Complying With The Disney Look

Well, I've done it. I've dyed my hair to follow the Disney Look guidelines.I forgot how dark my hair is naturally, it's been so long since I had one color hair!

For those of you who don't know, Disney requires it's cast members to have one color hair. You can have highlights/lowlights but they can only be one shade lighter or darker than the rest of your hair and you have to keep up with the roots. I decided to go ahead and dye my hair back to it's natural shade, since I'll be lifeguarding and won't be able to keep up with the roots without risking having to get in a pool the next day. I've heard of people leaving their hair ombre'd and trying to hide it by putting it in a bun all the time, but that only works if all of the hair that shows in your bun matches your roots. If you go to check in and your roots don't match your ends, they give you 2 days to dye it one color. Having so many different shades of red in my hair from the sun, that was never going to work for me.

The Disney Look is pretty strict, and they expect you to follow it. They go over and over it with you time and again, so they expect you to know it. One piercing in your earlobe only, no visible tattoos, no pixie cuts, neutral colored nail polish only. They talk to you about it during your interview, you have to review it during your application, your acceptance, over and over they will email you to make sure you understand what they expect from the Disney look. Because they've reminded you so many times, they expect you to be within the look by day one. I've heard stories of people being made to hold their ends against their roots at check in, being told to take out piercings, and even of people being sent home for refusing to comply. One of my roommates has done the program, and during her Traditions last time around a girl had pink nail polish on her nails. They handed her cotton swabs, nail polish remover, and sent her into the hall until it was gone. They're serious about following the Disney Look. I certainly don't want to miss any of Traditions!

Morale of the story? Be honest about your tattoos, take out your extra piercings and dye your hair. No matter how many people tell you their coordinators never cared, you don't want to be the one that gets termed for breaking the rules.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from my family to yours! We're getting close! 17 days until check in and 15 days until I leave for Florida. Life has been absolutely crazy around here. I've been attempting to finish up my pre-Florida shopping, finished my Christmas shopping, gave my notice, and have started packing! I feel like the last couple weeks have been a constant go-go-go. I am so ready for a little break before I jump straight into being a lifeguard! The kids I nanny are out of school for winter break and life has been crazy in their household...

I finally found my Traditions dress! I have several business casual clothes for classes, but I wanted something different and new for Traditions. I ended up falling in love with this dress in a dark red color (they call it "tawny port") at this little store called Dry Goods USA [DGU]. I had gone to a bigger mall than the one we have locally (I hate shopping in Indiana, I'm telling you) and at first we walked right by DGU, because their display was all flannels and comfy scarves, and not exactly what I need for Florida! After a couple hours and countless stores, I was beginning to give up hope. I don't have the greatest body shape, and it's hard to find clothes, especially dresses and shirts, that fit me. They're never long enough, the chest area is always to tight, and the neckline to high. It's a mess. But for once I walked in and had a hard time deciding what to buy because I loved everything I tried on! All of the sales associates were great and crazy helpful! I'm sad that there isn't a DGU in Florida!!! This dress is perfect for work with a blazer or for going out (which isn't something I usually buy into... BUT IT IS!)

The one good thing about walking into five million and two stores before finding the right dress is that we went into H&M right away, and I was able to pick up this blazer. I was able to try dresses on with the blazer to see if I liked it or not. It was $20, though they don't have it on the US website, which is a crazy good deal for a blazer!

I also finished most of my shopping. In the last couple weeks I've managed to buy towels, bed risers, white lights, a toaster, carabiners, a coffee pot, shower curtain, and to be honest I've lost count of  what else. I still have a very few more things to buy (mainly black ballet flats and work shoes) but I'm waiting until after Christmas for the sales to hit. I've managed to save all of the money I budgeted for myself and then some, which is a huge relief. I was worried about my first couple weeks but now I feel okay!

I also started packing! Or... putting the big stuff in the trunk of my car to get it out of the way and out of the house! I've started sorting my stuff into piles as I'm washing it: pack for Florida, things I'm going to use before Florida but also in Florida, and things I'm leaving home. The clothes I'm not using before Florida are being shuttled into space bags, but a lot of that stuff is still sitting in my drawers, since I haven't worn it recently. Thankfully I have all of next week off of work, so I'll be able to take the time to sort and pack then. I'm starting to get a little teeny tiny bit nervous about having to bring all of my sisters stuff and all of my stuff, as well as all of my mom and sisters stuff for the week they'll be down there... but it'll work. My mom is the master of car tetris.

Giving notice was so nerve wracking I nearly had a panic attack (...that wasn't a joke about mental disorders, I have anxiety, and honestly almost had a panic attack.). I feel bad for the family I nanny for, because they are having such a hard time finding a replacement, since we live in such a small town. The baby I nanny is not going to be happy when I'm gone...

The next two weeks before I leave are going to be insane. I am going to visit my dad for a couple days, I have to visit my grandma, I need to get my hair dyed to one shade, go swimming a few more times, pack, work, a quick trip to Detroit, and pack up my bedroom. I'm not sure when I'm going to find time to sleep, but I'll get there. In the mean time I'll be enjoying the next few days of relaxing with my family before life gets crazy! Feel free to message me with any questions you might have or just to say hey! I can't wait to meet you guys in a couple weeks!

The Odyssey

I'm so excited to share some news with you guys! I received an email today inviting me to write for The Odyssey, which has recently become affiliated with the DCP! Rest assured I will still be writing and posting both here and on tumblr. The Odyssey is encouraging us not to write about Disney, limiting us to one Disney related article a month (which I have mixed feelings about...) so I will still be using this to write all about my DCP, Disney, and pretty much anything I can think of. I'll let you know when I post my first article (Monday)!

Giving Notice

Something I've found a lot of people headed into the program struggle with is the idea of having to give notice at work. Weather you love your job or hate it, the idea of having to tell your boss you're leaving can be daunting. As long as you go about it in a professional manor you should be fine, but often times people react negatively to surprises. So how do you give notice?

• Notice should be given two weeks before your last intended day of work. Some people choose to give notice early, but know that there is a good chance you will not be kept on for as long as you might hope. Always be sure to give at least two weeks notice, however, to give your boss time to find a replacement.
• Ask to speak to your boss privately during a quiet time. While you are on the clock or during a rush is not the time to have this discussion. Come in early, stay late, or go in during your break,  and make sure you let them know you can work around their schedule to talk.
•  Have a letter of resignation. Even though you are already talking to your boss, you should also hand them a letter of resignation. This should say how sorry you are to be leaving the company, when your last day of work can be, and offer to help train a replacement if applicable.
• Be sure to let your boss know how sorry you are to be leaving and how much you will miss working there. Even if it isn't true, it's what you need to say. Let them know you are leaving because you've been presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity, not because of anything that happened at work. 
• Don't talk about why your leaving. Don't talk about what has pushed you to take this internship. You're leaving, and this conversation, weather you like your job or not, will just lead to back lash. You are moving on, there is no need to look back.
• Shut down any negative talk. If things start going south, let your boss know you're happy to have had this talk, you'll be happy to talk about it latter, but you have something you need to do. You do not have to take any grief over leaving, nor should you. But it's important that you don't get caught up in an argument with your boss before leaving.
• Don't burn bridges. All of these points lead to the same thing; never burn bridges. You never know when you're going to need a reference or help from an old boss or colleague. It's important to not cut anyone out of your life, no matter how upset you might be at them at the moment. 

Whatever happens, just know that you've got something great waiting on the other side. I gave my boss notice Monday, three and a half weeks before my last available day to work. This is a hard time of year to find nannies, and they're going to be on vacation for a week of what would be my two week notice, but I'm also completely ready to be done. I wont' be desperate for work if I'm let go early. I can't wait to see you all in Florida! Have a magical day!

New Hire Paperwork

This is it! For those of us with a January 11 check in date, we are now under a month! So much to do, what feels so much time to do it. I've been shopping, creating lists, packing, and just generally trying to keep myself busy! Friday was one month until my arrival date, and my new hire paperwork came in! I received an email very early in the morning, as did most of my roommates. One of my roommates didn't get her email until early afternoon though, so don't panic if you don't wake up to yours!

If you are not an alumni of the program, and you've not worked for the Disney Company in any other capacity, follow the link for New Users to create a password. Once that is done, sign in to continue the process. Make sure you set aside a significant amount of time to fill out the paperwork.You start out with a few documents to fill out and then when they're all filled out it adds more, and then again. Before you get started, make sure you have the following information ready: Social Security number, bank routing number, and bank account number. You can find your bank account and routing numbers on your bank statements or on the bottom of your checks.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of information I can share with you. Disney likes to keep it's trade secrets close to the chest, and no one wants to risk getting termed before they've even started. So here's what I can tell you:

• This is your chance to change your preferred name. For most people, this probably isn't a big deal. But for those of you, like me, who put their legal name in the area for their preferred name during the application process, this is when you have the chance to put the right name for your name tag. YAY! (Okay, I was excited, I know most people won't be)
• In the past, you had to bring a blank check to check in day to set up a direct deposit for your paycheck. Now you set it up online before hand, which is super convenient. Make sure you have your banking information on hand. If you attempt to fill it out later, it can take a couple of weeks to set up the direct deposit. 
• Every document you fill out can be downloaded to save for your own reference. Always make sure to read any document you sign, and save a copy for later. 
• When filling out your W-4, there is a deductions calculator. Use it. The more deductions you take, the less they take out each month, but also the less you get back in April. Most people doing the DCP can take 2 deductions: 1 for being single and 1 for only having one job. Use the deductions calculator to figure out how many you should take.

Make sure you fill out your paperwork as soon as possible, so Disney has the most time to process it as they need. You don't want anything delaying you once you get to Disney! Let me know if you have any questions about your new hire paperwork, or if you need any help! Have a magical day!

Packing Lists

With just over a month left until my check in date, I sat down today to really finish my packing lists. I love the excel to-do list template, because it lets me organize my list alphabetically, by due date, or by what I need to do with that item (buy at home, buy in Florida, or pack!) and it lets me check things off once they're done.  My list is very specific to what I plan on bringing, but feel free to use it for yourself! Click on any of the pictures to make them bigger and feel free to message me for a copy of the excel file! Have a magical day!

Today at school, one of my professors let me know, in front of the entire class, just what he thinks of me doing the Disney College Program. I guess I talk about it enough that he felt like he had the right to weigh in on the topic. Whatever the reason, he talked about how “kids these days” (I am 23 and he is about 35, just 12 years older than me) have taken to working jobs outside of their field, and then want to be upset when they can’t get a job after they graduate. He despaired at how we have no work ethic, how all we want is to have fun, with no sense of responsibility. My response to him was a simple “you’ll never understand, because you don’t want to”. I refused to have this conversation with him because it had nothing to do with my education, and he took it as a defeat. But here’s the thing:

When I was 20 years old, I took a job at a local day camp as a reason to get out of the house. You see, I was taking care of my terminally ill grandmother, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before she was gone. I had no interest in being stuck in the house all summer. After one summer I was promoted to director, because I was really, really good at my job and at taking charge. It was a job that required a lot of off season work, like hiring, planning, scheduling, recruiting, and more. Sounds a whole lot like relevant work experience for my teaching degree to me. On top of that I was still going to school full time and had started nannying everyday after school and most weekends. Again, relevant work experience. I pay for school as I can afford it, because I work my ass off and I refuse to take out loans. The fact of the matter is, though, this man is just one of many who don’t care about what I’ve already accomplished, and are instead choosing to look at this internship as a foolish choice. Maybe he’d rather I was working in an office all summer, or grading papers for some teacher this spring. He probably would see that as a safe, more career oriented choice. But after giving more job references for my counselors than he has for students, I’ve learned a thing or two about why an office job is so much worse for you.

Every summer, hundreds of twenty somethings flock to cities to work the not so glorious unpaid internship. They’re lured in by the promise of a good reference, and the chance to learn from professionals in their field. The fact of the matter is though, when looking at applications, all nearly identical with their degrees and internships, the person looking at your applications knows exactly what they’re seeing. Because they’ve hired interns before, and they know all they let interns do is get coffee, run copies, and answer the phones. Now take what you know about the Disney College Program. Which sounds better?

When working at Disney or a summer camp, you’re going to be doing so much more than running errands for people who won’t remember your name in 2 weeks. You’re learning how to be a self starter, how to be a problem solver, and how to take REAL direction. When you create magic for that little girl who just dropped her ice cream cone? You’re learning how to put the guests happiness first. When you saw a co-worker struggling to get the floor stocked before closing so you go over to help? That’s team work. Those 12+ hours a day you work for a week straight without a day off? That’s dedication to your job. These are the things companies and schools want to see when they’re hiring you. This is why having a company, a job, like Disney on your resume is an asset, even if it’s not in your field of study.

Am I saying don’t take the unpaid, office job internship if it’s offered to you? No way. Lots of people have made it to where they are today by starting exactly there. All I’m saying is, if I had two nearly identical applications sitting in front of me but one had the Disney College Program on it? I know which one I would chose.

Making Decisions: What Should You Be Doing Right Now? (December)

It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS! Welcome to December! As we're settling into the first crazy cold month (at least in Chicago), I've started dreaming of the day we check in! No more snow please, okay? For some of us, that’s just over a month away! It’s time to get crackin’! What should you be doing right now to prepare for the Disney College Program?

• Make your lists: Santa isn’t the only one who need to be checking his lists twice this December. Now is the time to be creating packing lists, shopping lists, and to-do lists. Make sure you check the on boarding website to see what comes in the kitchen before buying any supplies. Items like cookie sheets, plates, cups, and mug are just some of the things that come pre-stocked in the apartment. Decide what you are going to buy in Florida vs at home. If you’re driving, buying things like bedding and coffee pots will be cheaper and easier at home than in Florida, while your shampoos and such are better left for Florida, so they don’t burst on the way down. Make your lists and move on to the next point! (Excel is your best friend in this endeavor. In fact, it has a list making template that will let you check things off as you go!)

• Talk to your roommates about whose buying what: first of all, if you don’t know whose going to be rooming with who, sit down right now and figure that out. Don’t do anything else until you’ve done this. Once this is done, talk to your roommate about who is buying the shower curtain, bathroom rug, and any other essentials for your room that you won’t want doubles of! Also talk to your roommates who you aren’t sharing a room with about cleaning supplies! Instead of getting 6 dish soaps and 6 Swiffer’s and 6 Clorox wipes, split it up so each person is contributing one or two items with fewer repeats.

•  Go Shopping: December is the time to get the bulk of your shopping done, while there are so many sales going on. You want to be able to save as much money as possible for your program!

• Roommate Gifts: Now is the time to decide if you and your roommates are doing roommate gifts! Decide as a group, and if someone seems hesitant, be sure to let them know that there is no pressure! My roommates and I decided yesterday that we’re going to do them!

• Start Packing: Towards the end of the month it will be time to start packing. Start sorting through your clothes and decide what makes the cut and what does not. Packing lists can be found all over (even on this blog!) as a good place to start!

• Make sure everything is sorted out with your school: the last thing you want is for something to go wrong with school while you’re in Disney. Make sure, if you haven’t already, that you talk to your counselor about what, if anything, they need you to do.

• Make sure you’ve done everything on the November list: if you haven’t done the stuff on THIS list yet, you need to get it done STAT.

I can’t wait to see you all in Florida. I can hardly wait to be there, and I am so glad it’s finally time to start DOING!

Disney College Program Packing List Part 1- Bedroom

 

Today marks a month and a half until my check-in day! I constantly find myself looking for something to do to get ready, even though we're still 45 days out! Today while messing around on Excel, I found this awesome template for making lists, and so I decided I HAD to start my packing list! If you'd like a pdf or excel copy of this list, feel free to message me on Tumblr! Whats on your packing lists?

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I hope you have all had a fantastic day, free of stress and unneeded questions. I hope everyone's belly is full, and that you're looking forward to the month or so to come before we go to Disney.

Today, I am grateful for so many things. I am grateful to have a family who loves me and friends who are always there to support me. I am grateful to have a roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in, when so many people don't have those luxuries. I am grateful for good food, for knowing my grandmothers recipes after years of cooking at her side. I miss her and my aunt, who both passed away a few years ago, but I'm grateful for the time that I spent with them, and the support they showed me my whole life.

But those are things I am grateful for everyday. I work hard at making sure not to take advantage of the little things I have that others don't. Simple things.

Today, I am also grateful for the chance to participate in the Disney College Program. After applying several times, I had all but given up on the idea of getting to participate. I am grateful for the chance to take classes from Disney professionals, and to learn what I love. I'm grateful for my future roommates, who are fantastic and fun, who I cannot wait to meet. I am grateful for my friends who I've made on Facebook and Tumblr. I'm grateful for you for taking the time to read the thing I choose to share.

More than anything, I hope you are happy this weekend. I hope you find joy and warmth in the little things. What are you thankful for?

Making Decisions: Taking Classes

Wahhhhhh! Class registration is open! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Okay, I’ve calmed down now. Some of you may be going “Psssssh, classes? I don’t want to take a class, this is my break from school!” And that is completely respectable. I myself will admit to having felt a sense triumph when my advisor and teachers reminded me that it is time to sign up for classes, because I’m going to Disney! No school for me! However, Disney classes are different! Hopefully you’ve read the emails that went out, but let’s get into a bit more detail for those of you who haven’t been obsessively look at the course syllabus for the last several years.
What are Disney classes?!
Disney offers several different types of classes for it’s college program participants. There are 3 categories of classes: Collegiate, Exploration, and Professional Development. Each category presents it’s own unique set of classes and learning experience, which should be taken advantage of! If you’re taking classes through school for one reason or another, you can also sign up for Distance Learning, which we will get more into latter.

How many classes can I take?

In the past, you could only take 2 classes (this includes a distance learning class you might be taking through school). Things are running a bit differently now. You can still only take 2 classes at a time, but you have the opportunity to take 2 “mini semesters” through the Disney Exploration series. So while Collegiate courses and the Professional Development series still run the normal length, the Exploration series is now 4 weeks long. So you can take 4 exploration classes, 2 collegiate classes, 2 exploration classes and a professional class, etc. Make sense?

What are the different series? 

Collegiate classes - These are exactly what they sound like. Classes designed to act as credit for school. You’ll have a text book, homework, paper, it’ll be just like school! The difference, of course, is that you’ll be learning the Disney way, learning from Disney professionals, who have experience with what they’re teaching you. You must be receiving school credit to be eligible to take these classes and must provide proof from your school that you are receiving credit. If you are not receiving credit, you can be put on the waiting list, but know that people receiving credit who are on the waiting list receive first priority.  There are currently 6 collegiate courses being offered, and at the end of the course you’ll receive your Ducktorate!

Offered Classes

• Disney Advanced Studies In Hospitality Management
• Disney Corporate Analysis
• Disney Corporate Communications
• Disney Creativity and Innovation
• Disney Human Resource Management
• Disney Organizational Leadership

Disney Exploration Series - Disney’s exploration series is home to Disney's most popular class - Disney Heritage (which has now been split into 2 classes!). The Exploration series explores the Disney way, from it’s history to it’s environmental impact. These classes are highly interactive, with field experience offered in several classes. There are currently 9 classes being offered and at the end you’ll receive your Mousters!

Offered Classes

• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability: Creating a Green Culture
• Disney Heritage:1901-1954
• Disney Hospitality & Guest Service
• Disney Cast Engagement & Human Resources
• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability: Inspiring Action
• Disney Heritage:1955-1982
• Disney Leadership 101
• Disney Marketing and Sales: Defining the Strategy
• Disney Marketing and Sales: Implementing the Strategy

Proffesional Development Studies - These classes are offered to specific majors only, and are very limited in the number of seats available. There are currently only 2 classes available in this category, and at the end of the course you'll recieve your Mousters!

Offered Classes

• Engineering Professional Development Study
• Entertainment Professional Development Study

Distance learning - Distance learning is set up for students who are taking classes through school and need time set aside for class. Disney offers a 4 hour block, set aside at the same time each week for students to use for homework, classes, tests, etc. CPs enrolled in Distance learning will find their hours capped of at 45 hours a week, except on busy weeks (i.e. Spring Break). Many people see this as a reason to not sign up for the course, but most roles rarely work more than 45 hours a week anyway.

Which class should I take?

So you've decided to take a class. Yay! I'm so excited for you! Now, I'm sure you're wondering which class is for you! Now you need to sit down and decide what you're looking for in a class.

Are you looking for classes that offer field experience? 

• Disney's Environmentality & Sustainability:Creating a Green Culture 
• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability:Inspiring Action
• Disney Heritage:1955-1982
• Engineering Professional Development Study
• Entertainment Professional Development Study
  

 Are you a hospitality/customer service/human resources/similar major?

• Disney Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management
• Disney Human Resource Management
• Disney Organizational Leadership
• Disney Hospitality & Guest Service
• Disney Cast Engagement & Human Resources
• Disney Leadership 101

Are you interested in Disney History or how Disney helps the community?

• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability:Creating a Green Culture
• Disney Heritage:1901-1954 
• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability:Inspiring Action
• Disney Heritage:1955-1982 

Sit down and figure out what classes are best for you. Make sure you're looking at the list of classes sent to you from DORMS, not at the list on the on boarding website. As soon as you know what class you want to take, be sure to sign up, as many classes fill up quick! If the class you want is full, don't give up hope! Be sure to put yourself on the wait list, you never know when a spot will open up!

I'm going to be taking Disney Heritage: 1901-1954 and Disney Leadership 101 for the first mini semester on Wednesdays! If you're going to be in one of my classes, feel free to stop by and say hello! If you're NOT going to be in one of my classes, still feel free to stop by and say hello! I'll see you all soon!

Making Decisions: What Should You Be Doing Right Now? (November)

   Welcome November! We are now a whole month closer to Disney than we were yesterday! (And yet, only one day closer...) As the number of days between then and now shrinks, I find myself itchy to start getting ready. I want to pack, plan, and go! But we still have 71 days until the first check in (mine!) and there isn't a lot you should be doing. So what CAN you do right now?

1. Make Your Hotel Reservations.If you haven't already, you need to make your hotel reservations now. You don't want to risk losing out on a room, or that the price might go up. Reservations can always been changed or canceled, and Disney will fully refund your room up to five days in advance.
2. Book Your Flight/Rental Car. If you are flying to Orlando or renting a car, now is the time to book. Make sure you always search incognito mode, so that it's not storing your cookies and increasing the price every time you search. Check all of the different websites and search for promo codes before you purchase your plane ticket. 
3. Make Dining Reservations. If you are planning on doing any dinning at Disney before check in (or during that week) now is the time to make ADR's (Advanced Dining Reservations). Talk with your roommates, see if they want to do dinner when you first get there and make a reservation! Some places book quickly, and ADR's can be booked up to 180 days in advance.
4. Pack Your Summer Clothes In Space Bags. If you live in a cold weather climate, like me, you're headed into winter! While everyone else is still enjoying Fall, PSL's, and cool weather, you know it's time to break out the winter coat. So, instead of putting your summer clothes away until it's time to pack, why not go ahead and START packing? Wash your clothes with those awesome fresh protect beads, dry them, and pack them into a space bag. Take a fabric softener sheet, put it into a Ziploc baggie with holes poked into it, and place between every few items of clothes. Putting it into the baggie prevents the fabric softener from staining your clothes. Suck the air out and store it somewhere it will be ready to go! TIP: DCP housing has vacuums on loan, but these vacuums do not have the hose attachment needed to suck the air out of your space bag on the way home. This is a cheap, easy, simple solution, but takes a while to come in the mail, so order at least a month before you need it!
5. Find Roommates! If you haven't already, now is the time to be finding roommates! Check Facebook for groups specific to your dates and role! They are a great way to find roommates and friends! I've posted the standard blank roommate survey on my side bar, to be found here, for anyone who might be looking for it! Finding roommates can be daunting, but don't lose faith! The perfect roommates are out there for you if you're just willing to put in the time! 
6. Start Swimming. If you've been chosen for the lifeguard role, now is a good time to begin swimming! Try visiting your local Y or school pool to practice for your swim test! All lifeguards must pass a swim test before they can go through training. Anyone who cannot pass the test will be assigned a different role, usually QSFB. So, practicing before you get there is always recommended. There are separate tests for deep and shallow guards, but since you won't know your location until you get to Disney, it's best to be prepared for the deep water test. For Disney's certification you need to be able to swim 200yds continuously without stopping or letting your feet touch the ground. Swim 25yds, surface dive (meaning from inside the pool), retrieve a 10lb brick, and swim 25yds on your back without your hands. And finally, you'll need to be able to tread water with your hands above your head for 2 minutes. TIP: Almost all pools have a 10lb brick at easy disposal for in-service training. If you ask nicely, they should allow you to use the brick for practicing!
7. Make Sure You Have Proper Identification. This means your drivers license AND social security card (or birth certificate) OR just your passport. If you do have them, put them someplace safe until it is time to go. If you do not have them, make sure you are going through the process of getting a replacement as soon as possible so that you have it on time!

   Unfortunately, that's all you really can do for now. As long as the wait to find out is, it's nothing compared to the wait to get there! While we wait, feel free to stop by and say hi, let me know if you have any questions, or just come be friends.

Making Decisions: How Much Money Should I Bring?

   This is a fairly hot topic with CPs for one big reason: everyone's needs are different. Some people are good at saving money, and have more than they need before they go down, while other people don't have this ability. The fact of the matter is though, you need to have SOME money with you for your first few weeks. You could go up to 3 weeks before you get a paycheck. But why? There are a whole host of reasons, from delayed background checks, to a lost social security card (not the end of the world, it just means you start late!) So how much should you bring? I've listed a bunch of normal things to buy for a new apartment. Pick the one's you're going to need, add them up, and you'll have a rough estimate of how much money to bring!

Breakdown:

• Groceries - $200 (remember, you're stocking a brand new pantry. This is for 3 weeks)
• Comforter - $30 (TARGET!)
• Sheets - $20
• Toilet Paper/Paper Towels - $20
• Cleaning Supplies - $10 (Coordinate with your roommates so you're not all buying the same things!)
• Toiletries - $40 (Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. You know how much you spend on your own supplies)
• Feminine Products - $15 (If you have it when you first get there, I'm sorry. That sucks.)
• Hangers - $3/pack 18 (Target. Also, know they are going to be very hard to find on check in day)
• Combination Lock - $8 (for your valubles)
• Work Shoes - $40 (Don't buy until you get there! The roles that get free shoes is ever changing! If you buy them from Cast Connections, they can take it out of your pay check.)
• Command Strips - $4/4 pack (Any decorations you have for your apartment need to be hung with command strips)
• Mattress Pad - $50 (Yes, you need it. Yes, buy the good one.)
• Towels - $10/each
• Wash Cloths - $5/3 pack
• Shower Curtian - $20 (They provide the liner)
• Beach Towel - $15
• Laundry Basket - $10
• Pillows - $10
• Trash Bags - $8
• Bathroom Trashcan - $10
• Coffee Pot - $30

Total - $558

   Obviously, you won't need all of these things, and there will be other things that you do need that I haven't listed. $500 is a solid amount to bring with you. If you have money left over, all the better. But it's better to have to much money than not enough!

Making Decisions: Should I Drive Or Fly and Should I Bring My Car

   This is the second part in my Making Decisions series, following up on "Where To Stay and When To Get There". If you haven't read it, you can check it out HERE!

Should I Drive or Fly?
   
   There are a lot of deciding factors here! How far away are you? Are you keeping your car in Florida with you? Is money or time more important to you? Do you love road trips, are you afraid of flying? Or maybe you appreciate letting someone else take control of getting you there? How about, how much stuff do you NEED to bring?!

• How Far Away Are You? How close you are to Orlando COULD be one of the determining factors, but not necessarily the main one. Personally, I'm going to be driving about 22 hour to get to Orlando, and I know there are people who make an even longer trek. It all depends on what you're comfortable with! If you're close, then I would highly recommend driving. You'll be able to bring more of what you need, and spend less money on things you already own once you're in Orlando. However, if you're farther away, maybe flying is the best option for you, especially if you're worried about time!
• Money vs. Time: This is not necessarily as clear cut as it seems. There is a lot that goes into which is going to be more expensive. If you're driving, you need to take gas, tolls, possible hotel stays and more into account. Whereas, if you're flying, you need to consider airfare, baggage fees, extra things to buy in Orlando, possible shuttles, and more. To figure out what best suits you, sit down an figure out approximately what each is going to cost you. Add them all up and compare. Are you going to save enough doing one to make it worth it? Or would you rather do the more expensive for less hassle. Even still, maybe it's not money you're worried about, it's time. Weather you don't have enough time, and need to fly out at the last second, or you want to spend time road tripping with your family before you leave for 6 months, always make sure to take time into consideration. Compare the two and decide what's best for you!
• How Much Stuff Do I Need To Bring: Basically, how much stuff do you already own that you're willing to replace? If the idea of buying things you already own, or waiting until the last second to buy things, upsets you, then I recommend you drive. You'll be able to fit much more into your car than you would a suitcase, and you don't have to worry about weight limits. If you don't mind, maybe flying is for you! Or maybe it's not!

   When it comes down to it, weather you fly or drive is up to you. Generally, my recommendation is always going to be to drive (and I hate driving). You're better off being able to bring your things with you and having a car with you in Orlando as you settle in, even if they car isn't staying with you. However, nothing is that cut and dry, and sometimes driving just isn't an option. Sit down and figure out what's best for you relatively soon, before airfare goes up!

Should I Bring My Car?

   This is the question a lot of college program participants ask themselves in the months leading up to check in. And I finally have an easy answer for you: YES! DO IT! BRING IT! Orlando has some of the cheapest gas in the country, and honestly, you'll be glad you have it. Bringing your car doesn't opt you out of the busing system, you don't HAVE to drive your car to work and the parks every day. But when it comes time for grocery shopping, or your bus is 30 minutes late and looking like a no show, or you are getting off work at 2am with the rest of the world... you'll be glad to have it. Hands down, without a doubt, bring your car. Stop wondering, just do it. (...if you can. I am aware that sometimes things come up)

  Feel free to stop by and say hello if you’re looking for a friend, or have any questions you need answered! I am going to be continuing this decision making series over the next couple weeks, so let me know if you have any questions! Also, I’ve considered making a vlog to compliment the blog, but I’m not sure if people would watch? Let me know what you think! I can’t wait to see you real soon!

How Did I Find Out!?

   I've gone through all of the technical details now, so now what about the "how did I find out, where was I, how did I tell my family, yada yada yada?" I feel like I should tell you, before we get into this, that I'm a nanny for a 21 month old (LZ) and a 6 year old(LN). I've only recently started working for this family, and while I do love the kids - let's just say that I'm not going to be sorry to leave. It has not been an easy job so far, we'll leave it at that.

   So, I was having a particularly hard day at work, it was early afternoon, and so I was home with just LZ, when my phone dinged. I was in the middle of calming her down from a particularly nasty temper tantrum, so I wasn't able to get to it right away. Finally, she was calm and happy, I glanced at my phone and there it was:

CONGRATULATIONS

   I won't lie, I immediately started crying hysterically. I had all of these plans on how to tell my family, super cute ideas, but they immediately flew out the door. I tried to call my mom, no answer, got a hold of my sister, managed to choke out that I had gotten in but I didn't know what my role was yet. LZ came up to me, starts patting my face and frowning. She still doesn't really speak (I'm working on it) but she can say "cry" which of course made me cry more, even though they were good tears. I found out I'm going to be a lifeguard (YAY!), paid my fees, talked to my sister (again) and that was that!

   All in all, I got lucky that only LZ was home, because she can't talk, so she can't tell her family before I'm ready (which LN would have done). We danced around the house and celebrated, which definitely seemed to cheer her up! Now, just 80 more days until check in!

Making Decisions: Where To Stay And When To Get There

   If you've recently been accepted into the Disney College Program, you're probably anxious to be making plans! Or maybe you're not super, psycho obsessive about planning like I am. I can't help it, I'm excited, and I accept this flaw in myself! Although I myself have never done the Disney College Program, I know a lot of people who have, including my sister! Last spring we took the trip down to Orlando to drop my sister off for her program, and I swear I planned as much for her program as I am for my own! (And also her's, because she is going back! She checks in the week after me!)

Where Should I Stay?

    Weather you stay on or off property, where to stay is a big decisions! Okay, maybe not, but there are somethings to take into consideration!

   Your first thought is probably going to be to stay at the closest hotel to Vista Way (Holiday Inn), where we'll be checking in. DON'T DO IT! Okay, okay, maybe I'm being a tad dramatic. It's a very lovely hotel, and if you have to walk to Vista, it's your best choice. The thing is, the Holiday Inn isn't really worth it. It's more expensive than staying on property at one of the value resorts, and even if you don't have a ride to Vista, you'll be saving more staying on property than you will spend on a taxi. So, there's that. Walking across the street is not recommended, as it's a major road. Also, driving to Vista, you have to take a right out of the parking lot, just before a stoplight, where lovely Orlando drivers will let a car through once about every 15 minutes. You'll have to drive a couple miles down the road and make a U-Turn (on the crazy busy road), and go back past your hotel to get to Vista. It's...no. It's not worth it. To top it all off, we stayed there last January when my sister checked in and the manger in the attached Applebee's thought it was appropriate to follow a waitress onto the floor as she was working and continue to scream at her/threaten to fire her for asking to switch shifts with another waitress. When we expressed our concern to the waitress, she said it is a regular occurrence and when we spoke with the manager, he showed no remorse for his actions so... you know, not someplace I'll ever be supporting again.

   So, where should you stay? Your best bet, especially if you're flying, it to stay on Disney property. Utilizing the Magical Express (which is free!) can save you money on a shuttle or cab from the airport! No matter how you're getting to Disney, staying on property is a great way to begin the magic! Disney hotels, weather Value or Deluxe, are filled to the brim with magic, and mostly a fairly short distance away from Vista Way! If you're looking for the best value, All Star Sports tends to be the cheapest, though all of the All Star resorts tend to be within $10-$15 of each other. Booking through a website like Orbitz or Expedia can sometimes get you more of a discount, but just beware that you will also probably need to pay the total upfront. Disney itself offers good early spring discounts, and you only have to pay upfront for the first night of your stay.

   Personally, my favorite resort is Port Orleans French Quarter! (Okay, I've only stayed at Riverside, but we spent all of our free time at French Quarter!) All Star Movies is my favorite value resort, and the Contemporary is my favorite Deluxe! (Although, I also really love the Polynesian...) The fact of the matter is, if you stay on Disney property, you're going to have a great time! Currently, the cheapest room on the WDW website is Pop Century, at $88/night, and $79/night on Orbitz. Orbitz also has a deal going on right now where if you stay 2+ nights, you get 15% off, so do with that what you will!

   Personally, I am pretty sure my family (Mom, sister, Papa, and I) are going to be starting off at Pop Century for a couple days before moving to Port Orleans (or one of the other moderates). Because my sister is checking in a week after me, my family is going to arrive in Orlando on 1/10 (the day before check in) and leaving on 1/18, the day she checks in. I plan on spending the first couple nights in my new apartment (!!!!!!!!!) and then when they move over to Port Orleans I'll go with them. Because, well... beignets, obviously!

When Should I Get There?

   Mostly this is a personal decision, depending on how much you want to spend/what's best for you. Maybe you want to spend a couple days before you check in exploring Orlando, or maybe you want to get there right before because you're CRAZY BUSY at home getting ready. The choice is yours! My one very, very strong suggestion is, whatever you do, don't try and fly in the morning you are supposed to check in. That is just asking for disaster, and if you miss check in because of a missed connection delayed flights, or bad weather, well, that's it for you. So plan on getting to Orlando at least the day before, and make sure you know how you're going to be getting to your hotel and then to Vista on check in day. Be prepared for unexpected delays, no matter if you're fly or driving!

   If you do decide to go early, I recommend taking the time to explore Downtown Disney (Errr, Disney Springs. That feels weird) I love the parks, but why pay $100 to get in for the day when you're going to be getting in for free soon? Disney Springs has a lot to do and explore! Bowling, movie theaters, dinner spots, live entertainment and more! (I sound like an ad, I know, I just love Disney, okay?) If you have the time, try and have dinner at Raglan Road one night! They have great fish and chips, and live river dancing most nights! It's a ton of fun! Growing up, my dad lived in one of the Irish neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago, and so I grew up eating real Irish food. Fish and chips are one of the many thing's I've missed since being diagnosed with Celiac, but Raglan Road's gluten free fish and chips taste the same to this Irish girl! Whatever you decide to do in Disney Springs, you're sure to have a blast!

   Feel free to stop by and say hello if you're looking for a friend, or have any questions you need answered! I am going to be continuing this decision making series of the next couple weeks, so let me know if you have any questions! Also, I've considered making a vlog to compliment the blog, but I'm not sure if people would watch? Let me know what you think! I can't wait to see you real soon!

Disney College Program Bucket List

This list is a constant work in progress. Once I get to Disney, to see what I've done, follow the link on the side of my page to get to this list! I'll be marking things off and linking to the post about completing them!

1. Eat A Dole Whip In Magic Kingdom
2. Eat A Dole Whip At The Polynesian
3. Eat A Mickey Bar
4. Ride the Full Monorail Loop (& Memorize The Monologue)
5. Conquer The Mountains
6. Eat At 1900 Park Fair
7. Finish The Kitchen Sink
8. Breakfast At O'hana
9. Visit Every Resort
10. Eat A Candy Apple In Magic Kingdom
11. Have a Le Feu's Brew
12. Visit All 4 Parks In 1 Day
13. Stay In Each Park Open To Close At Least Once
14. Dapper Day
15. Star Tours Weekend
16. Visit Flower and Garden Festival
17. Meet The Easter Flowers
18. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny
19. Watch Festival of the Lion King
20. Watch Every Parade
21. Pilot The Liberty Belle
22. Get An Autograph From Every Princess (Princess Day)
23. Meet All of The Fab Five
24. Drink Around The World (responsibly)
25. Try The Beverly
26. Disneybound (& Be Recognized!)
27. Eat Around The World
28. Attend Flag Retreat Ceremony
29. Watch Wishes From Every Monorail Resort
30. Become A Wilderness Explorer
31. Spend A Holiday In A Park
32. Take A Picture With Balloons On Main Street
33. Shop At Company D
34. Shop At Cast Connections
35. Fill An Entire Autograph Book
36. Eat At Crystal Palace Before Magic Kingdom Opens
37. Celebrate My Birthday In The Parks!
38. Complete Agent P's Adventure
39. VoulntEAR
40. Take A Backstage Tour
41. Ride A Ride With The Lights ON (Cast Member Ride)
42. Attend A Disney Audition
43. Attend Disney's 24 Hours Event
44. Take A Disney Cruise
45. See The Goodnight Kiss
46. Celebrate Mardi Gras At Port Orleans
47. Attend A Princesses Coronation
48. Attend A Passholder Event
49. Eat At The Hoop-De-Do Revu
50. Go To Each Park By Myself

My Postcard Came On Thursday!

Full Circle 9/18/15

   TA-DA! We've come back full circle. 4 weeks, 5 days after I first applied, on September 18, at 2:01PM CT I finally got the answer from Disney that I have been waiting for! So, what happens now? I'll tell you! Before we get started, know that all 3 steps must be completed within 7 days of receiving your email.

Step One: Accept Your Role 9/18/15 2:01PM
   First things first, you're going to follow the link at the bottom of your email to the offer acceptance page. Use your dashboard login to get to your letter and download the PDF file. Your offer letter is your contract, with all of your important information, including YOUR ROLE! Yay! Read through the information included in file to find out everything you need to know, make sure you're still interested, and then accept the offer from the offer website!

Step Two: Pay Your Fees 9/18/15 2:41PM

    Hopefully you know before going in that there are fees that need to be paid. $354 for Walt Disney World, a significant amount more for Disneyland. I honestly don't know much about Disneyland's process and I'm not going to pretend I do. So, for WDW you have to pay $354. A $150 program fee is for all of the housing events hosted by Disney during your program. The other $200 goes towards your first 2 weeks of rent (which is right around $100/week), so that money does come back to you. It's nice to know you don't have to worry about rent right away, since you won't be working much. But, it's also something that can creep up on you, so be prepared! You have 7 days to pay the fees, but the sooner you pay them, the more choices there are for dates.

Password Reset and ACTUALLY Pay Your Fees 9/18/15 2:43PM

   BUT before you can pay your fees, you need to create a DORMS account! DORMS is Disney's website for housing, where you will select your dates, pay your fees, and later select your roommates and housing preferences! I'm not sure how it works for alumni, but for new participants, you need to create a new account. Follow the link to retrieve your password, and send it to your email you used to apply to Disney. It will send you an email (above) with a temporary password. Follow the steps to finish filling paying your program fees. Now stop. STOP.  DO NOT PICK YOUR PROGRAM DATES. DON'T DO IT. YOU'RE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN. Okay, did you stop? Good, good. So here's the thing: Once you pay your fees, on the DORMS site you'll be able to pick your dates. But, if you pick them without waiting for the email, you're just going to have to do it again. Trust me, I went from the website, thought everything was good, and then a few hours latter realized I had never gotten the next email. Hmmmm. So, hold your horses and wait for the email, kay?

Payment Confirmation 9/18/15 2:49PM

  So the next step is to paste your confirmation number into the DORMS website. This email is a receipt, showing how much you've paid, and giving you a unique alphanumeric code to confirm that you have, in fact, paid your fees. Enter it in and wait for the next email!
Step Three: Schedule Your Program Dates 9/18/15 3:35PM

   So now it's time! Time to schedule your program dates! The way this will work is you're going to follow the link in the email to DORMS, sign in, and go to the Program Acceptance Tab (ignore the other tab for now, that won't be of any use to you until just before you go). You'll indicate if you want to live in company sponsored housing or not, and then you'll go on to select your dates! There will be a few choices for dates, and they will provide you with a check in and check out day grouped together. The sooner you choose your dates, the more choices there are, so be prompt. Select your dates (I choose to get there as soon as possible!) and confirm!

Request For Additional Information 9/18/15 9:12PM

 
Even though Disney claims there are 3 steps, there are obviously quiet a few more. Once you've finished up your program verification, they're going to send you an email requesting more info. They need the info to run your background check, and to fill out the tax credit information. It's all simple, to the point, mostly yes or no questions. Finish filling out these forms and you're good as gold! This email isn't as important as knowing that there are no more emails for the day after this one. It'll be a while until you hear from Disney again! That's all from me for now, have a magical day!