BWW Student Blogs: Preparing for the Disney College Program

Walt Disney once said, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing-that it was all started by a mouse." Believe me when I say I remember, Walt, and I am thanking you now more than ever for creating such an iconic character.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be a twenty year old, in college, majoring in musical theatre, and planning a five month trip to Walt Disney World. Yet, here I am, writing about the initial steps of applying to the Disney College Program; furthermore, I write to describe the four month process of applying to accepting to preparing to packing.

First, I heard about the Disney College Program as a freshman at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. I swept it to the side because I knew very little about the internship and I was busy with theatre and running. It was not until my first week of sophomore year, this past fall, that I decided to dive into the program's website; it was important that I read about the opportunities and benefits of participating in the DCP (Disney College Program) before I applied. It took just a few minutes of exploration to convince me to apply. The application process was simple and started online, with a web-based interview. Once passing that interview, I was able to set up a phone interview. The phone interview was fun and informal. I made a point to my Disney interviewer that I was interested in the Entertainment Role, and then I mentioned a few other roles I would like. I was informed that Disney held auditions for the Entertainment Role in early October, and was told to go to the audition if I wanted a chance at landing that particular role.

There was no doubt: I would be attending the most exciting, crazy, important audition of my career thus far on October 7th, 2014. The audition was held at a local dance studio in Central Ohio, which was convenient for me because I live in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. I had spoken to a few college friends who had prior Disney audition experience, and they were able to give me great advice. Once I arrived at the audition, I had a good feeling inside. Theatre is a tough industry and I have felt it firsthand; failure is just part of the journey to success. So, I marched with sixty other college students to frilly, happy tunes. I was chosen to stay and learn another dance, along with an animation sequence. This part was my shining moment because the Disney Recruiters told us to show our personality and to have lots of energy. I've grown up with Disney, and with theatre breathing in my lungs. When it was time to show the dance and animation, I, along with three other girls about my height, brought everything we had. I was dripping with sweat by the end of the audition, but it was definitely worth the workout.

All the auditionees were told we would be notified by Mid-November whether or not we got the Entertainment Role. Then, not even a week later, I receive an email from Disney with the word Congratulations! in the title. I was jumping up and down before I even knew what role it was......ATTRACTIONS. Of course, I had not lost hope of my top role choice, but I was thrilled to get Attractions, which meant I'd be stationed at a ride/show at any of the Disney World parks. This was a dream come true...it gets better though.

After two weeks of waiting and waiting, and a little more waiting, finally, I get a second email from Disney Recruiters. What does it say? Congratulations, new role! Um....WHAT??!!!?? Just a little reminder, I'm still in school at this point, and taking classes, along with rehearsing for shows and musical groups. Let's just say I had to keep my new news underwraps until I knew my plans for Spring 2015. This new role, undoubtedly, secured my decision to participate in the Disney College Program. I was offered, and I accepted, an Entertainment position with Disney Casting.

My next steps mostly focused on my school, and how to pause my learning; I had to make sure everything would work out, and that I would not have to withdrawal from my university. Luckily, my school worked with me, and I was encouraged by several of my professors to do the Disney College Program. They told me that they too thought it sounded like a great internship, and that they're excited to hear about my experience.

After confirming that I would in fact spend five months in sunny Orlando, Florida, I began to watch YouTube videos of past Disney College Program participants. I absolutely loved seeing students just like me discuss their days at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, all while filming themselves on rides and meeting characters. I decided that I would become a vlogger (video blogger) myself; what better way to document the magical moments I am about to have? Along with becoming a professional YouTube watcher, I found my roommates online via Facebook. I have met three great girls who I cannot wait to meet in just a few short days. This entire experience will be heightened by the friendships I will make, the most important ones being with the people I live with.

My last pre-arrival thing is packing for this trip. This can be the most fun task or the most dreaded. I am excited to pack summer clothes and swimsuits. I'm also thrilled to have the option to swim on my days off, because our apartments are equipped with an outdoor swimming pool!

As a whole, my curiosity has taken control: I am most looking forward to learning behind the scenes through my employment with the Disney Entertainment family. Along my journey, I plan to take in all that I see, not leaving out a single detail. I hope to bring magic to the Disney Park guests. This opportunity does not come along all the time, so it is my hope and my mission to work the hardest I ever have; of course, I also plan to play some in the happiest place on Earth!