This January, I will be starting my second Disney College Program and couldn't be more excited!
Back when I was applying, I decided to take a different approach to the experience this time around. My first program, I stumbled in blindly. I didn't engage with any DCP groups on social media beforehand and arrived not knowing a single person. This was intimidating to say the least. As someone who identifies as an independent soul, I confidently say that this was more nerve wracking for me than anything else I'd done before...including living abroad.
In the hopes of saving any future CP's the inner turmoil I navigated through, I'm here to share the top five things
I Wish I Knew Before the Disney College Program.
Everyone is in the same boat
Every CP you meet is experiencing the exact same thing. The first few weeks are an emotional blur of magic, confusion and excitement. You have check-ins, housing meetings, Traditions, training- so much activity that it can make your head spin. As overwhelming as it may seem, just know that every single person around you is going through what you are. You're all getting accustomed to the same rules, regulations, inconsistent schedules, and lifestyle changes. It's okay not to feel entirely confident about what you're doing when you first get there; many don't. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether it is from your fellow CPs, cast members, housing staff, leaders -everyone is there to help you! You're not in this alone.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
You will encounter so many wonderful, unique opportunities and meet some incredible people. For whatever reason, I allowed myself to get too preoccupied and overwhelmed by all the chaos at the start of my program. I doubted myself and was struggling with establishing friendships- something I had never quite experienced before. I was nervous asking people to do stuff with me and overanalyzed everything I was doing. It took me a few months to realize how silly I was being and finally begin to really appreciate everything around me. As I said before, EVERYONE IS IN THE SAME BOAT. Everyone is trying to establish relationships with one another. Don't be shy about reaching out to someone to ask them to go meet your favorite character, eat at a restaurant you've been dying to try, or simply play in the parks. The magic of Disney will undoubtedly generate a fun adventure with whoever you're with. That being said, it's also okay to do stuff by yourself! There were countless times that I went alone to the park to watch Festival of Fantasy before my shift, went shopping in Disney Springs (RIP Downtown Disney) or grabbed some ice cream and watched Fantasmic. CP schedules are inconsistent. Sometimes yours is opposite of all your friends, so don't be afraid to enjoy everything the parks have to offer by yourself!
Don't Let the Tough Days Get You Down
I'm not going to lie to you; some days it gets tough. There will be days where you encounter difficult interactions that can really put you in a sour mood. There were some days that I came home crying tears of frustration after a particularly rough day. But remember, for every negative incident involving circumstances beyond your control, there is a child whose eyes light up when they get to meet their favorite character for the very first time. Those heartfelt moments make it all worthwhile. You may find yourself falling into constant repetition, making it easy to get frustrated, but keep one thing in mind: while you may encounter the same thing everyday, this is many of the guests' only opportunity to enjoy the wonderful world of Disney. It is your job to keep the magic alive.
It's Not for Everyone
Sad to say, but this experience may not be for everyone. What some people fail to realize is that while the Disney College Program is like an ongoing dream, you're there to work. When you accept your position, you are accepting a full-time job. You're agreeing to a flexible schedule, long hours, and working holidays. You may not enjoy some tasks you are given, but that's part of life. While there are many rules to follow, they are there to make everything run as smoothly as possible. Keep them in mind, make responsible decisions, and you will have a simply magical time!
ENJOY YOURSELF
You're in Disney World everyday!! It's a dream come true! There are so many wonderful perks to enjoy! Daily access to the parks, Cast Member celebrations, company discounts, learning seminars, voluntEARing events, networking opportunities, plus so much more. It is what you make of it. The more you engage with the WDW community, the more you will feel at home. The Disney College Program truly is like living in a dream, so enjoy every moment of it!