Chances are you probably know someone who has done, who knows someone who did, or who would love to the Disney College Program. If you were to look up the ‘Disney College Program,’ you’ll get generic definition.
It’s an internship at Walt Disney World in either Orlando, Florida or the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California for 5-7 months, depending on when your program starts/ends you'll have an opportunity to work in a role including merchandise, custodial, food and beverage, attractions, boutique host/hostess and entertainment. I spent my time with Disney during the fall of 2015. I saw Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all from Orlando. My idea behind working for Disney was that I'd be able to take a semester off of school, run around in the Disney Parks for a few months, and just enjoy being young and everything that Orlando had to offer. With that said, I moved to Orlando in late July/Early August of 2015 and was forever changed from my time spent working for a mouse.
It would be fair to say that my first week on the job was just as emotional as the last week on the job and I quickly learned the inside tips, tricks and things I had never realized prior to working at The Happiest Place On Earth. The only time I ever visited was when I was a child, so the first time I entered Magic Kingdom as a Cast Member, I felt like I was finally home. As hard and draining as the training was, the incredibly long shifts at times, the sweltering heat in August, or the crowds in every direction, the idea that I was an intern for one of the greatest companies on the planet never left my mind.
I learned a lot about what I was capable of and my own inner strength, because I had too. I was living in a city I was unfamiliar with, around people I didn't know but quickly fell in love with.
Every day, my task was to make magic for the thousands of people that visit 'The Happiest Place on Earth.'I met guests from every walk of life, some from my hometown and some from countries I have dreamt of traveling too. I witnessed many birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and every type of celebrations you could think of. I listened to kids tell me how much fun they had or what characters they met that day. I walked down Main Street U.S.A. weekly, and looked forward at a symbol of magic and peace in a world filled with stress, anger and one place that kids of all ages retreat too.
Essentially doing the Disney College Program was a mouse trap because I met some of the greatest friends that have become family and learned more about myself in a matter of months than I had in any other experience.
Many Cast Members, especially lifeguards become quickly familiar with the term "10/7." It means the area/location is closed or out of service. Although this chapter in my life may be finished the memories and people that I have had the honor of working alongside have genuinely changed who I am and I feel so grateful for my time with one of the most successful companies on the planet.
Mickey, you're water is 10/7, and I hope to see you sometime soon!
