“As a part of the Disney College Program, participants have the incredible opportunity to advance their strengths and interests, meet guests and cast members from around the country and take part in educational opportunities students can’t get anywhere else. This truly unique program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication” (Disney Careers)
My Role
- May 2015-Dec 2015- Attractions Hostess at Peter Pan’s Flight and “it’s a small world”
- Cross training in Parking Operations at Magic Kingdom- Oct 2015
- Jan 2016-May 2016- TBD
I am extremely excited to be a part of the Walt Disney Company and have the opportunity to make magic everyday for our guests in the heart of it all, Fantasyland. I love adding a little bit of pixie dust to make a guest smile and really make them believe in magic. We as cast members are a part of the story and even on my worst days, I would not want to be anywhere else. I have found a second family in the cast of Fantasyland. They were all very open and welcoming upon my arrival and I have had the opportunity to get to know many of my other cast members, coordinators, and leaders both in and out of work. As I had imagined, the college program has been an extremely valuable step for me towards returning to the company after graduation.
VoluntEAR
- Give Kids the World- We put on a parade as if it was Christmas for the families staying at Give Kids the World Village, a vacation setup for families with terminally ill children
Events and other Opportunities:
- Night of Stars Finalist- A talent competition for Disney College Program participants. Finalists are selected from an initial audition process based upon judges’ ratings.
- College Program Alumni Speaker Series: Entertainment- Opportunity to network, gain advice, and learn about opportunities within the Entertainment department across the company. Panel featuring Joseph “GG” Cook, Brian Gage, Zach English, Charlie Hicks, Amie Randolph, and Michael-Daniels Tapiaramas
- Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration Filming- As a cast member in Walt Disney World, I had the opportunity to watch an amazing feat of production as dancers, singers, technical producers, and so many more worked together to bring the spirit of the season to Central Florida.
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party- Experience as a guest and a cast member. I was able to bring a little extra magic to the guests during our parties and I truly enjoy making magic and smiles; there’s nothing like it.
- Networking- Working in a place where over 70,000 people are more than excited to share their stories about Disney makes for an amazing networking opportunity! I have met cast members, leaders and executives in all different lines of business in an effort to learn more about the company and where I might like to end up for when I return after college.
- Disney Leadership 101 Seminar- Learn about effective leadership techniques utilized across Walt Disney World to balance the needs of guests and cast members and develop your own leadership skills
- Cast Appreciation Taco Tuesday- Our leaders had a day catered full of tacos for the entire operations cast of Fantasyland. It was an amazing opportunity to meet cast members and leaders from all over the land and get to know those I had already met