IT HAS BEGUN: SPRING 2017 DCP APPLICATIONS - PART ONE

Hello people!! It finally happened, apps dropped for spring 2017. It's SO surreal, I feel like I've been waiting for this moment for the past year and half and now it's here...crazy.

First thing I did before apps dropped was call Casting to make sure I'm in good standing to get rehired (no costumes I forgot to turn in without paying for, or if I self-termed/got termed which I didn't) and that number I'll list because it was a bear to figure out the connections.

Walt Disney World Casting: (844) 559-2278, connections 2-1-7-0 to speak to an actual human at HR.

So applications dropped on Sunday, August 15th, around 6pm PST? Sometime in the evening. I was planning on applying a few days in when the website is less prone to crashing, but got impatient and tried to apply on that Monday or Tuesday. I then realized that I forgot my username, but when I tried to go through "forgot username" it kept freezing on my no matter what computer/browser I was using. So I emailed recruiting (wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com) to try get that figured out. They emailed back two days later saying that the only account I had was my LinkedIn account which I had used to apply for a Disney Store job earlier in the summer, but that account doesn't have any of my info from my previous program on it which freaked me out. So I emailed them a few more times and long story short, here I am a week and a half later with my application all turned in! I'm just using my LinkedIn account, which was fine because there's a spot on the application to put your Perner # as proof you were a previous Cast Member.

Before I got to that spot I was getting an error message when I tried to press continue on my application, but I adjusted some LinkedIn settings and that fixed it. It was set to autofill, but I turned that off and stopped getting the error message.

The application was fairly similar to round one back in spring of 2014, but with a few changes. The roles are a bit different as I'm sure you've already heard, and there's now separate section when listing role preferences for you to put special interest in high volume roles (custodial, housekeeping, QSFB, and lifeguarding). I only put interest in lifeguarding, moderate, and no interest in the others. Following that section you put interest in all the other roles, which I have listed below for what I put.

No Interest:

• Custodial
• Housekeeping
• QSFB
• Monorail
• Bus greeter
• Hopper
• Character Performer

Low Interest:

• Costuming
• Watercraft
• BBB/PL
• Recreation
• Bell Services
• Children's Activities

Moderate Interest:

• Lifeguarding
• Floral
• Seater
• Merchandise

High Interest:

• Attractions
• Convention Guide
• Character Attendant 
• Vacation Planner
• PhotoPass Photographer

I don't remember seeing concierge/front desk roles and if I put interest in them...whoops.

As for my job experience, I chose to put only four of my jobs on (you have a 5 job cap). I really wanted to capitalize on my strongest jobs that tailor to Disney so those are the ones I included. I included lots of works such as customer service, guest service, the four keys (safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency), teamwork/working in a team, and other similar words. I'll include one little blurb I used for skills learned: The ability to work both independently and in a team to execute great customer service.

Public speaking skills gained from performing multiple safety spiels per day.

The ability to work long hours at a high energy job without compromising customer service.

So now I wait. I just received the "Thank you for applying" email, not the WBI yet, but my status is already "In Progress" rather than "Submission" so I don't know if that's good or bad. I'm extremely nervous this time around because I put interest in less roles, and very little interest in the high volume roles. So that terrifies me but I know I wouldn't want to be put in one of those, so I think I did the right thing. 

Brief timeline: Apps drop August 15th

First phone interviews: August 21st

Marin applies: August 24th around 12:30pm
Thank you for applying email: 1:20pm

I'll update you later on what happens! Wish me luck!! Sending everyone lots of pixie dust and positive Disney vibes :)

Losing Weight and Eating Healthy | DCP Edition

Every season the DCP rolls around, people start to wonder more about life at the DCP. What the apartment complexes are like, what happens if you get bad roommates, and how to stay healthy to mention a few. This post is going to address my thoughts, experiences, and advice on healthy eating and exercise at the DCP - keyword being "MY". Many people will have completely different points of view!

This also differs based on your role! Attractions (especially Haunted Mansion/Little Mermaid/Winnie the Pooh etc. with the conveyor belt things) is a very active role, so you're more likely to get your steps/exercise in just by going to work. Roles such as vacation planner or front desk would have a harder time! Also outdoor roles you will sweat a lot more and probably see more water weight loss. Roles that I would think see the largest weight loss just by showing up to work include custodial, attractions, housekeeping, and character performer. Other roles could totally see a lot of weight loss too but are more dependent on location! I know people that lost weight in merchandise, QSFB, and PhotoPass :)

First of all, I did not lose weight during my program, but also didn't gain any. My roommate, Lindsey, on the other hand, lost 30 pounds over our four month program. So I'll just compare a little and throw in my advice at the end!!

MY EXPERIENCE

So on the program I was working five 6-hour shifts a week (give or take an hour or two), meaning I only got one 15-minute break and no lunch. So I usually had breakfast before work, brought an apple or an Uncrustables or some other snack food for my break, and had dinner when I got home. My breakfasts were usually cereal or toast, nothing too fancy, and my midday snack was pretty small. So during the day I wasn't eating an enormous amount, but for dinner I would go a little crazy since I didn't REALLY have a lunch and was so hungry!! My dinners generally consisted of frozen pizza, ramen, mac n cheese, sandwiches, pizza bagels, quesadillas, and other college kid staples.

On my days off I would probably snack more than I should at home (AKA eating snacks throughout the day rather than balanced meals), and eat out in the parks a lot. I usually got the kids chicken nugget meals at the parks and maybe a snack depending on what park I was in, but I rarely got the healthier options Disney has to offer.

As far as exercise goes, I was walking EVERYWHERE which is probably why I didn't gain weight with the amount of unhealthy food I was eating. I walked around a good amount at work, a ton on my days off in the parks, and every time I went to and from the bus stop (literally a 10 minute walk from the farthest corner of Chatham). I personally never used the gym since I was doing so much walking but that's an option for some people. Another reason I probably didn't gain/lose weight was because of my lifestyle back home. I ate healthier back home and was active, but not quite as active as I was in Disney, so it was kind of a wash. If I ate better I probably would have lost weight.

LINDSEY'S EXPERIENCE

Lindsey had a pretty similar program to me - similar diet, similar job, and similar exercise. Lindsey probably worked slightly longer shifts than I did - I would ballpark 35 average hours a week compared to my 30 average. She also had a similar eating schedule with breakfast before work, a medium snack at work, and a big dinner after. She ate more frozen pizza than I did, but also ate a lot less mac n cheese and ramen. Her other main meal was basically sandwiches.

We spent most of our days off together so she also ate a LOT of Disney chicken nuggets (no shame) but maybe a few less park snacks. She was also better about eating meals rather than constant snacking, so that probably made a difference.

Lindsey also did an enormous amount of walking, but the main difference between her and I was our lifestyle pre-Disney. She went on walks, but didn't really go to the gym or play sports and ate a slightly healthier diet to Disney so moving to Florida increased her exercise a lot, resulting in a big weight loss. This is something to note when you wonder whether or not you'll gain/lose weight during the program: how healthy is your current lifestyle? If you're a mega health nut then you'll probably have a harder time sticking to healthy food choices, but if you don't exercise much you'll definitely see and feel a difference when you're down in Florida for your program.

MY ADVICE TO BEING HEALTHY 

Okay I'm just going to bullet point my advice here, it's mostly going to be food related.

• Buy fresh fruits and veggies in bulk at the grocery store, and buy items that won't go bad quickly
• Carrots, celery, apples, oranges, snap peas, etc. (mostly thick-skinned fruits/veggies)
• Buy frozen fruits if you crave mango, berries, or other more expensive foods prone to going bad quickly
• This also works for frozen veggies
• Don't go grocery shopping when you're hungry (common advice, but good nonetheless)
• Go to the grocery store with a plan, not spontaneous!! This will help cut back on impulsive buys
• Lists help a ton - paper or on your phone's notepad
• Don't be afraid to go to the parks on your day off just to walk around and enjoy the magic! You don't have to only go to the parks with people or when you want to ride rides. This will help get your exercise in!
• Also by keeping busy exploring you will DRASTICALLY decrease boredom snacking because you just don't have the time!
• Get a pedometer/FitBit to help keep track of your activity
• DON'T FORGET TO DRINK LOTS OF WATER
• Always make sure your meal has a protein in it, even if it's just peanut butter in your PB&J
• Pre-pack lunches and snacks to prevent buying overpriced food at work/in the parks
• Try to make a few homemade meals, this often cuts back on calories or unwanted ingredients.
• Soups are really nice because they last forever and you can freeze them!
• A yummy and cheap way to do healthy meals is "gourmet" sandwiches. Get some good bread and a bunch of different fillings so you can switch it up every meal
• Breakfast sandwiches, PB&J or honey, grilled cheese/ham and cheese, meat and cheese with oil and vinegar and avocado (my favorite) to name a few options
• Finally, do what makes you happy!! It's okay to give in to cravings once in awhile, or spend a lazy day in bed, but try to get out and enjoy all that Orlando has to offer. Just being in the sunshine will put you in a good mood :)

That's all I have for today!! Shoutout to my dad for suggesting this post #doctordadprobs <3

My Disney World Bucket List - FOOD EDITION!

So I have made a general bucket list, but I feel that Disney food is so great it deserves its own list. I'm SUCH a foodie and only got to try a small amount of Disney restaurants, so that's gotta change. ;) There's a huge amount of restaurants on here so I'm going to double star (**) my priority eateries for the full-service restaurants. The quick-service restaurants I'll mark with a single star (*).

Epcot:

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall for character dining 
• Biergarten (again) 
• Beer cheese soup
• Chefs de France
• **Coral Reef Restaurant 
• *Kabuki Cafe 
• Shaved ice
• *Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe 
• Lefsa
• Rice pudding
• **Le Cellier Steakhouse (again) 
• Filet mignon 
• Rose & Crown Dining Room
• Teppan Edo
• Tutto Italia Ristorante
• **Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria 

Magic Kingdom:

• **Be Our Guest (again)
• **Cinderella's Royal Table for character dining
• The Chrystal Palace for character dining
• *The Friar's Nook 
• Mac n cheese
• *Gaston's Tavern 
• Cinnamon rolls 
• LeFou's Brew
• Liberty Tree Tavern
• Classic Thanksgiving meal
• *Sleepy Hollow
• Nutella waffles
• *Westward Ho 
• Pina colada

Hollywood Studios:

• **50's Prime Time Cafe
• Milkshakes for days
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
• *Starring Rolls Cafe

Animal Kingdom:

• Rainforest Cafe (just for the theming and childhood throwbacks)
• Tiffins
• Tusker House Restaurant
• Yak & Yeti
• *Joffrey's Coffee
• Frozen chai

Resorts:

• The Grand Floridian
• 1900 Park Fare
• Citricos 
• Victoria & Albert's 
• Narcoosee's 
• **Garden View Tea Room
• Afternoon tea
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge
• Artist Point
• Whispering Canyon Cafe 
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
• *Barefoot Pool Bar
• *Kona Cafe
• Shaved ice
• Luau Cove
• **Ohana (again)
• Breakfast AND dinner
• Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort
• *Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• Yachstman Steakhouse 
• Cape May Cafe
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• **Boma - Flavors of Africa
• **Sanaa
• Jico - The Cooking Place
• Disney's Contemporary Resort
• California Grill
• The Wave
• Chef Mickey's
• Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
• **Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
• **Trail's End Restaurant 
• Disney World Dolphin Resort 
• Todd English's bluezoo
• Disney's Boardwalk
• Flying Fish Cafe
• *Boardwalk Bakery

Disney Springs:

• *Earl Of Sandwich 
• *Forty Thirst Street Express
• *Ghiradelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
• **Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant 
• Splitsville Dining Room
• T-REX

I know you might look at this list and be INCREDIBLY overwhelmed, but since I plan on being down at least a year I will have the time to try a few out. I definitely won't be able to hit the whole list because of money but if I could, I would try all these ;) And these are MAYBE half the restaurants Disney World has which is insane.

DCP Roommate Survey (Template + Example)

Hello people! This is my roommate survey using a template. If you wish to use this template just copy and paste it, and delete my answers and insert your own! There's always a bunch of these floating around. If there's ever important information you wish to add you're more than welcome to do so! For example, I added religion to this template because I thought people should know I'm Christian. Even though I'm open to living with people of any religions (or people with a lack of religion), some people might not want to live with me because I'm Christian. Last DCP I lived with one other Christian, one Mormon, two Atheists, and one Jew and it worked out wonderfully!! You may want to add sexual orientation or desired future career or something like that and you're more than welcome to! Whatever information will help you find the best fit for roommates is important to include. So here's my roommate survey if I were to do one at this very moment :) 

BACKGROUND

Name: Marin

Nickname: Don't really have one, some people call me Mar

Gender: Female

Relationship Status: Single

Birthday/Age: I am 21, birthday: October 14, 1994

Religion: Christian

Current Location: Fort Collins, Colorado

Hometown: Snohomish, Washington (near Seattle)

School: Colorado State University 

Major: Agricultural Business

Year in school: Going into my senior year! Graduating this December, 2016. 

Are you allergic to anything? Just negative people ;)

Where do you work right now? Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates as a Guest Services Representative 

Do you have any siblings? One sister (19)

DCP DETAILS

Are you applying for WDW or DL? Disney World <3

Start Date: TBD

Flying or Driving: Driving from Colorado

Your Role?: TBD! First program was QSFB

What program are you applying for? Spring

Do you want to live in Wellness or Non-Wellness? Either

How many people do you want to live with? I'd love an apartment with 6-8 people total!

Which housing complex would you like to live in?: Not too picky but I'd ideally like the Commons!

Alumni? Yes, September 2014-January 2015

LIFESTYLE

Do you party? How often? Nope, never. Unless we're talking like a game night/movie night or something chill like that.

Do you smoke? No.

Do you drink? Yes, but never to get drunk! And I have no problem living in Wellness and only having a drink when I go out to eat at restaurants/Epcot (it'll save me money and calories anyway!).

Can you cook? Yes

Are you a night person or morning person? Neither haha I like to sleep (but I'm a SUPER heavy sleeper). If I had to pick one I'd probs go with night person.

Do you snore? Only if sick!

What does your bedroom normally look like? Pretty clean, sometimes it takes me awhile to fold and put away my laundry though.

Do you like it when your room is hot or cold? Cold for sure.

Would you rather go out or stay in? I can confidently say I'll be spending the majority of my time off in the parks! So if "out" means Disney adventures and going to the beach and fun stuff like that, then go out. But I don't really like late nights so I'm not a "clubber".

What do you like to do on your days off/the weekend? Go to the parks and explore Orlando! But mostly go the parks :)

Do you work out a lot? Only when I'm at school. I'll be getting basically all my exercise in Disney form walking around the parks haha

PERSONALITY

Three words that describe you: Fun, hungry (haha), and easygoing

One good quality: I am super easy to get along with

One bad quality: I can be sarcastic sometimes which doesn't always fly with people. You're more than welcome to let me know if I overstep though and I'll TOTALLY apologize and be more careful with my words!! I never mean anything maliciously.

Are you outgoing or quiet? A pretty solid mix! More outgoing in small groups and quieter in large groups.

Do you like hanging out with people or keeping to yourself? Again, mix of both! I like hanging with people during the day but having nights and mornings to myself (AKA when I'm the most tired and cranky haha)

What would you want in a roommate? Someone who knows how to clean up after themselves (this means will do dishes and take out trash ;)), someone who is easygoing, and someone who is NOT passive aggressive. Or just aggressive. Basically someone who is positive and can talk about any issues they have in a respectful manner :) And of course someone who can't wait to hangout in the parks and turn our apartment into our Disney home!!! 

What are your biggest pet peeves/dislikes? People who complain a lot or are disrespectful.

Are you messy or organized? Fairly organized.

How do you feel about sharing? Willing to share things if you ask! Except food. I like my food. But I will make muffins or something where people can totally help themselves

Do you like having people over a lot? A few people is totally fine, but not large groups and definitely not parties with drinking! 

Favorite thing to do: Go on walks, play in the parks (obviously), read, play volleyball, watch movies, and eat. You have probably gathered that I like food.

Favorite Music: Disney, country, and rock. Currently I'm OBSESSED with Home Free, and have always loved Rascal Flatts and Lincoln Park. 

Favorite TV Shows: Once Upon A Time and Pretty Little Liars (but I'll be honest, I have also watched the Bachelor and Dance Moms). My ALL-TIME FAVS were Psych and Make It Or Break It but those got discontinued :,(

Favorite Movies: Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, basically all Disney movies, and Mamma Mia

Favorite Food: Mashed potatoes with gravy. Also Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream. And DEFINITELY Disney chicken nuggets. And fruit! I LOVE mango, berries, papaya, and honeydew. 

Favorite Candy: Australian style red licorice

Favorite Drink: Chai tea, fresh juice, and bubble tea

Favorite Color: Blue and purple

DISNEY!!

Favorite Disney Character: Of course Mickey, but also Megara, Ariel, and Rapunzel

Favorite Disney Sidekick: Maximus, Pascal, and Pain and Panic from Hercules

Favorite Disney Villain: Hades and Scar

Favorite Movie: Robinhood, The Little Mermaid, and Tangled

Favorite Disney Channel Show (or Disney Channel Original Movie): HSM of course, Camp Rock, and I actually like the new one Descendants  

Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom with Epcot in a close second

Favorite Attraction: Space Mountain, the Little Mermaid ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, Soarin', and Festival of the Lion King