Roommates

I'll just say now, I have the best Disney roommates in the world! This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting two of the four roommates I'll have in Florida. Nickelle and Christine are total sweethearts! We met up at Dairy Queen for some ice cream and to chat a bit. These girls are incredible. There weren't any awkward moments (aside from my ice cream dripping like crazy making a mess) and we got along instantly. Sounds like they're going to be driving from Maine together so we'll have two cars in our apartment. We still can't decide definitely where we're going to be living, but one of these days that'll be decided. We just know that we're going to be having a whole lot of fun together! There's definitely going to be trips to the beach, mall, and Harry Potter world :)

Meeting these girls just made me that much more excited to be leaving for Florida in 18 days! It seems insane that the countdown has made it down to the teens!! Next chapter of my life, here I come!!

A Pirate's Life for Me!!

The most exciting thing happened just now! I've accepted a role change to....

...drum roll...

PIRATES LEAGUE!!!!!!!!!

Ah! I'm so incredibly excited!!  In the Pirates League I'll be trained to do Pirate hair, makeup, nails and costuming so I can transform the landlubbers into the finest members of Captain Jack Sparrow's motley crew.  It's going to be an adventure and a half every day! And my costume is fantastic!! It looks both comfortable and fashionable, which is a rarity for some of the Disney costumes.

 

Really, this is exactly what I needed.  I get to work hair and makeup, something I went to 2000 hours of school for and was sad when I realized I'd have to stop doing it for roughly a year while I worked the summer and went to Disney.  Now I'm back in the game!

It also gets my foot in the door for where I want to go in life.  I'd love to do hair and makeup for Disney whether it be for their shows in the parks or on Broadway.  This is probably the lowest job in that category, but if I show them that I work well and that I have potential for bigger things then maybe I can work my way up!! That would be a dream come true :)

Fun fact: The Pirates League has actual props from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  Too cool! 

Bucket List!

Alrighty, I've never been to Disney World before, so this will be a brand new adventure.  I want to live it to the fullest!! Here's my list of things I want to do, feel free to suggest other things.

Ride Every Ride
Get a Fast Pass From Every Ride That Has One
Get a Picture From Every Ride That Has One
Fill an Autograph Book (Maybe 2)
Take Pictures With Every Character
Get Every Character's Autograph
Get a Disney Prince to Propose to Me
Get a Disney Prince to Kiss Me on the Cheek
Fill an Autograph Book With Signatures From Little Girls Dressed as Princesses
Make a Magical Moment For Someone at Least Once a Day
Go to The Beach
Visit Harry Potter World
Try Butter Beer
Eat at Be Our Guest - Try the Grey Stuff
Dress Up For Dapper Day
Get the Dapper Dans to Sing to Me
Go on a Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt
Do a Disney Photoshoot
Do a Giant Fake Proposal
Eat/Drink (non-alcohol) Around the World
Learn to Surf
Disney Bound at Least Once and Take a Picture With That Character
Collect/Trade Pins
Get Every Celebrating Pin They Offer and Act the Part (Like for "Just engaged" have a guy friend be my "fiance")
Collect Smashed Pennies (Maybe make a bracelet out of them)
Dress Up for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Meet Captain America
Meet a Celebrity
Dole Whips
Try a Mickey Ice Cream Bar
Finish The Kitchen Sink
Get Personalized Mickey Ears
VoluntEAR
Meet a Guest From Every State
Keep Track of Different Countries Guests Come From
Learn A Language
Go To All 4 Parks in One Day
Character Breakfast
Make a Call From the Epcot Phone Booth
Become a Wilderness Explorer (All 30 Badges)
Get a Haircut on Main Street
Buy a Piece of Clothing From Every Park
Buy a Mickey Balloon on Main Street
Throw an UnBirthday Party
One Post Card From Each Park
Buy a Harry Potter Wand
Feel Gaston's Muscles
Perfect My Dialects
Go on a Disney Cruise
Stay at Every Resort Hotel
Watch "Kiss Goodnight"
See Every Parade
Collect Chocolate Frog Cards
Make a Disney Music Video

Packing List

I've been trying to figure out what to pack for my DCP, and thought I might post my list here.  I'll be editing it frequently, so if you're using it for tips or inspiration check back every so often.  Keep in mind that this is mainly for my own purposes, so there will be reminders to myself that shouldn't really apply to anyone else.

Obviously I can't pack everything listed in my suitcases I'll be taking on the plane.  Some items will need to be bought in Florida, other items that I won't need immediately will be shipped.

Clothing
Blouses - long sleeve and short
T-Shirts
Jeans - long and short (need to buy shorts)
Dress pants
Pencil skirts - buy more
Summer dresses
Shrugs
Nylons/tights
Underwear
Bras - regular and sports
running shorts
Pajama pants/sweats
socks
Under-shirts
Hoodies
Rain jacket
Zip-up jacket
Dress Coat
Fancy, thick belts
Swimming Suit
Swim Cover-up
Audrey Hepburn hat

Shoes
Rainboots! -buy!!
Tennis shoes
good walking flats
dress heels - need new black ones

Hair
Hairspray
Hair-ties
Bobby Pins
Headbands
Bandannas
Bows
Mousse
Anti-Humidity spray
SexyHair Leave-in Conditioner
Shampoo
Round Brush
Combs
Hairdryer
Straightener

Other Toiletries/Beauty Supplies
Makeup - foundation, eye-shadow, mascara, lipstick, chapstick, concealer, eyeliner, brow pencil, blush
Makeup brushes - foundation and blush
Earrings
Hand Lotion
Deodorant
Body Wash
Face Wash
Shaving cream
Razor
Tampons/Pads
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tongue Brush (yes, I'm weird and have one)
Floss
Q-Tips
Bandaids
Aspirin/Ibuprofen
Sun Screen

Bathroom
Bath Mat
Shower Curtain
Cleaning products
Toilet Paper
Towels
Hand-held mirror
Soap
Air Freshener

Kitchen
Towels
Oven mits
Trash bags
Dish Soap
Cleaning Products
Tubberware
Napkins
Paper Towels
Hot Pads
Sponges
Blender
Toaster
Zip-Lock bags
Cookbook - make a new one!
Cooking Apron
Water Bottle
Lunch Box

Electronics
Laptop & Charger
Phone & Charger
CAMERA!!!!!! & Charger - BUY!!
CD/Movie hookup for laptop
Headphones
Memory Cards
Wireless Router
Flash drive - Captain America

Office Supplies
Thumb Tacks
Power Strip
Notebooks and Folders
Envelopes and Stamps
Planner
Sticky Notes
Pen/Pencils

Room
Pictures from home
Keychain collection
Whiteboard?
Memory Foam
Bed Covers - blankets, sheets, ect.
Pillow
Combination Lock
Laundry Basket/Bag
Hangers

Random
Umbrella
Eyelash Extension kit
Eyelash Lamp
Hair cutting shears
Clippers
Cape
Apron - hair
Assorted hair cutting combs
Clips
Spray bottle
Stuffed Animal
Comfort Smelling Deodorant (somewhat inside joke.)
Backpack/Mesh Bag/Mary Poppins Bag/Val's present Bag
Iron/Ironing Board??

Purse Items
Need a new purse!! - one with long across-body shoulder strap. Small.
Wallet
Pen/Pencils
$$$$
Tissues
Gum
Sticky notes
Sunglasses!

Phone Interview

If you've made it to the phone interview, then congrats!! This is the final step before finding out if you're hired or not!  The phone interview can be really nerve racking, but it can also be a lot of fun!  Just stay positive, smile, and be yourself!! :)

Some tips I have are -
1) SMILE!!!!! If you're looking up tips from a bunch of other sites like I did before my interview, then you've seen this tip in every single one of them.  But it's crucial!

2) Do your interview in front of a mirror.  As you're talking to your interviewer you'll be almost forced to smile if you're watching yourself.

3) Enjoy the moment!  You're talking to a Disney recruiter!  How many people get to do that??

4) If you mess up or say something you didn't mean to, laugh it off!  Laughing will show that you're easy going and fun to be around.

5) Be yourself!!!

6) Practice a little! :)  I helped myself get over nerves, get some practicing in, and get into being myself and not a nervous wreck by calling my mother an hour before my scheduled interview and going over some interview questions.  By doing this I could practice all of the tips I gave above and also got insights from my mother.  She pointed out some things that would sound good, or fixed some mistakes I would have made.  Parents or other adults are awesome resources because they've been through job interviews before.  They know their stuff.

7) As you start the interview the person that you're talking to is going to tell you their name. Say it back to them immediately like "Hi Emily, how's your day going?" or something along those lines.  This shows that you're paying attention.  Also, write down their name!!! Or if you're good at remembering, good for you!  When you're saying goodbye and thanking them for their time, use their name again.  (However, this step isn't crucial, it just adds a nice touch. I saw this tip in my research, told myself I'd write down the name, then totally forgot at the end.  I was still hired :) )

8) Before you get into the interview, have a question or two that you can ask your person.  Some things you might ask are "How did you get your start with Disney?" "How big of a difference does it make if I have my own car or if I use the provided transportation?"  Just have a question that you're genuinely curious about.  They're going to give you the chance to ask questions at the end, so use it!  It shows that you're interested

Now, I did a ton of research before my interview.  I looked up tips and also questions that might be asked.  The list I'm giving now was the BEST list ever!  My interviewer asked these questions and, because I had seen them before, practiced them with my mother, and knew exactly how I'd answer, I was confident in how I said my answers.  Granted, there was one question I hadn't practiced, but I was still able to answer it well.
The list...

General
Why do you want to work for Disney/do the DCP? **almost always asked
How do you deal with repetitive work days? **frequently asked
Do you have any experience speaking in front of large groups of people?
How do you feel about having roommates and living away from home?
Do you think any of your past jobs will help in any of your top 3 choices?
Why do you think you are qualified for your top role?
Are you comfortable handling money?
Are you familiar with the Disney Look? **always asked
Do you have any tattoos or body modifications? *always asked DO NOT LIE
Are you familiar with the Disney parks and resorts?
What does Disney mean to you?
How will the CP help you professionally?
What are you most looking forward to in the DCP?
What makes you a good candidate for the DCP?
What do you plan to do after college?
What can you offer to the Disney company?
What are 3 positive qualities about yourself?
Describe a situation where you have had to work with a difficult person, boss, or teacher **frequently asked
What Disney character are you most like?
What is your favorite memory of Disney?
Do you mind working outside in the Florida heat and in the rain? **frequently asked
Would you rather work alone or in a group setting?
How would you help a guest who speaks little or no English?
Tell me about some jobs you have previously held.
Tell me about a time you made a guest or customer happy at a previous job. **frequently asked
How would you handle a roommate disagreement?
How would a previous manager describe you?
Do you mind working mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays?**frequently asked
Do you prefer a fast paced or slow paced work environment? **frequently asked
Can you stand for hours at a time outside?
Do you prefer indoor or outdoor environment?
What are three negative qualities about yourself?
What is your favorite Disney (movie, ride, park, character), and why?
What are your top 3 roles? **always asked
How would you handle an emergency?
Are you open to the QSFB or Custodial roles? **frequently asked
Why are these your top role choices?

Role Specific:

BBB
Do you have any salon experience?
Do you have any childcare experience?
How would you react if a little girl was shy or scared? **frequently asked

Costuming
Are you comfortable operating an advanced costume checkout computer?
Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs+) costumes to different locations?
Would you be comfortable working independently?
How do you feel about working "backstage" with minimal guest contact?
Are you willing to operate basic laundry equipment?

Housekeeping
Are you comfortable working with cleaning chemicals?
How do you feel about working in a quest's room while they are not there?
Are you able to work independently with little to no guest contact?

Lifeguard
Are you comfortable working for long periods of time in the Florida heat?
Are you willing to work in another role during off-peak seasons?
Are you comfortable with spending long periods of time standing in water?
What would you do in the event of a guest injury or illness?
Do you believe you are able to pass the swim test?

Custodial
Are you comfortable with emptying trashcans (which may include shooing bees or flies) and lifting heavy garbage bags?
Are you willing to bus tables in restaurants and outdoors?
Are you comfortable working for long periods of time outside in the heat, rain, or cold?

Main Entrance
Are you comfortable delivering long speeches on a microphone?
How would you make a guest feel special as they enter a park? **frequently asked
Are you willing to drive a large parking tram?
Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades and park openings?

Merchandise
Are you comfortable with handling cash? **frequently asked
What would you do if a guest was looking for a specific item, but you are out or don't sell this item? **frequently asked
Are you comfortable suggesting items to guests based on first impressions?
Are you willing to work independently outdoors at a cart?

Photopass
Are you comfortable with operating digital cameras?
How do you feel about achieving monthly sales goals and suggesting products?
Are you comfortable working in several different parks, potentially all in the same week?
How do you feel about a guest refusing a picture?

QSFB
Are you comfortable preparing simple food items, which may include using a fryer, grill, or other cooking equipment?
Would you be willing to wash dishes or bus tables?
Are you comfortable selling alcohol?
Are you able to multitask?
Are you comfortable handling cash and using a cash register?
How do you feel about working independently at a food cart?

FSFB
Are you comfortable handling cash and using a register?
Are you willing to spend long periods of time rolling silverware, and folding napkins?
Have you ever managed a seating chart, or are you willing to learn?
What would you tell a guest if they wanted to eat at the restaurant, but there are no tables available for several hours?

Recreation
Are you willing to train with watercraft, arcades, and other recreational facilities?
Do you believe you will be able to pass the swim test?
Are you willing to work in another role during the off-seasons?
How do you feel about working for long periods of time outdoors and around water?

Transportation
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Are you comfortable memorizing and delivering long speeches?
Are you comfortable talking to other CM via radio?
Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?
How do you feel about driving large vehicles (such as monorail or bus) filled with guests?

Vacation Planner
What do you think the duties of a vacation planner are? **frequently asked
Are you comfortable handling large amounts of money and achieving monthly sales goals? **frequently asked
How do you feel about working with multiple parks, potentially all four in a week?
Are you willing to help with crowd control during parades?
Are you comfortable working with a computerized ticket system offering over 128 different ticket combinations?
How do you work while under pressure?

Character Attendant
How would you react if a child was being violent with a character?
What does character integrity mean to you? **frequently asked
What would you tell guests if you had to turn them away because a line is closing for the day?
What would you do if a child was afraid of a character?
What would you say if someone asked why the fur character doesn't talk? **frequently asked
How would you say (mickey, Cinderella, Ariel, Donald, Beast) has to leave?

Attractions
What would you do if a child wants to ride space mountain, but is too short? **frequently asked
What would you do if a guest wanted to get on an attraction but it was out of service?
How would you feel about operating a ride?
Would you be willing to help with crowd control during a parade?
Are you comfortable talking in front of large groups of people?
Can you memorize and remember long speeches? **frequently asked
What would you do if you messed up your spiel?

Bell Services
Are you willing and able to carry heavy (up to 50lbs) luggage (including overhead)?
Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?
Are you comfortable being the first CM that a guest interacts with on their vacation?

Hospitality
What would you do if a guest wanted a specific type of room and there were none available?
How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?
How would you make a guest feel special as they are beginning their vacation?
Are you comfortable talking to guests on the phone?
Are you comfortable handling large amounts of cash?

Concierge
What do you think the duties of a concierge are? **frequently asked
Do you have any experience handling cash, including foreign currency, and travelers checks?
How do you feel about being trained on a computer system?
What do you expect when you stay at a Disney Resort? **frequently asked

As always, comment below with any and all questions! I'd love to help in any way :)

Good luck!!dently asked

Web Based Interview

After the resume application process you may move on to the Web Based Interview!  Congrats if you make it this far!  The biggest thing with this interview is to be consistent with your answers.  Be sure you know yourself well.  Take the time to read the question, understand it completely, then answer it truthfully.  If you try to answer the question the way you think Disney wants you'll most likely slip up later on in the interview.  Be yourself!  That's what Disney wants to see - the real you!

When taking the WBI, go to a secluded area where you won't have any distractions.  Exit out of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other sites and focus on the interview.  Tell your friends and family that you'll be busy for the next half hour or so and that you need to be alone.  You want to be focused on these questions and not distracted by other things.

Now, most of the questions you're asked you'll be asked to rate by 1)Strongly agree 2)Agree 3)Neutral 4)Disagree or 5)Strongly Disagree.  Don't be afraid to use the strongly agree/disagree options!!!  I suggest using those options for nearly every question.  When I did my WBI I hit agree/disagree maybe twice and neutral once.  By using the stronger options, Disney will see that you take a stand behind what you think and that you're not flopping every which-way.  Be confident in your answers!

The first part of the interview is trying to get to know you and how you work.  Are you on time?  Do you smile a lot?  Are you concerned when you see someone that is upset?  Are you a positive person?  Do you work well with coworkers?  Again, use the strongly agree/disagree answers.

Some of the interview questions are timed, but don't psych yourself out over it! :)  They give you enough time to read the question, think about it for a couple seconds, then pick your answer.  And if you run out of time for a question, no worries!  I missed one question because of timing and I still moved on to the phone interview and eventually was hired.  So it's not a huge deal if you don't click an answer fast enough.  Now, if you're missing like 5-10 questions, I'd try really really hard to decide on an answer faster.

But the thing I can't stress enough is to be consistent with your answers!  You'll be asked similar questions like 1)I'm always on time 2)I'm never late and 3)I'm often on time.  These questions are similar, but different at the same time.  Be sure your answers are sounding the same.

Once you finish the WBI, it's just one big long waiting game.  Some people have to wait two weeks to hear something, others move on the very same day.  I was lucky in the fact that I applied, took my WBI, and scheduled my phone interview all in the same day.  But others aren't nearly that lucky.  But don't stress about it!  You're not out of the running until you get an email saying that you're no longer being considered.  You just have to keep in mind that there are thousands of other people applying just like you!  It takes time to go through everyone's applications and interviews.  So put on some Disney movies, listen to some Disney tunes, go to your happy place, and (somewhat) patiently wait to hear from Disney :)

As always I'm more than willing to answer questions!  Go ahead and comment if you want to know anything and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Good luck!!!

Resume Application

This was seriously the easiest resume I've ever done!  You definitely want to give yourself quite a bit of time to finish it, but if you have to leave your computer suddenly then you're given the option to save it as a draft and come back to it.  Personally, it took me a couple hours to complete this resume application.  But it was mostly because I had to input the information three times.  First time I failed to save it, second time my internet went out just as I was hitting the submit button, then the third time it worked!! But you guys shouldn't have this problem.

So what they're basically going to be asking for is your general information like name, gender, race and such (though you are given the option to pass that information if you feel like it'll change your chances of being hired) and then also your work experience.  Disney doesn't care if you have previous work experience or not.  I don't have a ton, and I still made it!  They also let you put in volunteer work.  If you do have a lot of work/volunteer experience, you're limited to how many you can say.  I think it's six, I can't remember the exact number.

Advise for what to put in those pages - I'd suggest looking for times you worked with children.  Disney is a family company and you'll be dealing with children a lot.  So try to show that you're experienced and work well with them.  Put things that show you're a hard worker.  Just try to make yourself look good and try to show that you are able to do many things.  For example, I've worked with kids a lot through being a singing assistant for a choir of kids ages 3-6, worked at a children's museum, but I also showed that I was able to wake up in the morning by putting that I had a morning paper route for 2 years.  Show that you're responsible.

They're also going to ask where you want to apply - Disneyland or Disney World?  You have the choice to apply for both, and I'd suggest you do just so you have the best shot.  Keep in mind, if you only apply for Disneyland then you will have some stiff competition.  Disneyland only hires like 300, whereas Disney World would hire more like 3000.  The program is much bigger at Disney World, and the housing is cheaper, and you are provided transportation.  Though, Disneyland is still wonderful!

Once you choose where you want to apply, you're going to be asked what areas you're interested in and how interested you are.  You're given the options - High Interest, Moderate, Low, Not Interested.  Some of the areas are Merchandise, Attractions, Bibbdi Bobbidi Boutique, Entertainment, Custodial, PhotoPass, and many many more.  And the key here is to be honest!!!!!  If you don't want an area, don't say you're interested in it!  You'll be considered for all parts as it is, but they get a better understanding as to where you'd enjoy yourself most with these answers.  You're not hurting your chances by saying that you're not interested in something.  I said I wasn't interested in Custodial, Life Guard, and Recreation along with maybe another one because I knew I either wouldn't enjoy them or I wasn't physically able to do it.  Custodial, I hate taking out the trash.  I've heard it isn't bad at Disneyland, but it just isn't my cup of tea.  And for lifeguard and recreation you need to be able to pass a really intense swim test in order to get the job and I knew I wouldn't be able to do it.  So just be honest with everything.

And that's more or else everything on the application.  You'll be asked a little more about yourself, and then you'll be done!  Then the waiting game begins to see if you made it to the Web-based interview or not.

Good luck!!