Bad News...

I have come to the very difficult decision to not participate in the Disney College Program this summer and fall.

This is for many reasons. First off, I wasn't really ecstatic for my role, it wasn't in my top 3 or even my top 10. I know nothing about it and the casting department is being zero help. I've sent them multiple emails and have called asking for more information regarding my role and they just tell me my offer letter should describe the role, which it doesn't.

Second, if I had gone to Disney and hated my role, I wouldn't want to quit because then there's no chance I will be re-accepted for a different role another time. So I'm choosing to not take that chance and just re-apply at a later time and hope I get one of my top 3.

Third, I would have been home for literally one day. My last final is May 15th. I would be home May 16th, then be driving to Florida for the 17th and 18th, moving in the 19th. I know people who would be able to deal with that, but I'm not one of them. My family just got two new dogs after my previous two died and I really want to spend time with them.

Fourth, I would miss a graduation ceremony which is very important to me, my friends are all graduating from my Alma Mater.

Fifth, with my college scholarship, I can only take one semester off in all of my years for a study abroad, so this would be it. I'm just a freshman and I want to keep my options open. I can't afford to lose the scholarship because it pays for my entire tuition.

Sixth, my college would make my parents pay tuition even when I'm at Disney because I'm getting credits which my family just can't afford right now.

Seventh, I have been having trouble finding people who I feel I would get along with at Disney. I had three other roommates and they texted me yesterday that I was no longer allowed to live with them for reasons that seriously make no sense.

Eighth, (I swear I'm almost done), I had already bought a bunch of concert tickets in Ohio for this summer and I would have had to bail on the people that were so excited to go and I'm not that kind of person.

Ninth, I did not want to do the program in a role that I may or may not like. I want to go into my experience knowing that every single day is going to be a blast, whether I'm working or just exploring. With my role of transportation, I'm just taking a chance.

*sigh* So those are all of my reasons for postponing my program.

Now I'm gonna talk about what I see for my future, including the DCP.

I'm going to graduate, on time, May of 2017 with my Bachelors in Criminal Justice.

It's extremely hard to get a good job in what I want to do without a Masters so I would definitely have to go to Grad School.

So my plan is to apply to do the program the semester after I graduate and give myself a little break before jumping into the really heavy stuff.

This way, I will get to study abroad somewhere actually abroad during my years in college and still do the program!

I personally think this is a great plan and I am extremely happy with my decision. Obviously, I am sad I won't be at Disney next semester but it's not worth my happiness in my opinion. I will do the CP one semester, but that semester is not Fall 2014.

Thanks for reading this and all my other posts. I will revamp this blog when I re-apply in about 3 years! I will probably do some small updates about how I feel about my decision next semester and so forth.

Have a magical day!

Kelly

DCP Phone Interview Tips and Questions

This is going to be a very long post so brace yourself.

Phone Interview Tips:

1. Write down your interviewers name and thank them by name at the end.

2. SMILE! It may seem silly, but you can really hear it when you talk.

3. Stand in front of a mirror, trust me you will be so much more energetic.

4. Have a water bottle nearby because your throat will probably get dry because you're so nervous.

5. Have 1 or 2 questions prepared to ask. They like when you ask "how did you get started in Disney?" because a lot of them started in the College Program themselves.

6. Be prepared 15 minutes before, and don't be worried if your scheduled time passes and they still haven't called.

7. It will be a blocked number so make sure you answer it.

8. Make sure you have your interview time correct. This may sound silly but you might have scheduled it for 8 AM instead of 8 PM like you meant to and if you miss the call that would be really really bad.

9. Go to the bathroom before hand, you don't want to have to hold it in for 15-20 minutes.

10. Make sure you're in a quiet room where you won't be interrupted and lock the door.

11. Most importantly just be yourself! They will be able to tell if you're faking it, and they want genuine people.

That's all the tips I have, now for the questions.

Here is a compiled list of all possible questions you could be asked during your phone interview and some answers I would suggest/gave in blue. Note: I didn't type the questions up myself, I found the list elsewhere and did a little editing. Also, any questions I was asked will be in red.

General

• Why do you want to work for Disney/do the DCP? **Almost always asked
• To gain professional experience, to work for WDW and any other personal reasons.

• How do you deal with repetitive tasks?**Frequently asked
• I make them into a game, trying to find other ways to do it to make it more fun.

• Do you have any experience speaking in front of large groups of people?
• Tell the truth.

• How do you feel about having roommates and living away from home?
• No problem, I live 7 hours away from home now with a roommate.

• Do you think any of your past jobs will help in any of your top 3 choices?
• Depends what your past jobs are.

• Why do you think you are qualified for your top role?
• Again, personal qualifications.

• Are you comfortable handling money?
• Yes, I worked for a retail store as a cashier.

• Do you have any tattoos or body modifications?*Always ALWAYS asked. DO NOT LIE. I have a nose piercing and a tattoo and I told her that and I was still accepted.
• TELL. THE. TRUTH. Seriously they will be really really mad if you tell them you have no body piercings or tattoos and show up with your lip pierced and a tattoo sleeve. Like I said, I have my nose pierced and a tattoo on my hand and I still got accepted because they are not hard to fix/cover up.

• Are you familiar with the Disney parks and resorts?
• Disney World, yes, I've been over 15 times. Disney Land, never been.

• What does Disney mean to you?
• All up to you.

• How will the CP help you professionally?
• People skills, communication, working in a team, whatever else you hope to gain.

• What are you most looking forward to in the DCP?
• Working at Walt Disney World, making new friends and a great experience.

• What makes you a good candidate for the DCP?
• Depends on your character.

• What do you plan to do after college?
• I plan to become a social worker at a victim advocate center.

• What can you offer to the Disney company?
• I am bubbly and energetic with a passion for Disney.

• What are 3 words a previous employer may use to describe you?
• Energetic, productive and helpful

• Describe a situation where you have had to work with a difficult person, boss, or teacher. **Frequently asked
• Your personal experience.

• What Disney character are you most like?
• Winnie-the-Pooh.

• What is your favorite memory of Disney?
• When I was 3 years old, there was a commercial where Pooh gave a little girl a rose and I was convinced he was going to give me one. So my family's next trip to WDW, Pooh gave me a rose outside the crystal palace and I still remember it. Here is an adorable pic of me right after getting my rose/crying. Note the Pooh shirt and watch...I really love Pooh.
• 

• Do you mind working outside in the Florida heat and in the rain? **Frequently asked
• Not a problem.

• Would you rather work alone or in a group setting?
• I can work in either, but I prefer alone because I feel like I get more done.

• How would you help a guest who speaks little or no English?
• Take them to guest services or find another Cast Member that speaks their language.

• Tell me about some jobs you have previously held.
• Your job experience.

• Tell me about a time you made a guest or customer happy at a previous job.**Frequently asked
• Your job experience.

• How would you handle a roommate disagreement?
• Talk with them about it first and if we couldn't work it out get someone else's input/assistance.

• Do you mind working mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays?**Frequently asked
• No prob.

• Do you prefer a fast paced or slow paced work environment?**Frequently asked
• I prefer fast paced because I get more done and am more productive.

• Can you stand for hours at a time outside?
• I can if I need to.

• Do you prefer and indoor or outdoor environment?
• I prefer indoor, but can work outdoor as well.

• What are 3 negative qualities about yourself?
• Can be too impatient, perfectionist

• What is your favorite Disney (movie, ride, park, character), and why?
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, EPCOT, Eeyore

• What are your top 3 roles? *Will always be asked
• Attractions, Character Attendant, Merchandise

• How would you handle an emergency/tell me about a time you have had to handle an emergency in the past? *Everyone I've talked to for Fall/FA 2014 has been asked this question
• Calm and collected...I don't really remember what I said oops

• Are you open to the QSFB or Custodial roles? **Frequently asked
• Be honest, I told them I wasn't.

• Why are these your top role choices?
• 
  

ROLE SPECIFIC

(I'm not gonna put suggested answers except the ones I was asked because a lot of them are based on personal experience)

BBB

• Do you have any salon experience?

• Do you have any childcare experience?

• How would you react if a little girl was shy or scared?

Costuming

• Are you comfortable operating an advanced costume checkout computer?

• Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs+) costumes to different locations?

• Would you be comfortable working independently?

• How do you feel about working “backstage” with minimal guest contact?

• Are you willing to operate basic laundry equipment?

Housekeeping

• Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals?

• How do you feel about working in a guest’s room while they are not there?

• Are you able to work independently with little to no guest contact?

Lifeguard

• Are you comfortable working for long periods of time in the Florida heat?

• Are you willing to work in another role during off-peak seasons?

• Are you comfortable with spending long periods of time standing in water?

• What would you do in the event of a guest injury or illness?

• Do you believe you are able to pass the swim test? (not sure why they asked me this...)

Custodial

• Are you comfortable with emptying trashcans (which may include shooing bees or flies) and lifting heavy garbage bags?

• Are you willing to bus tables in restaurants and outdoors?

• Are you comfortable working for long periods of time outside in the heat, rain, or cold?

Main Entrance

• Are you comfortable delivering long speeches on a microphone?

• How would you make a guest feel special as they enter a park?**Frequently asked

• Are you willing to drive a large parking tram?

• Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades and park openings?

Merchandise (my #3)

• Are you comfortable with handling cash? **Frequently asked
• If you've worked in retail, then yes.

• What would you do if a guest was looking for a specific item, but you are out or don’t sell this item? **Frequently asked

• Are you comfortable suggesting items to guests based on first impressions?

• Are you willing to work independently outdoors at a cart?

Photopass

• Are you comfortable with operating digital cameras?

• How do you feel about achieving monthly sales goals and suggesting products?

• Are you comfortable working in several different parks, potentially all in the same week?

• How do you feel about a guest refusing a picture?

QSFB

• Are you comfortable preparing simple food items, which may include using a fryer, grill, or other cooking equipment?
• I am because I love to cook.

• Would you be willing to wash dishes or bus tables?

• Are you comfortable selling alcohol?

• Are you able to multitask?

• Are you comfortable handling cash and using a cash register?
• Yup.

• How do you feel about working independently at a food cart?

FSFB

• Are you comfortable handling cash and using a register?

• Are you willing to spend long periods of time rolling silverware, and folding napkins?

• Have you ever managed a seating chart, or are you willing to learn?

• What would you tell a guest if they wanted to eat at a restaurant, but there are no tables available for several hours?

Recreation

• Are you willing to train with watercraft, arcades, and other recreational facilities?

• Do you believe you will be able to pass the swim test?

• Are you willing to work in another role during the off-seasons?

• How do you feel about working for long periods of time outdoors and around water?

Transportation (the role I got)

• Do you have a valid driver’s license?
• Indeed I do.

• Are you comfortable memorizing and delivering long speeches?
• I've been in theatre for 7 years, so yes I should have no problem.

• Are you comfortable talking to other CM via radio?

• Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

• How do you feel about driving large vehicles (such as a monorail or bus) filled with guests?

Vacation Planner

• What do you think the duties of a vacation planner are?**Frequently asked

• Are you comfortable handling large amounts of money and achieving monthly sales goals?**Frequently asked

• How do you feel about working in multiple parks, potentially all four in a week?

• Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?

• Are you comfortable working with a computerized ticket system offering over 128 different ticket combinations?

• How do you work while under pressure?

Character attendant (my #2)

• How would you react if a child was being violent with a character?
• Try to get the character away without being rude to the guest.

• What does character integrity mean to you?**Frequently asked

• What would you tell guests if you had to turn them away because a line is closing for the day?

• What would you do if a child was afraid of a character?

• What would you say if someone asked why the fur character doesn’t talk?**Frequently asked
• They're saving their voice for the parade!

• How would you say “(mickey, Cinderella, ariel, Donald, beast) has to leave?”
• Say they have to go meet up with another character that would make sense. Ex. "Pooh has to go back to Christopher Robin" or, "Daisy has to go get ready for her date with Donald"

Attractions (my #1)

• What would you do if a child wants to ride space mountain, but is too short?**Frequently asked
• Say something like "there are lots of rides for princesses like you, but this one is just too dangerous. Maybe your next visit you will be big enough!" and show them how far away from the height they are so they leave excited to come back next time and ride it and are not disappointed that they can't ride it now.

• What would you do if a guest wanted to get on an attraction but it was out of service?

• How would you feel about operating a ride?

• Would you be willing to help with crowd control during a parade?

• Are you comfortable talking in front of large groups of people?
• Yes ma'am.

• Can you memorize and remember long speeches?**Frequently asked
• Yes ma'am.

• What would you do if you messed up your spiel?
• Just pick back up where I messed up like nothing happened.

Bell Services

• Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs) luggage (including overhead)?

• Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?

• Are you comfortable being the first CM that a guest interacts with on their vacation?

Hospitality

• What would you do if a guest wanted a specific type of room and there were none available?

• How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?

• How would you make a guest feel special as they are beginning their vacation?

• Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?

• Are you comfortable handling large amounts of cash?

Concierge

• What do you think the duties of a concierge are?**Frequently asked

• Do you have any experience handling cash, including foreign currency, and travelers checks?

• How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?

• What do you expect when you stay at a Disney Resort?**Frequently asked

Character Role (my close #4)

How would you deal with the heat inside the heavy costumes?**Frequently asked

Honestly don't remember what I said. It wouldn't be a good idea though to say something like "it would really suck because it's so hot in there".

What would you do if a child was afraid of you?

What does character integrity mean to you?**Frequently asked

Never breaking character in front of guests no matter what. To them you are Ariel. If a guest says "oh you do Ariel's voice so well" say something like "Well I sure hope so, I am Ariel!" instead of breaking out of character because it's an adult and they don't really think you're Ariel.

I really hope this helped at least one person, and best of luck on your interview! Just remember to be yourself and have fun with your interviewer, they are all super cool!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

My Transportation Role

This is gonna be a short little post. I really had no idea what my role (transportation) entailed.

The DCP Facebook page recently posted a video on it and I thought I would share it for other people who might be interested in it.

It sounds like a really fun role to me, I can't wait!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

My Disney Entertainment Audition!

So in my previous post I said I was going to a character audition on March 9th, and I did!

It was a lot of fun and I met some really cool people. I "tell all" so to speak in my third vlog which is in this post, but I will just talk about it a little bit here too.

So the check-in was supposed to start at 10 AM, but so many people were there early they started at about 9:45. I got there at 9:50 and there was a line out the door of this small dance studio in Columbus, OH.

I went by myself so it was kinda awkward for me just standing in the line for forever. I FINALLY got checked in at 10:45 when the auditions themselves were supposed to start at 10:30. I was #126 and they ended up running out of numbers and had to write some on pieces of paper and tape them onto people.

A lot of people did what they tell you NOT to do, like wearing Disney paraphernalia and dressing up like a certain character. One girl did her hair and makeup to look just like Snow White, another did it to look like Cinderella. One girl had her hair dyed fire engine red to look like Ariel and I overheard her telling her friend that she had done it the night before. Some people just don't listen I suppose.

So I sat in a circle with some people I didn't know while we waited for everyone else to check in. At about 11:15, everyone was finally checked in and the auditions began.

We were a huge group of almost 200 people, so the choreographer, Gina, had the front section sit down sometimes so us in the back could see what was going on.

The dance was extremely simple, just 2 counts of 8. It starts with 4 skips, then a jazz square, then 2 pony's, then 2 pivots. That's it. Seriously I learned this stuff in 3rd grade.

Then we did it in groups of 4 and it really didn't take that long to get through all the people because it was a continuous thing. Also, we had to do the sequence 3 times moving across the floor toward the casting director.

After that, came the big cut.

Unfortunately, I was cut. I wasn't really too disappointed because everyone was so talented and the casting director had said in the beginning that they only needed to cast certain roles so if they could tell that you would not fit those roles, they didn't need to waste your time anymore.

That was helpful for me because I still had to drive 7 hours back to my college that day!

So I left, sad I was cut after just the first round, but excited that I got to audition for WDW Entertainment, and extremely enthusiastic for my role of Transportation!

Only 69 days until I move in!

If you want to watch my short vlog about my audition here it is!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

Character Auditions Tomorrow

So tomorrow I have my character audition in Columbus, Ohio!

If you're thinking about auditioning for a character role and want to know more about the process, here is a video from Disney themselves on precisely that.

I've been dancing since I was 3 years old, and I danced competitively for 9 years so I don't think the dancing aspect will be too challenging for me. I'm pretty excited just to have the experience of auditioning for Disney!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

How I Fit The Disney Look

Hello!

So I do have a nose piercing and a tattoo so I made a vlog all about how I will deal with those two things that contradict the Disney Look!

Most of the video is about how I will use make-up to cover my tattoo.

I hope you enjoy and please subscribe to my channel if you want to!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

My Vlog Channel!

Well howdy there!

It's been 2 days now since I got my acceptance e-mail and I have decided to make a vlog channel on YouTube!

I'm making it partially to help keep my family up to date but also to help people interested in the DCP see what it's all about!

So here is my first video, it's all about the application process and my acceptance!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

If you couldn't tell by the title...

I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED TO THE WALT DISNEY WORLD COLLEGE PROGRAM!!

Oh my gosh, I still can't believe this is really happening! I was accepted for the Fall Advantage which is exactly what I wanted, instead of 5 months I will now be there for a whopping 7 months!!!

My role is Transportation! I'm really happy with that, it's going to be really fun and unique experience. I will be one of the first people that guests will see and that makes me super excited.

I just can't believe this is all happening! Just yesterday I was dying to know how it worked out and now I know! I am so happy I just can't stop smiling!!

I don't know what else there is to say...except for I just can't wait! I've been dreaming of this for so long and it's finally happening!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day! (I sure will)

Kelly

2 Weeks Later...

It's officially been 2 weeks since my phone interview, and still haven't heard anything back.

Just thought I would give you an update! The waiting continues...

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

Still Waiting...

So it's been a week since I had my phone interview and I haven't heard anything back yet.

I hope I hear back soon, even if they tell me I'm pending. I'm just so impatient!

Oh well, let the waiting continue!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

They Don't Call Me Impatient For Nothing

So it's been a day since my interview. I've been checking my dashboard every 3 hours or so, I'm not exactly sure why.

I'm so anxious. I was planning on auditioning for a character role on March 9th, but if I get my acceptance before then and it's an attractions role or a character attendant role I think I will just accept that. Going to an audition would require me driving 6 hours back to my hometown in Ohio for just a day and that seems somewhat strenuous. 

I think I have a good chance of getting in because I said I would work at WDW or WDL and I would take practically any role. I think my interview went really well form what I can remember of it and she seemed very optimistic about my answers. Here's to hoping.

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly

My Phone Interview: What?

So I just had my phone interview. 

I locked myself in my dorm room and put a sign on the door saying "PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB". I had a water bottle handy and a pen/paper to write down my recruiters name.

My interview was scheduled for 7:15, so I prepared myself for her call at 6:50 because I know it's typical for them to call early. She didn't end up calling until 7:13. I was ready for my 20 minute test!

I answered with a cheery and energetic, "hello!" and I was greeted by a recruiter named Emily. I immediately wrote down her name so I could remember it in the end and would thank her. This way she knew I was really paying attention.

Even though I just finished the interview I don't remember most of it. She started by confirming the basics, where I want to work (Disney World or Disney Land) and what term (Fall Advantage or Fall). She asked me a couple questions that I was not prepared for and I had to think on the spot. 

Then she read off what positions I had interest in according to my application. Then she asked for my top three at each location. Then I honestly don't remember anything.

After about 15 minutes, she asked if I had any questions. I asked her something regarding character roles. Then I asked how the roommates would work, if we chose them or if it was random. Then I asked her how she got started with Disney because that always makes interviewers happy.

And that was it, that was the whole interview! It lasted almost exactly 20 minutes, 19:54 to be exact. It felt like an hour because I was so nervous.

All in all, I think I have a good shot at getting into the program. She asked a lot about QSFB so I have a small hunch that's where I will be placed if I get into the program but we will see!

Now comes the waiting game. She said I should hear back in 2-3 weeks. So I will keep you updated as I frantically anticipate a result.

Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

Kelly