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.

D23 - Worth It?

Like many Disney enthusiasts, I was interested in learning more about the magazine D23 as soon as word of its existence started leaking out. What I learned was that D stood for Disney, and 23 for 1923, the year the company was formed; I also learned it would be an in depth magazine featuring little known Disney information and pictures. For $74.99 I could get a year long membership, that had 4 issues. As much as I wanted it, the price was too steep, but I dared put it on my Christmas list in hopes someone would be generous enough to give it to me: I was lucky enough to have a mother that recognized I needed to be rewarded for my love of all things Disney!

Since receiving my first issue in December 2009 I have received many little "gifts," two certificates, two membership cards, and 7 issues. The gifts have ranged from a watch (nice, not much detail, and was given as a thank you for continuing my membership) to some Epcot patches that I plan on sewing on to my apron. Even though the gifts are small, it is nice to know that a little something extra will be received each time.

As for the magazine itself... The pictures and layout are beautiful, and make it hard to even break open and read for fear of bending the pages. After getting over the initial reservation and looking over the content, it is fairly decent. Each issue has different writers and topics, though some things will always be included - There will always be an article listing some little known fact (plus pictures) about Walt, and there will always be recipes from the parks/Disney chefs/resorts. It also always includes information on the latest Disney movies.

Since I began getting D23, there are been articles about Princess and the Frog, Toy Story 3, Gnomeo and Juliet, Tangled, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. While D23 does include lots of unknown information behind each of the movies, it feels like reading one of the leading entertainment magazines, which I could purchase for $3.99 at my super market, or check out for free at my local library.

Also, some of the magazine feels like reading an advertisement for a travel agency! I know that Disney is trying to do whatever they can to get more visitors, but having a large section of an issue (including the cover) about the Disney Cruise Line was a bit much. Yes, it is nice to know about the new ship, and all of its amenities, but I feel the same information is covered in a free Disney Vacation DVD.

The magazine is also relatively small for being so expensive. Each issue has about 60 pages, which may seem like a lot but taken in to the context of only receiving 4 a year, I would expect something much larger and more detailed.

I have been very lucky to receive D23 since December 2009 (it was renewed by my mother for me, gotta love her), and I still eagerly anticipate it every quarter; however, if it was up to me to purchase on my own I would have to say that I would pass. The high price, and information easy to find in other places would make me want to save my money for a rainy day, or other Disney purchases.

The Disney Inspiration

I just thought I would share the first Disney article I ever wrote (it actually got me accepted into a few colleges):

Walt Disney is someone who has greatly inspired me with his passion, creativity, and the promotion of family friendly entertainment. His contributions bring smiles to peoples faces and create memories that last for lifetimes; additionally, his parks have become internationally known as a favorite family vacation spot. Walt Disney has also become known for his insistence on perfect work performance for his cast members, which has created a positive guest experience for over fifty years.Since I was young, my parents began taking me on short trips to Walt Disney's theme parks in California and Florida. The most memorable trip I had was when I was fifteen (an obvious age when teenagers and parents do not get along) for a week long trip to Disney world. It was one of the first times in years that my whole family enjoyed themselves after being caught up in the magical experience that Disney has to offer. At every stop we made, the cast members were open, friendly, and more than willing to do whatever it took in adding that special touch to our memories - on the day we left I vowed I would one day work at Disney world.Because of the promise to myself I began researching possible job opportunities and found an internship available to college students. For three years I waited, and when I finally turned eighteen I applied. A few weeks later I was given an invitation to view a special presentation on Disney values and what the internship entailed. Immediately following would be an interview. Thankfully, the presentation confirmed my beliefs that this was an opportunity for excellent life training and, armed with the new information I had received, the interview went well and I was offered a position on the spot: Six months later I was living my dream in Orlando, Florida. Once my training had been completed I found that I had been placed in the costuming department in order to assist characters for parades and shows at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Being able to the families enjoy what I had assembled, and what the Disney team had created are some memories that will always stay with me. On occasion, I was given jobs that dealt directly with guests and learned how to rise to the challenge by making each of them feel special, to make each family wish to return.While there, I began to realize all that Walt Disney had dreamed and created: He had dreamed of building a park where science and the world was brought to main stream families. Unfortunately, Walt Disney would never see the completion of the park, but soon after his death EPCOT (The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) was built that featured a hands on science center and the World Showcase (this features eleven different countries presenting their own food, entertainment, and merchandise). From there, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom were to follow - each with their own educational value from following one's dreams to seeing animals in their own environment. Now that my internship has been completed, I have been inspired to make my own magic for my little family, I have learned how to give every employer I have had the best pieces of myself, I have also learned how to take every situation (whether good or bad) and turn it into an educational experience. Most of all, I have been inspired by the aspirations of a man who has created a legacy that exceeded his expectations by creating a universally known name and symbol, being one of the most popular family travel destinations on three different continents, and by realizing his dream of having a place where families could come together - and, maybe most importantly, a place where everyone remembers the magic of being a child

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.