A message from tonyalynn93
That's not bad at all. I have been interested in photography for five years, it's actually my minor at school, along with sociology. (I'm a psych major). I haven't ever really owned a DSLR camera yet (not a fancy one at least), because money is tight but I know a few things about it. What types of questions do they ask so I can do a little more research, just in case? If you can remember them. :)

They really just asked me if I knew how to use a Nikon SLR. I know they went more in-depth with others.

A message from tonyalynn93
I have a few questions! 1) how is the application process and the interviews that follow? Do you have any pointers? 2) what are some of the benefits? 3) do you ever hurt for money while you're there? I was told you get paid weekly and you get a decent amount of hours, but is it possible to save money every pay check and still have money to live off of?

Great questions!
1. The application is more focused on your work experience rather than what you’ve done at school. They will ask you questions about your college but they are more interested in any work or internship experience. They will also ask you what roles you are interested in and if you have a preference of WDW or DL. Make sure to make note of what roles you chose, this will be important in the interview.
After the application, you will be asked to complete a web questionnaire. Be honest and think about what Disney is looking for when you answer.
If you make it past the questionnaire, you will be scheduled an interview. The first question they will ask you is “Why do you want to work for Disney?” Be very honest and think about how to answer this ahead of time. Also make sure to smile- Disney can hear smiles. I was very smiley and joked with my recruiter- that definitely helped me get into the program. They will ask you role preferences, why you would be good at it. Go more in-depth with some f the questions presented in the questionnaire. Use personal experience- that helps.

2. The benefits. There are the obvious: you go to the parks for free. Having Disney on your résumé is top-notch. That really looks good to future employers because Disney is a tough place to work at though very rewarding. Working for Disney is crazy and tiring, but the guests are wonderful and it’s always busy. If you can work at Disney, you can really work anywhere.

3. I’m a Photopass photographer which is probably the highest paid position here. So I’m pretty good money wise. I could always use more but I’m not killing for money. I know other people that have a tougher time. Rent is taken right out of our paycheck so we don’t have to worry about paying housing fees. We all still have enough money for groceries and enough to save. I’ve never heard of someone completely running out of money. CPs get a lot of hours.

Hope that helps!

Anyone have any questions about the DCP?

So since I’m on my second program now, I have lots of knowledge and wisdom when it comes to the Disney College Program.

I know applications are going to roll out for the fall term, so if you have any questions about the application process, the program itself or my experience, just reply or send a message my way. I’d be happy to help.

Walt Disney World vs. Disneyland: Which one wins?

I have been to both. Constantly, people ask me which one is better? Well… I don’t think there is a straight answer because honestly, it’s all about YOUR opinion and what you’re looking for in a vacation or Disney experience.

Some of my friends who have only been to WDW want to check out Disneyland but are not sure if it’s right for them. I definitely think if you haven’t been, you should go at least ONCE in your life. But, if you’re unsure- here are my observances when you face-off the two.

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Character Meet and Greet changes from then and now

Walt Disney World Resort has changed a lot since the first time I went back in 1997.

I don’t remember a ton of the mini details from that trip. But, I do remember enough of it (and it helps that my mom made an awesome scrapbook that we saved from our house fire).

One of the details I remember was the first time seeing the castle, which was dressed as a cake to commemorate the 25th anniversary. I remember it had probably one of the best parades Disney has ever done, the “Remember the Magic” parade. I remember meeting TONS of Disney characters.

Come to think of it, the characters are really what I think of. And one thing many people who have been to Disney before and come back ask me is, “Why are there no characters walking around?”

Yes, characters used to roam freely around the park. I remember just running into some from time to time. I remember seeing many “random” characters around Main Street like Cruella De Vil or Pinocchio  The commercials Disney shows for their parks show characters meeting kids everywhere and anywhere. So why is it different now?

Well, the only time I was at Disneyland, they still roam freely around. I ran into Mickey and Minnie right on Main Street when I was there and was able to grab a quick photo with the couple. But why not at Disney World?

It’s simple: too many people were mobbing them. Walt Disney World is the number one vacation destination in the WORLD. That’s right, the entire world. WDW is fortunate to have people from everywhere save money to come there for their vacation. And for many of these families, it may be the one and only time they will ever come. And they get a little excited when they see their friends on the street. 

I witnessed a mob first-hand working one of the Halloween parties. The parties have significantly less people than a normal day at the Magic Kingdom. I was with Lady Tremaine and the Step-sisters and we had a huge group get extremely excited when they saw them and just rush over to them. We had to get the characters out of the way and escort those people to the back of the line that already formed.

Equate it to seeing, for example, your favorite boy band. Take One Direction, who is extremely popular right now. They get mobbed by many teenage girls who absolutely love them. It’s like this with the characters. Disney could only do so much so now, the character meet and greets are far more controlled. 

It’s not all too bad. If you know what time is best to go see them, you can still have a wonderful time meeting the characters. And even though I reminisce about what it used to be like, Disney has heard our cries and granting us “Limited Time Magic.” This week featured “Long-Lost Friends,” a huge hit. I got to meet characters I haven’t seen in years or ever! And it was on Main Street, still one of my favorite meet and greet locations. More will be coming soon enough and I cannot wait to see what other special entertainment gatherings will happen.

But, I still miss the good ol’ days of meeting characters and not having to wait in a 30 minute line. Guess I’m going to have to go back to Disneyland in a few months…

petitetiaras:

The Disney Princesses tell us what they want for Christmas.

Christmas in Magic Kingdom NOT OK

Okay, let me set something straight.

Do not get mad at cast members when they are doing crowd control.

Is it frustrating? Yes- it is for everyone! But honestly, they are TRYING to help YOU.

Today, the tomorrowland and Fantasyland Bridges had to close for an hour because Main Street was shut down. They couldn’t let anyone through, even if family were separated.

I felt bad for them. People were super angry but the simple solution was to turn around and go through Tomorrowland Terrace. If everyone had just listened, then there wouldn’t have been an issue.

Of course, they couldn’t stop everyone going through and people were mad about that. It’s understandable but if they chased them down then the bridge would just reopen then. They were doing the best they could under the circumstances.

I did have to help at one point and it was tough, eventually we couldn’t hold the crowd and had to let them through.

But guests, you have to realize.
They aren’t trying to be mean or horrible people. It’s a safety concern. When you have mobs of people, it can cause stampedes and trampling and crushing.

And honestly, you have to realize that EVERYONE wants to be in a place like Magic kingdom on a major holiday. The park was over capacity by noon today (Christmas). You need to expect long lines, major crowds and closes.

Want advice on how to avoid this.

Don’t go to Magic kingdom on a major holiday. You will be miserable.

Has anyone ever done a Disney Professional Internship before?

I have an interview in two days and I’m super nervous/excited/anxious so I would love any tips!

Thanks!