Saturday, July 19, 2014

Disney College Program: An Overview

The time has come and my countdown has finally reached one month! Yes, that's right, only one month until I move into my new apartment in Anaheim, CA and begin the most magical chapter of my life.

The "Congratulations!" postcard I received after my acceptance.

I've created this blog to share my experiences during the college program with my friends and family, and any other random people who find my life as a cast member to be exciting. I guess I'll start by explaining what the college program is and answering some of the questions that I have been asked many times.

What is the Disney College Program?
The College Program, or CP, allows college students, and recent grads, to work within the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort and take part in one of a kind educational opportunities. In addition to taking classes provided by Disney, we also live in apartments with other participants of the program.

How is the CP different than just applying to work at Disneyland?
The main difference between the two is that with the CP we have the opportunity to take classes. I will be taking a course called Marketing You which focuses on developing our career goals and a personal marketing plan. It covers everything from resumes and cover letters to how to present yourself in an interview.

Side Note: Since accepting my offer for the CP I have been a bit lost as far as my plans for the future and I am more than excited to take a class that focuses on helping me find my way in this crazy, wonderful world.

Are you going to be Minnie Mouse? A princess? 
Sadly, I will not be Minnie or any of the beautiful princesses, but I will be working one of the many attractions that Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure have to offer. I won't find out exactly where I am working until I move-in (aka in one month!!), so stay tuned for a post about that! Having been a frequent Disney guest as a kid, I am very familiar with almost every ride and cannot wait to find out how they operate and what exciting new things I will get to learn about my favorite place.

How long is the program?
The Fall program lasts from late-August until early-January. So yes, I get to spend Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years at the Happiest Place on Earth! To say that I am excited would be a serious understatement. With that being said, I do hope to continue as a part-time cast member once my program is over.

Where will you be living?
I will be living in Anaheim, CA at Carnegie Plaza which is about 10 minutes or so away from the Disneyland Resort. I will have 4 other roommates, and if everything goes as planned, fingers crossed, I will be living with Kaylie, Kirby, Paige, and Angel. The reason I say hopefully is because there is a roommate matching system or something (I haven't gotten to that step yet) and you are only guaranteed one person that you request as a roommate. But I have a feeling everything will work out just perfectly for the five of us :)

My new home!

Do you get discounts? Free tickets?
The question on every one's mind, what are the free perks?? Yes, there are generous discounts provided for Cast Members and a limited number of opportunities to bring close friends and family into the park with you. But most importantly, I can go to the parks WHENEVER I want to! Well, there are some restrictions of course, but then again nothing in life is perfect.

Won't you get sick of the parks and everything Disney?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! I'm pretty sure no further answer is needed.

Why would you go to your place of work even on your days off?
In answer to that, if you worked at Disneyland wouldn't you go there as much as possible?! I am actually really excited to experience many new and different things at the parks. As I've said before, I was a frequent Disney goer, but there are still so many things I have yet to do in the parks and I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity.

You are never, ever too old for Disney.