For anyone who has ever personally gone to the Disney College Program (or DCP, as it’s commonly called), or has ever been around a close friend or family who has gone, you know that there are many emotional stages that someone who is participating in this program goes through. Here's a layout of the 10 steps that all DCP participants go through leading up to our check-in dates.
1. Thinking about applying for the program.
Working at Walt Disney World (or Land) for four months (minimum) and being able to take a semester off of classes? Yes, please!
2. Almost talking yourself out of it.
I can’t possibly take off from college like that – plus, I’ll be away from my family and friends for so long. I don’t know if I should really be going.
3. Deciding to at least apply for the program.
I mean, thousands of people apply – what are the odds that I’ll actually get in? But now that I’m applying, I really want to get in.
4. Filling out the online application or the WBI.
Phew, this is a lot of typing. OK, but what kind of answers are they wanting? Should I say I’m a phenomenal worker, or will that sound too cocky? But I don’t want to sound too incompetent, either.
5. Phone interview preparation.
So the entire fate of me getting into the program is based on this 20-minute interview? I must read everything that every person has written about it, and watch every video on YouTube in order to know exactly what to say.
6. The phone interview.
No one call me, don't come into my room, don't even think about talking to me in the next three hours. Is my phone fully charged? What if it dies? What if they never call me? Oh, my gosh, they called.
7. Post phone interview.
All that’s left to do is wait. Other people are getting acceptance emails. I’m not, I probably didn’t get it. They hated me. I’ll never get to work at the most magical place on earth.
8. The acceptance email.
Incoherent screaming, at this point. I don’t actually believe this email is meant for me. They couldn’t possibly want me, but they do! It says so right here! I’m going to work at Disney World!
9. Finishing up your semester.
How can I possibly worry about my grades and final exams when I’m going to work at Disney World next semester? Everyone is going crazy listening to me talking about it, but I can’t help it! It’s all that’s on my mind.
10. The break before your program.
This is probably the most agonizing part. Your countdown calendar is telling you that you’ve only got a month until check in. You’re having a good time with your family and friends, but Disney is still in the back of your mind every day. You’ve got to read every single article possible on it and be completely prepared.
At this point, the only homework we’ve got left is to constantly watch Disney movies, listen to Disney music, and enjoy your time with family before you go experience the magic. You think you’re as prepared as you can possibly be and can’t wait to move into your cramped apartment with six other people. You can only imagine the magic that's awaiting you.
