When I began the Disney College Program, I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea it would change every little aspect of my life. I didn't know every day thereafter would remind me of my little apartment in Patterson Court, or that I could handle a conflict because of what I learned in my Hollywood Studios merchandise shop. I had no idea I would have a phone book full of supportive friends just begging to help me through whatever — whether they understood, whether it was a five-hour time difference, or whether it was the thousandth time they heard this same problem. Now I know I miss this big part of my life every single day.
Expect to be overworked and underpaid.
Expect for your feet to literally need to be chopped off.
Expect to be exhausted and catch sleep while standing in ride lines.
Expect to not get along with every one of your roommates.
Expect to find friends in odd places.
Expect to end up at IHOP at 3 a.m.
Expect to be given a lot of grief from guests.
Expect to be asked the weirdest questions, such as "how much?" as the guest is staring at the price tag (shouts to merch).
Expect to spend every penny you make on various meals and items.
Expect to get in an argument with your best friend because "you really need that magnet!"
Expect to lose that argument, because you don't need the magnet.
Expect to buy the magnet anyway.
Expect to get a few magical moments and appreciate them so much more.
Expect to make friends in attractions and wait in very few lines.
Expect to have Disney Merchandise bags strewn throughout your entire apartment.
Expect for random family members to use you for your guest passes.
Expect to use them on your closest guests and love seeing your Disney magic through their eyes.
Expect to try new foods at all the excellent dining options.
Expect to be very disappointed in most dining options.
Expect to find a restaurant you'll always crave.
Expect to find a very random new favorite character.
Expect to have a character interaction change your life
Expect to meet some of the worst people you will encounter. Ever.
Expect for those people to consistently bother you.
Expect to meet some of the best people you will ever encounter, though.
Expect to be overly appreciative and sappy towards these people.
Expect to make friends from all over the world.
Expect to drops thousands on visiting said friends.
Expect to tear up during your favorite firework show every time.
Expect to learn more about yourself than you knew possible.
Expect to go back and visit, proudly donning your alumni shirt.
Expect your world to be forever changed.
Enjoy every moment of your Disney College Program and take it all in. It will always hold a special place in your heart.
