11 weeks!

As the number of days dwindle before my check-in date, the nerves grow. Last night the nerves really set in for me. I'm moving 1,400 miles away from home for half a year. I'm going to work at Disney World for a semester. I'm spending Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year away from home and my family. While I'm nervous, I know this will be good for me. I need to gain some independence and learn some life experiences. Coming from a small town and even smaller high school, there weren't many life lessons to be learned. I know it's going to be hard at first, but I also know it's best that I do this for myself. I know I won't regret going.

I found a great survival guide from a different blog.  That's definitely something worth checking out if you're participating or interested in the DCP.

So You Want to Apply For the Disney College Program...

Luckily, I'm going to tell you how to apply! The process is very easy! First, you're going to want to go to disneycollegeprogram.com . You'll see this screen:

There are only certain times in the year when you can apply for the CP. Fall and FA applications come out in February; Spring and SA apps come out in September.

Guess what you do next? That's right! You click the pretty green button that says 'Apply Now'.

You will then be brought to this screen, however, there will be an option to apply for the CP or PI instead of 0 results.

After clicking on the CP option (or PI if you're going for that), another window should open to start the basic application. It takes a bit for the screen to load, so DON'T CLOSE OUT OF THE WINDOW. I have a fairly fast internet connection and it took about 10 minutes to get off the "white screen of death," so I called it.

The basic application is just that, basic. It's just like any other job application you've filled out in the past. Never filled out a job application before? I hadn't either before this one. They ask you basic questions like name, address, social security number, and if you have a criminal background. There are a lot more questions than that, but you get the gist of it. At the end, they will then ask you what roles you're interested in, and to rank them in interest (high, medium, low, none). Be 100% honest with yourself on what roles you're interested in. If you know you'll 100% hate a certain role, put no interest in that role. I received a role I put low interest in (after changing it from no interest), so just a warning.

After submitting the application, you'll now be able to access your dashboard, which will look similar to this:

After applying, you'll receive an email thanking you for applying. Sometimes it takes 2 minutes for this email to arrive(like most peoples'), sometimes it takes 2 hours (like mine). Don't worry if it takes a while for your email to arrive, it'll come! Check all folders(including spam); mine came in my 'promotions' folder.

Within a few hours, you may receive an email asking you to take the WBI. *NOTE* NOT EVERYONE WILL RECEIVE A WBI. There's no explanation for who gets one and who doesn't. I received the email for a WBI about two and a half hours after sending in my application. *OBSERVATION* - My dashboard was never "In Submission", it went straight to "In Progress"(These titles will be where the above picture says "Post-Offer Stage").  Unfortunately, many people who are "In Submission" stay there without the WBI until the last day where they are NLIC. Check out the Disney Programs Blog for more info.

What "In Submission" means

So what is the WBI? The web-based interview is like a personality test asking you many questions about yourself, your work ethic, and how others would describe you. BE HONEST ON THE QUESTIONS. I cannot stress that enough. Disney needs to make sure their workers will be able to handle what is thrown at them. Do not get offended if you don't pass the WBI, there's always next season to re-apply. You will find out if you pass the WBI as soon as you answer the last question. The screen will either say something along the lines of "Congratulations!" or "Sorry..." with the results.

If you pass the WBI, you will be sent an email asking you to schedule an interview time. ALL TIMES ARE IN EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST). Schedule accordingly. Allow an hour time block for the interview as the interviewers can either be 15 minutes early or 15 minutes late. Some interviewers tell you how long you have for your interview (usually 20 minutes), some may not. THE LENGTH OF YOUR INTERVIEW DOES NOT MATTER. My interview was unusually short (13:47) and I was still accepted.

The phone interview varies by interviewer. The question that is always asked is why you want to work for Disney. Again, be HONEST with your interviewer.

After the phone interview is the waiting game -  the hardest part (in my opinion). Your interviewer will tell you at the end of the interview to check your dashboard frequently and that you should hear back within 2-3 weeks of your phone interview.

So that's it! Those are the basics to applying for the DCP! Good luck and congrats on deciding to apply! If you have any questions, comment with them on this post, or head over to my FAQ and Q&A tabs above!

Best day ever! I cried like a baby.

500 Page Views!

I just logged on to Blogger and saw I've reached over 500 page views! That's so awesome! Thank you everyone!

I've been binge-watching some of my favorite DCP vloggers (past and present) for the past few days and it's really hyping me up! I'm so nervous and excited for this journey! Another check-in day is tomorrow (Monday, May 19th) and I'm so excited for the people in that group! Hopefully they keep us updated and take lots of pictures!

I'm getting super antsy at this point. My mom wants to wait to get plane tickets but I want to book our flight NOW! I already have the times picked out and everything! Mom, if you ever read this, you're really killin' me! But I plan on getting a super early flight and just staying up the night before and sleeping on the planes. Yes, planes as in plural. The airline we plan on flying with makes us take a connecting flight; there isn't a non-stop option. That's a bummer, but I guess I can sleep in the other airport for a couple more hours. I know I'll be too antsy to sleep that night anyway!

The Feeling of Acceptance

The feeling from being accepted to the Disney College Program still hasn't worn off. It's truly an amazing feeling. I may forever be in awe of being able to participate in this program. There aren't any specific statistics available to us, but in the past coordinators of the DCP have told new arrivals that 20,000+ people apply to the program and only around 4,000 are accepted. That's about a 20% acceptance rate, which is not very high. It's crazy that I am one of the lucky 20%. The day I saw "Congratulations!" on my Disney dashboard was crazy, I will never forget it. I immediately broke down in tears and called my mom to tell her. I took a ton of screenshots of all the things Disney sent me, except I forgot to screenshot the letter that withheld my role and that letter is deleted after 7 days. But I did screenshot these other things:

How I found out I was accepted! "Congratulations!" indeed!

The acceptance email!

 

 

My program dates! (My departure date will be earlier than the 7th, however)

I'm really looking forward to getting my New Hire Documentation email, the DORMS email, and the "See Ya Real Soon!" email (the email you receive a few days before check-in). It's going to be months before I get those, sadly.

There's nothing to do for the DCP until I get those emails. I've already played Mission Timekeeper (a game about the history of Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company) and read through the onboarding website numerous times. I'm reading DCP blogs and watching DCP vlogs to help pass the time. The May 12th arrivals haven't posted much, which is expected. I'm hoping the May-June arrivals will post some pictures or updates once they get settled into things!

Packing List!

Because I like to plan everything way in advance, I've already started a packing list. I'm flying down to Florida, so I don't have the freedom to bring more stuff like those who are driving. We've decided to fly Southwest Airlines (buying tickets soon!) so I'm allowed 2 free bags, plus a carry on. My mom will be flying down with me, so that's another 2 free bags (she says she can fit her weekend stuff in her carry on, we shall see about that...).

Here's my packing list (will be updated as needed) :

What to bring with me:
Business professional clothing- 2 pencil skirts, 2 pairs of flats, 6 blouses, 4 sweaters, 1 blazer, 1 pair of dress pants, 1 pair dress capris

Casual clothing - Shorts (jean and Soffe shorts), tank tops, shirts, t-shirts (yes these mean different things to me), socks, underwear, 3 pairs of jeans, 3 sweatshirts, North Face jacket, 2 long sleeve shirts, 2-3 bathing suits,  2 pairs of sweatpants, workout clothes, PJs, sun dresses, formal dress, sweaters, special occasion/going out clothing

Shoes - Dress flats, black Toms, natural Toms, glitter Toms, Keds, Nikes, heels, Converse, Sperrys, black boots, brown boots

Toiletries - Medications, makeup, makeup bag, girl products, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, contacts plus case and both types of solutions, face wash, lotion, perfume, razors, shaving cream, nail clippers, tweezers, hair brush, comb, hair elastics, bobby pins, shampoo, conditioner, body wash

Bedding - Twin sheets (2 sets), mattress pad, 2 pillow cases, comforter, pillow

Electronics - Canon camera (with case, charger, battery, and memory card), Nikon camera (with case, charger, battery, and memory card), phone, phone charger, laptop, laptop charger, laptop bag, ear buds, CDs, Ethernet cord

Other/Random - Jewelry, purses, money, pictures, glasses, sunglasses, posters, hangers, band aids, sunscreen, lanyard with card holder, debit card, wallet, I-9 documentation, blank check, Eastern paperwork, locker lock


To buy in Florida: 
Laundry supplies - Hamper, delicate net, laundry detergent, dryer sheets

Kitchen supplies - Lysol, dish soap, paper towels, napkins, anti-bacterial wipes, sponges, trash bags, Ziplock bags and containers

Bathroom supplies - Soap, shampoo, conditioner, mouth wash, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, shower caddy, toilet paper

Other/Random - Wireless internet router, desk/nightstand lamp, air freshener, first aid kit, sunscreen, pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, umbrella, rain boots, reusable shopping bags, beach towels, bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, kitchen towels, surge protector/power strip, small backpack

Getting Closer!

Today marks 3 months until my check-in date! I am so excited for this new chapter in my life! It'll be such a learning experience and an adventure. There's so much that needs to be done before I arrive, yet a lot of that cannot be done until just a few days beforehand, which is really stressing me out. I'm the type of person who wants to get things done early so I know they're done and have time to fix them if need be. I'm really putting off making a list of things that I need to do before check-in because I'm dreading to see how much will be on it.

In other news, I've realized how many friends I've made already, even if they're only online right now. There's over five thousand people on our group Facebook page, it's amazing. I joined when there were about 800. There's a few I talk to a lot, and some who are acquaintances. I hope to meet them all and get to know them. I already have days planned with some friends, such as the One Direction concert in Tampa in October that I'll be attending with at least two lovely girls!

I'm hoping to meet a lot of ICPs (International College Programmers) as well. I would love to meet someone from every continent (except Antarctica, of course). It would be cool to learn about different cultures from those who actually live within them.

Things I still need to do:

• Make a list of things I need to do before check-in
• Make a timeline of events thus far
• Make a packing list

Small Steps

As my arrival date inches closer, I've been taking a lot of small steps in order to prepare for Florida. Since my family never travels far from home, I've never had the need for a real set of luggage. Today I finally got my own luggage set. I got so excited over something as small as my own luggage, but it made me realize that this is real, that I'm really going to work at Disney World in three short months. I'm going to make a post of things that still need to be done before check-in, but I'm glad I got this little thing done! I AM SO EXCITED! :D

Flatmates

In previous posts I said that I've already found my flatmates. I was lucky enough to connect with five beautiful ladies over the group Facebook page. We haven't been able to talk a lot lately because of busy schedules with school (finals ew). I'm praying that we get our lovely 3 bedroom apartment together, because we've become friends in the short time we've known each other. We all agree on the same things and I think we would have a blast together. A few of us have done Google Hangouts together; it's really great getting to know them more. We have yet to determine who will be rooming with who, but I'm sure it'll be great no matter the arrangement. (:

These are my wonderful (hopeful) flatmates:

Dani 

 

I have known Dani the longest out of the group. Dani and I originally had a different group of six a couple months ago when acceptances first started coming out. After we all got accepted, three of us were chosen for Fall and three were chosen for FA. Dani and I split up from the other girl when we had to pick different arrival dates.

Tianna

Dani and I then found Tianna together. We read through her survey and both really liked it, so we decided to talk to her. Shortly after, Tianna became part of our group.

Brittany

After going through a lot of surveys and having to switch out a few girls here and there, we pretty much found our last three roommates at the same time. I've talked to Brittany a lot and we've had a Google Hangout with another one of our roommates.

Hannah R.

Another Hannah! We're still trying to figure out nicknames because "Hannah" (me) and "The other Hannah" (Hannah R.) is probably going to cause a little bit of confusion!

Alyssia

Alyssia and I probably talk most out of the group. Her and I text frequently and have had a couple Google Hangouts together. I've already become close to Alyssia and love having chats with her.

I cannot wait to meet all of these girls and I hope we all find that we have the same housing assignment come August 11th! I wish we knew sooner!

The Waiting Game

The wait for my check-in day feels like forever! I don't check-in until August 11th, however, the first check-in day for Fall Advantage is coming up in a few short days on May 12th. I didn't want to do FA when I applied, but seeing people getting ready to make the trip down to Florida makes me a little jealous! I'm so excited for them, I've talked to a lot of these people through Facebook and I cannot wait to hear the stories they will have to share.

I have not one, but two countdown apps on my phone. Why? I don't even know. But there's 92 days until I leave for Florida and 95 days until my check-in date. I'm so excited to meet everyone, especially my flatmates. I have found 5 amazing girls that I'm hoping to live with. Disney does their best to place everyone where they want, but they cannot make guarantees. We're hoping for a 3 bedroom apartment in Chatham Square, however we don't get to fill out DORMS information until about 10 days before check-in. I'm anxiously awaiting the email!

I don't know how I'm going to pass the time waiting. I've applied for many summer jobs here at home and haven't had any luck. I'm going to keep applying and hope I get hired so I can earn money for my program. I spend a lot of time watching DCP vlogs and reading some blogs here and there. That's all I can do, really. I have a favorite blogger, her blog is: Ears On Emily. I swear I have read through all of her posts probably 5 times, so if you're reading this, go check her blog out.

But that's all I have for right now, thanks for reading!

Days until check-in: 95

Less Than 100 Days!

I haven't written in a while, like I said, I will probably forget about this blog. But there's been a few changes since the last time I've posted. First off, I'm done with my freshman year of university! Thank goodness, I don't know how much longer I could have gone. There's also less than 100 days until my check-in date! I'm not sure if I posted this in the previous post, but my mom and I have our hotel booked for the weekend of check-in! It's slowly becoming more real that I'm moving to Florida for 5  months. It's scary, I won't lie. But I know the time spent there will prove its worth. I'm going to learn so much and I am so excited that I was blessed with the opportunity. Unrelated note, I'm still having a lot of little design issues with my blog. I can't get font colors to change on my blog even though it says they have changed in the settings. The sidebar is off as well. Maybe I'm just picky. But that's all I can think to write right now, thanks for reading!