Disney Life

Hello!

Or welcome home! (That's what they say where I work)

I have officially began my adventure in Disney World as a cast member. It started on August 12, but I'm just now writing about it. Haha!

My role, for those who have forgotten, is custodial. I wanted this because I read about how awesome it is from other DCP blogs. When I got to check-in, I found out that I was assigned to labor in the Old Key West resort and Saratoga Springs resort (I said it like a mission call on purpose... haha). I was SUPER bummed. I really wanted to work in the parks and see all the magic that goes on in them.

Once training started, it didn't get much better. I didn't see any other CPs (College Program people), and everyone that worked custodial was either Hispanic or Haitian. So, I was alone. At least I am able to speak Spanish, so that helped a little bit. But not a ton. Also, it is SO HOT outside. And we are outside for probably 95% of our shift. Ew.

Then, I was on my own. My first day post-training was scary because I was by myself, but it was also awesome because I found out that there are other CPs!! I'm not alone!! And work isn't as bad as I was thinking it would be. The resorts are pretty chill, especially now during the slow period. So, things are looking up!

You didn't think everything would be magical, did you? ;)

Days off are definitely magical though!! So far, I've been to all of the parks, except for Animal Kingdom, and one of the water parks, Blizzard Beach. It is so much fun! Rockin' Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios is DEFINITELY my favorite so far. I wish it was longer though.

I've had magical moments already! My first magical moment was when my roommate and I were getting dinner in Hollywood Studios, and I got a "Magic Tray", which meant that they sang a little song to me and gave me a free dessert!! Awesome!!!

My other magical moments involve meeting characters. I've met Chip, Dale, Tigger, and Pooh. Both Dale and Tigger tried to run away with me!! What can I say? I'm irresistible. It was so funny. :)

The major downside of being here is not being in Provo. I've never really been homesick before, but I'm definitely homesick for Provo. I miss the mountains. I miss the dryness (stupid humidity here). I miss the people. But most of all, I miss football games. I know there haven't been any home games yet, but next week is the first home game, and I might cry because I won't be there. Today is the first game (it's away), and my shift starts at the EXACT same time that the game starts. Great. If you know me, you know that it might kill me that I won't be able to watch the game today. You better believe it will be on my mind the whole day though. GO BYU!!!!

Basically, this experience is not what I expected. There is a lot more work and a lot less play than I anticipated. But that is good! Good old hard work is good for a person. And it makes those days off a lot sweeter.

I still love Disney with all of my heart! Some people already seem a little bitter towards Disney just after being here for a few weeks, but if anything, being here has made my love for Disney stronger!

Have a magical day! :)

Dreams Come True

I'm just going to get right to it: I GOT INTO THE DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM!!!! I will be working in Disney World as a custodian during the Fall semester!!

Check it.

I got this email on March 2, 2013. My phone interview was just the Tuesday before that, so I was not expecting anything for at least a week and a half, if not longer. So when I saw an email from Disney on Saturday, I was shocked! I GOT IN!! I called my mom right away, then posted it on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Haha, gotta love social media!

How did I get to this point? I guess I should start from the beginning.

This is my second time applying to the Disney College Program. Fall 2011, I applied to do the DCP during spring/summer term. After submitting my application, I got an email letting me know that I qualified for a phone interview. Great! So, I did my phone interview. I thought it went well, but not spectacular. I was hoping that it was enough. Weeks went by and I still had not heard anything. Finally, I realized that I didn't get it.

I was really sad about not getting in. I knew that I was qualified, but things just did not work out. Eventually, I just decided that it was not meant to be. If I was meant to work for Disney, then I would have got in. I let it go.

Fast forward about a year later. Two weeks ago from today, I randomly decided to apply again. Don't ask me why or what prompted me to do it, because I don't know. Maybe it was the Holy Ghost, maybe it was just random. Regardless, I submitted the online application.

A little while later, I got an email saying that I was eligible for a phone interview, just like my first time applying! This time was going to be different. I prepared things to say, I really pondered on why I wanted to be a part of Disney. What do I want to do there? What do I want to get out of it? I thought of those questions and more. I also did research on what past participants have liked the most, particularly relating to their jobs. Multiple times I read that people loved being a custodian because they got to explore the park, do different things, and interact with guests in a fun manner. 

Tuesday came, and at 9 p.m. Disney called. This time, it was different. I felt great about my interview! I smiled the whole time, my answers were eloquent, and I felt confident. When the woman asked me why I wanted to be a part of Disney, I talked about how this was my second time applying. In the past, I have often thought that if it didn't work out the first time, it probably wasn't meant to be. But this time, I wanted to prove to myself that it wasn't always like that. When we really want something, we can work for it and try again. I applied again to prove to myself and to others that just because it doesn't work out the first time doesn't mean that it will never work out.

As I thought about my answer after the interview, I realized what a great lesson that was for me to learn. Not only because that got me into the DCP, but because it is a great life lesson to learn. Today, I related it to the gospel. We make mistakes all of the time! Does that mean that we can't get better? Absolutely not! Christ atoned for us because we are not perfect. We will make mistakes all of the time, but through the principles of the gospel, we can be better people. That is what I am hoping to get out of Disney. I want to be a better person!

On August 12, 2013, I will be in Orlando. I will be there until January 2, 2014. I'm bummed that I will miss a few things during fall semester such as football season (SO sad about this), RM friends coming back to Provo, Provo in general, and graduating sooner. However, this is absolutely worth it. I will be at Disney World during Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I can't wait to see how everything is decorated!! It will be so cool! I'm so excited!!!

So just remember that if at first you don't succeed, try try again! Also, a dream is a wish your heart makes, so keep on dreaming! Because they come true! :)

PS: I have been covering women's basketball for BYU's newspaper the Universe this semester! Here are all of my articles: http://universe.byu.edu/beta/author/kimberlie-haner/