I remember the exact moment I was accepted to the Disney College Program (DCP). I was headed home from my spring break in Chicago. My church group had stopped at McDonald's for dinner, and I was in the middle of eating my fries when I got the email. I saw it was from Disney. I read the word "Congratulations". I immediately imploded with excitement. Not only was I finally going to Disney World and fulfilling a childhood dream, I was going to work for one of the most successful, well-known companies in the world. I became one happy camper after that. Unfortunately, I had to go through one of the most terrible points in my life in order to get where I am today.
The five month wait.
I was accepted in late March, but my arrival date wasn't until August 8th. The anticipation was excruciating, let me tell you. I had to get through the second half of the semester, finals, and the whole summer. But in all seriousness, that is only one of the two major downsides of being in the DCP. The other? Being so close to Disney World, but not being able to explore the parks until you get your company ID. You receive this on your first day of work, but that takes place after you've been on the program almost a full week. But when you pull through and get that ID?
Every CP is running towards Magic Kingdom. And let me tell you, being able to go in the parks this way is the most glorious feeling. But I will tell you this: free admission is only one of my favorite perks when it comes to working for Disney. Although we also get great discounts, I can honestly tell you that I enjoy the actual more than anything else.
Every CP receives a specific role. For example, I was cast as a merchantaineer at Goofy's Candy Company in Disney Springs! Another childhood dream realized, as most children dream of working in a candy store. And really, it is as fun as it looks. That does include being on register, because I get to meet so many people from around the world and I get to make little princes and princesses smile as I hand them their treats.
I could sing many more praises about the Walt Disney Company, but I will finish with this. I have been working for over two weeks, but I am still not done with training! That may seem excessive to some, but I do appreciate how the information I need to know to create happiness is presented to me at a casual pace. I appreciate that I am given individual time with my coworkers to learn the ropes, and that I am not rushed to help make the magic happen.
So if you are a fan of Disney and this sounds great to you, I highly recommend you apply for the Spring DCP! Applications are open now! I can truthfully say that there will be no regrets. Just be prepared, because when you finish Earning Your Ears...your regular work schedule hits you.
And it hits you hard.
