There’s just something about entering the cafeteria and seeing purple Disney flyers on every single table that makes me smile.  The flyers—a notable step up in paper quality than most organization ads seen around campus—were there to get the word out about Disney’s upcoming visit to my school.  Cast Members and Campus Representatives would be recruiting students for the Disney College Program (DCP), the paid internship opportunity that temporarily employs college students in a role at Disneyland or Walt Disney World.  And the flyers were on every single table in the entire cafeteria.  That’s pretty cool.

Growing up in a household where Disney accounts for the majority of family entertainment bonding, the DCP was always at the back of my mind when thinking about my plans for the future, particularly as college grew closer.  Recently I looked into the Program a little further by visiting its official website and watching a few participants’ YouTube vlogs, and I knew that it was something I was definitely interested in applying for.  So when I began to see hints of Disney all over my college campus advertising that the Mouse’s friends would be coming to town, I didn’t want to miss their presentation.

I expected an info presentation to be something I would have to seek out myself, not something that would be heavily marketed.  I was surprised—but in retrospect, since it’s Disney, I really shouldn’t have been—at the amount of advertising implemented around campus for the presentation.  I guess the mindset I had before was that so many students apply to the Program that Disney wouldn’t want to openly ask for hoards of additional applications.  However, the presence of such marketing around the entire school in the week leading up to the presentation really made me realize that, just as with anything they do, the Disney Difference would be put to use to let students know about the great opportunities that the DCP offer.  It made me feel that they really did need us and valued our participation.

There were posters in hallways, the aforementioned flyers on cafeteria tables, sidewalk chalk art, and, my favorite, an information table in the Student Union, complete with Cast Members present with some portable background music—meaning I intentionally went back to that area later to study just so that I could listen to the music some more.  It reminded me that whether it’s something as major as a new theme park attraction or as (seemingly) minor as a presentation to college students, Disney is going to be the best at what they do, and I can truly say in an unbiased way that I haven’t seen any function on campus be as significantly promoted as Disney’s visit.

Upon arrival, the Disney Difference was again present in full force, with balloons and Cast Members outside the building where the presentation took place (as it was in a sort of obscure location), as well as in the hallway leading to the meeting room so that everyone interested would be able to find it.

The presentation, which lasted about 45 minutes, mostly elaborated on much of what is said on the DCP official website, but it was of course great to see the whole Program explained in full, straight from the horse’s (mouse’s?) mouth.  It clarified a lot questions I had, misconceptions I had heard, and overall provided a pretty complete rundown of the basics of what the Program entails.  The vibe I got in the room was that many kids weren’t aware of what a top-notch opportunity Disney provided through these internships until the presentation, and came away from it with the notion that it could not only be a fun experience, but also an excellent stepping stone toward their career path, regardless of whether their intended career was Disney-centric or not.

Given limited resources, the presentation of course wasn’t too extravagant compared to the regular “shows” we’re used to seeing from Disney, so that means no characters or songs or things like that, but I don’t think people expected that anyway.  You’re there to receive information—but, again, since this is Disney, you’re going to get that information in the most efficient and entertaining way possible.  At no point did I feel bored or check my watch.  In fact, being a Disney fan, there were several moments during the presentation (particularly during the video segments) when I had the urge to immediately lift up the “rock on” hand gesture—though I restrained myself.  (As a side note, I also always want to do that after the final drum boom of “The Circle of Life.” Anyway.)

If you have the opportunity, I would definitely encourage students to attend Disney’s presentation when and if it is offered at your school.  There are multiple times scheduled in case class gets in the way of attending.  Whether you haven’t the slightest clue what the Disney College Program is about, or you think you already have the rundown, you’ll be glad you attended the DCP’s on-campus info session.  Besides, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of college life, it’s nice to have a little sampling of Disney magic.

Bonus tip!: After the presentation, text your family telling them that Mickey Mouse was there (he isn’t). Then wait for the phone call later to hear how your mom hooted and hollered around her whole office telling them that Mickey Mouse was at her son’s school.

Blake is a college student focusing on Creative Writing and Media Studies. He enjoys making his family of six watch the parade on Main Street and then sprint to Frontierland in time to see it again. You can follow Blake’s random Disney ramblings on Twitter at @blakeonline, or at BlakeOnline.com.

The post Recruiting Magic: When the Disney College Program Visits Campus appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

First off, I would like to apologize for not writing for a while. Lots has happened since my last piece! I have officially been in Florida and participating in the Disney College Program for three months!! I survived the Spring Break rush that lasted almost a month and then was quickly followed by Easter. I have made so many friends, and I am starting to feel like I’m in a good rhythm at the Emporium, and in Disney World in general.

About a month into my program I was stock trained, so that is pretty much all I do. Stocking is great because I feel like you are more open and readily available to the Guests. I feel like I have been given the opportunity to get to know my Leaders, Coordinators, and fellow Cast Members better… and I can almost comfortably say that most of the people at the Emporium know who I am too; and that can be interpreted as both good and bad.

I feel like I have grown some as a person in the three months that I have been here, and I have started to change into the person I want to be. My program isn’t even close to being done yet, and I know that it has opened doors for me already. A lot of that is thanks to the amazing leadership team at the Emporium; specifically my CP Champion, Kaitlin. She has helped me realize what my strong points are and what my weaknesses are that I can work on. I’ve had some issues that I needed help with, I knew I could go to her for help, and that I can trust her. There are so many people at the Emporium that I completely trust; if at anytime I have a problem or I need to talk to someone, I know that I can go to almost anyone for help.

On the rare occasion that I’m not at work, I’m hanging out with my friends in the parks. I have gone to the beach, to a paint party on the party bus, to one of the water parks, resort hopping, to the movies, to a concert, and a whole bunch of other things. Some friends and I recently tackled the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort; I suggest that you do it, but don’t eat a lot before you go! I always have fun hanging out with all of my friends at various places because it gives you the opportunity to know who they are outside of work and vice versa.

On May 8th, Disney Internships and Programs held a party for all the CPs, ICPs, Culinary Students, and Professional Interns at Typhoon Lagoon at night called the “Starlight Splash.” It was so much fun! They had everything open like it is for Guests, but it was even better because there was free food!!! And not just regular boring food, but free Mickey Bars, Mickey Ice Sandwiches, fruit bars, chips and salsa, and all sorts of gourmet Disney restaurant food. They had a DJ who was giving away free stuff and playing music so we could dance on the beach, there were pirates walking around, palm readers, and then a huge fireworks show at the end of the night! It was a great night spent with my friends outside of work, and with other CPs!

Whatever you do during your program, enjoy it!!! Get to know people and go out and have fun. Go to dinner one night and then go to a park and watch the fireworks. I can’t tell you how many times my friends and I went somewhere and then ended up at the Magic Kingdom to watch Wishes and the Electrical Parade! Make the best of everything, and be willing to meet new people because that’s when you will be the happiest! Also, don’t be afraid of change; I was terrified by the idea of change and I still am, but I’m coming around to the idea. I know that there will be a lot of change soon to come when some of my closest friends’ programs end and they go back home. Having them go back home will be one biggest changes that I have faced since moving here, but I know that the friendships that I am making with them will last a lifetime, and these people will always be there for me.

Basically, whatever you do, have fun! Spread pixie dust and magic, because I guarantee that the moment that you “go above and beyond” for a Guest and make there trip memorable, you will feel great about what you did, and you will love your job even more.

Have a Magical Day!

Chandler Witzigreuter is a 19 year old from Fort Wayne, IN, who has been obsessed with all things Disney ever since she was very young. She began the Disney College Program Spring Advantage Session in February.

The post The Disney College Program: Daily Magic appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

by Chandler Witzigreuter

I finally got everything packed up and loaded into my car, and I was off to Walt Disney World!!  My dad, my sister, both of my grandpas, and my uncle drove me down to help me get all settled in.  After driving 22 hours, through 4 sates, and having one of our cars break down, we finally made it to Florida!  We checked into the BoardWalk Resort and spent the night!

The night I arrived in Florida, I had dinner with my roommates!  I highly suggest meeting and talking to your roommates (if you know who they are) before you check-in; it allows you to get past the awkward stages! After I met my roommates, I felt really good about who I would be spending the next six months with! We all decided when we were going to meet at Vista Way for check-in, because even though the DCP website says check-in is from 9 a.m. to noon; you need to get there sooner.

The next day was very exciting, because Check-In day was finally upon us!! My roommates and I met outside of Vista Way around 7:15 and 7:30 in the morning (yes, very early but we were done with check-in by 9 a.m.). Prepare yourselves now, it will be a long day, no matter what!! Check-in started at 8 a.m. and you make your way to the back of Vista, and you start your process! The first thing you do is get a sticker with your name on it that looks like a Cast Member name tag, then you have to verify your e-mail address and phone number. It’s super easy!! Then you walk under the pavilion and you wait in line until tables clear up so you can fill out some simple forms, and you get your Program Guide that has information that you need for reference. Once you’re done with that, you turn in your forms and go into the room so you can get your apartment!!! While in line, it’s nice to talk to your roommates and other people just to get to know them! You never know, you might meet someone from your school, state, or city! And it also makes time go a lot faster!

When it’s your turn to get your apartment, it’s very exciting! One of your roommates, if you have them, will go up and see the options that are available. And just for fair warning, be open to compromising. They can’t promise that they will have the size of rooms in the complex that you want.  My roommates and I wanted a 2-bedroom apartment in either Chatham Place or Patterson Court, but unfortunately there were no more 2-bedrooms in any of the complexes. We had the option between 1-bedrooms in Chatham or a 3-bedroom in Vista; we chose Vista Way, and I am actually happy about it. We did get two more roommates, which was weird because we wouldn’t know them, but the rent for the 3-bedroom in Vista is way cheaper than a 1-bedroom in Chatham or Patterson.  Just be open to what can happen, we didn’t expect to have two other roommates or be living in Vista, but everything works out.

After you get your apartment and keys, you get your property ID picture taken, and no matter how hard you try to look cute, the picture always looks gross. Then after you get your ID, you can register your car so you can park in the complex, and then you go and talk to a Cast Member to see when you go over to Casting.  My roommates and I got done around 9 or 9:30 a.m., and we were scheduled to go over to Casting at 10:30 a.m., so over an hour of wait time.  We decided to go see our apartment and claim bedrooms. We soon discovered that our building is directly across from the bus stop (SCORE!!), and really close to both pools, and the classrooms! So far, so good!  We claimed bedrooms, and one of our other roommates arrived. When the time came, we left for the bus to go over to Casting.

Casting is probably one of the coolest buildings I have ever seen!! First off, the door knob looks like the one in “Alice in Wonderland,” and then you walk into this huge atrium or foyer (what ever you want to call it) and there are huge pillars/columns with golden statues of Disney characters!! Needless to say, I was in awe. While you are oo-ing and ahh-ing, there are Cast Members who will come by and tell you where you will be working, and when you have Traditions. Every single person in my apartment got Magic Kingdom, and two of of are working in the same store!! I was placed on Main Street, U.S.A. West at the Emporium. We were all very excited to receive good news! When we were standing in line, we started talking to a girl about where we were working, and describing the parks to her since she had never been to Disney World before! We instantly clicked, and were having fun in line. Once you are out of the line, you go to “stations” where you do different things like talk about classes you are taking, your Onboarding paperwork, whether you want direct deposit or the payroll card, being fingerprinted for the government, etcetera. You finally end up in a room talking to Cast Members about your training schedule, and what bus to take to work, and so on.  At the very end, you get a picture taken by a Photopass Photographer, and then you are done!

After Casting, you have some time before you have to go to the Welcome Meeting over at The Commons, the apartment complex for International students.  The Cast Members know that it isn’t the most fun thing on earth to have to do, but they do try to make it fun. They have music and lights going and they have short skits that they put on for you. They also ask you questions so that you have a chance of winning small prizes. Overall, it is pretty fun, and it gives you a chance to see the people who live outside of your complex! After the meeting is over, you have the night to do whatever you want. Day 2 is the same way–it’s so you can get the lay of the land and meet people.

Day 3 is probably the best day of your first week. Day 3 is when you usually have Traditions! Traditions is the class held at Disney University that is required for you to take. That class is when you officially become a Cast Member! You get your Company ID, so you can get into the parks for free, and then your name tag!! The instructors I had were so much fun, and you could tell that they loved their jobs, and most of all they love Disney! We covered all of the basics and watched a few video clips, and even had some surprises! During Traditions, my instructors asked us questions, and if we answered the question we got a “Disney Critter.” They also gave us the chance to talk and to get to know the other people sitting at your table. I loved going to Traditions, and I had a lot of fun!

Unless you are scheduled to start training right away, you have the rest of the week to relax, and go into the parks for FREE!!! And that is exactly what my roommates and I did! We even invited our friend who we met at Casting to go with us, and it was even more fun because she had never been to the parks before. We went to Magic Kingdom for like four nights in a row, and went on Splash multiple times and took multiple pictures! And the great thing about doing the program for months, is that you don’t have to worry about getting everything in everyday!

Towards the end of the week, everyone started to have training! I unfortunately was the last of my friends to start training. My first day of training, I went to Magic Kingdom Costuming to get my costume to work in at the Emporium, and then my trainer showed me how to get to Main Street from backstage. She also showed us where different things were in the store and where stocking supplies are. Then she introduced us to one of our Leaders, and she was super nice (but I honestly don’t think that there is a mean manager, leader, or coordinator). After a few hours, you get to leave and go back home, and I think after training all of my roommates and I went into the parks… AGAIN! You usually have 3 or 4 days of training then you are set free to be on your own at your location. When it became my turn to be on my own I was a little scared, but luckily all of the trainers and other Cast Members are super nice and are always willing to help!

As you can tell, your first week or so is super packed full of fun and work! But as soon as you step foot into your apartment, you know that you are supposed to be here. I am so happy that I was given this opportunity, and I am trying my best to not take it for granted, but sometimes it’s hard to do that. I am already 3 weeks in and I already don’t want it to end!

Have a Magical Day,

Chandler

Chandler Witzigreuter is a 19 year old from Fort Wayne, IN, who has been obsessed with all things Disney ever since she was very young. She is now participating in the Disney College Program Spring Advantage Session, which started  started earlier this month.  You can follow her journeys through the Disney College Program here, or on my Tumblr: chandlerswdwcpadventures.tumblr.comr

The post The Disney College Program: Move In and Training! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Editor’s Note: Chandler is writing a series on the process of applying to, interviewing for, and participating in the Disney College Program.  For her earlier posts, please check: Why Does One Apply?  and The Application Process.

          After waiting and waiting, I finally got accepted! As soon as I was accepted, I was making lists of things that I thought I would need. I wanted to start packing that moment and start buying everything, I was accepted in November, so it was a bit early to start packing! Before I got too settled with my list, I talk to some alumni to see what they brought with them when they did the program and I also googled “Disney College Program Packing List.” Everything had the basics like clothes: both casual and business style (for classes), shoes, bedding: sheets, pillows, and etcetera. But every once in a while I would see something different that I wouldn’t think of, like hangers! So I put those on my list. I also made sure that I had at least two or three pairs of dress slacks and three or four blouses to wear for my classes.

Finally, it was January and I decided I could start setting things aside to pack and buying some things. I bought three pairs of dress slacks and like five or six blouses for my classes and trainings. I started to set aside my small appliances like my waffle maker and a coffee maker to take down, as well as my small electric grill.

The hardest part of packing for such an extended period of time like I am for the Disney College Program, is how do you pack enough for six or more months without over packing? I feel like I have done a good job with packing, but I also know that I overpacked. For me, picking out which shirts, shoes, and movies I want more for Florida was really hard.  I actually ended up packing a little too much, but it will be fine!

I suggest making a list of what you want to bring and what you think you can leave at home.  Then every so often go over your list and check off and add things, then when your check-in date gets closer start packing! Here is a sample of what my list looked like:

• •hangers (you will need lots of these)
• •fan (sometimes the rooms get a little warm)
• •bedding
  • •comforter
  • •sheets
  • •pillows/pillow cases
  • •foam mattress pad (definitely need this!!)
  • •food containers
  • •white board
  • •shower curtain (supplied, but a good idea to bring)
  • •floor mat
  • •towels
  • •storage containers
  • •router
  • •alarm clock
  • •lunchbox
  • •laundry basket
  • •lamp
  • •coffee maker
  • •small trash cans
  • •lock
  • •cups
  • •toaster
  • •clothes
    • •warm weather
      • •shorts
      • •tanks
      • •short sleeves
• •cool weather (even though you are going to Florida it does get cold)
  • •jeans
  • •pants
  • •long sleeves
  • •sweaters
• •dress
  • •skirts
  • •dress pants
  • •sweaters
  • •blouses
  • •dress
  • •suit
  • •capris
• •bathing suit
• •underwear
• •pajamas
• •sunglasses/ other accessories
• •shoes
  • •tennis shoes
  • •flip flops
  • •flats
  • •dock siders
  • •other

I hope you enjoyed and this was helpful! My next entry will be all about the check-in process, and moving in!!

Chandler Witzigreuter is a 19 year old from Fort Wayne, IN, who has been obsessed with all things Disney ever since she was very young. She is now participating in the Disney College Program Spring Advantage Session, which started  started earlier this month.  You can follow her journeys through the Disney College Program here, or on my Tumblr: chandlerswdwcpadventures.tumblr.com

The post The Disney College Program: What to Pack? appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show – your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #76 for the week of July 20, 2008. I am your host Lou Mongello, bringing you a little bit of Disney magic each week in a fun, family-friendly weekly show.

Because of the MagicMeets event this weekend, I am leaving early, so I won’t be able to cover any news or rumors this week.

Walt Disney World isn’t just the world’s number one vacation destination it’s also one of the most desirable places to work, and for thousands of college students every year, it is home to a classroom unlike any other. The Walt Disney World College Program offers an opportunity for students to work and learn in a program that will forever change their lives. To discuss the program in more detail, I welcome Kristi Breen – Director of Segment College and International Programs Recruitment to answer many of the questions that students and parents may have. Then, to give a perspective from a recent College Program graduate, Katherine Farmer joins me. Now a professional intern for Walt Disney World, she recounts her experiences in the program, and the effects it’s had on her, both personally and professionally.

Before playing some of your voicemails at the end of the show, specifically about the recent Top 10 smells segment, I have one more announcement to make this week about an exciting new project and product. And once again, Tim Foster joins me to introduce you to something we’ve been working on for some time that I think you’ll enjoy.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

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The post Show #76 – July 20, 2008 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.