5/20/14

Housing Options & Update

Hello everyone! So, I disappeared. As you probably may have noticed, it's been quite a while since I've posted. A large part of that is due to what we'll talk about today...Housing Options! After I was accepted to the program and chose my arrival date (May 12th, 2014), I had about a month to find a place to live for my boyfriend and I. Without being in the state and being on a tight budget, this proved to be much more difficult than I had anticipated (and way more troubling than it was last time!!). Literally, the week before I arrived, I found a place. All at the same time, I still had to do work for my classes, prepare for driving across the country, and say my goodbyes to everyone back home. So, needless to say, I have been a little preoccupied and I sincerely apologize for dropping off of the face of the Earth. The good news is, I'm back, and I have a LOT to share with you guys!

Where you live during your College Program is something that many CP's worry about before arriving. What location will you live at? Who will your roommates be? What should you pack? After all, these people will be your new family and this place will be your new home. So you should put a good amount of thought into it! As you might already know, there are five different housing options for CP's. These five locations are: Vista Way, Patterson Court, Chatham Square, The Commons, and Off-Site.

You have the ability to choose roommates ahead of time or to be placed with them on arrival. If I had stayed in the housing, I think I would have chosen that first option, because I'm not a fan of surprises myself. You can do this by searching for groups on Facebook and looking for people that have similar living styles to your own. Lots of people post surveys and it's truly a great and useful resource! Keep in mind that all housing is separated between those who are 21+ and those who are not, so don't expect to use your "of-age" roommate for booze.

Living in Disney housing has its pros and cons, for sure. Laundry is communal and you have to pay to use the machines, as well as bring your own detergent and such. There are occasional inspections for cleanliness and from what I've heard, they can be fairly brutal and stressful due to messy roommates and/or a busy work schedule. On the other hand, if you pass with flying colors, I've heard a cookie-filled reward may be waiting for you (; There are strict rules regarding alcohol and overnight guests as well, which if violated, will end in termination.

I'll be honest in saying that I don't know much about the housing complexes. They all have their own reputations, but ultimately, I don't think anyone ever despises their living situations simply because of the complex they live in. You won't be there often, and if you take the time to choose roommates (and sometimes even when you don't), you'll be okay! Here are some prices from the Disney website about housing costs. Keep in mind that these come directly out of your paycheck and you'll take home the leftovers.

Chatham Square
$87 - $114
1BR, 2BR, 3BR, 4BR

The Commons
$91 - $118
1BR, 2BR, 3B$, 4BR

Patterson Court
$89 - $114
1BR, 2BR, 3BR

Vista Way
$98 - $107
2BR, 3BR

If there are any questions or other experiences you'd like to hear about, let me know! My next post will be an in-depth explanation of Off-Site Housing.

Until Next Time!
Katelynn

4/1/14

Accepted!

Greetings!

I thought it would be appropriate to talk about Acceptances today....because, guess what?! I just finished the process of accepting my very own employment offer from Disney for my second college program! (: I was accepted to my first choice of role, Concierge for the Fall Advantage program. I never expected to get placed in such a competitive role, and I truly can't express my gratitude! YAY!

On March 26, 10 days after my phone interview, I received the email. Not just any email, but THE email. The one I had complained to all of my coworkers about. The one I had been checking every day for. The one I was so so grateful and excited to see.  

So your acceptance looks a lot like this guy (shown to the left). But this little email is just the beginning of a three step process. In order to fully accept your employment offer from Disney, you've got to review your offer letter, pay your program fees, and select your program dates, all within 7 days.

When you receive this email, I'm pretty sure you'll access your Candidate Hyperportal/Disney Dashboard in record time. Why? Because that's where you're going to find your role!

As soon as you log on, you will be able to view your offer letter, available for 7 days. After that, it will be gone. This letter includes the role you were accepted to, the term you were accepted for, and the pay that you will receive. Below that will also be your job responsibilities within that role. If you are satisfied with everything, scroll to the bottom of the offer letter and select Yes, agreeing to accept the offer, to continue! 

After that, you will receive another email requesting that you pay your program fees. Your program fees are around $300.00. There is a $100.00 Program Assessment fee, which claims to help support the events and activities that occur in the housing complexes. The other is a $200.00 Housing Fee that will be applied to your rent during your first few weeks as a CP. Should you choose to opt-out of the Disney Housing and live off-site, you will be refunded the $200.00 after you have successfully completed 30 days of work. 

The last step in the three part process is selecting your program dates. Disney will send you one last email directing you to go log on to you Disney Dashboard again. To the right of your Dashboard, under Your Interviews and Events, then below the Pending Invitations tab, you'll find a link to select your program dates. 

Once you've done that, you have officially completed your acceptance. Congratulations!


Next time we'll talk about the different housing options available in the program. I chose to live off-site for both of my programs, and will be discussing a lot about that as well!

3/28/14

Accepted, No Longer In Consideration, and Pending...And What They Mean

Hello! Hope you're all having a wonderful day (:

Today we'll be talking about what happens when you finally get your application decision from Disney. There are three possible messages you can get (and we all know which one you're hoping for):
1. Accepted
2. Pending
3. No Longer in Consideration

During the application process for my first college program, I waited 3 weeks, only to get a message that my status was Pending (shown to the left). So what does that mean, you ask? Pending just means that they haven't made a decision on you yet. Getting that message can be extremely discouraging, but don't let it get you down. You're really still in the same boat that you were before you got the email, just waiting for a solid decision. After I was pended, I got on with normal life and honestly, when I got my acceptance, I had forgotten all about it, assuming that they were just going to deny me. My acceptance came a little over 3 weeks after I had been pended, although many people have to wait even longer. The latest they can inform you of a decision is mid December for Spring applicants and mid April for Fall applicants.

The next option, the one we've all been waiting for, is Accepted! It's probably one of the best feelings in the world to see a message from Disney Recruiting in your inbox that begins with the word Congratulations. You stressed yourself out, researched everything you possibly could, and did your best in the interviews, and it has finally paid off.   Good job! If you're in this boat right now, we'll talk about the steps that are in your future soon enough. (:

The last option, and unfortunately the one that really takes guts to face, is when you receive the email letting you know that you are No Longer in Consideration. There are a lot of you out there getting this message, but please don't let it ruin all of your hopes and dreams. Things really do happen for a reason, and it just wasn't your time to go work for Disney. Keep your head up! If this is an experience you truly want, just reapply for the next semester, and keep trying until you get it. If it is meant to be, it will be!

For all of you who have gotten that long-awaited Acceptance email, stay tuned for my next post, all about your next steps in the program!
Katelynn

3/25/14

Waiting...

Hello again everyone!

Remember the relief we all felt after the phone interview was over? Well, I'm sure that for most of us, that has completely gone away. In it's place is now agony, expectation, and the process of.....WAITING.


At the end of the phone interview, the interviewer lets you know to keep checking your Disney Dashboard, where you can see the status of your application. After the interview, it will say In Progress and Thank You for Interviewing (shown above). They also advise you that you'll hear from them approximately 2-3 weeks after your phone interview was conducted. But, that doesn't stop you from checking it every day, does it?

Well, you're not alone! Generally, they're being honest when they say you won't hear back for 2-3 weeks. Some people hear back in a matter of days (what the heck did they do), some people don't hear back for a month.

During the application process of my first College Program, I had my phone interview on September 14th, and I didn't get an update on my status until October 6th, 3 weeks later. That email informed me that my status was Pending, which we'll talk about later.

My best advice to everyone waiting to hear back, is to just stay calm! Remember the feeling you had after the interview was over? Hold on to it! There is truly nothing you can do at this time, and the decision is in someone else's hands. In other words....


Next time, we'll talk about the different messages you'll receive from Disney and what they all mean!

3/16/14

My Phone Interview Experience

Whew!

Anyone else incredibly glad that the phone interview is over? The decision is in someone else's hands now, and my level of stress has gone down a tremendous amount. Like literally, my hands just stopped shaking. So this post will be all about my own personal phone interview, questions I was asked, and answers I gave.

I spent all weekend studying interview questions. Today, Sunday March 16, 2014, I literally did not leave my room other than to eat. I reviewed over and over my interview questions and answers. The clock hit 4:00 and my interview was scheduled at 4:30. I told my parents not to enter my room until after 5:00, shut the door, and proceeded to stare at my phone for the next 19 minutes. At 4:19 exactly, the phone rang with No Caller ID. This was it: my 2nd phone interview for the DCP.

I answered, and was asked to speak with Katelynn. I replied that this is she, and was greeted by my interviewer, Sandy. She asked how I was and explained that she was from the Disney College Program and asked if it was still a good time for the interview. It was, so she explained that she would be asking questions pertaining to my work experience, roles in the program, and so on. Here are the questions she asked me and my approximate answers. I did not read them off of this sheet.

Why are you interested in doing a 2nd College Program?
I really enjoyed my first program. It taught me more than I possibly could have hoped to learn. It’s also been a really great asset to have on my resume. It’s brought me a lot of opportunities already. But what I love the most about the program is being a part of all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. As a guest, the experience is so seamless and magical. But as a cast member, I think that the magic is just intensified. Because you really see all of the hard work that goes into it and the passion that all of the cast members have for it. I can’t think of a more rewarding job than being able to give guests that experience and ever since I came home, all I’ve been thinking about is returning to do that. 

It looks like you currently work at JCPenney . Explain your job there. (I was NOT prepared for this one!)

It is your average retail environment - not commission based or anything. I ensure that customers are having a good time, assist them with questions on the floor, check them out at the registers, keep the sales floor clean and stocked, empty the fitting room, and close up at night by recovering, folding, and aligning hangers. It's pretty basic.

I see you worked at Carl's Jr. before that as well. How was that?

Everyone always bashes fast food, but I actually had a really great experience working there. It was extremely fast paced and time sensitive. Things definitely had to be done a certain way by a certain time. It was a process. But it really taught me how to work as part of a team, multi-task, and manage my time wisely.

How do you feel about working outdoors in the heat, rain, etc?

I don't mind it at all. Where I live, it actually gets to be 110 degrees in the summer. So I can definitely handle the heat.

What pace do you prefer to work at?

I've been placed in all types of work environments, so I can adjust to whatever pace I am placed in. But I think I prefer a faster work environment, because I work well under pressure and I like to have deadlines to meet. 

Do you prefer to work alone or with others?

I don't think I've ever really worked alone, besides at California Sun Centers. I suppose that got a little boring. I like working with others because I enjoy getting to know my co-workers and being a part of a team.

How do you handle repetitive tasks? (Forgot to study for this one too!)

I think to some degree, all jobs are a little repetitve -asking the same questions, using the registers, refolding the same tshirts - but I don't mind it at all. I think getting to know and engaging with the customers you are dealing with breaks it up a little. 

Are you okay with walking and standing for long periods of time?

I've never really had a job where I was sitting, so yes, I'm perfectly used to standing and walking on the job.

What are the roles you are most interested in?

Honestly, I would be grateful to have any role that Disney is willing to give me, but I'd have to say that my number one role choice would be Hospitality or Concierge. While I was in my last College Program, I had a degree and career and my life's path all set out for me, but when I got home I realized that it was all based off of what would make me a stable income rather than what my passion was. And I realized that my passion was providing great guest service and an amazing experience for others. So I actually changed my major to Hospitality and I think that being placed in this role would really allow me to do what I love and assure me that this was the right decision. With that said, I know those can be hard roles to get, and I could also see myself in Merchandise or either of the Food & Beverages.

What do you think the job of a Front Desk person is?

I think their job is to check people in and out, be knowledgeable about the parks and the Orlando area, and make sure that guests had everything they needed. 

How would you greet someone coming into your work location?

I think it's important to make people feel special, rather than just part of the herd. So I would smile, meet eye contact, wave and say hello. If I got a chance to talk to them, I would ask them how their day was going, etc. 

Are you okay with working in the club-level concierge and having to clean up after others?

Oh yes. I've cleaned up after others in every job that I've had. 

If someone was a usual at the Disney Resort, stayed all the time, in the same room, every time, what would you do for this person if their room were not available?

I would apologize for not having the room available, and discuss the other options that are available at our resort. I know that trying new things isn't necessarily their style, but sometimes new things can surprise you! So I would recommend other resorts with styles or rooms very similar to the one that they want.

How would you make someone feel special as a Front Desk person?

I like to get to know my guests rather than just do my job and send them on their way. I would say hello, refer to them by name if possible, refer to their children as pirate or princess, ask them where they're from, what they're excited to do, what the best thing they've done today was, etc.

A family has been at Magic Kingdom all day and explains to you that they stood in line for 2 hours at Space Mountain, only for it to be closed. What would you do to compensate for this?

I would try to write them a Fast Pass (I knew this from previous work as a CP) or if that wasn't possible, try to make up for the time that was taken away from them, by giving them a way to be quicker somehow. 

She finished up the interview by asking a few legal questions, like if I had a Driver's License, if I was an International Student, and if I was able to perform the job descriptions without accommodation. Then, I asked her the following questions. This is the part where you get to relax and have fun, and remember that they are a person too! 

Did you ever do the college program?

Did you take classes at Disney University?

Is it seen negatively to opt out of housing?

Out of curiosity, what is your favorite park?

My interview lasted exactly 20 minutes, and I feel like it went fairly well. There were definitely some questions I forgot to study, and some scenarios that I wasn't prepared for either. Sandy was really incredibly nice and personable and I really enjoyed hearing about her experiences at the end of the interview. But overall, I think it went well, and I definitely feel better about it than my 1st program interview. All I can do now is wait!

I hope this helps all of you out there preparing for phone interviews and assures those of you who have already finished. We're all in this together! (High School Musical, anyone?)
See ya real soon!
Katie  

3/14/14

The Phone Interview

Greetings!

So this is it. The phone interview. The most nerve wracking part of the Disney College Program interview process (in my opinion at least). After you're done taking and passing the web-based interview, Disney will send you a link in an email to schedule your phone interview (shown to the left). This will be the final step in your interview process, and mainly what decides whether or not you get in. Be prepared, but don't be too scared! The Disney interviewers are nice, easy to speak with, and understanding of extreme anxiety. (:

The first time I scheduled my phone interview was September 14th, 2012 for the Spring program of 2013. This year, I have my phone interview scheduled for March 16, 2014 at 4:30. So if you're full of nerves while reading this, don't worry, you're not alone! The best thing you can do for your interview is to practice practice practice! There are a million resources for example questions that might be asked, including the ones I have listed down below. Know your answers to these questions, and even write ideas down if it helps! Be your Disney-loving self and I'm sure they'll be able to hear that (:

For the first phone interview I had, I found a list of practice questions, and wrote points I would like to make in my answers down on a piece of paper. During my interview, I kept that paper in front of me just in case I panicked and couldn't remember a decent answer. Besides one or two questions, I really didn't find myself needing it, because the answers you give to these questions are really coming from your personal emotions and experiences.

Allow time for your interviewer to call early or late. Disney advises that you allow a 1 hour block for your interview, starting 15 minutes before the interview is scheduled. Find a nice, quiet area, let everyone around you know not to bother you, and put on a smile. I was really nervous before my interview, so I watched clips of Disney vacations on YouTube. Seeing the joy and excitement on guests' faces and remembering the memories that I had of Disney relaxed me and reminded me how much I wanted this.

So then my interviewer called. They ask to make sure it is you and if it is still a good time for the interview. They introduce themselves (although I couldn't remember her name) and then start asking questions. I don't remember everything, but I'll list the general questions they ask down below. My interview didn't last very long at all, maybe 15 minutes. I couldn't really tell how it went, but felt that I did well.

My top three roles were Merchandise, QSFB, and Attractions. She asked me about the first two, but we didn't talk about attractions. I have past work experience in both retail and fast food so I believe that is why. If you want to know about the questions I can remember from last time, and the answers that I gave, go ahead and use the contact form to the left!

I am wishing you the very best of luck, and can't wait to tell you guys how my second phone interview goes! In the meantime, here are the questions that I'm sure both you and I will be practicing like crazy:

**I did not create this list on my own, but obtained it from another Disney blog**

  • Why do you want to work for Disney/do the DCP? **Almost always asked
  • How do you deal with repetitive work days?**Frequently asked
  • Do you have any experience speaking in front of large groups of people?
  • How do you feel about having roommates and living away from home?
  • Do you think any of your past jobs will help in any of your top 3 choices?
  • Why do you think you are qualified for your top role?
  • Are you comfortable handling money?
  • Do you have any tattoos or body modifications?*Always asked DO NOT LIE
  • Are you familiar with the Disney parks and resorts?
  • What does Disney mean to you?
  • How will the CP help you professionally?
  • What are you most looking forward to in the DCP?
  • What makes you a good candidate for the DCP?
  • What do you plan to do after college?
  • What can you offer to the Disney company?
  • What are 3 positive qualities about yourself?
  • Describe a situation where you have had to work with a difficult person, boss, or teacher. **Frequently asked
  • What Disney character are you most like?
  • What is your favorite memory of Disney?
  • Do you mind working outside in the Florida heat and in the rain? **Frequently asked
  • Would you rather work alone or in a group setting?
  • How would you help a guest who speaks little or no English?
  • Tell me about some jobs you have previously held.
  • Tell me about a time you made a guest or customer happy at a previous job.**Frequently asked
  • How would you handle a roommate disagreement?
  • How would a previous manager describe you?
  • Do you mind working mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays?**Frequently asked
  • Do you prefer a fast paced or slow paced work environment?**Frequently asked
  • Can you stand for hours at a time outside?
  • Do you prefer and indoor or outdoor environment?
  • What are 3 negative qualities about yourself?
  • What is your favorite Disney (movie, ride, park, character), and why?
  • What are your top 3 roles? *Always asked
  • How would you handle an emergency?
  • Are you open to the QSFB or Custodial roles? **Frequently asked
  • Why are these your top role choices?
ROLE SPECIFIC:

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?

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
  • Are you comfortable with handling cash? **Frequently asked
  • 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?
  • 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?
  • 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
  • Do you have a valid driver’s license?
  • Are you comfortable memorizing and delivering long speeches?
  • 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

  • How would you react if a child was being violent with a character?
  • 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
  • How would you say “(mickey, Cinderella, ariel, Donald, beast) has to leave?”

Attractions
  • What would you do if a child wants to ride space mountain, but is too short?**Frequently asked
  • 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?
  • Can you memorize and remember long speeches?**Frequently asked
  • What would you do if you messed up your spiel?

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

Good Luck!!
Katie

The Web-Based Interview

Hello again!

So you got past the application, and now Disney has sent you a link to their web-based interview (shown above). You have three days to take the web-based interview. There are two parts: one is multiple choice and the other is a scale rating of different statements. The scale rating questions ask you how strongly a statement describes you, whether or not you agree or disagree with a statement, and how excited or worried you are for different components of the college program. On certain portions, you are timed, and on others you are not. I believe that the first section allows 50 seconds per question and the last portion allows 20 seconds per question. Disney advises that you allow 40 minutes for this interview, although it only took me about 15 minutes. I really think it depends on how long you process and read the questions. I promise that it isn't as nerve wracking as it sounds!


The WBI (as we call it around the internet) is similar to questions you often see on a regular job application. I'm sure you could find some practice questions online. Here are a few that I came across:

Have you ever lived in a residence hall?
Which option sounds best for a roommate?
Do you consider yourself a perfectionist?
Do negative people bother you?
Are you always on time?
Do you enjoy helping others?
How is your energy level?
How well do you work alone vs. with others?
What pace do you prefer work at?
Are you excited for the hours you'll work?
Are you excited for moving to a completely new area?
Do you get work done faster than average?

They will also rephrase questions such as:
I am a perfectionist.
I don't expect myself to be perfect.
I am always on time.
I am often late.
So look out for those and be aware of your previous answers. Try not to contradict yourself! If you feel something describes you, select strongly agree, not just agree. Selecting agree says that you had a reason that slightly contradicted agreeing with the statement, or that you only kind of agree with the statement.
There shouldn't be a reason to lie on these interview questions, but I would strongly advise comparing your work ethic with the standard that Disney holds its employees to. If you are always late, don't get along well with others, and need breaks often, the job may not be a match for you. But hopefully, your needs and Disney's align! 

After you answer the very last question, Disney will let you know whether or not you appear to be what they are looking for in a Cast Member! If you do, they will send you yet another email so that you may schedule your next step: The Phone Interview. 

In the words of my former boss,
See ya real soon!
Katie

3/13/14

The Application

Hey there!


I have now applied for the Disney College Program twice, and let me tell you: there isn't much to it. If you're even considering applying, just go for it! The process is fairly simple and the worst that can happen is a denial. You can always reapply!

If you've somehow ended up here and have no idea what the Disney College Program is, you're in for a treat. All of the information you need to know is on the official Disney site here.

Once you're done exploring that page, or if you already have, let's talk about the application.

All you have to do is click a giant button that says Apply Now on the page above. That will take you to a site to set up a log in username and password. Write that down because you'll need it in the future. The application is similar to most jobs. They require personal information such as name, address, contact information, and an emergency contact. They want to know how you found out about the program and if you've worked there before. They ask legal things about convictions and such. 

Then comes the fun part. You may choose to apply to either Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or both. After thoroughly reading and researching the different roles available, you will rate each of them on a scale of:

No Interest
Low Interest
Moderate Interest
High Interest

The higher number of roles you show interest in, the better your chances of acceptance. Some roles are more competitive than others, and some are usually associated with a strong background in the field. Not that exceptions haven't been heard of! (: You will then (or perhaps before this...) list all of your previous work experience. Don't worry if you have none, as they accept that too. 

You'll answer a few more legal questions, and then submit the application. Pretty simple right? You should receive a confirmation e-mail (shown above), and then hopefully an offer for the Web-Based Interview! More on that next time.

Have a Magical Day!
Katie



Introductions

Hello.

I guess this is the part where I should introduce myself. My name is Katelynn, but I generally go by Katie (and let's be honest, "katie's disney dreams" is catchier than katelynn's)...I was a participant in the Disney College Program of the Spring 2013 semester and I'm hoping to be a participant in the same program for the Fall of 2014. I just coudn't stay away. (: I decided to start this blog because I feel that I have some valuable insight into the program, and because I haven't seen a wide variety of DCP blogs out there for those of us going into a second program. I know that there are a lot of Disney blogs out there and a plethera of information about the college program itself, but I personally never get sick of finding new perspectives on things.

I'll be posting details about applying, training, my job, extracurriculars, leaving, and the process of (hopefully) returning. I'll also answer any questions if anyone happens to have them! (: If you do, leave them in the contact form to the right and I will post questions and answers on here for everyone! Questions will remain anonymous unless you would like otherwise.

Hope you enjoy, and as always, Have a Magical Day!
Katie