My Role - Costuming

As many of you know, my role at WDW was in costuming. During my initial interview for the College Program, I was handed a list and asked to select my top three choices for a job. Costuming was my first choice because I loved the idea of being able to create the magic I felt in the parks. Luckily, they gave me my wish and I was able to work in the costuming department at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

I initially started working at the warehouse for cast members. It was a tiring, long job of scanning in dirty costumes (imagine sweat filled clothes from the Florida heat, or clothes with food dripped all over from Boma and Jiko), and checking out new costumes to cast members.

After a few weeks of doing that, I was able to move over to the costuming warehouse prepping character's costumes for meet and greats and the Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. This is where the magic began for me, and though I had many days where I would start work around 5 in the morning, it was worth it to me knowing that I made kids getting an autograph and picture from their favorite character possible.

Near the end of my internship, I was given the opportunity to work at the Festival of the Lion King. While there, I fully realized how magical it is to work for Disney and be surrounded by such wonderful talent every day. The work was fun and entertaining, as we had to be behind the scenes during each performance to assist different characters. There were times I felt as though I could substitute for a stilt walker and perform on my own! The best part of working there was being able to pull back the curtain and see all of the beaming faces in the audience, there's nothing more satisfying than knowing a memory was created because of your own hard work!

Accepted - Now What?

After going through the orientation, interview, waiting period, and finally receiving the acceptance letter to the WDW College Program it finally sunk in that I was really moving clear across country; and that I had lots of questions, as did my parents. What was the housing like, transportation, hours, roommates, weather, etc. At that time the WDWCollege Program did not have as much information available online as they do now (and even if they did, it's always nice to know how to get alternative information), so they provided each intern with the contact information of a campus representative.

With mine and Krystal's campus representative, Jackie, we were able to schedule a time to meet at school and discuss any reservations we may have, and address all of our questions. Since the meeting was scheduled it gave us -and our parents- the chance to write out our top questions and really hone in on what was most important to us before making such a huge jump. Jackie (whom we hope to have on the show at some point, along with another campus rep, Chelsea) was so bubbly and wonderful, and made sure that she brought all of her Disney photo albums to better answer our questions. In the hour or so that we talked it was wonderful to see and hear about the places we'd stay, and get advice on how to select an apartment: I still remember her saying "guys, not to dis them but you do not want to stay at the Vista apartments, choose Chatham." Needless to say both Krystal and I followed all of Jackie's suggestions and were very happy we did.

To me, meeting with a campus rep is an invaluable experience. And I strongly recommend that each intern meet with one before leaving for the program. The Internet does provide so much information, but there is nothing better than face to face interaction to help spark the magic and excitement, and provide detailed answers that will satisfy any parent.

Overtime

One of the things I enjoyed most in working for Disney is all of the overtime opportunities available. Unlike a normal job, overtime at Disney is not just for extra money, but it is also a chance to try many different park roles.

For example, when I first found the site that listed all of the overtime openings, I was shocked to see I had a chance of working at La Nouba, and accepted it right away. It was one of the most unique Disney experiences I had, and I'll never forget getting lost backstage, and having one of the French clowns redirect me. In working there, I got to spend my evening working concessions, taking tickets, and cleaning up the theater. During showtime we all took turns watching the live performance. One of my favorite things about working there is that each performer came out to thanks us for our help.

One of the other jobs I did was security at Club Motion in PI. Doing security is never something I saw myself doing, so I knew I had to give it a try. Sure enough, it was not a role I was good at, but I will never forget the rush of helping rules be enforced at a club. Also, the cast members there are some of the nicest and most welcoming I have ever worked with.

These are just a few of the several overtime jobs I did - there are too many to give details about! Overall, it is a wonderful Disney given opportunity to learn more about your job skills. And it's a great way to bring home wonderful memories!

Security

Right after receiving the initial acceptance letter from the WDW College Program, I realized (courtesy of my parents) that I did not really know much about what the program living conditions were: Was it safe? How private were these apartments? Was there security?Admittedly, as a naive 18 year old I made a lot of assumptions that Disney, being a giant family corporation, would make sure things were fine and tried to put my parent's minds at ease. They won out, though, and I was forced to do some research. Back then there really were only 2 resources available - the College Program website and speaking with your school representative. Both assured my parents that there was plenty of security everywhere, and they weren't kidding. 

The first thing I noticed on arrival was the fencing around the apartment complex. From the front, there are large (and I mean large) brick walls that are near impossible to climb. Also, at the entrance/exit (only one way in and out, folks) there is a security booth with several guards. It is their job (and trust me, they do it well) to check the id of every single person entering the complex whether they're driving or walking- If you happen to lose your apartment id, or forget it at home, they will send someone to your apartment to verify your identity. The back of the complex does not have the brick walls, but instead barb wire fencing to keep intruders from trying to climb in. My own apartment (located at Chatham#23203) was located at the very end of the property, and had that fence as it's lovely backyard view, I hated it then but understand and appreciate it's use now.

One of the other things that Disney does for it's interns, is make each person sign a contract that shows the rules they will abide by for their 6 month term. In that contract, we each had to agree to security making random checks for drugs, any form of paraphernalia, overnight guests, and alcohol (for those under 21). Disney is very serious in not allowing underage drinking and even has separate housing up front for those of legal age. That's not to say that minors don't sneak in and drink, it's impossible from stopping everyoccurrence, but those guards do their best. And, as mentioned before, the exit is located next to the entrance with guards making sure no drunk drivers leave the complex.

The apartment complexes also require all non Disney guests sign in at the front gate, and provide ID (they actually photocopy the ID and keep it on file), and make each guest aware of the hours they are allowed to be there (between 1-7am anyone who is not an intern has to leave the property, no overnight guests allowed for any circumstance), and monitor the logs constantly for sign out times. If it appears that your guest did not sign out before 1 am, they usually send someone to check the apartment and escort that person out.

Another thing thing Disney makes sure of is that all of their apartment complexes are well lit during the evening hours, as are all areas for bus pick ups and drop offs, and every cast member parking lot. And their on the job security is incredible. For example, I worked at Disney's Animal Kingdom and usually had to be there between 4-5 am daily to prep costumes for the day. Anyone who has been to Disney's Animal Kingdom knows that the park is huge, well backstage is even bigger. The walk from the front gate to the costuming warehouse was 1/2 mile, and usually it had to be done in the dark. Disney made sure that there were lights scattered along the walk way, and bike and buses were also available for quicker, safer transport.

All in All, Disney does the best that they can to provide safety to the thousands of interns they have every year, and every parent should be reassured in knowing that this company will spend what it has to, to keep each person free from harm. It would be irresponsible for me to say that rules were never broken, and accidents didn't happen, but Disney does do its best.

Life Skills on the College Program

I opened up my Facebook page today, and noticed a posting from the Disney College Program. Their message today was simply "what life skills did you learn on the program?" I quickly put down my response of the basics about learning how to manage a bank account, get along with others, and have more fun. After clicking submit, I really started to think about my time in the program, and what others coming after me could benefit from. In other words, what else does this program contain that would make a student want to move far from home (at least it was far in my case), and go into a completely known world.

The first positive is pretty self explanatory - working for a top company like Walt Disney World will definitely help when creating a resume. Even if you have zero job experience prior to the College Program, that will be an attention grabber, and for good reason. After completing the application, interview, Traditions, training, and then working in the fast paced parks for so many months anything else will seem easy. Literally anything. Not only that, but any future company knows the WDW reputation for requiring excellence from all of their cast members. There is no slouching, frowning, leaning, back talking, laziness, or bad attitude allowed. People who make it through the grueling process are those who can create magic for all guests, and actually want to do it. These are the people who are willing, wanting, and waiting to go the extra mile. Now why wouldn't any employer want those qualities?

Another positive is the transition into the real world. Technically, we cast members lived on our own (as in, away from parents and schools) but are still in Disney provided housing with excellent security guards, and common sense rules to provide extra safety. It's a start though, it's a real tool to learn how to get along with roommates, cook, clean, do laundry, pay bills (although rent is taken, automatically, from each check), and get to work on time. Oh, and lets not forget having a bank. Disney provides a banking service from a company called Vista. For some (like me) it's a first to have a bank account, and Disney does what they can to educate. On the first day of being on property, Disney required all of us to attend an orientation, and part of that was teaching us how to fill out a check, balance a check book, and sign up for a bank account. Also, Vista has some very helpful bankers that will sit down and explain even more about budgeting and what not.

Something else to definitely keep in mind is the life lasting friendships that come from the experience. Every person you meet will be unique, and contribute something to the person you will develop into over the course of the internship. My former roommates, for example, are still friends of mine. We don't necessarily communicate every day, or very often, but they are always on my mind. We check up on one another via Facebook, and chat by text occasionally. At the birth of my daughter, I received gifts, cards, and congratulations from them, and with each achievement they have I make sure to share my happiness. Other friends met in Traditions, and on the job, are still part of my life with fairly regular life updates. Each of them mean so much to me, and helped make my time in the College Program special, and bearable when times got hard. And I will never forget them.

I think, though, that the biggest things that can be gained is self confidence. After going through so much, you will know that you can do anything you set your mind to (with the right amount of effort and work, of course). Not only that, but knowing that you were one of the fortunate few chosen to be in the College Program, that you have so much passion a Disney recruiter can see it during their brief interview, is more than enough of a confidence booster.

All in all, so much can be gained by applying. Not all that I have listed are "life skills" to most people, but to me they are. I cannot imagine a better program for life preparation, and some day, when my daughter turns 18, I hope she'll follow in my footsteps and give it a try.

Creating the Dream - The Interview

Growing up, I was always surrounded by Disney images - the main movies my family watched were either classics or Disney animation, and the dolls I had weren't Barbie, but the princesses. From how my family tells it, at an early age I would pretend to be a different Disney character each day and only answer to that character's name. My love for all things Disney stayed fairly steady until junior high hit: at that point, Disney seemed uncool and even childlike. Not something I wanted to associate myself with. For a few years, things were rocky and I walked away from myself, high school came and I met Krystal. She shared her passion for Disney with me, and told me about casting opportunities with the company. I started looking for all the Disney information I could find, wrote papers about the company in college, and started making plans for the future.

By 2005 both of us had completed high school and were of age to apply for the College Program. I still remember sitting at the college library computers, filling out the application. It had asked for employment information, and I remember thinking that I would never be accepted as all of my work, to that point, had been volunteer only. Still, I decided to complete the application, and go to the orientation. The worst Disney could say to me, was no. And if they did, I promised myself I'd be back.

A few weeks after completing the application, Krystal and I headed up to one of the community colleges in our area for the College Program orientation. Anyone who knows both of us knows we like to talk and have a good time. The ride up Bellevue Community College was different: We filled the car with Disney theme park music, and exchanged hopes that this would be our ticket into the Disney company. It took about 45 minutes to get up there, 45 minutes of not knowing what came next, or what to say.

We finally reached the campus, and headed into the room for orientation. It was filled with other college hopefuls, many of whom were dressed in suits, dresses, and brought along resumes and portfolios. We all gathered together and listened to the presentation, and watched the film for about 20 minutes. Then, our presenter, Bryan, requested we all leave the room so he could start the interviews, which would be conducted in groups of 3. Krystal and I waited in the cafeteria for over an hour. Then, finally, our group was called. The 3 of us went in (I believe the other girl's name was Julia) and sat in front of Bryan, trying to maintain our calm and quickly prepare answers. I remember that any thoughts I had prior to entering that room quickly left me. Internally, I was panicking, hoping that Krystal and Julia could keep talking so I could come up with something original to say. My turn suddenly came, and Bryan asked me why I wanted to work for Disney. All nervousness left, and I was able say that Disney was my dream. I had been pretending to be a part of their company since I was 3 years old, had researched it in high school, and wanted to create the magic I experienced on all of my trips. Bryan smiled, and then moved on to ask the other girls new questions. One of the last questions he asked me was what role I most wanted and why. Before I answered, he gave me a sheet with the listing of available roles along with a description. My first choice was being in costuming, because I wanted to be behind the scenes and create the magic, to let other kids see the characters, believe they were the characters, and take that memory home with them after their trip.

The other girls gave their answers, and then Bryan took a moment to look over our applications again. He finally looked up, smiled, and said he was going to do something unusual, and that we could not tell anyone else from the orientation, but that he would like to extend the opportunity of working at Disney World to all 3 of us. Bryan then said that, though none of us had much work experience, that we made up for it in our passion. He felt we would be a true asset to the Disney company, and he hoped we would accept the offer. After a few moments of just staring, all I could do was nod and say yes over and over again.

We left the room trying to contain ourselves, and not show our true excitement. Somehow, Krystal and I made it to the parking lot without saying a word. Once in her car, we let loose screaming, bouncing up and down, and calling random people - I actually remember leaving my now sister-in-law a voice mail shrieking "I did it, I got in, I'm going to Florida!!!!!" We ended that day with making future plans, and started coming up with how we wanted to decorate our Florida apartment. I still remember the ride home and the shock I felt: the shock at how one interview, and one man, could change my life forever and give me a chance at my Disney dream.