So you've stumbled upon my bit of a blog. I've started this blog as a way to to record my many future adventures at Disney! I hope this space provides useful information for my friends, family, and anyone who is wanting to hear about a Disney College Program experience.
I think the most important thing I can share with you is why I want to participate in the Disney College Program (DCP). While I did grow up watching the Littler Mermaid on repeat, I wouldn't say I'm a Disney fanatic. I've only been to Disney World once, and it was great, but I have never really dreamed of working there, as many kids who participate in the DCP do. In all honesty, I've felt really restless lately and I thought the DCP would be a fantastic way to take a break from school and the college student life while still being productive. And, I've always wanted to move somewhere completely new and get a random job and just live life on my own for a bit.
I have a former coworker of mine who completed the DCP and worked her way into getting hired at Disney full-time. (Insert shout-out to J and her mom, T - some of the best people I know!) During the '13 summer, T told me a lot about her daughter's experience with the program, especially with how she applied and was accepted. I kept it all in the back of my mind but didn't apply right away.
Jump forward a few months later - spring break has just begun during my sophomore year in college. The DCP randomly popped into my mind on Sunday, and I began to read blogs and research the program. On Monday I spent at least 12 hours reading blog after blog after blog. Looooooong story short, I filled out my application on Tuesday, March 4th, with no intention of submitting it, I just wanted to see what the application was like. When I got to the end of the application, I had two options - 'Save as Draft' and 'Submit.'
And that's when the weight of the decision I was pondering hit me. I had the chance to change all of my plans for the next segment of life, with the click of one button. *Cue dramatic music.*
I decided to save my application as a draft. Shortly after, I got an email from my dormitory telling me I have a package at the front desk (I promise this is a related side note). Since I was nearby, I decided to stop by and picked it up. Inside my package was a quote printed on a picture. It looked exactly like this:
Needless to say, I decided to submit my application.
By the way, here are the steps to applying to the DCP:
- Fill out an application online.
- Complete a Web-Based Interview (IF they offer you one)
- Complete a Phone Interview (IF they offer you one)
- Await your acceptance or denial from the program.
After submitting my application, I received an email within the hour from Disney asking if I would be willing to fill out a Web-Based Interview (WBI). Not every applicant receives this invitation, so I was pretty pysched! I took the WBI that evening and the last page of the WBI said something along these lines: You have been identified as a strong candidate for the Disney College Program. Please select a time for a Phone Interview.
I had my phone interview on Monday, March 10th. DCP candidates are told they will hear back about their program within two-three weeks after their phone interview. However, I got an email from Disney that Thursday, a mere three days later.
I was sitting in Ethics class beside one of my closest girlfriends when my phone buzzed and I glanced down to see I had received an email from Disney. I immediately opened it to read the most significant word I had heard all day: 'Congratulations.' Luckily I didn't have too much left longer in class because I pretty much went into a mild form of shock.
I hope you enjoy journeying with me through this experience. I'll do my best to keep you updated on what Disney life is like!
Here's to me and my DCP experience.
