This will without a doubt be one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever work. Ever. Especially for the Make A Wish families, they are the kindest and most grateful of all.
7. Magic <3 You get to spend a semester creating happiness, making magic, and living a dream. You can watch Wishes whenever you want, go to Magic Kingdom at midnight just to ride Space Mountain, and spend a whole day watching kids faces light up when they see the castle for the first time, just because you can. You gain so much appreciation for how much work goes into these jobs we take for granted, and learn to especially appreciate workers that put their all into their job. Coming home, those things stick out so much more then they did before. Whenever I go out and have a great experience with a cashier or waitress or some other staff member, I make sure they know how much I appreciate them. 

Disney truly changed the way I look at life. I am definitely a better worker, and more appreciative guest because of it. I would do this program again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone considering it. You can have any major, and come from anywhere in the world. All they look for is someone with a great attitude who's going to be a willing worker, and who speaks English. They especially appreciate those who are bilingual! The opportunities to come from this program are endless.

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." ~Walt Disney

How the DCP emotionally effects you (video link)

Watch. Cry. Watch again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iE8mjNGZ4I

Everything I feel put in one amazing video <3

The DCP Taught Me...

Here's what doing the Disney College Program taught me.

1. Not everyone who works for Disney is magical. Some people are cranky, rude, mean, or just burnt out. It's our job as "fresh meat" to bring the Disney spirit and inspire our coworkers to do the same. There were so many full timers and part timers I originally couldn't stand, but ended up loving.
2. Disney overtime is anything over 8 (paid) hours. So anything over an 8.5 hour shift is overtime! Time and a half = paycheck's best friend. My roommate worked 57 hours in her last week, many of these being overtime, and made a $350 paycheck!
3. If you work two shifts within 8 hours of each other, you get paid double time! This only happened once to me, and if you seek out double time you can actually get in trouble.
4. Buyouts might mean working late, but they will be your favorite events (with the exception of cheerleaders)
5. Transtar is not only a crappy bus company, but taxi service as well. DO NOT USE TRANSTAR TAXIS, JUST GET THE NORMAL ONES. We got charged $45 to go to Yacht & Beach Club. My roommates got charged $18 using Yellow Cab.
6. Don't buy merchandise until you get your holiday discount, pick out what you want then wait it out for the sake of 40% off.
7. Always travel to Disney with room in your suitcase for the million souvenirs you take home..
8. Be honest on your initial Disney interview. I said I wouldn't be opposed to working QSFB, and that's what I got put in. Don't be afraid to say no! That'll just set you apart from hundreds of other applicants, in a good way.
9. Magic Kingdom is always the park people want, but in reality you will get the most hours, craziest costumes, and worst bus schedules. It's not for everyone, but many people do love working in MK.
10. Wishes will make you cry each and every time you watch it <3
11. Coworkers are what make going to work easy or hard. I LOVED my coworkers and managers, so it was really easy to come to work. If you hate your coworkers, it makes it so much harder. 
12. So many people that do the DCP have never worked a full time job, and you can easily point them out. They're the ones that call out sick and complain all the time (stereotypically;)). It's easy to forget that the DCP is first and foremost a JOB. A FULL TIME job. AKA this means a minimum of working 5 days and 30 hours a week. 
13. After completing the DCP you will know that you can conquer anything because you survived working at Disney over the holidays.
14. How to grocery shop for one! It is so much harder than you'd think.
15. I learned what to buy in Walmart (everything frozen!), and what to buy at Publix (fresh produce!).
16. The closest beach is almost 2 hours away. If you want to go to the beach, it's a day trip.
17. Florida weather is not always hot! I got more than a few weeks use out of my jackets and sweats.
18. September-October might not be busy, but it's sure wet and rainy.
19. Humidity is disgusting, but it also mostly went away for November - January.
20. Universal is only worth it for Harry Potter, and makes you appreciate how Disney operates.
21. Always take advantage of any opportunities Disney gives you! Take a Disney class, they're so much fun. And can you say networking?
22. Disney means so much to me. It's my childhood, my happy place, and maybe even my future.

I hope you enjoyed my random list of things I learned because of doing the Disney College Program, I have absolutely no regrets on doing it and would do it again in a heartbeat. But maybe a different role. ;)

Bucket List Re-Visit

So I went back to look at my "DCP Bucket List" and mark off what I did or didn't do. Here it is!

1. Go to all 4 parks in one day Closest I got was three...
2. Stay at the Magic Kingdom from the park opening welcome show until after Wishes Who has enough energy for that?! Never made the welcoming show :( But countless Wishes!
3. Take on the Kitchen Sink challenge with my roommates! If you don't know what this is, look it up. No Kitchen Sink, but ate at the restaurant!
4. Get a season pass for Universal Studios Check :)
5. Drink my weight in Butterbeer at Universal Studios Defs happened
6. Eat in all of the countries in Epcot I ate everywhere! DANG.
7. Somehow get dinner reservations at the Be My Guest restaurant Check! MOST MAGICAL PLACE EVER
8. Go to the beach Check :)
9. Go to SeaWorld Never happened, apparently everyone hates SeaWorld
10. Explore Downtown Disney Check!
11. Ride every single Disney ride at least once, no matter how "little kid" of rides they are Not even close
12. Go character hunting I met character, I did not hunt
13. Get pictures with Rapunzel, Hercules, Anna and Elsa, Ariel, and Pooh Only Ariel got a photo...
14. Make Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with my roommates No dinner, but we did presents!
15. Go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Check <3
16. Go to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Check <3
17. Try the weird food, who knows, it might be good! Check I think? EPCOT Food and Wine has to count..
18. Try the sodas from around the world (yes, even the Beverly!) Yes! A million times
19. Take a million pictures Maybe not a million....
20. Buy Disney merchandise Ugh way too much $$$
21. Use the cast member discounts as often as possible OHHHHH yeah
22. Go to Earl of Sandwich for lunch Check! YUMMM
23. Eat at Mythos for dinner in Universal Studios Twice!
24. Go on at least one spontaneous adventure a week! Probably.
25. Get the salted caramel sundae at Ghiradelli in Downtown Disney Check! The best thing ever
26. Make an effort to meet my neighbors in our apartment complex LOL AS IF
27. Make at least one homemade (not out of a box!) meal a week, hopefully more...Make that once a month
28. Save my money for fun days in the parks Kinda check...
29. Camp out early to get a perfect spot for Wishes Twice!
30. Watch all of the parades at least once Check :)
31. Watch all of the shows at least once Everything but (both) Beauty and the Beast shows and Flights of Wonder!
32. Go to a musical Only on Disney property
33. Send my friends/family a Disney postcard I should have done this...
34. Be thankful everyday that I get to work in the most magical place in the world! Oh yeah!
35. Go to the Christmas Eve church service if I don't work I was with my family, but did Candlelight Processional which is pretty much the same :)
36. Make an effort to make our little apartment Christmas feel like a real Christmas Check!
37. Have a family style dinner once in awhile with my roommates Only with non homemade food haha
38. Don't stress the small things Erm...
39. Take a day once in awhile to sit back, sleep in, and have a Disney marathon to recharge Oh yes
40. Go see the Hobbit midnight premier I worked :(
41. Find an awesome Halloween costume hahahaha as if! I worked
42. Go to as many housing events as possible! Again with the hahahahaha I went to 0
43. Send my sister a Disney care package <3 I should have done this too....
44. Do something special for everyone's birthdays (all of my roommates except one have birthdays in fall!) Check!
45. Don't spend all of my money on groceries Check!
46. Go to cast member exclusive events such as special showings of parades or shows! Check! SO COOL
47. Always show up to work on time and with a good attitude Well I was always on time.
48. Visit the Florida Keys Noooo....
49. Make sure no day is wasted Check <3
50. Make incredible memories and make the most of this amazing opportunity :) BRB CRYING YES

DCP Plane Packing

Many people travel by plane to get to Florida for the DCP, but how do you pack for five months when flying via plane? I'll attempt to tell you. First bit of advice: PACK LIGHT. You will buy SO much stuff at Disney that you will need the room. And if you do the fall program, pack a few summer outfits, but I got the most amount of wear out of capris and t-shirts. Buy as much as you can down there, so unless you're super picky, buy your bedding in Florida. It saves SO much room. And if you really are a heavy packer, fly Southwest (2 free checked bags!). Also, if your family flies down with you, have each of them take a bag with your crap in it. I flew using two 49lb suitcases (you have to pay like $50 if you go over 50lbs), and a backpack. Try to put your heaviest items in your carry on, since the carry on doesn't have a weight limit. I definitely over packed. I never used my dresses or wedges; trust me you will almost never dress up. A little background on me: I almost always dress for comfort, and this list reflects that. So if you are more likely to wear cute shorts and jeans than leggings and athletic shorts, swap those out. So here's a checklist of what I would pack next time (applicable specifically to females, but hopefully guys can find this helpful too):

• Obviously a sufficient amount of underwear (but remember you can always buy lots more at Walmart)
• A few pairs of ankle socks (I wore sandals around the parks, not tennis shoes)
• 2-3 pairs "comfy" shorts aka running shorts
• 2-3 pairs cute shorts
• 1-2 skirts
• 1-2 dresses (including 1 business dress)
• 1-2 pairs jeans
• 1-2 pairs yoga pants (long) or sweatpants 
• 1-2 pairs leggings 
• 2-3 pairs capri style yoga pants
• 2-3 pairs jean capris
• 1-2 sweatshirts
• 1 dressy jacket
• 1 raincoat, a poncho is best since raincoats (AKA my Northface) aren't strong enough for a Florida downpour
• 1-2 pairs pajama pants
• 1-2 pairs pajama shorts
• 3-4 t-shirts (including pajama/sleep shirts)
• 2-3 long sleeved/warm shirts
• 1 cardigan or light jacket
• 2-3 cute tops you can dress up or down
• 3-4 tank tops
• 1 pair tennis shoes
• 1-2 pairs sandals (I brought Chacos and Teva flip flops)
• 1 pair boots (optional, I just wear lots of boots!)
• 1 pair dressy shoes (I had flats for Traditions)
• Hair curler - optional
• Hair straightener - optional
• Blow dryer - optional
• Prescription meds
• Camera
• Phone
• Laptop
• Chargers
• Cosmetics bag (buy the cheap stuff there)
• Razor - can also buy this there
• Pictures from home (but no frames)
• Wallet
• Checkbook
• I.D.'s
• DVD (not in cases, limit your movies - I used a CD case)
• Contacts
• Contact solution (for you glasses people like me)
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Any personal items you need/can't live without
• If you have room after packing clothing and essentials, pack some of the items in the below list that you can leave in Florida after your program is over. This way you save money by bringing items instead of buying them down there, and you can leave items there which will allow you to bring back souvenirs and Disney merch!!

Stuff you should buy in Florida, and not pack:

• Hairspray/hair products
• Towels (body and hand)
• Lotion
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Face wash
• Tylenol/Advil/any over the counter drugs you need
• Deodorant
• Bedding
• Pillows
• Mattress Pad
• Toaster
• Blender
• Lamps
• Extension cords
• Christmas lights
• Push pins for your cork board
• Body wash
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Hand soap
• Feminine products
• Air fresheners
• Food (you would think this self-explanatory)
• Laundry bag/basket
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap

I'm sure there's more that I forgot, but as you can see it's expensive either way to travel via plane. Also, if you are a bookworm like me, invest in a Kindle! It doesn't beat a real book, but it's MUCH lighter and more convenient. Hope your week is more magical than mine! Mine's spent in the dreary Washington fog, dreaming of Disney.

FINAL WEEK

Well I've been home a few days now, and let me tell you, PDD (Post Disney Depression) is a real thing. I think I left off the day my family left? Well New Years Eve I worked from 3-11:45 and it was insane. Busiest day in DHS history, and almost every restaurant and merch location broke their sales records. We closed at 9pm, and got extended to help Backlot. We got off work just before midnight, so my coworker Lizzie and I went into the park and got to watch the fireworks which were INCREDIBLE. So we got the bus stop around 12:15. Traffic was so bad that no bus could get in, so come 1:30am we're STILL waiting for a bus. The line of CPs was crazy long, and everyone was calling the number for the busses. Well finally around 2am like three busses came, and that still wasn't enough to fit everyone! It was so choked up (the traffic) that it took us an HOUR to get out of the PARKING LOT. Ugh it was horrible. And then another 45 minutes to get home, so I ended up getting home around 4am. Luckily I was off on New Years day, so I mostly spent the day packing up. I was also off on the 2nd, so Lindsey and I met up at EPCOT after she got off work. Last Club Cool :( So depressing. EPCOT was my second favorite park!

I worked on the 3rd, it was my last day of work and it was so sad. Everyone was crying, and we never know when we're going to see each other again, so that's really depressing. Well I worked 12:30-8, and after work I basically finished packing. I recommend trying to sell stuff you don't want to take home (such as groceries, toasters, extension cords, etc.). There's a Facebook page that's called the Disney Trading Post or something like that, and you can buy and sell stuff on there. Likewise, if you're extending, offer to buy groceries off of your coworkers because it's so much cheaper that way. I sold three reusable bags worth of groceries, and one bag of miscellaneous (hangers, toaster, lunch box, etc.) for $20 to a coworker who's extending. So I got rid of stuff without throwing it away, got some money, and she got a ton of stuff for super cheap. Win-win. 

Sunday the 4th was our last day all together, and we were all off (roomies), so we went to Magic Kingdom. We rode the classics, ate our favorite food (LeFou's Brew YASSSS), and all watched Wishes together. SO bittersweet. By the end of Wishes we were all bawling our eyes out, and there were so many CPs around us crying too. It hit me then that I really wasn't going back with them...here's our first and last roomie photos together.

Room roommate Lindsey

Lindsey, Mikaela, me

Lindsey, Mikaela, Mikaela's coworker, me

Sarah, Ashley, Allison, Mikaela, Lindsey, me

ROOMIES <3

Lindsey and I <3

So Monday sucked. We had to be out of housing by 11am, or they charge us rent for the week. Ashley, Mikaela, Lindsey, and I were all staying at the Beach Club Resort, so we had to take taxi's for our giant suitcases. IT WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RESORT. We spent the afternoon napping, went to Beaches and Cream for dinner (best desserts ever), then into Magic Kingdom one last time. I would have been sad. but we were surrounded by Brazilian tour groups, and they are the rudest people you will ever meet. 

Tuesday morning we all went to the airport. Ashley overslept and missed her 6:50am flight. but was able to catch another. Mik, Lindsey, and I all had afternoon flights, so we caught the Magical Express at like noon. At Disney hotels you can check your luggage there, and not see it again until your final destination, so that was SO nice. Lindsey and I had a 3:25 flight to Seattle with a layover in Chicago, but since it's January, of course we got delayed. So we were in Chicago for 4 hours instead of one and half, and then our pilot decided to fly us to Oakland, California instead of Seattle (supposedly for fog). So that took another 3 hours. So we were supposed to be in Seattle at 10pm, got there at 3am. Sorry mom. Got home at 5:15am, in bed at 5:30am, slept until 1:30pm. Hahaha a very long day. I was awake for 22 hours straight! And here I am. It's so weird to be home. I think I'll do a couple more posts on the DCP, and then be done indefinitely. I hope to do another program, or professional internship, but we'll see where my life takes me! Hope y'all have a magical week :)