Introduction

Hello Friends! I am starting this blog to document my process of applying and journeying through the Disney College Program Spring 2013! Now, currently, the applications haven't been posted. I know I'm starting this a little bit early (because it's May and apps don't open till September!) BUT I also need something to help pass the time during the summer until I can apply! I will probably post a TON of Disney pictures between now and September so just be prepared! lol

So here's a little about me! I am 19 years old (my birthday is in about 3 weeks!!) and I am in college. The most important thing about me is that I love Jesus Christ more than anything. I wouldn't be where I am today without His guidance. Secondly, I LOVE all things Disney! I am an Accounting major (yes I know your facial expression right about now..I get it all the time). Yes it's a little on the boring side BUT I'm also an actress! :) I'm going to be on Broadway one day so JUST WAIT WORLD! Anyways, my main obsession has always been Broadway, but currently, the only things I have been looking at/listening to are Disney related! I'm sure by now my family and friends are tired of hearing about the DCP (that's the abbreviation for the Disney College Program, just so you know), so I will share all my knowledge with you guys. :)
So you may be asking, "What is the Disney College Program?" WELL let me explain...

The Disney College Program is an unique paid internship for college students to live, learn, and earn with the Disney company as an intern by working as a cast member at either Disneyland in Anaheim, California, or Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! There are five different program seasons that one can participate in: Fall (mid August-early January), Fall Advantage (mid May-early January), Spring (mid January-early May, and Spring Advantage (mid January-early August). I am applying for Spring Advantage 2013.

To qualify for the program, you must be enrolled in college classes at the time you apply. Any major can apply to participate. BUT, you must meet your school's requirements to participate. Most schools just require that you are in good standing with your college.

EARN
The pay rate starts at $7.21 an hour but it varies depending on the role you are choosen for. There are many different roles that you can choose from such as attractions, lifeguard, costuming, merchandise and vacation planner. When you apply, you check the roles that you would be willing to do. Your interview questions depends on the roles you choose. CPs can be assigned to work anywhere in the resorts, parks or Downtown Disney. Though you can't pick which role or work place you will have, you can suggest one to your interviewer and might be lucky enough to get placed there. CPs work a minimum of 32 hours a week. Most weeks you’ll work 40-50 hours, with one or two days off. However, during the hoildays, you will work more hours.

LIVE
When in Florida, the CPs can live in one of the three complexes (Vista Way, Chatham, or Patterson). The housing includes post offices, pools, fitness centers, computer labs, and laundry. The apartments have one to four bedrooms with each bedroom containing two people. Rent ($80-$105 per week including utilities, appliances, etc) is automatically taken from your paycheck.

LEARN
You can take classes taught by Disney professionals down in Florida and receive College credit if your college approves the credit. There are a variety of classes to choose from. Some classes are specific to your major but most are open to anyone.
I do want to take classes while in Disney, but unfortunately, my college won't accept the college credit classes. They do offer seminars, which is 8 weeks of meeting once a week, and Disney professionals talk about the topic specific to Disney World.

That's pretty much the basics. Here's the link to the Disney College Program website if you wanna check it out:
http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/index.html