Something to look back on.

(click to enlarge)

I got my acceptance email 101 days ago and I'm not sure where the time went. In just 20 days, I will be fulfilling one of my biggest ambitions by working at the most magical place on earth! 

Disney really does make dreams come true.

A small memento.

My sister is visiting for Christmas and she randomly handed me these receipts and said that she thought I might want them. They’re from my first trip to Disney! 

It probably sounds stupid but they mean a lot to me. 

It’s because of that first trip that I realized I wanted to work for Disney and in 29 short days, I will be. I know it sounds lame, but in a way, these receipts are a pivotal part of a journey. They represent my dreams coming true.

One more month.

I remember seeing people get these emails back when I was thinking about doing the program and I was really jealous of them.

I really love that this one is meant for me!

By this time next month, I will be in Orlando

I don't know where the last three months went.
Although I hate to admit it, I'm scared about living on my own so far away from my family.

I hope I'm ready for it.

Getting things together!

Over the last two months I've accumulated things that I'll need while I'm in Florida and I finally got around to organizing it into bins today. Up until this point, it's been a big cluttered mess of stuff.

I feel like anyone who has started packing for the dcp probably has a pile of stuff in a corner of their room like I do.

I took the first picture a few days ago and the second one was taken today. I like how organized everything is now.

(As you may have guessed from this post and previous ones, I like to take pictures of everything so that I can rely on visuals as well as my memory when I look back at this experience.)

First group chat with the roommies!

I think we'll all get along just fine :)

Good things are happening!

My dashboard went from being in the "post offer" stage back to "in progress," which supposedly means that I'm being placed into my work location! And I've finally gotten my  new hire email, which means that I can fill out all of the paperwork that Disney needs. I'm not particularly excited to do paperwork, but this email makes everything seem much more real. This is really happening.

In the video on the new hire website, Bob Iger said something that I found to be really welcoming.

"Walt Disney was fond of saying, 'I hope we never lose sight of one thing- that it was all started by a mouse.' We know it was all started by that mouse's creator, and that legacy will continue through you. 

Welcome to the Walt Disney Company.

Welcome to our team."

I am so happy to be part of this company.

Only two months to go!!

I had to post this status here because it's part of my journey!

"Be our guest, our command is your request"

My roommate just made a reservation at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom for her birthday!! I’m so excited to eat at this GORGEOUS restaurant!!!

(Also, I realize that I'm updating this blog a lot before I actually get to Florida, but I figured this was worth mentioning because I'm really excited!)

Following a dream.

I saw this video today and it really resonated with me. People have brought my attention to every negative aspect of the Disney College Program. They have said, "I never thought you would ever have a custodial job." They say that I'll be delaying my college education for an internship where I'll be at the bottom of the ladder, getting paid minimum wage, dealing with horrible guests, and getting no respect.

What they seem to forget is that there are very few things I have ever been this passionate for. That I'll finally be doing something I really want to do, and my hesitation to do it comes from fear of the unknown rather than from a lack of interest. They seem to forget that working for Disney is going to be such a valuable experience for me in an immeasurable amount of ways, and that just being able to call myself a cast member, regardless of my position or salary, makes me prouder of myself than I have ever been. They seem to forget that I am pursuing my dream.

I wish more people had the mentality of the speaker in this video. To be honest, if I thought I could live a prosperous life without some kind of continued education, I wouldn't even be going to college. With this internship, I will be able to say that I am doing something purely because it makes me happy instead of saying that I'm working toward a type of degree or applying for a certain job solely for the paycheck. 

I love this video. It reminded me that as long as I am unapologetically doing what makes me happy, I am richer than the wealthiest person in the world.

My obsessievness is starting to show.

Before getting into the program, I had always wanted to put my family's old VHS Disney movies in my room to display, but I was always kind of embarrassed to do it. At the time, not everyone in my family knew that I loved Disney the way I do. But now the cat's out of the bag.

Since I'm doing the program now, I've put all of our movies on a bookshelf along with Disney soundtracks and Disney books. I'm so excited that I don't even care if it looks stupid or childish anymore.

 

It seems fitting, right?

DCP Packing List

This is my own personal list, but I thought it might be helpful to other people.

Clothes and Accessories

·         Shorts/jeans

·         Casual tops/dress tops

·         Dresses

·         Cardigans

·         Hoodies

·         Flip flops

·         Interchangeable business attire

·         Sunglasses that adhere to the Disney look

·         Tennis shoes/ comfortable shoes that adhere to the Disney look

·         Dressy flats/ casual flats

·         Swimsuits

·         Pajamas

·         Underwear

·         Socks

·         Jewelry

·         Watch that adheres to the Disney look

·         Hair accessories –bobby pins, bows, hair ties

·         Hair brush/ teasing comb

·         Handheld mirror

·         Poncho/ rain gear

·         Flat iron/ curling iron

Bathroom

·         Face wash/shampoo/body wash/conditioner

·         Tooth paste/ tooth brush

·         Dental floss

·         Mouth wash

·         Moisturizers (face/body)

·         Shower caddy

·         Toothbrush holder

·         Dixie cup dispenser

·         Dixie cups

·         Toilet paper

·         Shower curtain

·         Shower hooks

·         Door hooks (for towels)

·         Hair dryer

·         Shower cap

·         Bathroom rugs (optional)

·         Towels (hand/bath)

·         Sunscreen

·         Naked 2 Palette/ Elf  liquid eyeliner (3)/ Mascara

·         Face primer w/ sunscreen

·         Tweezers

·         Lip balm

·         Razors

·         Q-tips

·         Aloe gel

·         Makeup remover

·         Nail clippers

·         Hairspray

·         Air freshener

·         Hand soap

·         Deodorant

·         Plunger*

Cleaning

·         Pledge

·         Bleach

·         Wash cloths

·         Sponge

·         Dishwasher soap

·         Dish soap

·         Windex

·         Laundry detergent/bleach

·         Dryer sheets

·         Lint roller

Electronics

·         Phone charger

·         Extra phone battery

·         iPod charger

·         Ear buds

·         Camera, Lithium batteries, data cable

·         Wireless router

·         Ethernet cable (a long one)

Kitchen

·         Tupperware containers

·         Ziploc bags  (snack size, sandwich size, quart size)

·         Paper towels

·         Sponges 

Paperwork

·         State issued I.D.

·         Birth certificate

·         Medical insurance information

·         Hire Documentation/ I-9 forms?

·         A blank voided check

Miscellaneous

·         Fly swatter

·         Mattress pad*

·         Storage bins

·         Mickey lamp

·         Clothes hangers

·         Pepto-bismol

·         Vitamins

·         Advil

·         Band-Aids

·         Insect repellent

·         Photos

·         Large backpack

·         Autograph book

·         Toaster*

·         Bed risers*

·         Small trash can*

·         Alarm clock

·         Umbrella

·         Ear plugs

·         Pens/notebook

·         Photos

·         First Aid kit

·         Bedding/pillows/blankets

·         Laundry bag

·         Money to cover the first two weeks

·         Combination lock(s) – personal and work locker

*indicates items that may be purchased after check-in.

102 days

until I finally go to Orlando! I couldn't be more excited!

The phone interview.

My phone interview was on September 15th and surprisingly, I wasn't nervous at all during the days leading up to it. I thought I would lose sleep and think about it constantly, but I didn't. I think it's because I knew that I was prepared and if I got rejected, it wasn't because my answers were bad, but because I lacked enthusiasm or I didn't sell myself well enough.

Before the interview, I printed my answers out so that I could reference them easier as opposed to scrolling through a Word document. I highlighted the questions I knew I would be asked and made post-its to serve as reminders. By the way, I've read that you shouldn't write out your answers word for word because you may sound robotic, but personally, it works for me. During the interview, I didn't read word for word but I knew that if I had really short responses as my notes, I would mess up somehow. Different methods seem to work for different people though.

The interview was scheduled for 1:00 EST and I made sure I was ready 20 minutes beforehand. I made sure I wouldn't be interrupted by anyone and I had a glass of water next to me in case I got thirsty. The phone rang at 1:00 on the dot. When my interviewer asked how I was, I said "I'm excited!" to really show enthusiasm. She asked me general questions about my application and noted that I had said I was okay with working weekends, holidays, and making $7.26 an hour. I had applied for WDW Spring, Spring Advantage, and Disneyland. She asked which program I preferred and I said that working anywhere would be an amazing opportunity, but that I would prefer Spring Advantage because I wanted to be there as long as possible, I was familiar with WDW, and I would be closer to my family.

She then asked, "why do you want to work for Disney?" This is the MOST important question. Be sure to talk about how many great opportunities there are such as networking, gaining a competitive edge, and try to incorporate your major somehow. I told her that I was majoring in business management and that doing the internship would be beneficial because I could gain a firsthand look at how Disney became such a successful company and I could incorporate the things I learned into my own business. My best advice is to talk about what the INTERNSHIP can do for you, not so much that you would love to work for the company because you love Disney or want to experience something new and get away from home. If that's why you want to do the internship, I would suggest just applying for a regular job with Disney.

She then asked about work experience. One thing that I would definitely recommend is mentioning volunteer work. My interviewer said she loved when people did volunteer work. She asked me what my top three role choices were and why, if I had any experience with public speaking, and if I could adhere to the Disney look. We talked a lot about personal things. When she asked about the Disney look, I told her I didn't even have my ears pierced and she said she didn't either because of some traumatic experience with earrings while playing volleyball. Having an actual conversation calmed my nerves a lot. Just remember that these recruiters WANT you to get accepted so be as personable and friendly as possible and everything will be fine.

You should also indicate your flexibility and show that you are as willing as possible to do what they want. If you don't have a positive attitude about this program from the very beginning, there's a big chance you'll be let down. I told her that I was really interested in custodial and housekeeping because I loved the magic behind the magic. Obviously, I ended up getting custodial. But you shouldn't indicate your interest for a role just because you think it will increase your chances of getting in. Even if a role is low interest, you could still get it so if you really don't want to do something, put no interest. I did for quick service food & beverage, and transportation.

My interview lasted 34 minutes. Afterwards, I felt really confident about my interview. If you prepare yourself for it and really sell yourself, there's no doubt that you'll get accepted. Just be as positive as possible!

Good luck!

The web based interview.

The WBI can be a little daunting because it is the difference between moving one step closer to working with Disney and being rejected. But if you're relaxed and have an idea of what the WBI is like, you'll do just fine.

As I said in my previous post, I did the web based interview the same day I applied. After I had gotten the email for an invitation to the WBI, I decided to spend twenty minutes away from the computer. I was so excited about applications being out that I wanted to calm myself down so that I wouldn't go too fast or miss anything because of my excitement.

The WBI first asked some general questions like why you want to do the DCP and stuff like that. Unfortunately I can't really remember this part very well, but I do know that it wasn't timed. The next two sections were timed though and they were based on two different scales. One being that you "strongly agree, agree, are neutral, disagree, or strongly disagree." The other is a number scale of 1 to 5. Five being that you really possess that quality and 1 being that you don't.

Here is my advice for the WBI: avoid neutral and lukewarm answers. There's a theory that the interview is based on a point system and if you put "strongly agree" or "strongly disagree," you get more points. I think I answered two questions as neutral. Disney wants you to be completely confident in your answers, but that being said, be honest. If you're only on time sometimes, say that because in the next section of the interview, you'll be asked the same questions but they'll be worded differently. This is so Disney knows that you're telling the truth. It is also important to be honest because a.) Disney knows that no one is perfect and b.) when you begin the interview, you feel compelled to sound as appealing as possible, but towards the end of the interview, people tend to give more honest answers. I would also suggest that you take the WBI when you're well rested and free of distractions just so you'll be able to focus on it entirely. And don't have a friend or a parent over your shoulder telling you what to put. You don't need anyone influencing your answers; this is YOUR interview.

Overall, just be honest, don't second guess yourself, free yourself from distractions, and relax.You'll do great!

... and all our wishes will come true.

Hey everyone!

My name is Chelsea and this blog is going to be all about my Disney College Program adventure! Starting in January, I am going to be participating in the Spring Advantage program at Walt Disney World! I decided to have a blog about my experience because I want something to look back on after my program ends. And I figured this may be a good reference for anyone who is thinking about doing the program.

I'll tell you a little about the process so far.

This is the first time I have ever applied to the program and I did so on September 6th, the day applications came out. I took the web based interview and passed it. Then I scheduled my phone interview for the 13th, exactly a week later. I wanted to give myself ample time to prepare for the interview. The 13th came, I had my interview, and I thought I did really well. My interviewer was really nice and perceptive to my answers, but I didn't want to get my hopes up just in case I was rejected. I was told that I would find out in two or three weeks if I got in.

I waited and waited in DCP purgatory, and eight LONG days later, I got that magical "Congratulations" email.

I was accepted for a custodial position at Walt Disney World, and I couldn't be more thrilled! I know that some people will think that I got the worst job available, but I don't see it that way. I get to work independently and I get to interact with more guests than any other role. It's important that I keep an open mind because I really don't want to be disappointed about any aspect of this program. I have the mindset that custodial is just as important as merchandise, or attractions, or any other job. The park can't function properly without it. But I've gotten off track.

Fast forward to now: I've picked my arrival and departure dates, which will be January 21st - August 9th 2013. I've found my roommate, and I have made a packing list. As of today, I only have 108 days until I head down to Orlando. It's funny how eight days seemed like an eternity when I waited for my acceptance email but 108 days seems like no time at all!

Until my arrival date, I am going to to get everything I need and spend as much time with my family. I am about to embark on the biggest journey of my life thus far and I couldn't be more excited!