The Biggest Life Lessons I Learned From the Disney College Program
For as long as I can remember, I have loved Disney. From Disney movies to family vacations at Walt Disney World, it has always been an important part of my life. This deeply rooted love has become even stronger as I have gotten older. Anyone who knows me, knows how much Disney means to me. Even around Auburn’s campus, I showed my love with Mickey Mouse plastered all over my laptop, phone case, watch, and sometimes even my clothes.
I had always imagined working at Disney World, and in 2018 that dream became a reality, thanks to the Disney College Program. I first heard of the Disney College Program from my friend, Christen, who was a “cast member” (Disney’s special term for employees) years before me at Living with the Land in Epcot. I knew the program was my chance to finally make a lifelong dream come true.
The Disney College Program is an opportunity unlike any other. To sum up the program in the simplest terms, college students take a semester off of school and work for Disney parks to gain work experience and networking opportunities, while making lifelong memories. Learn more about it here!
On February 12, 2018, I received the greatest news. There I was, sitting on my bed in my freshman dorm room and I get the email. “CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected to participate in the Disney College Program!” It was one of those moments where you realize your life is about to change forever and you get goosebumps. The rest of my semester was practically irrelevant because Disney was near. The waiting was the worst part, but eventually the glorious day finally came. June 4, 2018 was one of the most magical days of my life. Not only was it six days before my 19th birthday, but I got to celebrate early by moving to Orlando to work at Walt Disney World.
The Disney College Program was one of the most amazing and educational experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Everything I learned from my time with Disney made me who I am today— and for that, I am forever grateful. I learned so many things from my experiences and the people I met, but I think that most of what I learned can be summed up in these four points:
1. You will absolutely find the best people you will EVER meet.
I had no idea that some of the greatest people I’d ever meet are from Illinois, Canada and Australia! My eyes were opened to so many different types of people from all around the world that truly helped to make my program so special. Our differences make up who we are, and that made the “Pooh Crew” some of the most amazing friends I’ll ever have.
Friends that I’ve had for almost four years now and will have for the rest of my life, and it’s crazy to think that they weren’t in my life before the DCP. Finding the friends that help you find yourself really changes you. It adds something to your life that you never thought you needed. Finally feeling accepted as yourself is indescribable.
2. Happiness is a state of mind.
Often times, when I tell people that I worked for Disney, their first response is, “Wow, I could never do that! I couldn’t be that happy all the time.” But, you can! And this is coming from your resident pessimist. Walt Disney said that “happiness is a state of mind,” and he was exactly right. Happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a choice. You choose your own happiness.
Yes, Florida is miserably hot in the middle of July. Yes, you will be asked at least 15 stupid questions every hour like, “When is the 3 o’clock parade?” Yes, I could go on and on about the little things that could come your way in a day of work as a Cast Member. At the end of the day, none of that could take away a single ounce of joy that I received from working in the “happiest place on earth.” Even on my toughest days at work, including the time I got assaulted by a guest, I would leave working smiling because I knew that I had contributed to the happiness of at least one guest, and that was enough for me.
I’ve learned that no matter your situation or circumstance, you can find happiness somewhere in it. Find what makes you happy and use it to fuel you. Find something you’re passionate about, focus on that and work at it to bring yourself joy. You have power over your own happiness, so use it.
3. DCP is a great conversation starter.
Disney is the ultimate resume booster. Since the end of my program, every job opportunity I have applied for has been most interested in hearing about my time with Disney. It’s the first thing I get asked about in interviews because it’s arguably one of the most important jobs I’ll ever have. Out of thousands of applicants, I was chosen to represent a Fortune 500 company that prides themselves on employee excellence, and says a lot to potential employers.
My role as a Cast Member was in Attractions for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. I know what you’re thinking: “Kate, how can the spinning tea cups be the most important job you’ll ever have.” While I did learn valuable lessons on how to operate 50-year-old machinery, being in Attractions taught me how to be flexible and adapt to new work environments.
Most importantly, I had exposure to Disney’s customer service model. Nothing has prepared me for the “real world” quite like Disney did. Disney instills in their cast members a standard of excellence that is far beyond what is expected by most employers, and that’s why the company is so highly praised and respected.
4. Magic exists.
At the risk of sounding like a psycho Disney adult, magic is real. It has been brought to my attention that a lot of people don’t buy into the idea of Disney magic, and that’s so sad. Apparently, the cynics think it’s “irresponsible” to go to Disney after a certain age without children. Well, that’s a lie, Pinocchio.
There are no words to describe the feeling when you first enter the Magic Kingdom and see Cinderella’s castle waiting for you at the end of Main Street U.S.A. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how many times you’ve been to Disney World, there is nothing like that glorious monument of magic. I got butterflies just thinking about it.
Disney magic is absolutely, positively real. No, I don’t mean the “bibbity bobbity boo” kind. I mean the kind you can hear in the carefully chosen background music around every corner. The kind you can see in the eyes of a child who is meeting their favorite character for the first time. The kind you can smell pouring out of the Confectionery on Main Street U.S.A.The kind you can hear in every child around you screaming the lyrics to “Let It Go” during the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
You’ll never be able to convince me that magic doesn’t exist, because I’ve felt it, and it is like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
Working for Disney was the greatest experience of my life. My time with Disney taught me so much about the business world, other people and myself. I gained lifelong friends from all over the world. I gained a better work ethic and a passion for excellence in the workplace. I gained a new self-confidence, something I have always struggled with in my life. Disney changed me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.
I am not the same person today that I was when I started the program, and that is one of the greatest things that Disney could have given me. In all honesty, I could probably go on forever about every single experience I had and every wonderful person I ever came in contact with. The eight months that I spent in Orlando seemed like a lifetime and also like just a few moments. While I may have been away from the classroom setting of Haley Center, I learned and grew so much during my time there, and that is what I am most thankful for.
Whatever it is that you do, find something that makes you happy and GO DO IT. Step outside your comfort zone and go live your dream! I am here to tell you that dreams really do come true.
