one month.

it has been about a month since i've been here and i realized i haven't posted much, or at all?, in the past month. it has been a crazy, exciting, fun month and it's about time i shared it with you!

My internship is a sales position at the Disney Institute. When I first applied for the role, I honestly didn't know much about DI, i had researched it, but didn't quite grasp the whole idea. Now, i can tell you so much about it. For those who don't know, Disney Institute is Disney's professional development company. They offer programs that range from 90 minutes to 3 and a half days, as well as tours and other training. The programs range from inspiring creativity to quality service and others. They teach company's to think the Disney way, and learn Disney's approach, so that they can apply it to their own business and be successful. i have a attended a couple of programs and it is truly a program I stand by and believe in.

Our office is in Celebration, which is a cute little town right outside of Orlando. I even get my own cubicle! Everyone i work with is so nice and they all have such different backgrounds and unique experiences with Disney. I am already learning so much from each of them! It is so interesting how everybody's different journey's have led them there. There are a few other interns, some have had previous experience working for Disney, while others are completely new to the company. They are all so nice and we get along so well! Great people to work with and great people to know.

So what is it that I do? Each of us interns were assigned to a sales manager who we are working directly under. It is great because we are all doing similar but not the same things. We all get to do things on our own, but work together at times. Some of our responsibilities include creating contracts, doing turnovers, invoices, etc. We also get to help our Sales Managers with special projects they are working on. We essentially hold the same responsibilities as the sales assistants and sales coordinators do.

I absolutely love it here!

AugustAugustAugust

I'm not sure if I can contain my excitement of the fact that August has finally arrived.
This whole Disney Internship process started back in February and I had to do everything in my control not to count down the days or even weeks because it was just too many.

It's so crazy to think that in just a few weeks I'll FINALLY be in Orlando and working for Disney.
I don't want to leave my home and friends, but i have so much to look forward to.
I've been talking to a few CPs and everybody is so excited.
Lots to look forward to!

If only I could get started on the packing...

Professional Internship!

If you read my last post, I mentioned there was a chance that i would have a different role than the one I intended on pursuing. Originally, I was accepted to the College Program as a Merchandise cast member. However, i just accepted an offer for a Professional Internship. I will be a Sales Intern for the Disney Institute.

A friend of mine, who is currently doing a Professional Internship, received an e-mail about the position. I was interested in the role so she forwarded my resume. After about a week of e-mails and phone calls, I was offered the role. Although it means I am no longer doing the college program, I am SO excited for this role.

In a way, it is mixed feelings. I had a roommate, I was going to be working in the parks (most likely - unless I was at a resort or Downtown Disney), and it was an experience I had prepared for for months. I'm sure it involved more guest interaction and I would have gained more knowledge about the parks and history. I wish I could still have that experience, but I am so excited I have accepted this internship. It will be a more professional role, I'll gain more skills and knowledge, and it could potentially lead to a job. Either way, I am ecstatic and looking forward to it!

3 week countdown!

It has been almost 6 months since this whole process began. I'm finally reaching the 3 week countdown until I leave for Orlando! My sister and I are heading down on August 15th and staying at Pop Century. We've never stayed at this resort and got an amazing deal so I'm pretty excited about it. We requested a 90s room so if we get it, that will be even better! We are flying down on the 15th but don't check in until the 18th. It'll be fun to just relax before the craziness begins. We already know some people down in Orlando so hopefully it will be a chance for us to get to see them before the program starts.

I am also waiting on some important phone calls this week which will hopefully bring some good news! I don't want to say too much in case it doesn't turn out how I'm hoping, but I'll just say that I might have a different role when I arrive than what I am intending on doing...

Keep your fingers crossed for me?

4 Parks, 1 Day!

Although I've been to Disney several times, I've never gotten a chance to go to all 4 parks in one day. It's pretty crazy, plus there's no way to do everything. However, I know some people who have been able to go to all 4 parks in the same day and still get plenty done. I've never been to more than 2 - maybe 3 - parks in a day. I think just for the fun of it, I want to plan a day where I can get to all 4 parks and do plenty of things in each of them!

50 days

Last night I bought my plane ticket and today marks the 50 day countdown until I move to Orlando! It's getting closer and finally feeling so real.

I bought a one-way ticket to Orlando. At this point, I have no idea when I will be coming back home. It is so exciting! I also have begun to realize how many people I will know down there. Of course I can't wait to make lots of new friends, but it's comforting and reassuring to know that I'll already have friends in Orlando. I have friends at UCF, friends currently doing CPs/PIs, my sister is going down with me, friends of friends who live in FL, as well as everyone I have talked to and have yet to meet.

There is so much I am looking forward to and I already know I am going to love it! I try not to set my expectations high so that everything exceeds my expectations, but this is an adventure that I know is going to be amazing.

Disney Dining

One of my favorite things about Disney is Disney Dining! There are so many different types of restaurants, each which feature different environments and different menus. While I have had the pleasure of Dining at many of these restaurants, there are still many more I need to visit. As of right now, my favorite is Ohana, at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Although I've only been once, it easily is on the top of my favorite Disney dining list.

Two restaurants, among many others, that I want to eat at while on my CP are ...

Cinderella's Royal Table - How amazing is it that guests are able to dine in Cinderella's castle? Of course my ultimate dream would be to stay in the suite in the castle, but since this is as close as I'll get, I want to try it!

Coral Reef Restaurant - Although I'm not the biggest seafood fan, this seems like one of the coolest places to eat. Plus, it's not all seafood so there are other options. The environment is so cool and it reminds me of the Disney episode of Full House. Rumor has it that Mickey can occassionally be found scuba diving by the restaurant

Kusafiri Bakery - Located at the Animal Kingdom, this bakery has a few new desserts, including cupcakes! My weakness is cupcakes so I really want to try the two newest ones! "The zebra cupcake (yellow cake with buttercream icing and swirls of white and chocolate shavings) and the elephant cupcake (chocolate with German chocolate filling, buttercream frosting and a white chocolate elepant on top)." (http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/05/a-little-vacation-indulgence/)

Campfire Sing-A-Long with Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness - Just edited the post to add this one! I've heard about this but don't know anybody who has been but basically it's making S'mores with Chip and Dale and having a sing a long. How cute??? It must be so much fun!! I want to go!

What are your favorite places to eat at Disney?

Be in a Parade

Disney has some of the most creative and magical parades, and they are always such a pleasure to watch. (Except for that time I got pooped on by a bird while I was trying to enjoy a parade...but other than that!) So many times I have seen guests in the parades, and I always wonder how they get to be in them. So, another thing that I hope to do while I'm on my DCP is to be in a parade!

Disney Proposals

I'm such a sucker for wedding proposals. I've seen some of the sweetest and most creative ones, and I'm pretty sure I've cried every time. Although it's not really something I can plan on witnessing, I would LOVE to witness a proposal at Disney!

Is there anything more magical than a Disney proposal or Disney wedding? Any girl's fantasy and dream come true, that's for sure!

Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon

I've been to Disney more times than I can count, but still have yet to go to either of the water parks! Some trips, we didn't have enough time, and others, the weather just wasn't water park weather. I've always wanted to go to both!

This time, now that I'll be living in Disney, I want to go to both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Some of my friends chose Blizz as their favorite and other chose Typhoon. I guess the only way to pick my favorite is to visit both!

Which one is your favorite???

Give Kids The World

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm gonna use my blog to post some of the things I want to do most during my time at Disney. One thing at the top of my list is volunteering with Give Kids The World. The purpose of Give Kids The World is to "provide memorable, magical, cost-free experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families."

One of my friends has volunteered with GKTW before and it is truly something I want to be able to volunteer with when I am down there. Disney is a huge part of my life and I have been fortunate enough to have taken many trips down there and now be living and working there. For these children, a trip to Disney is not only just a wish, but possibly one of the last times they will be able to form memorable and enjoyable trips with their families. It is essentially Make A Wish at Disney. I know there are opportunities specifically for CPs to participate and I am hoping to be a part of the Magic!

What am I gonna do now? I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

I officially graduated college this past Sunday. It's so crazy that this chapter of my life has officially been closed and the next has begun. Although I still have to get through summer, the next big step in my life is the DCP. Of course everybody hopes to get a full time real job when they graduate from college, I am so enthusiastic about being part of this experience. I think participating in the program now is a perfect time and I couldn't be happier that when people ask me what I am going to do now, I can tell them "I'm going to Disney World!!!"

endings & beginnings

I haven't updated this in a while - my apologies! I have been incredibly busy these past few weeks with school work, but now that the sleepless nights have ended I can officially say I'm done with college! I don't graduate until May 16th, but I'm essentially done. It's so crazy to think that I have completed this phase in my life, but I can't wait for what is to come.

It seems as if all the acceptances/rejections have been received. I have gotten to know quite a few people and everyone seems so great & so passionate about working for Disney. Although I am sad that there are a few people I have talked to that were rejected, I am looking forward to enjoying this experience with all of those who have been accepted.

It's not quite complete - I'm sure I'll continue to think of things - but I have begun to make a list of things I have never done and HAVE to do during my time at Disney. The list (or what I have of it so far) will be posted soon - so look out for that!

What is on everyone's list of things they HAVE to do during their time at Disney??

formspring!

ask me anything! about the CP, general questions, anything. get to know me!

www.formspring.me/mich531

making magic

There are so many things I love about Disney World and could praise the company for, but one thing that makes it have a special place in my heart is the concept of making magic. The idea that everyone deserves to smile and feel special and that the power to make that happen is in anyone's hands. Everyone and anyone can perform random acts of kindness, but it is the Cast Members who truly make the Disney experience magical for the guests and for each other.

I have met and interacted with so many cast members and there have been plenty who have gone above and beyond their responsibilities. They love what they do and make sure everyone around them is enjoying themselves just as much. On my most recent trip to Disney, there were a few cast members who made me proud to know I'll be a part of the Disney family and excited to spread the magic.

My sister worked in Merchandise and one of the things she always mentions she loved about the role was the amount of guest interaction. It is my hope that I'll become one of those cast members that makes the experience memorable for each guest I interact with.

5 months

Exactly 5 months until I move down to Disney! Last week I spent my Spring Break in Florida, a few days visiting my best friend at UCF, a few days at Disney, and a few days in Daytona. I always loved the state, but the trip made me even more excited to move down there and explore it more.

The days we spent at the parks, at the resorts, and Downtown Disney, everytime I saw someone in merchandising, I would think "that could be me!" There are so many possibilities and I absolutely can't wait to find out where I'll be.

I've also begun thinking about where I want to live. Vista, Chatham, or Patterson. I think I could easily be happy in any of the apartments, but since I do get a choice, I want to consider my options. I heard that Vista is the party complex, Patterson is also becoming a party complex, and Chatham is the quiet one. I also know that Vista is the oldest/cheapest, so Chatham and Patterson are nicer, with Patterson being nicest and most expensive - but the rooms are a little smaller and without a bus stop.

Chatham is the only one I have actually seen, because my sister and friends lived there on their program. Everyone I know who has lived there has loved it. I like to party - but only occassionally, not excessively. I'm 21 so I'd be going out, too, rather than always partying in the apartments. Especially since I'm sure I'll be tired from work, I might want to escape the party scene and have my quiet time at home. I'm leaning towards Chatham but would love other feedback.

Where is everyone thinking of living? What made you decide?

too excited to sleep!

This will be me tonight. :)

Home

My sister and I always refer to Disney as "home". In a way, it kind of was always like our second home. We've been to Disney World more times than I can count, and our love for Disney gives everything Disney a sort of comfort...kinda like home.

I am so excited to be going down to Florida on Friday and go to the parks next week! Now that I been accepted, there is an added element to the trip - of knowing this is where I'll be working, living, and playing come August.

After my interview, my recruiter had told me I would hear 4-6 weeks later. Of course, that's what a lot of them say, and most of the time the wait is shorter. If the 4-6 weeks had held true, I could essentially still be waiting for a response. I think going to Disney over Spring Break either still waiting, or worse, being denied, would be a completely different experience. It would make the wait even worse.

I have talked to quite a few of the other CPs - Facebook, Meebo, Blogspot - and it has been so great hearing how excited everyone is. I know there's still a lot of people waiting (hang in there!), but I have enjoyed talking to everyone so far and would love to get to know more of you! Congrats to everyone who has recently been accepted!

I can't wait to go home!

Purple Folder!

I got my purple folder in the mail today!!! Just accepted and I'll be arriving AUGUST 18TH!

ACCEPTED!

Today, I got the e-mail that I have been accepted for a Merchandising role for Fall 2010!!!

It has been 15 days since my interview, and although I didn't expect to hear so soon, I had kept checking my mail and thinking about that purple folder.

I had applied for Merchandising, Attractions, Main Entrance Operations, and Photopass, although I wasn't as interested in Photopass. I was equally interested in the other three roles.

I am so excited that the wait is over and I have a plan for after graduation!

Now I need to figure out arrival date, where I want to live, etc...

Congrats to everyone else who got in and good luck to those who are still interviewing or waiting to hear back! Also, if you didn't receive a thank you e-mail, I didn't and I was accepted so don't fret over that!

The Interview

I had my interview last Wednesday, and I think it went pretty well. I'm sure most of you have already had your interviews, and I hope they all went well. If you haven't had it yet, I hope this post puts some nerves to rest and helps you prepare.

I waited anxiously on my phone for Nancy to call. I had my application at my side, and practice questions/answers on my computer screen. I didn't think I'd be nervous, but as the conversation started, there were times when I would catch my voice beginning to shake. I knew I was prepared and excited, but knowing this would make it or break it must have made me nervous. However, as the interview proceeded it became more of a conversation and I was more relaxed and comfortable.

It was almost a week ago so I don't remember all the details, but I will try to list some of the questions (although they might be out of order). I applied for Attractions, Merchandise, Main Entrance Operations, and Photopass, so this might be helpful for others applying for those roles.

Here are some of the questions (in no particular order):
Why do you want to work for Disney?
Have you ever lived with roommates?
What would you do if a roommate was messy?
What were some of my responsibilities at previous jobs?
What was a challenge you had to face at a previous job?
What kind of pace do you like?
Do you like working by yourself or other people?
Would you do quick food service?
Have you ever dealt with cash handling? (I think this was a merchandise related question)
Have you ever given a presentation in front of an audience? (I think this was an attractions question)
What's the longest presentation you've given? (again, attractions I think)
For main entrance operations, what would you do to make guests feel special?
For photopass, what is your experience with photography? What is your favorite picture you've taken?

I think that covers most of it! Nancy was really nice and I really hope it went as well as I think it did. Good luck and pixie dust to those who still have interviews coming up! I recommend practicing your answers, but don't read off a paper if you have them written down. Be sure to smile, you can tell on the phone!

I've heard that people have already been accepted to the program! Congrats to those people! It sounds like they all interviewed on or before January 27th. Also, for those who posted their arrival dates, it looks like most of them are applying for Fall Advantage so that could be why they are hearing first.

It hasn't even been a week and I'm so anxious!

Allow me to introduce myself

In my last post I gave you my story, but I didn’t really get a chance to introduce myself, so I’d like to take the opportunity to do that now. My name is Michelle, I’m 21 years old, and I’m from Massachusetts. I am a senior at Quinnipiac University – a small school in Connecticut – and I am a Communications – Media Studies major and a Marketing minor. My birthday is December 16th, 1988. I have a twin sister and an older sister.

Disney is a huge part of my life – I’m a Disney kid, what can I say? I’ve been to Disney World more times than I can count, Disneyland a few times, and on 2 Disney cruises. My favorite park is Magic Kingdom, my favorite characters are Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse!

I love music. It is a dream of mine to have a career in the music industry – either in radio or at a record label. I co-host a 2 hour radio show at my school. Last summer I was a publicity intern at Universal Motown Records, which was a great experience. I am always going to concerts. My favorite artists include John Mayer, Taylor Swift, and Matt Nathanson, but I like many types of music.

I love to travel. I have been to most of the states in the US. I have also traveled to London and Israel. Last spring I studied abroad in Australia, which is a beautiful country. I would love to go to Greece, Italy, and Africa. New York City is my favorite city.

I love Starbucks, romantic comedies, and animals.
I tend to have an optimistic outlook on life.

That’s me in a nutshell. If there’s anything you want to know, just ask! :)

I know I was going to post about the interview in this post but I wanted to make my introduction. Interview post will be up shortly!

ALSO, if you have a blog, please post your blog link in the comments. I can see my follower’s profiles, but not blogs, so I can’t get to the blog to follow it. (Or maybe I just haven’t completely figured this out yet!) Thanks!

If you can dream it, you can do it.

"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney

This has always been one of my favorite quotes. It also happens to be by one of the most inspirational people in my life.

I've always been a dreamer, with an optimistic outlook on life. Always chasing my dreams and knowing what it takes to work hard and achieve them. Walt Disney has been able to achieve so many of his dreams, continuing to inspire millions of people, as his memory lives on through each aspect of the Disney company.

I'm a Disney kid. I grew up spending vacations going to Disney World, watching Disney movies with my family, and I still get excited by all things Disney.

The Disney College Program is a unique opportunity that many of my friends have taken part in. It was something I highly considered for many years, but studying abroad was an option that my heart always kept open as well. It was a tough decision choosing where I would spend my Spring 2009 semester, but after much thought, I chose to study abroad.

Although it's possible I could have done both during my time in college, it would have made graduating on time difficult, and my school tends to be ...uptight... about what they accept. In addition, I already had an internship lined up at a major record label, and the music industry is another major passion in my life. I am required to complete 1 internship, and would not be able to recieve credit for both. I knew that the DCP would be available after I graduated and studying abroad would be my chance to live in a new environment, away from everything I knew, and be able to explore the world, and learn about myself. I would also have the painful but exhilirating new experience of living away from my twin sister. I chose to study abroad in Australia, and I have no regrets about doing so.

Now I am taking my opportunity to participate in the Disney College Program and I couldn't be more excited. Although there were times I wished I was there last year, I know that I am getting a chance now. I have applied to the Disney College Program.

Feel free to continue to read my blog and follow my dream with me.

Have faith in your dreams...

Peace, Love, and Pixie Dust,
Michelle