Disney Bound

Update!

2008-02-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Well, after a week of training, I have finally been assessed on my attraction and passed with flying colors. I am fully trained now in the inner workings of my ride, and let me tell you, it is fascinating. I really like the people I work with, and I love living here. I have met so many wonderful people! I met a guy named Rick and we hit it off really well. And I love my roommates. They are super sweet. My work schedule is taking some getting used to and at times I am still very home sick. Like today. My sister is in labor right now, having my baby nephew, Baxter Cade Claflin, and I’m here, not able to meet him the day he is born like I was able to meet my first natural niece. Today is an easy day. I don’t work until about 6:45 tonight, so I am taking it easy. I’m waiting for my friend Bobby to pick me up and take me to the bank and maybe to get groceries. I’m about outta food and I really need to do laundry. Laundry will probably have to be tomorrow, but I need to get food for tonight. I have a few dollars, but not enough to live on for more than a few days. That kind of sucks but it’s my own fault. Just haven’t been able to make it to the bank to cash my checks. I really want my car here. That would help so immensely. I miss my baby! She is so lonely in Memphis without me to drive her! I mean I would still use the busses, but I would have my car for days like this when I have hours to waste and no bus to help me. I think I might lay down for a bit though. I didn’t get much sleep last night and I’m kind of tuckered. Love yall! Miss ya!

2008-02-02T11:29:00.000-06:00

Hey guys! Sorry there has been no update but things have been so busy since I arrived. Leaving was really really hard. Saying by to my friends and family was the most difficult. I am the first person in my family to ever move so far away from home to chase a dream, and being so groundbreaking is very scary. But I pushed through my fear and I arrived safetly to check in on the 21 of January.

Upon your arrival, you will need your proof of illegability to work, and some form of picture ID to prove who you are. The first day you fill out forms, and you chose your housing assignment. You can chose to live in either Vista Way Apartments, or Chatham Square Apartments. I chose Chatham. They are newer and much much nicer! There are new apartments being constructed as we speak, though, right across the street. Those look like they will be really nice too.

The second day is more paper work, and you recieve your schedual for training, Traditions, and your work location. I can't reveal where I work because of a contest going on with a Podcast I listen to thats near and dear to my heart called Lets Talk About Disney, or LTAD (www.letstalkaboutdisney.com).

Traditions is usually your third day and you recieve your ID card, and this means you can get into those parks! I went to Magic Kingdom and met some fabulous new friends.

So far my experience has been amazing! I love my job, I love my co-workers, I love what I do. It is hard, it is challenging, and it can be lonely, but only if you allow it to be. There are hundreds of other people just like you all around for you to befriend, especially if you take the buses provided for you by Disney. More to come later! Right now I need to eat and get ready for work!

Lord Help!

2008-01-20T20:57:00.001-06:00

I made it. I am in my hotel room in Orlando (Kissimmee to be exact) and tomorrow is the big day, but it has been a long, tearful journey. So many times I have almost changed my mind. So many things were attempting to stop me from coming (including my own personal fear and nervousness), but I am here. Not too late to turn back, but I won’t let myself. I’ve never been so scared, but I touched base with someone from the Podcast I listen to (LTAD, or Lets Talk About Disney). His name is Jay (here after called PapaGoof) and I know I can go to him if I need help or someone to talk to. He is the crazy uncle after all. Tomorrow I check into my apartment, and I move in. Tuesday my parents leave. That is the part that scares me the most. I don’t have mommy and daddy here to hold my hand anymore. But I do have my Father inside me, and I know He will help me and guide my footsteps.
Once I start working and meet people, I know I’ll be fine. I am just gonna miss my family and my close friends back home so very much. But God has me under His wing. He is called the Great Comforter in the Bible, and I rely on that. I know He will comfort me in all this. And if I just can’t take it, I pray I have the courage to come home. I let my pride get in my way sometimes, and I don’t want that to happen now. I just need to breathe. Breathe, G`ena, breathe.
I have so much to look forward to in this! I get such an opportunity to boost my career, learn independence and self reliance, learn that I am stronger than I know. I have a phone to talk to my friends, I have my love that will stay with them, and I have my prayers that will protect them as God sees fit. I just want to throw myself into work to let myself try to just cope without going into a depression.

Checklist of Items to Bring

2007-10-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

While many amenities are supplied for you, you may want to bring additional items for recreation, decoration or everyday necessity. The following are recommended:

Set of linens and bedding (twin-size sheets, pillow, blanket, towels, etc.)
TV, VCR, DVD player and a coaxial cable
Stereo (small)
Toaster
Coffee Maker
Phone card
Answering machine
Cordless phone (The phone provided in the apartment has a cord.)
Cell phone (Check with your current provider for coverage information.)
Alarm clock
Beach towel, suntan lotion and/or sunscreen
Camera and film
Casual clothing
Professional clothing (refer to my blog on the Disney Look)
Sweater or jacket
Dress shoes
Combination lock for the locker in your bedroom
Computer with Ethernet card
Original employment eligibility documents
Cosmetics and toiletries
Credit card and traveler’s checks (if available)
Health insurance information
Personal medications, including prescription drugs, if needed
Writing paper, envelopes and pens

Because they are not allowed, please don’t bring:

Candles - Fire codes prohibit you from burning them.
Bicycles - The facilities don’t have bike paths or storage facilities for them.
Small refrigerators
Pets of any type - including fish
Weapons of any type - including pocket knives
Hookah pipes

Roles

2007-10-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

The following roles are available as part of the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The descriptions below provide an overview of the responsibilities included in each role. It is important to note that each role may include, but is not limited to, the descriptions below.

All roles may include prolonged exposure to outside elements, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions.

Onstage Roles

Attractions
Responsibilities may include:

Working at one or more of the "rides" or theater shows
Loading and unloading Guests from an attraction
Operating sophisticated ride systems
Memorizing and delivering lengthy narrations on a microphone to large groups
Handling the evacuation of an attraction when necessary
Monitoring Guest flow and providing a safe Guest experience
Assisting with audience control, including during parades
Operating a motorized vehicle
Cleaning areas surrounding attractions
Working with FASTPASS®, the ticketing distribution system that confirms attraction ride times
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Bell Services/Dispatch
Bell Services Dispatch is a non-tipped role. Responsibilities may include:

Assigning luggage deliveries, including directing bellmen
Greeting Guests upon arrival at resorts
Handling and storing luggage, which requires heavy lifting (including overhead lifting)
Using a computerized dispatch system, multi-tasking
Answering Guest calls and responding to service requests
Taking luggage off buses, vans and cars
Tagging luggage
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess is a non-tipped role.Responsibilities may include:

Performing all duties in character of "Fairy Godmother in Training"; therefore this role is open to females only.
Styling hair on Guests of all ages, including small children
Performing a variety of hair techniques including braiding, teasing, shaping, finger curls, and twists
Applying facial makeup
Painting nails or applying press-on nails
Utilizing a computerized reservation system
Checking Guests in for their scheduled appointments
Interacting with children of all ages, including calming upset children
Working in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Receiving shipments of products, monitoring stock levels, and restocking as necessary
Responding to special Guest requests
Standing for extended periods

Character Attendant
Responsibilities may include:

Providing Guests with information about show schedules, Character locations, and visitation times
Providing audience control, including handling challenging Guest situations
Ensuring the safety of Character Performers and our Guests Partnering with Disney's Photopass® photographers
Maintaining show quality and Character integrity
Setting up and removing stanchions, ropes and poles
Assisting Character Performers with putting on costumes
Retrieving and arranging strollers
Maintaining cleanliness and order in work location
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Custodial
Responsibilities may include:

High Guest interaction while working independently
Extensive cleaning - including restrooms and toilets
Working with cleaning chemicals and equipment
Bussing tables in restaurants and outdoors
Sweeping and mopping
Emptying trashcans, lifting heavy garbage bags
Driving pargo carts
Vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning pool decks
Providing Guest information
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Full Service Food and Beverage
Full-Service Food and Beverage is a non-tipped role. Responsibilities may include:

Greeting and seating Guests in restaurants
Managing a seating chart and resolving Guest situations
Utilizing a computerized reservation/seating system
Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
Rolling silverware, folding napkins, and keeping area stocked
Light cleaning, multi-tasking
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Hopper
Responsibilities may include:

Working in different locations within the same role, or working in multiple roles
Must be receptive to working in all of the following roles:
Quick Service Food & Beverage
Merchandise
Attractions
Main Entrance Operations
Custodial

Hospitality
Responsibilities may include:

Must be willing to work in all of the following areas but might only work in one:

Front Desk
Luggage Services
Dispatch
Telephone Room

Checking Guests in and out of resorts and processing payments
Assisting Guests with itinerary planning and ticket sales
Handling complex Guest situations, problem solving
Operating computer-based reservation and ticketing systems
Lifting, tagging, and delivering luggage
Handling large amounts of cash
Answering Guest telephone calls
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
Housekeeping Responsibilities may include:
Cleaning multiple Guest rooms including toilets, showers, sinks and tubs
Working with cleaning chemicals
Replenishing linens
Making beds, requiring repetitive bending and pulling
Pushing large carts
Dusting and vacuuming
Emptying trashcans
Responding to Guest requests for items or directions
Heavy lifting, standing for extended periods
Working independently with limited Guest contact

Lifeguard
Responsibilities may include:

Monitoring Guests' safety in water and on slides/attractions
Physically challenging work and prolonged exposure to outside elements
Providing first aid and basic life support in the event of Guest injury or illness
Strong swimming skills
Keeping recreational areas clean
Providing Guest information
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
During off-peak seasons, assisting other operating areas throughout Walt Disney World Resort
Each individual must be evaluated and certified at the Walt Disney World Resort. All lifeguards must pass a swim test and a vision screening that requires 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses. In the event you do not pass the swim test described below, you will be placed in another role based on availability.

Lifeguard Swim Test

Swim 200 yards (183 meters) freestyle or breaststroke
Retrieve a 10-lb (4.5 kg) brick from the deepest section of the pool (minimum 8 feet / 2.4 meters)
Tread water with hands out of the water for two minutes
Participants reserved a Lifeguard position must complete a pre-qualification test prior to their arrival. Participants must have have the certified instructor validate skills and complete a form that must be sent to the Recreation team no longer than 2 weeks prior to a participant's arrival. This form is available on this Web site to those extended invitations to participate on the program as a lifeguard.

Main Entrance Operations
Responsibilities may include:

Working in one or more of the following areas:

Parking
Staffing outdoor Toll Plaza areas
Operating a large motorized parking tram
Delivering narrations on a microphone
Park Greeter
Greeting all Guests who enter the park and validating their tickets
Operating turnstile areas
Ticket Operations

Selling various ticket media at our water parks, Downtown Disney®, or Disney's Wide World of Sports®
Using computerized ticketing systems
Strong knowledge of Walt Disney World Resort ticket media
Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
Assisting with audience control, including during parades
Cleaning main entrance areas
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Merchandise
Responsibilities may include:

Demonstrating and selling merchandise in indoor and outdoor areas
Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
Stocking and cleaning shelves and carts
Receiving/putting away stock and deliveries
Stroller/wheelchair rental - including repetitive lifting, stacking, and pushing strollers and wheelchairs
Preparation of food/candy
Selling of alcohol and tobacco
Providing information to Guests
Approaching Guests and engaging them in conversation
Preparing packages for shipping/delivery
Working independently or as part of a large team
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Quick-Service Food and Beverage
Responsibilities may include:

Selling food and beverages at outdoor carts and/or indoor restaurants
Taking and filling orders, multi-tasking
Preparing and assembling food items in a kitchen area, including the use of a fryer, grill, broiler, and other industrial cooking equipment
Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
Bussing tables, cleaning kitchen and counter equipment, and emptying trash cans
Dispensing and selling alcoholic beverages
Setting and stocking tables, outdoor carts, and restaurants
Heavy lifting, pushing heavy carts
Working with cleaning chemicals
Working independently or as part of a large team
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Recreation
Responsibilities may include:

Assisting Guests in one or more recreational areas such as waterslide operations, towel rental, watercraft rental, marina operations, arcades, or resort recreational facilities
Prolonged exposure to outside weather elements
Strong swimming skills
Providing first aid and basic life support in the event of Guest injury or illness
Keeping recreational areas clean
Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
Maintaining safety standards
Answering Guest questions
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
During off-peak seasons, assisting other operating areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort

Resort Hopper
Responsibilities may include:

Working 3-4 months in a Housekeeping role, then working 3-4 months in a Hospitality role at any one of our resorts
Must be receptive to working in both the Housekeeping and Hospitality roles

Transportation
Responsibilities may include:

Operating monorails and/or watercraft vehicles, including using on-board computers
Loading and unloading Guests
Delivering narrations via microphone during trips
Using a radio and understanding radio communication
Assisting with audience control
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
A valid driver's license is required for this role.

Vacation Planner
Responsibilities may include:

Selling ticket media to Guests
Strong knowledge of the Walt Disney World Resort and its ticket media
Learning computer-based ticketing systems
Handling large amounts of cash
Assisting Guests with selecting ticket packages
Stocking ticket booths with guidebooks, pamphlets, and other supplies
Assisting with audience control, including during parades
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors

Backstage Roles
These roles are "backstage" and provide minimal to no Guest interaction.

Costuming
Responsibilities may include:

Issuing costumes to fellow Cast Members
Operating computerized costume checkout system
Working around performers in various stages of dress
Operating basic laundry equipment
Overhead reaching, bending, and heavy lifting
Moving heavy costumes from location to location
Handling and laundering soiled garments
Standing for extended periods, working outdoors
Working independently, with minimal to no Guest interaction

Quick-Service Restaurant-Kitchen Only
Responsibilities may include:

Gaining entry-level experience in the growing culinary industry
Preparing and assembling basic food items in fast-paced, high-volume quick-service locations
Cleaning and stocking
Working with basic kitchen equipment
Reading and following basic recipes
Standing for extended periods
Working with minimal to no Guest interaction

Examples of Cast Member Etiquette

2007-10-18T12:22:00.000-05:00

You are in line for Splash Mountain with your family. It is the first time you have ever been to Disney World with you two nieces, and your sister. As you near the loading dock to board the boats, you see a Cast Member sitting on a stool near the controls, They are sitting on a stool, there feet resting on a sprung of the stool, their legs spread wide apart. Their elbows are resting on their knees, one hand propping up their chin, the other texting on their cell phone. As they press send they lazily pop a bubble from their gum, and press the button that sends the boat on its way.

You are boarding the Tower of Terror, and the bellhop that is assigned to you plays banter with the guests. Your daughter is scared, but the bellhop says something that makes her laugh.

Which one of these situations created the Disney Magic? Disney is not a theme park. Disney is a lifestyle. Many say I am saturated with Disney, and maybe that is true, but as cast members you MUST realize that we help to create that Magic. If we are passive, and don’t care, than the Guests won’t care.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE A CAST MEMBER, COMMIT TO THE MAGIC!

The Disney Look

2007-10-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Disney World is famous. I know that was unnecessary, but it is very true. And not just because of the mouse, but the people Disney hires to take care or the millions of guests that come through those gates. So, as a Cast Member, you are required to adhere to a few guidelines to keep that reputation alive.

As a Cast Member (what Disney calls their employees) you must be aware of your appearance and your behavior when ‘on stage’ (anytime you are in a public area). When you are working you have to consciously be aware of things that might distract our Guests from their magical experience. Such situations might be chewing gum, having poor posture, using a cell phone, frowning, and many other things. Smoking and eating are strictly prohibited on stage. You must look clean (shirt tucked in, costume clean and pressed, name tag on, ect.). You may not where your name tag while visiting the parks as a guest, so therefore shopping or riding a ride in costume is prohibited.

Nametags

Disney prides themselves on being a ‘first-name organization’. Kind of like the ‘Cheer’s’ song “where everybody knows your name”. Al Cast Members are issued a nametag that must be worn correctly; that is upright and readable on the outside layer of clothing. It should be worn on the left shoulder area, but due to costuming this position might change. You cannot wear
them on lanyards, ties, hats, wristbands, or on shirt collars.

Your nametag will be your legal first or middle name, or a derivative of your name. You can have the name of your hometown or your college or university engraved onto your nametag. If you speak any language (fluently) other than English, you will be issued a special nametag can accommodates up to five approved language flags.

Pins & Buttons

All Cast Members have the option of wearing up to two approved pins on their nametag, in addition to any approved language flags. Stickers or other decorations are not permitted on the nametag or costume. The approved pins are:

Most recent service pin
Partners in Excellence pin
1971 Opening Team pin

In addition to your nametag and the nametag pins we just talked about, up to two separate approved pins/buttons may be worn directly on the costume. You can wear these pins on the upper right shoulder, although it may vary due to costume design. The Trainer pin is included in this guideline as well as any pin or button approved for a significant property anniversary or major celebration.

Any request to allow a pin or button (other than the Trainer pin) to be worn on the costume must be approved in advance by the Cast Image and Appearance Team. After you have received approval, a pin or button may be worn for one week from date of issue or, when appropriate, for the duration of the event. For example, Epcot Flower and Garden Festival buttons would be permitted for the duration of the festival.

Company Identification Cards

-taken from www.wdwcollegeprogram.com-

To help ensure the safety and security of our guests and Cast Members, all Cast Members are required to follow the policy below regarding Company ID cards.

Costumed Cast: Cast Members in costume must have their Walt Disney Company photo ID with them at all times, but they do not need to wear it. While backstage in costume, your ID may be worn on a lanyard (if you choose) for convenience. However, to preserve the theming of our guest show, your Company ID may not be worn while onstage.

Non-costumed Cast: Cast Members who are not wearing a costume are required to visibly wear their Walt Disney Company photo ID card in backstage areas at all times. Non-costumed Cast Members are not required to wear their Company ID while onstage but may choose to do so for convenience. Your Company ID may be worn on a pin-trading lanyard or traditional black lanyard as outlined below. In addition:

Nametags are not permitted on the lanyard.
No ribbons, buttons, pins, etc., should be attached to the ID holder or lanyard strap (except as appropriate on the pin trading lanyard).
The lanyards sold in Company D stores, which have a cloisonné Character attachment, are permitted in place of the standard black lanyard.
Lanyard cords are not permitted in any color other than solid black.
Photo ID Requirement: Cast Members with a company ID card that does not include a photo must be prepared to show secondary photo identification (driver's license, state identification card, etc.) in conjunction with their Walt Disney Company ID card.

-end excerpt-

Eyewear

Sunglasses are not technically forbidden, but should definitely be avoided. They are a block to interpersonal communication. They may be worn in jobs where glare from water, counter tops, direct sunlight, ect. Would prevent you from doing your job safely or efficiently. If you must where glasses, they must be opaque enough so your eyes are visible. No dark or mirrored lenses are permitted. They may not be worn at night (sorry Corey Heart), in dark areas, or indoors. They must be removed when engaging with Guests in extended interactions, and may not be visible when not in use.

The frames and the lenses of eyeglasses and sunglasses should be a neutral color like black, brown, or metal (for frames), with a conservative style and no contrasting logos. No frames of lenses in shades like blue, pink, green, yellow, ect. Will be permitted. Glasses and sunglasses shouldn’t detract from the costume or contradict the theme of the show.

If you wear tinted contacts, the resulting eye color must be natural and look appropriate with your skin tone. Try your best not to be distracting.

Body Alteration or Modification

Intentional body alteration or modification to achieve a visible, physical effect that disfigures, deforms or similarly detracts from a professional image is no allowed. Examples include, but are not limited to, visible tattoos, brands, body piercing (other than traditional ear piercing for women), tongue piercing or splitting, tooth filing, earlobe expansion, and acquiring visible, disfiguring skin implants.

Methods to conceal an unacceptable piercing or tattoo, such as using a bandage, are not permitted. For tattoo coverage, opaque makeup will be permitted if it completely conceals the tattoo. Spacers or retainers are not permitted in any visible body piercing while working. Jewelry worn in non-visible piercing that may pose a safety risk because of costume design and/or job responsibilities will not be permitted.

Personal Hygiene

Because you will be interacting in close contact with guests and fellow Cast Members, use anti-perspirant or deodorant. Also don‘t use strong, heavy scents and fragrances. If you choose to wear a scent or fragrance product, please be considerate of others and select a light, mild scent. For real, it is hot down there. Don’t be stinky!

-the remainder of the text is an excerpt from www.wdwcollegeprogram.com-

Medical Restrictions/Religious Accommodation Requests

Requests for an exception to the Disney Look policy for medical reasons must be presented to the Health Services Department with supporting medical documentation.

A copy of the request and medical information will be retained at Health Services.
A statement of approved restrictions will be issued at Health Services to be delivered to your manager.

Any request for an exception to the Disney Look policy for religious beliefs or questions regarding the accommodation of medical restrictions or religious beliefs must be directed to the Cast Image and Appearance office.

Entertainers

If an exception to the appearance guidelines is required for a particular role in a staged show or production, approval must be obtained from the Vice President of Entertainment and the Cast Image and Appearance Team.

Otherwise, all entertainers must adhere to the appearance standards as set forth in this manual.
Appearance Policy Discipline

The appearance guidelines contained in this handbook have been established for the Walt Disney World® Resort and may be changed at any time. Failure of any Cast Member to adhere to these or any subsequently established or modified standards will result in appropriate disciplinary action, not excluding termination. Cast Members, including those covered by a collective bargaining agreement, may be disciplined when the Appearance Policy is not followed.
Ensuring consistent administration of the Walt Disney World® Appearance Policy is the responsibility of Management, the Cast Image and Appearance Team, your Human Resources representative and Employee Relations. Specific questionable deviations from the policy should be referred to the Cast Image and Appearance Team for further assessment.

Earning

2007-09-24T11:38:00.000-05:00

When you are interviewed you will need to print out a role check list and look at the possible jobs you may get. During your interview you will be asked for your top three choices. When you receive your acceptance letter you will know what role you have received and what season you will be there. Many, many people are applying for this program, so that might mean that you may not get the season you want. More people want the Advantage program (who wouldn’t??), so the earlier you apply the more likely you are to get your requested role and season. In your role you will develop your communication and problem-solving skills, build your confidence and independence, and gain hands-on-work experience.

This is a paid internship! You will receive an hourly rate of $6.67 while working. You receive $.50 premium per hour if you work in Quick Service Food and Beverage Roles. Over 8 hours a day or over 40 hours a week will be paid overtime with time-and-a-half. Pay checks are issued every Thursday.

You must be available to work! Disney World is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. You have to be available to work morning, afternoons, nights, weekends, and holidays. If you have something coming up (i.e. weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations) you may want to let your role supervisor know upon arrival to schedule a time for you to visit home. For example, my older sister is pregnant, and I may take off maybe a day or two to go home quickly to see the baby after he/she is born. Usually students work between 5:00AM and 2:00AM. You will be scheduled to work between 30-45 hours per week, but during peak you might work more than that (and paid over time).

By accepting the college internship you open MANY doors for your future. You may be asked to stay for additional time. You also have a option to apply for the Professional Internship, apply for a full-time or part-time role with Disney benefits, or work seasonal during school breaks.
You will spend your first official first day of work in Traditions class. This class is a training session for all new Cast Members, which will be scheduled one or two days after they arrive. You will find out your exact work location as part of the check-in process, and you will begin training for your role right after you complete Traditions.

You can’t change the role given to you. Once you accept the role that has been reserved for you, you work that role during the duration on of your stay with Disney. If you have questions, then contact your recruitment representative.

Buses will take you to all the parks, and ultimately your jobs. You will have at least one day off work a week, but the days and work times vary from week to week.

You receive 5 costumes for your role. When they are dirty, you give them to the company and they wash and press them, and give you a new one. All costumes must be returned or you will be fined.

Learning

2007-09-22T11:06:00.000-05:00

**NOTE: This will most likely by very sparse because I have chosen not to take the classes Disney offers. I am opting to take Biology via online classes. So... anyways.

Okay, so first thing you should no is taking classes down in Disney is 100% optional. You don’t have to even take classes online if you don’t want to. The only college requirement of Disney is that you be enrolled in college at the time of your application. You also must be over 18 years of age and have over a 2.0 GPA. Very, very lineate requirements if you ask me, but hey! I’m not complaining!

The courses offered are:

Disney Corporate Communications
Disney Experiential Learning
Disney Advanced Studies In Hospitality
Disney Human Resources Management
Disney Marketing You
Disney Organizational Leadership
Disney College Program Practicum
Disney Creativity & Innovation

Additional learning opportunities include:

Distant-learning classes: Many colleges offer coursework that can be completed online while in the program. Disney provides computer lab access and test proctoring services for these courses. The is also high speed Internet in your room so you can use your laptop to complete and submit assignments.
Professional Development Studies: Depending on your major, you may be eligible to participate in one of Disney’s sessions that focus on Engineering, Entertainment, Finance, and Security.
Disney Exploration Series: If you choose to participate in this program you will receive a first hand look at how Disney operates through back stage tours, guest speakers, and field trips.
Disney Learning Centers: You are able to use Disney libraries to build your skills, acquire knowledge and develop your career. Resources include language tutorials, Internet access, personal-and-professional-development courses, and networking events such as Career Insights.

If you do chose to take the courses offered there, you need to know what to expect. Homework may include assigned reading, papers, and special projects. You will not be scheduled to work during class time, but you may be asked to work before or after class. The only cost of the class is text book cost (any where from $15-$120).

It is up to you to talk to your college and your scholarship representative to see what you need to do to suspend your scholarship or remain enrolled in your college.

Living

2007-09-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

**NOTE: If/when you are accepted, there is a two week period in which you must either decline or accept the invitation to come to Disney, and you must submit a $75 dollar fee within those two weeks as well, if you plan to accept. The fee is broken down into three parts: $50 for the Program Assessment fee, $23 for the Activities fee, and $2 for a service charge.

There are three apartment complexes, and you can choose One-to-four bedroom apartments.
Each room has two people living in them. So in other words, say you have a one bedroom apartment, there will be two people living in that apartment. If you have a four bedroom, there will be eight people. There is a weekly deduction of about $73-92 dollars to pay for your apartment and the amenities that are included there-with. Ultimately it is cheaper to have more room mates.

So amenities include:

Fully furnished apartment
Kitchen utensils and appliances
Local phone service and one central phone
Maintenance, including pest control
All utilities, including water, electricity and waste disposal
Computer-lab access
High-speed Internet access in all apartments
Fitness centers
Basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts
Laundry facilities
Pools and hot tubs
24-hour security
Cable hook up

Okay, so I'm going to go through and try to give as much information as possible. Of course when I get there, I can post pictures, and maybe video!

Fully Furnished apartment: This basically means couch, bed, and I don't know what else. You supply your own linen (bedding, towels, ect).

Kitchen Utensils and Appliances: There is a fully furnished kitchen with dishes, silverware, dishwasher, refrigerator, and such. You supply your own food.

The apartments are separated into wellness and non-wellness. All participants are separated into these apartments by age. The wellness apartments are for participants 21 and younger (you can assume why). All apartments are non-smoking.

You are allowed to pick your own suite mate if you and your friend apply for the same program season, and you schedule to arrive at the same time. But even then you might not have the same bedroom. When you arrive you check in between 9AM and 1PM you are given your room assignment and you pick your room. Now say you have a four bedroom apartment, and four people have already arrive, each taking one of the bedrooms. You and your friend would have the same apartment but not the same room. Make sense? I certainly hope so… if not, let me know. You become pre-matched with your room mates by signing up for a Roommate Notification once you receive you invitation to join the program and you get your log-in information.

The apartments are distributed my the following guidelines:

Arrival and departure dates
Work location
Gender
Age
Program Season

You are welcome to bring a car. There is a shuttle to take you anywhere on Disney property, to the local mall, to the grocery store, and to the post office. But many people (including me) want their car. The parking is free.

NO PETS ALLOWED!

Be sure to bring proper forms of identifications to show that you are who you say you are and proof that you are eligible to work.

Visitation is a tad strict, but it is realy safe. No one under 18 years of age are permited in the apartment. Visitors must leave by midnight and are allowed back in at 9AM I believe.

In the beginning....

2007-09-21T21:29:00.000-05:00

...Walt created a mouse. What can I say? I love Disney so much. And when I say love, I don't mean I've seen a few movies, and I like to ride the rides when I go. I mean my day doesn't feel complete without spreading a little Disney magic in the true Disney tradition. Kindness. But this is no random love, oh no.

It all started when I was very young. I was born with a hearing impediment that required multiple surgeries and ultimately reduced my hearing to almost non-existence until I was five; meaning I could hear very little, and what I did hear was very painful and confusing to me. My life was coloring books and my imagination. I would color pictures of Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, and just marvel. I didn’t know the stories, but I would imagine I was the pretty girls I was coloring. When I was five, I had my final surgery to restore my hearing and I was able to watch my first movie (I could, in fact speak, just no clearly. I spoke what I heard). My first movie was The Little Mermaid. You can just imagine my wonderment in seeing my coloring book characters right there, telling me their story and singing to me. Through my recovery all I did was watch Disney movies. And thus, in my five year old mind, Disney healed me.
Since that moment, Disney had held a special magic meant just for me. This summer my hearing began to leave me again, but luckily the doctors were able to reverse the effect of the implants to make my hearing even better. Again, Disney was with me the entire month I was in bed. It was then that I knew that this magic truly was meant to be shared.

I learned about the Disney College Internship and knew that I had to go for it (www.wdwcollegeprogram.com). I looked at everything, called the recruiters to ask a few questions, and applied. I viewed the E-Presentation, and then went through my interview. I spent three nervous weeks trying not to think about it. I spend hours praying about God’s will in this for me, and then I received His answer yesterday.

I AM GOING TO DISNEY!!!!

I though I might explain a few things for other interested in this program. You have many options on when you go. Such options include: Spring, Spring Advantage, Spring Advantage Quarter, Fall, and Fall Advantage. Here is a little outline for each. Spring is from early January to May. Spring Advantage (the program I chose) is from late January to early August. Spring Advantage Quarter is from March/April to early August. Fall is from August to December. Fall Advantage is from March/April to December.

So I don’t want to make this too long. I will just make separate posts of the different topics so you can learn a little more about this program I am so excited about.

By the way, I LEAVE JANUARY 21!!!