Preparing for a Journey -- Disney College Program Spring 2014

Hello, and welcome to the adventure and exclusive opportunity of a lifetime, where you will have the most unique career experience for living, learning, and earning!

Many may go as far as calling it an experience of a lifetime, or life-changing; no matter your view on the matter, there are always new things to learn around each and every corner. Since you've made it this far you are probably considering the Disney College Program as a furthering opportunity, waiting upon your status after an interview, or just waiting for your arrival date right around the river bend!

In the meantime, here are a few pieces of information for prospective Disney College Program participants:

Housing ~

• There are four college program housing complexes: Vista Way, Chatham Manor, Patterson Court, and the Commons. Each participant receives access to the DORMS system prior to their arrival date to preference their roommates and living situation(s). Selections vary upon rent, rooms, and housing complex.
• Check-in takes place in Vista Way, handling all housing situations, and work location information along with a run-through prior to Casting. A mandatory housing meeting taking place in The Commons (Wednesday), covering basic expectations of code and conduct for College Program participants during their program.
• All housing apartments are subject to random search by security, with the recent addition of random inspections, where possible fines may be incurred.
• In relation, the TRANSTAR busing system is based in the Vista Way housing complex which may be accessed with any housing complex identification.

Basics ~

• Plan on arriving prior (Sunday) to check-in day for an opportunity to get to meet everyone in person. With the new DORMS system in place, roommates are no longer required to check-in together.
• After check-in at Vista Way drive to Casting (if possible) for fingerprinting and paperwork to avoid new arrival bus crowds.
• When arriving for the first time at your apartment, check on all aspects of the apartment for upkeep, noting any visible wear/tear & damages along with any missing flatware. Call the complex housing to put in a work order immediately, as you may be subsequently charged otherwise. Check all surrounding decks and hallways for trash, including beer/wine bottles, especially for those in wellness housing.
• All College Program participants will receive their Cast ID on their day of Traditions (Thursday) allowing them to access the parks freely, discounts, in addition to their work necessities. In addition, new RFID Cast Member and Guest passes will be received via mail within two weeks for park admission.
• For roles involving many standing hours, invest in insoles for shoes. For those receiving complimentary shoes, break them in prior to working. Always be prepared for the worst, rain or shine in Florida.
• Start off on the right foot, documenting all your hours in some form to verify your pay. This becomes invaluable during slow season when you've got very little spending money, and every penny does count.

More than anything, enjoy your experience and every moment you receive. Get to know your area, along with the people that create the atmosphere to make it a wonderfully memorable time. Many have been dreaming for a moment such as this, and you've received an opportunity of a lifetime, so make it count.

Feel free to add any additional questions or comments regarding future endeavors in the Disney College Program, and have a Magical Day!

To Infinity and Beyond

Welcome, and hello! Since things have taken quite a bit of a turn for the interesting I thought I'd update everyone on the recent happenings and occurrences during the College Program.

Had a few difficulties and forthcomings with the management team, specifically a management intern. Tried to make the most of every moment, turning them into opportunities. The end resolution was not a positive experience, which I would never wish upon anyone in any situation whatsoever.

The experience in the last week was quite different from what I expected, which began upon my return to my normal work location (after a several day leave) on Monday, September 2, 2013. Management made the personal decision to take away my Company ID, making a point that I was allowed to keep my housing ID for the time being.

On Wednesday September 4, 2013 I was contacted by Management, and told to bring my costumes in. I brought all of my costumes from the past several weeks including from other costuming facilities. They decided to sit me down, reprimand me once again, which they then followed-up with a termination of my program.

With this decision made, I was informed that I would need to remove myself and my belongings from the housing complex at 11AM by the following day, Thursday September 5, 2013; Meaning I'd have less than 24 hours to pack and move all of my personal belongings. That evening I visited the Programs and Internships office at Chatham Square for the third time to have several questions answered regarding my leave from the program. The main concern was in regards to housing, mainly in the concern of housing payment and my departure. The answers were that I would still be charged for the remainder of this week, and have housing taken out of my rent for my final paycheck as well, and I would be have to be gone with all of my housing items turned in by 11PM the following day.

The morning of Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 9PM I turned in my Housing ID, Decal, and Apartment Key, driving into the sunset.

This is just my perspective on things, and doesn't necessarily mean that all College Programs take this route, some just have more unique experiences and happenings than others. At the end of everything, there's an opportunity to look at everything in a positive light and to Keep Moving Forward.

When September Comes

Hello, my wonderfully amazing guests! I hope you lot are doing well.

Things have been quite hectic, and frantic recently with everyone working 6-day weeks. I just finished up a 55-hour week, which wasn't too bad as it kept me busy, yet tired. Just finished up a shift at my favourite place on Main Street, which I thoroughly enjoyed, including the company of those that are around me.

Overall, August hasn't been the most pleasant of months this year thus far given how it's gone, but there's still opportunity for it to turn around. So many things have happened, and not happened in such a period of time that it's been a lot for me.

We look forward to September, and all that it brings including shorter park hours, shorter days, and more time available to ourselves. There's also a few nice events coming up including Friday the 13th, as well as the park closing early due to reservations of the entire park.

Living in the now, and enjoying it.

Have a Magical Day!

Pros & Cons

Good Morning wonderful people! While I'm taking care of quite a few things, I thought I'd give the pros and cons of my Disney College Program thus far, based upon personal experiences.

Pros

• Independence
• Having the opportunity and ability to visit the Walt Disney World Resort on a daily basis, including free admission to the parks
• Certain discounts and perks of being a Cast Member, including discounted admission to holiday parties, cast previews, and such
• Access to the Cast Service Center which has media resources available for check-out
• Working and Living at the Most Magical Place on Earth, with others that have the same appreciation.
• Opportunity to meet new people, and network with others, if possible.

Mid-line

• Location. location. location. Depending on where you're placed can either make or break your entire program. If the management truly cares about the College Program experience, beyond work needs, then it will be wondrous. There's a variety out there.
• Sociability with others. The social opportunities are many, from work to bus rides to other things as well. Everyone makes personal choices such as partying nightly, and those are the type of friends they make. Find people where you like doing things the most.
• Friends, they come in all different shapes and sizes. There's some that you'll see every so often, and some that you'd rather not ever see again. There's some that truly care to build upon a friendship, and some that think they're the high school 'popular' kids. Appreciate those that stick around.
• Relationships. I've heard amazing stories of people meeting their significant other on their program, who was a friend's roommate. Personally, I've discovered that it can go both ways as there's relationships to grow from. Just enjoy the relationships with those that you have, and keep those around that support you and make you happy.
• Deployment, following up with location. Being deployed can give you multiple opportunities to work at different locations.
• Guests.
• Freedom. It's a use-it or abuse-it situation which is a personal choice. You can either follow the rules that are set out in a work/personal environment, or don't. The choice is yours.
• Roommates. There's the awesome roommates that bond throughout their program and enjoy each other's company, and the others that don't take the time. There's the decision to be a mature adult and take care of your own messes, or leave it long enough that someone will do so. You may have situations that may not be suitable at times, and things you may have to address. Use your imagination at the rest, but just try to pick people you'll enjoy your time with.
• Requested Time Off. If you need a certain day off, it's simple enough to request it off. If you've got an even nicer manager, they'll figure a way to give you those special days off such as your birthday. Albeit, most of the time during holidays (December) everyone is 'waitlisted' until further notice due to the need of the holidays.

Cons

• Late hours, Long days. Many people get sick and rundown because they have no time to take time for themselves.
• Unreliable busing system, with buses constantly showing up late or not at all.
• Florida's Hot and Humid weather
• Housing. You essentially pay ~$100 a week to share a room with someone you've most likely never met before. You've to deal with security on a daily basis, some of whom are quite rude. You're not allowed to visit other housing complexes after-hours, although you pay rent like everyone else to the same exact housing companies. Monthly inspections, which are now surprises, and if failed you have to pay a fine. The housing has been mal-maintained over the several years, and has continually deteriorated to the point where things are failing. 
• The 'Point' system. Feeling Sick and need to call out? You get a full point. Tired after that long day and forget to completely clock out? You receive half a point. There's little forgiveness and leniency.
• Missing a semester or more of school. I've constantly been asked by guests and managers alike as to why I gave up a solid future to be here. 
• Emotions. Depression, homesickness, and everything else imaginable while being away from home.
• Paychecks. They will be very small, unless you're working 50+ hours due to housing and other 'costs' being removed from your paycheck. Double check that you're being paid correctly as well.
• Holidays spent working.

Update August 8-16

Hello, wonderfully awesome people! It's been quite the week this past week. Just wanted to give a quick update on everything to give an idea of what's been going on.

Recently since the Spring Program just ended (extensions) the good majority of College Program students departed. I lost a lot of wonderful friends, and even more wonderful international friends who all want me to come visit them at home soon.

In the past week, personally I've accomplished:

• Went to go visit Rapunzel, and the other princesses in the Town Square Theater Princess Hall. Waited in standby the first time, visited Ariel, Rapunzel, and Belle. Rapunzel was who I was waiting to visit the most, as I had brought Pascal along with me once again. Rapunzel asked if she could have him, and started playing with him as I handed my phone to the photopass gentleman. She grabbed me, and started asking me a bunch of questions as she told me not to move, as she set pascal on my shoulder, after taking him off of hers. She asked what my favourite hiding spot was and what I liked doing, which I couldn't exactly think of, and ended up saying "adventuring in the great wide somewhere" randomly enough, which she told me to ask Belle about. We talked for a bit longer, then she posed next to me. We got a few photos together, then she gave me a big hug.
• Visited Wes at work before his vacation later this week, as he showed me around a bit. Definitely an excellent evening speaking with him.
• Walked quickly to the Faerie meet and greet in hopes of seeing Vidia, which was unfortunately closed before the entire park was closed. Walked back over to the princess hall, and saw Rapunzel, Aurora, and Cinderella. Cinderella made my night even better by running around me, and grabbing my hands, putting one on her waist, and another in her hand to waltz.
• Began planning and scheduling out my friends' three day visit from back home, as she's never been to Walt Disney World!
• Ordered the new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit plush from the Disney Store. As well, I ordered the journal from the Designer Disney Prince & Princess line that was announced at Disney D23 earlier this month, which was the Rapunzel and Flynn book. I debated on the mug, but decided since my Peter Pan mug is still just sitting, that I'd hold off on it.
• Had a few other fun 'outings' with other friends in my spare time, which I enjoyed. Just hoping I get to know people better, and meet new people!

Work-wise, quite the variety:

• Had a little boy today, who was as cute as ever. His mother had asked me for some help with cels since she couldn't understand the deaf gentleman who was working the gallery on his own. I explained everything to her, and answered any questions she had. Her little boy she was holding just started up the funniest conversation with me. I walked her over to our counter to get her information about the cels she was inquiring about for orders, and her little boy started telling me about how he loved the train set we had on display and how the "Princess Castle Kingdom" was his favorite park. Steph just walked over, and absolutely ogled over the entire conversation as we both saw his eyes just light up. His mom unfortunately slowly ushered him out, but he was just so bright and animated talking about how the train was his favorite. Made my otherwise interesting week better.
• Sat down by one of the part-time managers who decided to speak to me (attack) about a few things she had "concerns" with, which included me going and informing the program about my work location not being supportive as well as problematic more than anything else. The manager sat there for nearly an hour, being derogatory during our "conversation". She made such remarks such as "you just so conveniently had light duty come up" and "if your life was so perfect back home, why did you come here?" amongst many others. Overall, it was an unproductive and negative conversation that just went full circle, and more or less proved the reasons why I went to the programs office in the first place, to take care of these issues and be proactive about the situation.
• Took the opportunity to talk with my Manager Lynette on August 15 about what had previously happened with the other manager. I also took the opportunity to explain to her what I'd like out of my program, and what opportunities I'd like to have including shadowing a few coordinators and managers. More than anything, I think it would be really amazing if the managers/College Program Liaisons could put together a monthly event to let CP's explore beyond their work area, such as backstage tours, and other Cast-exclusive events that other areas have been allowed. I also have several ideas for our Magical Moments that I'm going to bounce off of our interns, which she fully supported since they need a bit of improvement beyond "go play with a bubble gun" as they need to memorable and funny/significant enough that guests will remember it throughout their entire trip, or beyond!

That's just a glimpse of what my past week has been beyond the 50+ hour weeks, 6 days a week due to the current situation, but it's still been interesting. Thankfully enough since August 5th, we have had more College Program participants check-in which has been nicer as we have newer people to talk to.

More than anything it will take time, but I'll at least appreciate spending time with those that I enjoy it around. Appreciate those that are around you, and the moments that you've got. We Keep Moving Forward!

Challenges & Opportunities

Apologies on the sparse updates, things have been quite hectic as of late with the Spring program ending, and the Fall program beginning.

Over the past week I have had quite a few obstacles and challenges, which I've tried addressing as best as anyone new to any situation can. I have found more than anything else that if these challenges are addressed appropriately to the proper people, that they can then be addresses properly and become opportunities in the grand scheme.

As I was told earlier this evening, it is quite understandable that we are all thrown into such a mess of things all at once, and after coming from afar, it's a lot to handle all at once.

I think I've learned quite a bit over the short amount of time I've been here, and hopefully I can use it to improve ways of life.

I may or may not delve further into the known problematic situations for resolution, as they are always there, but I believe that we need to put the past behind us and to not settle upon what has happened as a forthcoming to what will occur. Keep Moving Forward.

Brilliant Birthdays!

(Note: This is a rough draft, published as incentive for me to quickly update and organize; apologies)

August 6th - Brilliant Birthdays