There's a lot I want to do while I'm down there on my CP. And to make sure I don't forget any of it, I've decided to compile a list of everything I want to achieve/experience/do. This entry will be edited dozens and dozens of times as I add new things to the list and cross out completed ones. Who knows if I'll manage to accomplish all of these, but I'm certainly up for the challenge!
1. VoluntEAR at Give Kids The World.
2. Experience every Attraction (rides, entertainment, etc.) at each Park at least once.
3. Work a shift in all four Parks.
4. Eat at every full-service location.
5. Spend a night at every resort.
6. Attend at least one Networking Event.
7. Go on a Cast Member only tour.
8. Get a picture with/the autograph of every character on property.
9. Tackle "the Kitchen Sink" with friends.
10. Nighttime Spectacular Dash (Fantasmic!, Wishes, and IllumiNations all in one night.)
11. Spend a day at each water park.
12. Experience DisneyQuest.
13. Get a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, USA.
14. Start a collection (pins, Vinylmation, etc.).
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
002: The Application Process!
So this entry might not be the most exciting one for my friends and family, but I'm posting it anyway because this blog is following my entire journey through the Disney College Program, which the application process is very much so a part of. (It kind of determines whether or not you actually do the CP.) It's really unlike any other experience I've had applying for a job anywhere else... even the Disney Store!
I guess I'd say there are four parts total for the Disney College Program application process. First is the application itself; you've got to fill it out! Name, date of birth, current residence, employment history (including volunteer experience), education, etc. (All pretty standard for an application, I'd say.) You also have to select your level of interest for each role offered through the College Program.
If I'm remembering correctly, I think I selected an interest for eight roles: Attractions, Merchandise, Character Attendant, Hospitality, Concierge, Full Service Food and Beverage, Main Entrance Operations, and Recreation... and then I submitted it! I believe it took Disney College Recruiting a day or two to look over my application, then invite me to step two...
The Web-Based Interview. This guy is tricky and I'd definitely say it makes or breaks Disney College Program applicants. It's kind of like a test to see what kind of person you are and how you'd act in potential workplace situations. It's timed, and I seriously raced through it because the last thing I wanted was to fail because I took too long! You never know when it'll be over; it abruptly comes to an end.
Unlike step one, there's no waiting period for finding out whether or not you'll move on in the process. As soon as the WBI ends, it lets you know right then and there if you passed or not. If you pass, then you have to wait for another email inviting you to schedule your phone interview - the third step of the process! If I'm remembering correctly, I scheduled mine for 8pm because I'm so much more energetic in the evening.
For my phone interview, it was important that I chose a quiet, comfortable place to sit while it was happening. I really wanted to do it from my dining room, but my eight-year-old Shih Tzu Kobi whose domain is the entire downstairs would've barked through it. So I did it in the hot upstairs bathroom (post-its with reminders to speak slowly, smile, etc. plastered everywhere) and ended up sweating through the whole thing.
My interviewer's name was Kerri. She was super awesome and sounded just as passionate as I feel about working for such an incredible company. She called five minutes late, but no worries - we were warned they could call up to a half hour late. The interview lasted for a whopping twenty-six minutes and fifty-three seconds. It wasn't a perfect interview and that left me really nervous, but I did get to squeeze in a request for a high-spiel role (the GREAT MOVIE RIDE), so fingers crossed!
I was accepted to the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World on October 5th. I'd been sitting on the couch texting my Mom who was out of state for a seminar, when I got a pop-up notification on my phone letting me know I had a new email titled, "Disney College Program: Congratulat..." and I just knew. It was a great, crazy, scary, wonderful moment. And all that was left to do at that point was step four - accept!
I guess I'd say there are four parts total for the Disney College Program application process. First is the application itself; you've got to fill it out! Name, date of birth, current residence, employment history (including volunteer experience), education, etc. (All pretty standard for an application, I'd say.) You also have to select your level of interest for each role offered through the College Program.
If I'm remembering correctly, I think I selected an interest for eight roles: Attractions, Merchandise, Character Attendant, Hospitality, Concierge, Full Service Food and Beverage, Main Entrance Operations, and Recreation... and then I submitted it! I believe it took Disney College Recruiting a day or two to look over my application, then invite me to step two...
The Web-Based Interview. This guy is tricky and I'd definitely say it makes or breaks Disney College Program applicants. It's kind of like a test to see what kind of person you are and how you'd act in potential workplace situations. It's timed, and I seriously raced through it because the last thing I wanted was to fail because I took too long! You never know when it'll be over; it abruptly comes to an end.
Unlike step one, there's no waiting period for finding out whether or not you'll move on in the process. As soon as the WBI ends, it lets you know right then and there if you passed or not. If you pass, then you have to wait for another email inviting you to schedule your phone interview - the third step of the process! If I'm remembering correctly, I scheduled mine for 8pm because I'm so much more energetic in the evening.
For my phone interview, it was important that I chose a quiet, comfortable place to sit while it was happening. I really wanted to do it from my dining room, but my eight-year-old Shih Tzu Kobi whose domain is the entire downstairs would've barked through it. So I did it in the hot upstairs bathroom (post-its with reminders to speak slowly, smile, etc. plastered everywhere) and ended up sweating through the whole thing.
My interviewer's name was Kerri. She was super awesome and sounded just as passionate as I feel about working for such an incredible company. She called five minutes late, but no worries - we were warned they could call up to a half hour late. The interview lasted for a whopping twenty-six minutes and fifty-three seconds. It wasn't a perfect interview and that left me really nervous, but I did get to squeeze in a request for a high-spiel role (the GREAT MOVIE RIDE), so fingers crossed!
I was accepted to the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World on October 5th. I'd been sitting on the couch texting my Mom who was out of state for a seminar, when I got a pop-up notification on my phone letting me know I had a new email titled, "Disney College Program: Congratulat..." and I just knew. It was a great, crazy, scary, wonderful moment. And all that was left to do at that point was step four - accept!
Monday, November 26, 2012
001: Once Upon a Time...
Hi there! And welcome to my blog, Marissa K's Magical Days. :) This isn't any old blog, though - it's a tale about a twenty-something fulfilling (and really only just beginning) her dream of working at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. But before we jump right into our story, I think some background information might come in handy.
My name's Marissa. I'm twenty-three years old and am currently living in Central New Jersey. I'm a part-time college student majoring in Theater and I also work part-time at the Disney Store. My current job is a super important part of my life; I work for an amazing company with the most incredible people ever. I love going to work every day.
But my career goal, the job I want for my future, isn't at the Disney Store, or even in New Jersey. It's located approximately 1,072 miles south at Walt Disney World. Exactly what I want to do at Walt Disney World is still up in the air - perhaps I'll work in Casting, or on an Events team, etc. - but I know WDW is where I need to be.
And so, in order to inch myself further toward where I want to be in life, I decided to apply for the Disney College Program. What is the Disney College Program, you ask? It's a program that gives college students in the US an opportunity to work at either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort for a semester.
Starting this January, I'll be spending the spring semester down in Florida on the DCP. My role? Attractions, which I'm super excited about. I'll also be taking a class that the Disney College Program offers - Disney Heritage, which I'm equally excited for. My program will end in mid-May, at which time I'll have some decisions to make.
But until then, I'm going to enjoy my time on my Disney College Program and do my absolute best to keep this blog updated; years from now, I'd love to look back on my journey and reminisce, using Marissa K's Magical Days to read about and re-remember every little detail. Though more importantly, the main reason for this blog is to keep family and friends updated.
So... stay tuned! (But don't expect too many updates right now; after all, the magic doesn't really begin until January!) And thank you for reading. :) If you have any questions, comments, concerns, etc., feel free to leave a comment on any one of my entries and I'll do my best to respond when I can! :D To be continued...
My name's Marissa. I'm twenty-three years old and am currently living in Central New Jersey. I'm a part-time college student majoring in Theater and I also work part-time at the Disney Store. My current job is a super important part of my life; I work for an amazing company with the most incredible people ever. I love going to work every day.
But my career goal, the job I want for my future, isn't at the Disney Store, or even in New Jersey. It's located approximately 1,072 miles south at Walt Disney World. Exactly what I want to do at Walt Disney World is still up in the air - perhaps I'll work in Casting, or on an Events team, etc. - but I know WDW is where I need to be.
And so, in order to inch myself further toward where I want to be in life, I decided to apply for the Disney College Program. What is the Disney College Program, you ask? It's a program that gives college students in the US an opportunity to work at either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort for a semester.
Starting this January, I'll be spending the spring semester down in Florida on the DCP. My role? Attractions, which I'm super excited about. I'll also be taking a class that the Disney College Program offers - Disney Heritage, which I'm equally excited for. My program will end in mid-May, at which time I'll have some decisions to make.
But until then, I'm going to enjoy my time on my Disney College Program and do my absolute best to keep this blog updated; years from now, I'd love to look back on my journey and reminisce, using Marissa K's Magical Days to read about and re-remember every little detail. Though more importantly, the main reason for this blog is to keep family and friends updated.
So... stay tuned! (But don't expect too many updates right now; after all, the magic doesn't really begin until January!) And thank you for reading. :) If you have any questions, comments, concerns, etc., feel free to leave a comment on any one of my entries and I'll do my best to respond when I can! :D To be continued...
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