DCP Alumni Interviews

A lot of you know that I am really interested in participating in the Disney College Program (DCP) someday! It's very competitive to get into with a long application process. If you don't know what the DCP is, it is basically just an internship with Disney working in the parks. You can work in many different roles including Photopass, Merchandise, Food and Beverage, Custodial (more popular than you would think), and you can even drive the Monorail, just to name a few. In these interviews with former DCP participants, we'll look at Floral, Lifeguard, Quick Service - Food and Beverage (QSFB), Merchandise, and Vacation Planner! 
Here we go!

First up we have Kristen Tacconi! She is my G-big in Alpha Chi Omega and she participated in the program the semester after she graduated. 

Program: Fall 2015

Role: Floral


Location (s): 

All Floral cast members work in the same building but there are a variety of different positions within Floral that you can be placed in. My two main positions were Basketeer and Puller. I would interchange between both on a daily basis. 



Apartment: Patterson!



Why did you apply? 

I first heard about the Disney College Program in high school from my aunt who lives in Florida. She worked with a woman who had a son in the program. I had never heard of it before and was thrilled to know such a program existed! Like many people, I absolutely love Disney and my family would try and visit Disney World at least once a year. I knew working for my favorite company would be a dream come true and I made it a goal of mine to eventually do the program when the timing was right. 



What is your favorite memory from your program?

There were so many that it’s difficult to pick just one! One memory that I will cherish forever though was when I was able to help deliver flowers to the Cinderella Suite in the castle. Disney is very selective about who gets to stay in the Cinderella Suite. It is usually contest winners because you can’t pay for night in the castle. Every time a family stays though, Disney Floral and Gifts brings new fresh flowers to the room. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go completely in the room to look around but I did get to step in and it felt like a dream come true to have that opportunity. 



What was your favorite part about being a CM? 

The amazing people that I met and my off days in the parks! I lived with the greatest group of girls and we all became really close. I also loved the cast members that I worked with. Floral cast members are very few in number so we got to know each other well. As for my off days, I took advantage of going to the parks whenever I had the chance. I miss being able to just go to Hollywood Studios for the night to see a show or going to another park for just a few hours to hop on some rides.



What was one thing you didn’t like about the DCP? 

The bus transportation for sure. I started the program without my car because they do provide bus transportation for those without. Since only a few have the role of Floral, the busses don’t consider the work location a regular stop. You need to notify the bus driver when you first get on that you need to be dropped off at Disney Event Group. I had a lot of stressful mornings and evenings. One morning the bus never showed up and made me late to work. Another time the bus driver didn’t know where Disney Event Group was and that was a fiasco. Also, getting back to Patterson from work by bus was almost impossible.  I called them and waited for an hour and they never showed up. It really was awful. Thankfully I had great co-workers and roommates that would pick me up when I got stuck. I highly recommend taking a car though if you are doing the program, especially if your role is Floral. It will save you a lot of headaches. I got my car after a month of struggling getting to and from work, and it was the best decision that I made. 



What did you like most about your position? 

Even though creating the baskets was fun at times, I loved pulling merchandise the most. The stockroom became my second home and I really liked it. I would say it wasn’t a popular position but anytime I was assigned to pull merchandise, I was a happy camper. Being a puller means that you go in the computer system and print the orders, pull the merchandise for each, place it in a color-coordinated bag, organize your order bag on a cart, and bring it down to the Basketeers so they can create the gift for the guest. You also work with the embroidery women (sweetest group of women ever) to make sure orders with embroidery receive it correctly. I think it’s the organizational-freak side of me that made me really like this job. 



What was the craziest thing you ever heard/saw from a guest? 

I personally didn’t have any guest interaction while in Floral. That being said, I did read some crazy gift requests from guests and encountered some funny recoveries. Recoveries are when a gift is missing something and the guest is unhappy or when merchandise gets damaged and the guest needs a replacement. One day I was working in baskets and we received a recovery. The guest stated that they ordered a plush Mickey Mouse from us and the head fell off. I’m sure you’ve all seen the medium sized plush Mickey Mouse that Disney sells. There’s no way his head can just fall off. We all had a good laugh about that one and sent the guest a new Mickey. We made sure to say a little prayer that he doesn't lose his head too though! Who knows what that family did to the first one!



What was the hardest part of being a Disney CM?

Not being home for Christmas and the long work hours. 
I’m from New York and I understand what it’s like being away from home. I went to college in Florida for four years before starting the Disney College Program but I was always home for Christmas. Christmas is my favorite holiday and this was the first time ever that I was away from home for it. I did Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party twice but it was definitely strange to be in Florida and not with my family back home for the holidays. 
The long hours are another thing that was hard. I didn’t realize how crazy the work hours could be. During the fall you have Halloween and Christmas, which are two of the craziest times for Floral and Gifts. For Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, we create a trick or treat basket, which is very popular and during Christmas time, a lot of guests come to visit and they order presents for loved ones. I worked a lot of 10-hour days and sometimes even 12-hour days. It can be draining at times and I would be lying if I didn’t say that I thought about giving up a few times. You just need to push through and remember that you are working for an incredible company.



What was your “dream role,” was it the one you got or something different?

I actually got my dream role! I was very lucky since they only select a small number of participants for the Floral role. I did a lot of research on all the roles before ranking and doing my phone interview. I didn't know too much about Floral but I knew it involved events. I was working for a wedding planner at the time and I wanted to take my career in that direction so I thought it would be the perfect first step. Unfortunately, I didn't get to really see the event side of things with Floral. There were two college programmers that did the event position within Floral and they were able to experience the backend of Disney Fairytale Weddings. I was still happy with where I was placed though. My position gave me the opportunity to use my creativity and I now know how to make an awesome gift basket. I truly learned a lot. 



If you could go back and do it again would you?

This is a question that I thought a lot about during my time in the program and after. There were days when I completely broke down, my body ached, I was exhausted beyond belief, and I just didn’t think I could take it anymore. That being said, I also learned so much more about myself, and Disney as a company. I pushed myself during my program and made some unforgettable memories. I met great friends and was able to experience so much over the course of a few months. So, yes I would do it again. I think one of the coolest facts that I can say about myself now was that I was a Disney World Cast Member. 



Tips and Advice: 

I know the process can be a little scary at first so here is some advice!

1.       Before applying to the Disney College Program, do your research. I tried to find every blog that I could about the process and people’s experiences. I went through each role and made a list of how I was going to rank them and I watched vloggers talk about their experiences. I highly recommend PixelsandPixieDust on YouTube if anyone has ever heard of her. She vlogged her whole Disney College Program experience and gives some great insight. 
2.      Don’t be too nervous about the phone interview. I was a nervous wreck and had a sheet of notes by me just in case. Just be yourself though! It really is not bad. They just want to get to know you and your past experiences.  
3.            Enjoy every second of your program. I spent a lot of time focusing on what I was going to do after my program ended because I had just graduated college. I wish I would’ve slowed down a little bit. It all goes so quickly. 
4.        You’re in for an experience of a lifetime and you should be really excited! Go in with an open mind because not everything is going to go the way you planned. Good luck!

If you want to learn more about my Disney College Program experience or Floral in general, feel free to check out my blog: https://ktacconi22.wordpress.com :)

Next up is my cousin Lisa Fecht. She was lucky enough to work at my favorite Disney resort!

Program: Fall 1992

Role: Lifeguard

Location(s): Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Apartment: 

Disney housing was the only option we had and it was located in Lake Buena Vista. I had 3 international suite mates, Li from China, Hanne from Norway and a girl from France, and my roommate was from Texas.

Why did you apply?

I applied because I wanted to travel and that was a great excuse to get to go. Plus I had never been to Disney ever and it wasn't a place my parents would have taken us as a family so it was a way to get there too.

What is your favorite memory from the program?
It was one of the best times of my life. I was there in the fall of 1992 when Aladdin premiered! I was also 21 when I went... so I didn't have to worry about being of legal age, lol.

What was your favorite part about being a CM?

My favorite part about being a cast member was the ability to go to the parks any time they were open for free. Many times we slipped into Magic Kingdom from one of the tunnel entrances. I think at the time I was amazed by the wardrobe department. The amount of uniforms, or costumes, and keeping up with all the cast members was quite extensive. Each location had it's own wardrobe department... I came home with one of my "costumes" and all of my name tags. 

If you could go back and do it again would you?
If I could go back in time or if they offered an adult DCP, I would do it again!

Now we have one of my fellow AXO sisters, Amanda Morales! She got to hang out with a pretty cool alien while she worked.

Program: Spring 2015

Role: QSFB

Location(s): Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café

Apartment: Chatham Square 15303

Why did you apply?
I’ve always wanted to do it since I found out it was a thing during my freshman year of college. Have always wanted to work for Disney!

What is your favorite memory from the program?

It’s hard to pick just one, but if I had to choose, it would be the first night in Magic Kingdom after Traditions with my roommates. We had an amazing time exploring the park together and we rode the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train right as the finale of Wishes was going off. It was an amazing view of the fireworks and a once in a lifetime memory I shared with my roommates.

What was your favorite part about being a CM?

Besides free admission to the parks and employee discounts, getting to see all the magic being made behind the scenes. It’s almost unreal as you’re sitting in the “Mouseketeria” (Cafeteria) and you see princess Anna and Cinderella eating at the table across from you.

What was the one thing you didn't like about the DCP?

Working until 2 or 3 in the morning and also dealing with the post-Wishes dinner rushes.

What did you like most about your position?

The other CP’s. They became my family. I don’t know how I would have survived “Hell’s Kitchen” without them. :)

What was the craziest thing you ever heard/saw from a guest?

Heard- I was working as a greeter one day outside the restaurant when a group of people stopped to ask me where the monorail was to get to EPCOT. Remember, we’re in Tomorrowland. I had to explain to them that you have to exit the park (they asked me how to do that), get on the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center, and get on the monorail that says EPCOT. They responded with “So there’s no way to get to EPCOT from right here?” ...Sir if there was, I would tell you I promise. Also, “What time’s the 3 o’clock parade”? is inevitable. You can’t hide from it.

Saw- Once I was working as a greeter inside the restaurant and my manager calls me over. He said that a girl was unconscious and the medics were on their way. We had to escort her from Tomorrowland all the way to First Aid on Main Street and clear the way for the medics rolling her on a stretcher. It’s against the rules to your land while wearing your uniform. Since this was a special circumstance, I didn’t get in trouble, but I felt awkward walking into Main Street wearing my Space Ranger outfit.

What was the hardest part of being a Disney CM?

Well the hardest part about the DCP was knowing that it had to end and you go back to your less magical life. I remember the last night of my program, I hung out with all my friends from Cosmic Ray’s to watch Celebrate the Magic and Wishes one last time together. We all started sobbing as soon as the first notes of CTM came on. The hardest part is having to say goodbye to all the friends you made.

What was your “dream role,” was it the one you got or something different?

When I first applied for the DCP, my dream role was either character performer, attractions, or merchandise. So definitely not what I ended up doing. But I’m okay with that, because if I had gotten a different role, who knows if I would have had the same experience or not?

If you could go back and do it again would you?
OF COURSE! It’s DISNEY!! It was an amazing time in my life and it taught me so many different things. I would love to see what the DCP is like on the other side of the country at Disneyland.

Tips and Advice:

·         DON’T be discouraged and quit if you aren’t offered the role you wanted. Give it a try first and then decide.

·         Join the DCP Facebook page and find your roommates in advance. Making sure you all share similar values, it makes the living process so much easier.

·         TAKE THE DISNEY HERITAGE CLASS if you can! It’s the first class that fills up during registration, but it’s the most amazing class you will ever take.

·         Go resort hopping! Explore all the places that Disney has to offer and dream that one day you can afford to stay at the Grand Floridian or the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

·         Enter the Disney CM contests on the Hub. It’s unlikely that you’ll win, but if you do, they have some amazing prizes exclusively for CMs.

·         Take advantage of your time there and have the most fun you can, but be smart about it and don’t get termed!!

·         Go to the character performer auditions! It’s the most fun you’ll ever have at an audition, I promise you. Don’t forget to smile and be confident (even if you mess up)!!

Here is where we'll see what Meghann Tracy, a sister of a family friend, has to say!

Program: Winter 2006

Role: Merchandise

Location(s): Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom

Apartment: Chatham

What is your favorite memory from the program?

My last day of my CP we stood outside and watched the fireworks behind the castle (all the guests were in front of the castle), linked arms and cried. Then it started to rain and we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave so we ran about Fantasyland soaking wet in the rain, riding rides, taking pictures and more crying, lol.

What was your favorite part about being a CM?

Being able to go to the park whenever I wanted. I would often go to the park before and after my shifts to just walk around, grab a dole whip, visit the other parks, see things I normally wouldn’t see.

What was the one thing you didn't like about the DCP?

I had some managers I didn’t care for. A good/bad manager can make all the difference, especially when you are on a long shift.

What did you like most about your position?

The interaction with the guests. There were times I truly felt like I could make their day magical. One time, it was a guest's last day in the park and had been looking for a certain size of a princess dress but couldn’t find it at any of the parks. I went in the storage and opened up every box of merchandise until I found the right size for her little girl. She cried and hugged me. :)

What was the craziest thing you ever heard/saw from a guest?

On grad night, I caught two kids in the Pooh’s Corner storage room going at it, lol.

What was the hardest part of being a Disney CM?

Long hours. I worked 16 hour shifts, 60+ hours a week at times. I remember sleeping in the break room because my next shift was in 8 hours. By the time I got home and to bed I would only have a few hours to sleep, so I slept on a couch.

What was your “dream role,” was it the one you got or something different?

Like every girl, I thought it would be awesome to be a Disney princess.

If you could go back and do it again would you?

If I was 19 again, YES! 

Finally, Jenna Gillen, who I met through my Etsy shop's Instagram, will tell us about her experience!

Program: Fall 2009

Role: Vacation Planner

Location(s): Epcot

Apartment: Chatham

Why did you apply?
It was my dream to work at WDW and it gave me a job after I graduated college.

What was your favorite part about being a CM?
Being able to create magic for the guests and continuously fall in love with my favorite place in the world on a daily basis.

What did you like most about your position?
Out early in the day and working in an air conditioned booth!

If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Absolutely!

For those of you who are planning on applying for the Disney College Program one day, here are some real life experiences you can take a look at! Everyone has a different view on the DCP and their particular program, and I think I shared a wide variety of views. If anyone has any questions regarding the DCP, feel free to message me at any time! Otherwise, definitely check out the website and see what's it's all about!

http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/default/

See ya real soon!

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney