Sounds like your experience this time was more in line with a "real world" job. The 'joy' of retail customers, the many days without many hours, the hassle of transportation vs work schedule and not knowing your schedule too far in advance. All very, very easy to relate to from my own, non-Disney, retail work. I feel like congratulating you on surviving this milestone! XD
I think it depends what you do in retail. I have been doing retail for a long time, and I enjoyed doing more of the behind the scenes things where you aren't interacting with guests so much, as apposed to something like guest services kind of thing.
You have opened my eyes to so many issues that WDW cast members go through. (Including working in stifling heat.) It makes me want to hug every cast member and thank them for putting up with the insane vacationers like myself. Sending you hugs and thank you for the Disney Magic.
I can totally relate with the dread of going up to random strangers and talking to them. I am not looking forward to being approached on our next trip in February either. Ugh. I mean it's different from public speaking or talking if you have a purpose...I'm fine with that. It's going up just to chit chat. Yes, it's friendly but I'm cringing anyway.
It is a good skill to learn, however, depending on the profession you go into. If I remember correctly, Olivia is going into psychology. I am guessing she will be able to pull from this experience as she develops her skills. I am also an introvert, but have to talk people up in my profession.
I just watched your phone interview video, and i'm so proud of you for finishing the program! the way you explained what you wanted in the interview i think 100% helped your experience this year!!
I love watching your videos! I've been in customer service for a long time and angry guests can take a toll on you but after a while you learn how to handle it. Keep up with the videos !
i totally relate! my second time working for the company wasn’t as fun as the first but still thankful for the experience. currently binging all your videos 😅
Exactly! Still thankful but... coulda been better.... lol Thanks so much for watching my videos!!! I remember we were in Entertainment at the same time during 2016 but i don't think we ever worked together! Hope your'e doing well! ^.^
Omg on my cp in 2013 I specifically requested dak because most days it closed around 6pm which was bombbbbbbb. Back in the day, dak was the chill place to work and almost everyone I knew in qsfb had requested it as well. If I had to pick the calmest work location now, I’d prob say the resorts or water parks or Epcot when there’s not a festival hahaha
I completely relate to this. I had the same role as you in my first program and adored it. Second time round I got another role in entertainment. It was still fun but so much more demanding and less rewarding. But just like you my second time round I had a far better social life as I wasn't working 6-7 days a week and OT. Good luck with your new channel :)
I have an older cousin and uncle that have worked at Disney and universal respectively. They were both characters, and it was really cool when I was little to see them in costume and see pictures now and be able to say that's my family. It's not my cup of tea, but I still loved that they did that. (Mostly because it means I have a lot of Disney memories from when I was little) Edit: they aren't currently working at Disney, but used to a while ago
Im very young but i really want to do the dcp because of you i just went to disney and i saw soooo many dcps i wanted to say hi and ask them about them but they said it was their first day BUT it made me so happy bc i was a little sad but thank you so much for inspiring me ❤❤❤❤
I love watching your videos! I start my CP in January (SA, QSFB), so it's nice watching your videos and getting some realistic commentary on what it may be like for me. [Of course I'm also not basing everything solely on you, I'm watching other people's vlogs]
Sorry you didn’t enjoy your second program. I did two programs as well, but I ended up liking my second one more than my first. It was harder and more stressful, but looking back at it I wouldn’t change it for anything. I would love to work for Disney again, but I don’t really have any desire to work in the parks ever again. The guests can be quite terrible sometimes and I felt Cast Members never really had any support from leadership (at least in my areas). It’s hard cause I loved it a lot but there’s also a lot of things that left a bad taste in my mouth.
Guest interaction does seems like something I'd never do, wouldn't even know how to start talking to strangers. Sorry you had a bad experience with that
One of my friends had a similar experience! She was a character performer in her first dcp and a character handler her second time around. She went part time for awhile but ultimately was so happy when she quit!
I feel like it's really easy to get burnt out - especially when you're in a park operations role! Good to know that others have experienced the same thing. thanks so much for watching!
I always love to watch your videos! I'm from Guatemala and I really want to do the CP, but in my case it would be the International College Program, I hope I can get to do that! You're videos have helped me to understand many aspects of the program💜 Thanks for doing them💜💜
I'm glad you picked up a shift at World of Disney too, because that's when I ran into you haha! You're so sweet, and thanks for your entertainment advice that day! :) Sorry your experience this time wasn't as awesome:(
I loved this video! Thanks so much for being honest. I’ve been thinking on and off for a couple of years about applying for the cultural rep programme at Epcot because it looks incredible but I’ve had so many retail/hospitality jobs before and hated every single one of them (not a people person like you). I wondered if it was worth doing just to have all that time in Disney but have always been scared I’d ruin Disney for myself...Now that I’ve watched your video I definitely think I’m better off sticking to enjoying Disney as a guest!!
Thanks for this video! I just got accepted a day ago after my fourth time applying but I’m most likely declining my offer today because unfortunately the timing isn’t the best as I’m applying for grad school. 😐 It really sucks having to turn it down but the role I received doesn’t align with my major so it’s just best for me to focus on school right now so I understand where you’re coming from.
Aw man, that's too bad! :/ Disney will always be there, and honestly I feel like a professional internship would be way better that working in the parks anyway! (if that's something your'e interested in!) Good luck with your grad apps :)
Girl I totally feel this. I’m on my Program right now and I’m not a fan of my job at allllll. I’m at DAK in QSFB and feel the same about the shifts. They take up your whole day and they’re long and exhausting and just not at all what I expected. If it wasn’t for the friendships I’ve made I’d probably consider self terming
You may not remember me Olivia, but I came up to at the bus stop at Commons once wearing a red Gilmore Girls T-shirt. I have to say that I am not enjoying my program. I have been transferred to Quick Service and I don’t really like it as much as my old job. Do you have any advice for me? My program ends January and I rather not self term. Thanks
I do remember you!!! aw I'm so sorry to hear that! :( You should still have your proficiency for your last role, so maybe try to pick up shifts there to make it more tolerable? With Quick service you can trade around like merch, so try trading for new locations!! Switching up my schedule helped me SO SO much!!
lifeenthusiast aww! Thank you for asking. It’s going better now. I am enjoying it a little more now. I would like to thank Olivia for the brilliant advice because it has worked. Thanks a million.
Sorry to hear that you had such a rough time with your CM job. From your other videos this summer, it seemed like you were having a great summer experience this time. I've been thinking about moving to work at Disney in a few years, and would love to work at one of the resorts. Do you know any resort CMs that have videos or blogs about their experiences?
I did my interview a week ago and im waiting to see if i get in, im sooooo nervous (ps i do the international program since in Australian so casting is diffrent)
I totally agree with you with NLC, it was def not my thing either, honestly I think costuming would be a fine role because you dont have to worry about guest interaction at all lol! I really liked working a the carts when I picked up in dinoland though!
I was in merch at a resort and then quick service in MK for my program in 2016/17. There was A LOT more guest interaction in quick service than merch for me, so it was kind of funny to hear you say that you wanted to move to F&B for less guest interaction 😂It seems to all really depend on what location you get! It was interesting to hear your experiences on the different roles, I also loved the vlogs! :)
That's so interesting to hear! I bet it really does have to do with location . Were you busy as merch at a resort? At Blizzard Beach or something I could see how QSFB has much more interaction than Merch, but in the regular parks... idk! Maybe it's a good thing I didn't switch to Quick service!
Sometimes! I worked at All-Star, so it was busy before people went to the parks and at the end of the night. A lot of the time it was pretty slow and interactions would be based around pin trading or you'd play games with the kids and make magical moments. People were pretty chill at the resort compared to working in the parks for merch I feel! (Except if their parcel wasn't to be available to be picked up). For F&B I worked Counter at Cosmics at MK where you just had people in your face most of the time. You had to get good at talking to people as they were waiting for their food, there was a lot of unhappy people, we had to sing birthday songs to people. And there was one position where you had to go around the dining room talking to people and making magic which did not gel with my introverted nature! But I had a lot of amazing conversations while I worked there too and the CP's that I worked with were amazing.
I’m definitely thinking of doing a second program but I’m happy to see your video about yours. It definitely taught me I don’t want to do summer alumni since the only roles I really would want to return to are entertainment or back to the Boutique in the castle or even try out Pirates League. I fully get what you mean about guests. On the most part I was lucky to have children excited to see me and have me transform them into a princess but I definitely had some “magical” families who did their best to ruin my day. I don’t think I’d handle merchandise well with having those families treating me that way all day =/ I seriously wish there were more guests who treated cast members with kindness and not like lower class citizens or Disney robots :(
Yeah, don't do summer alumni if you want one of those roles! It's crazy because Fall Advantage had the same check-in day, but they had all the options for roles! And aw man I bet :/ My roommate worked in BBB last time and really enjoyed it but she had some stories too. And yeah, that's why I really like annual passholders! Well.. Annual passholders who actually do come ALL the time - I feel like they treat us like humans and actually want to converse and aren't freaking out about their next fastpass
I went through the DCP in Fall 2015. It was an amazing, fun experience. The people were great, the parties were great and the experience was simply awesome. Keep in mind, however..this should be viewed as a social experience, not a traditional internship that leads to employment. I went through in my sophomore year, while I was getting an engineering degree, with the hopes of being a design or systems engineer at one of the parks. After the program I went back, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My senior year I took a (paid) traditional internship at Lockheed Martin for 10 months and was hired on graduation. I am currently a Systems Engineer based in Sunnyvale, California. As I said, the DCP is a fun, interesting, awesome program that I will always remember...but you must ask yourself..Is this the best use of my time? Would an internship that leads to employment be a better use of my efforts? Food for thought, anyway.
That's a really good point! When people ask me what I got out of the DCP, I tell them new experiences, friends, and a mental break from school. While professional internships at Disney can lead to something more, the DCP is definitely more of a "let's get you some work experience to put on your resume" even if it doesn't relate to your field. Side note - sunnyvale! That's where my mom, sister and I stayed when we went to a concert at Levi's stadium haha
So I'm a sophomore in high school and i've been watching your channel. I think that the DCP is an amazing opportunity and would be an awesome experience! I've been reading about it, but I have a question for you. Did you move your job around like one day you had to work as a character, another day you worked in merchandise, etc. Or did you strictly stick to one job? thank you! you are so cute btw! :)
You pretty much have one job! There are opportunities to cross role into another role if you extend your program, but typically you stick with one position the entire time!
Is the amount of work worth the pay they give you? I heard that when your done with the college program that you hardly have any money left. This would be due to the rent and food that you have to buy each week.
It really depends on your situation! I had the highest rent, and very few hours so like I said, I had to look at it as an exchange rather than a summer of saving money. It's also because it took me about 6 weeks to get settled, so if I had stayed longer I would've been able to save more instead of spending all my money on one time necessary purchases. Last program though, I worked a ton, had overtime, and the cheapest rent, not to mention I was there for 20 weeks, and I actually saved $1,000 outside of what it took to live, what I spent on merch, universal, my plane ticket, etc. I would also say "is it worth it" depends on your role! I hated my role so no, it wasn't really worth it - I could've been at home at Walgreens doing the same job but without rent, food costs, etc. HOWEVER, I think doing the college program the first time is "worth it" if it's been your dream! My friends in attractions LOVE their job and my friends in other roles are using this as a stepping stone to move up in the company, so a year or so getting experience is "worth it" to them. Sorry, there's really no straight answer on this!!
I just got accepted for quick service food and beverage for spring and i'm honestly not sure if I should go. It's not related to my major (elementary education) and its a long time, but i can also see the appeal of going. i'm very introverted and i worry that I would get there and not get along with my roommates or find any friends, but somewhere in my heart i just keep thinking i have to go because it sounds like an amazing opportunity. what advice can you give for someone stuck in the middle and not sure how to make a decision?
i'm in a similar position (studying elementary ed), and some roles are definitely better suited to us than others, but for any of them you can say you have the ability to make connections with people from all over the word, including across language barriers (which would be important if you ever get a kid in your class/parents that don't speak English). And it teaches you patience, resilience, flexibility and multi-tasking which are all great skills to have as a teacher!
If it's your first program and it's your dream to work for Disney, I say go for it. I was worried about not making friends either, but literally everyone you meet LOVES Disney - that means you already have so much in common with them! Not everyone gets along with their roommates, but between coworkers and neighbors and people from the facebook group, I wouldn't worry too much about people. If you're not quite sure, you can always wait and do it after you graduate so you don't give up school time! I would also say, mentally make a decision (but don't tell disney yet) and sit on it for a day or two and see how you feel. Maybe it's just a disney world vacation you want, not necessarily going and working there. You can also decline the offer and apply again for another role if you still want to do it! It's so hard to give advice on the subject because everyone is different. It also depends on what your worries are about going. If your only worry is the friend thing - I wouldn't worry. If you're worried about getting behind in school, then that's a bigger decision to consider. I personally needed a break from school, so I was going. All of my neighbors had just graduated so it worked best for them to wait until after they were done. Jordan and Sarah took classes during our first program so it wouldn't put them behind. Sorry for the long answer that really doesn't say anything, but it's such a hard question to give advice on!
I've heard of people switching for medical reasons, but i'm not for sure if you can switch. I feel like if they had an opening and you were desperate, they would let you!
How hard is it to transfer from a CP to a PI? I've been looking into internships for Merchandise Marketing and would love to know how to take the first step. Thanks!
It honestly depends on Disney's needs! Some people get PI's right after their CP and some don't... Network with your leaders whenever possible because you never know who they might know in different departments! Other than that you don't really know how many people they're hiring or what they're looking for :/
My second program wasn’t awesome either. I was a character attendant both times, but the second time around was SO MUCH HARDER with very different leadership and not being able to give away! I was statused at DAK in 2014 and LOVED IT, then was stuck at DHS the entire time in spring 2017. I was miserable and just overall disappointed. 😫😫😫 I TOTALLY understand how you were feeling and it’s taken me a long time to not feel guilty for feeling that way. Also, COMMONS 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
You put it into words!! I agree 100% Especially the part about feeling guilty... It's hard when you know that SO MANY people wish they had been accepted for the program and your there just... hating it... lol Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Sorry you didn't have as good a time this time around as you did the first, but I was still able to live vicariously through you through your videos and instagram page. *insert big grin here*
I know you said you don't plan on working for Disney again, but because you self-termed can you get rehired? I'm curious because I self-termed in my first CP for similar reasons (school, work, etc.) and am now thinking about applying on more of a corporate level. But obviously I don't want to apply if self-terming is an automatic no hire. Thanks! :)
They told me that I couldn't apply for 6 months, but then after that I was fine! If they put you on restricted rehire, they'll probably just ask you why you self-termed and I feel like school/work is a very good reason lol Good luck with your application!!
I just found this video as I'm debating doing a 2nd program... I self termed my first program (spring) and I kind of want to reapply for merchandise (I was character attendant before) but hmmm I really don't know what to do after watching this!! working for disney won't help my career path at all BUT I really want to experience halloween + holidays at wdw!
Hi Jennifer, I think your experience the 2nd time will depend on your personality type and location! I am not customer service oriented AT ALL and I also hate dinos and carnivals, so being places to work outside at a dino themed carnival in a guest service role was my worst nightmare (granted, I didn't know I wasn't customer service oriented until I took the job). Honestly, I'd say save up for a vacation and go experience wdw during those times! If you schedule it right, you'll be able to catch mk at both Halloween and Christmas in the same week.. there's no harm in applying and seeing how far you get in the process because you can always turn it down if you get accepted! That way you won't be kicking yourself wishing you went for it again and applied. Other people love merchandise, I just didn't! Hope that helped a little bit 💕
Love your videos♡ Btw do you know sign language?? I don't know if it's just from working at Disney or not, but your demeanor looks like you know or can interpret sign language.
ok thanks for letting me know that is interesting your blog is actully what helped me get more interested in it to :) I loved Disney since last year after and before my high school senior trip there. @@olivia_simone
Nah. If I had gone to Disneyland my roommates would not have been there (which was why i did the program again). I also hate southern california so living there just sounds like a nightmare to me
I never wanted to go back for a second round of being a CP because I loved my first experience so so so much. I’m afraid if I go back, I won’t have the same love for my roommates or wonderful bond with my coworkers. However, I miss it so much and I absolutely love Disney! I think the smart thing will be to just visit, but not work there again. I loved working there, but I remember how brutally rude guests can be when a ride is down.
Watching your reactions on the second time aroundis really sad but I'm a realist and this is what we working with the public is like. People are pretty horrible especially in large amount, there tend to be this groupthink mentality. There's a shelf life on each person on how long you can work with the public 😉
I HATE dinosaurs lol and I like Disneyland! Very small though - once I'm there for 3 days I'm good for a few years. We used to go on Thanksgiving too back in the day, but when we went in 2014 it was SOOOO busy! We decided to skip Disney during holidays from now on to avoid crowds
@@olivia_simone I'm so glad you're happy with what you are doing currently but dude I swear you just light up when you talk about Disney and the experiences you've had. Totally adorable and dude one day I hope you become a princess cast member. That'd be so cool 😢 thanks for sharing your experiences, it's always fun to see what you have to say 😊 best of look to you Olivia!!! Xoxoxo
Thank you for making the report. I am a manager, and it is nearly impossible to terminate someone unless co-workers put issues in writing. We don’t want people like that working at Disney!!!
I think they took away the ability to give away shift because I heard one season cps gave their shifts away so much they couldn't afford rent. But then again I think that was just a rumor someone started to make cps look bad. sorry you didn't like your second program as much in the work aspect.
I heard there was a group of international CPs who gave away all their shifts, had their parents send them money to pay rent, then trashed the apartments and just left without terming or anything - just decided they were done and left. Don't know if it's true or not though!
hmmmm that's a good question! For me, I knew that I for sure didn't want to work for the company again and I had more important things to do. They didn't end my program early enough for me to fly back to California and then drive to PA for graduate school (which was a much higher priority for me than staying and completing the program). I think we tend to romanticize our first program and then while second programs can be so much better in different ways, it can also help clarify whether or not working for Disney is a fun, one time experience or a career we wish to pursue further.
Second comment but a lot of my friends went back for second programs and didn’t enjoy it as much. One of my roommates was there for her second program and absolutely hated it because all of her friends had left and in the few months since she’d been there everything at her work location had changed (she picked same role/same location). I think the odds of enjoying your second program are better if you go into a different role if possible. I lot of people who went part time that I know of got tired of it and left after a year but there’s a ton of cms on Instagram who seem to love it. I think it depends a lot on personality and overall career goals
I've been deciding whether I want to try the DCP for next summer, but I feel like there's a 50% chance that I will absolutely hate it and regret being across the country from my family. Ahhhh I don't know what to do!
Ugh I know it's such a hard decision! i was honestly debating from my acceptance all the way until the weekend before if I actually wanted to go! :/ Wish I could offer some advice but I was literally in the same boat and... I think I chose wrong... but I made fantastic friends so it wasn't the wrong decision, but I HATED it this time around and really disliked Disney as a company by the end so....
Honestly, being in the program as watercraft I love the job but I hate the program. Im sick of closing every night, I hate living on property, and I hate that im basically slave labor but I definitely want to stay with the company. Working on the friendship boats is the best job in the entire world!
Omg yes guests can be rude! I'm always outside at Mk no less; guest interactions constantly! It's rough! Sorry second time want as good. I've heard a lot of people say that.
Your creepy person sounds like someone I know, that got termed..not too long ago...he was a bit too physical with cast on and off stage!??? Wonder if it's same person !??
Introverts unite! We're here, we're uncomfortable, and we want to go home.
YES!
Well now things are different...
Lol this girl is not introverted
Sounds like your experience this time was more in line with a "real world" job. The 'joy' of retail customers, the many days without many hours, the hassle of transportation vs work schedule and not knowing your schedule too far in advance. All very, very easy to relate to from my own, non-Disney, retail work. I feel like congratulating you on surviving this milestone! XD
Never again XD
Retail is the worst, people are so mean and rude. People kill your soul. Happy you made it through.
People are the worst lol XD I'm glad it made it too!
I think it depends what you do in retail. I have been doing retail for a long time, and I enjoyed doing more of the behind the scenes things where you aren't interacting with guests so much, as apposed to something like guest services kind of thing.
You have opened my eyes to so many issues that WDW cast members go through. (Including working in stifling heat.) It makes me want to hug every cast member and thank them for putting up with the insane vacationers like myself. Sending you hugs and thank you for the Disney Magic.
I can totally relate with the dread of going up to random strangers and talking to them. I am not looking forward to being approached on our next trip in February either. Ugh. I mean it's different from public speaking or talking if you have a purpose...I'm fine with that. It's going up just to chit chat. Yes, it's friendly but I'm cringing anyway.
YES!!! I felt so bad because guests would be actively trying to not make eye contact but I had to go up to them anyway :/
It is a good skill to learn, however, depending on the profession you go into. If I remember correctly, Olivia is going into psychology. I am guessing she will be able to pull from this experience as she develops her skills. I am also an introvert, but have to talk people up in my profession.
I just watched your phone interview video, and i'm so proud of you for finishing the program! the way you explained what you wanted in the interview i think 100% helped your experience this year!!
This was so helpful. I’m declining my second CP offer, and hearing your honest perspective on yours just made that decision so much easier.
I love watching your videos! I've been in customer service for a long time and angry guests can take a toll on you but after a while you learn how to handle it. Keep up with the videos !
i totally relate! my second time working for the company wasn’t as fun as the first but still thankful for the experience. currently binging all your videos 😅
Exactly! Still thankful but... coulda been better.... lol Thanks so much for watching my videos!!! I remember we were in Entertainment at the same time during 2016 but i don't think we ever worked together! Hope your'e doing well! ^.^
same here!!! you too girl 💖
Omg on my cp in 2013 I specifically requested dak because most days it closed around 6pm which was bombbbbbbb. Back in the day, dak was the chill place to work and almost everyone I knew in qsfb had requested it as well. If I had to pick the calmest work location now, I’d prob say the resorts or water parks or Epcot when there’s not a festival hahaha
Yess! That's how it was in 2016 too! It was literally the best place to work! Now I would definitely request a waterpark lol
I completely relate to this. I had the same role as you in my first program and adored it. Second time round I got another role in entertainment. It was still fun but so much more demanding and less rewarding. But just like you my second time round I had a far better social life as I wasn't working 6-7 days a week and OT. Good luck with your new channel :)
I have an older cousin and uncle that have worked at Disney and universal respectively. They were both characters, and it was really cool when I was little to see them in costume and see pictures now and be able to say that's my family. It's not my cup of tea, but I still loved that they did that. (Mostly because it means I have a lot of Disney memories from when I was little) Edit: they aren't currently working at Disney, but used to a while ago
Thanks for sharing all your thoughts with us, sound like a really cool experience! As a Disney Vlogging Mama I love hearing all the insider info haha
Thank you so much for watching!
Im very young but i really want to do the dcp because of you i just went to disney and i saw soooo many dcps i wanted to say hi and ask them about them but they said it was their first day BUT it made me so happy bc i was a little sad but thank you so much for inspiring me ❤❤❤❤
I love watching your videos! I start my CP in January (SA, QSFB), so it's nice watching your videos and getting some realistic commentary on what it may be like for me. [Of course I'm also not basing everything solely on you, I'm watching other people's vlogs]
Sorry you didn’t enjoy your second program. I did two programs as well, but I ended up liking my second one more than my first. It was harder and more stressful, but looking back at it I wouldn’t change it for anything. I would love to work for Disney again, but I don’t really have any desire to work in the parks ever again. The guests can be quite terrible sometimes and I felt Cast Members never really had any support from leadership (at least in my areas). It’s hard cause I loved it a lot but there’s also a lot of things that left a bad taste in my mouth.
So happy there was another Disney vlog and more to come with the story's :-). You are one of my favorite youtubers
Thank you so much!!
All that I got to say is that I am glad that I ran into your videos. They are just so fun and interesting.
thanks so much!
YESSS Story video!!!!! Cant wait!! :D
Woot woot! Only a few more days!
Thanks for sharing with us. Best wishes as you continue your education journey!
Thanks so much for watching!
Guest interaction does seems like something I'd never do, wouldn't even know how to start talking to strangers. Sorry you had a bad experience with that
What did the person that you reported do to you? Love your sit down talk videos:)
One of my friends had a similar experience! She was a character performer in her first dcp and a character handler her second time around. She went part time for awhile but ultimately was so happy when she quit!
I feel like it's really easy to get burnt out - especially when you're in a park operations role! Good to know that others have experienced the same thing. thanks so much for watching!
I love your shirt. That's totally my style!
Thanks! Got it from Target!
I always love to watch your videos! I'm from Guatemala and I really want to do the CP, but in my case it would be the International College Program, I hope I can get to do that!
You're videos have helped me to understand many aspects of the program💜 Thanks for doing them💜💜
Thank you so much for watching my videos!!!
I don’t know if I heard this right but did you say there will be story time videos about your experiences? If yes I’m pumped
There will be!!!! Not this week but the next week!!!!
I'm glad you picked up a shift at World of Disney too, because that's when I ran into you haha! You're so sweet, and thanks for your entertainment advice that day! :) Sorry your experience this time wasn't as awesome:(
Hi! We worked together I just found your channel this is so cute 😊 but literally preach girl 😂 giving away shifts was HELL
Love your videos so much xx
thank you thank you thank you!!
I loved this video! Thanks so much for being honest. I’ve been thinking on and off for a couple of years about applying for the cultural rep programme at Epcot because it looks incredible but I’ve had so many retail/hospitality jobs before and hated every single one of them (not a people person like you). I wondered if it was worth doing just to have all that time in Disney but have always been scared I’d ruin Disney for myself...Now that I’ve watched your video I definitely think I’m better off sticking to enjoying Disney as a guest!!
I'm so glad this video helped! Yeah honestly I would say stick with being a guest... that's what i'm doing from now on!! Thanks so much for watching:)
Yea there are some programs that are great the first time and the second not so much. At least your roommates were cool. Thanks Olivia 😊.
Yep, thank God for my roommates!
Olivia Simone Indeed. You’re welcome 😊.
Thanks for this video! I just got accepted a day ago after my fourth time applying but I’m most likely declining my offer today because unfortunately the timing isn’t the best as I’m applying for grad school. 😐 It really sucks having to turn it down but the role I received doesn’t align with my major so it’s just best for me to focus on school right now so I understand where you’re coming from.
Aw man, that's too bad! :/ Disney will always be there, and honestly I feel like a professional internship would be way better that working in the parks anyway! (if that's something your'e interested in!) Good luck with your grad apps :)
Olivia Simone definitely thinking about the professional internships! Thank you so much!
I could tell in your last video that you weren't happy about it haha. Good luck with wherever life takes you next :). Looking forward to stories
haha yeah it's hard to hide it. Thanks so much! thanks for watching :)
Girl I totally feel this. I’m on my Program right now and I’m not a fan of my job at allllll. I’m at DAK in QSFB and feel the same about the shifts. They take up your whole day and they’re long and exhausting and just not at all what I expected. If it wasn’t for the friendships I’ve made I’d probably consider self terming
You may not remember me Olivia, but I came up to at the bus stop at Commons once wearing a red Gilmore Girls T-shirt. I have to say that I am not enjoying my program. I have been transferred to Quick Service and I don’t really like it as much as my old job. Do you have any advice for me? My program ends January and I rather not self term. Thanks
I do remember you!!! aw I'm so sorry to hear that! :( You should still have your proficiency for your last role, so maybe try to pick up shifts there to make it more tolerable? With Quick service you can trade around like merch, so try trading for new locations!! Switching up my schedule helped me SO SO much!!
Olivia Simone thank you! Will try that! I hope everything is going well for you!
Update? Hope you're doing better!
lifeenthusiast aww! Thank you for asking. It’s going better now. I am enjoying it a little more now. I would like to thank Olivia for the brilliant advice because it has worked. Thanks a million.
I'd love an update on how it was, considering you said it ended in January and January just ended
Sorry to hear that you had such a rough time with your CM job. From your other videos this summer, it seemed like you were having a great summer experience this time. I've been thinking about moving to work at Disney in a few years, and would love to work at one of the resorts. Do you know any resort CMs that have videos or blogs about their experiences?
On Molly Buck's program she worked front desk at Art of Animation! That's the only hotel CZcams vlog I can think of though!
I did my interview a week ago and im waiting to see if i get in, im sooooo nervous (ps i do the international program since in Australian so casting is diffrent)
Best of luck! Sending you pixie dust!
good luck!
i'll tell you if i get in when i get a responce
I GOT IT!!! im a lifeguard going on the 22nd of Jan
Oscar M woohoo 🎉 !! Well done ❤️❤️
I don’t know how I got here, but you’re adorable and I’ve liked the few story time videos I’ve seen so far lol!
Thank you!
I love your Disney stories. Please if it's possible.. Could you maybe make another.. Cause I love hearing your stories
I totally agree with you with NLC, it was def not my thing either, honestly I think costuming would be a fine role because you dont have to worry about guest interaction at all lol! I really liked working a the carts when I picked up in dinoland though!
Whenever I was inside at DAK costuming I always thought, "Wow, this seems like a calm work environment" lol
Omg I love your channel 💛💛💛
Thanks so much!
I was in merch at a resort and then quick service in MK for my program in 2016/17. There was A LOT more guest interaction in quick service than merch for me, so it was kind of funny to hear you say that you wanted to move to F&B for less guest interaction 😂It seems to all really depend on what location you get! It was interesting to hear your experiences on the different roles, I also loved the vlogs! :)
That's so interesting to hear! I bet it really does have to do with location . Were you busy as merch at a resort? At Blizzard Beach or something I could see how QSFB has much more interaction than Merch, but in the regular parks... idk! Maybe it's a good thing I didn't switch to Quick service!
Sometimes! I worked at All-Star, so it was busy before people went to the parks and at the end of the night. A lot of the time it was pretty slow and interactions would be based around pin trading or you'd play games with the kids and make magical moments. People were pretty chill at the resort compared to working in the parks for merch I feel! (Except if their parcel wasn't to be available to be picked up).
For F&B I worked Counter at Cosmics at MK where you just had people in your face most of the time. You had to get good at talking to people as they were waiting for their food, there was a lot of unhappy people, we had to sing birthday songs to people. And there was one position where you had to go around the dining room talking to people and making magic which did not gel with my introverted nature! But I had a lot of amazing conversations while I worked there too and the CP's that I worked with were amazing.
I’m definitely thinking of doing a second program but I’m happy to see your video about yours. It definitely taught me I don’t want to do summer alumni since the only roles I really would want to return to are entertainment or back to the Boutique in the castle or even try out Pirates League. I fully get what you mean about guests. On the most part I was lucky to have children excited to see me and have me transform them into a princess but I definitely had some “magical” families who did their best to ruin my day. I don’t think I’d handle merchandise well with having those families treating me that way all day =/ I seriously wish there were more guests who treated cast members with kindness and not like lower class citizens or Disney robots :(
Yeah, don't do summer alumni if you want one of those roles! It's crazy because Fall Advantage had the same check-in day, but they had all the options for roles! And aw man I bet :/ My roommate worked in BBB last time and really enjoyed it but she had some stories too. And yeah, that's why I really like annual passholders! Well.. Annual passholders who actually do come ALL the time - I feel like they treat us like humans and actually want to converse and aren't freaking out about their next fastpass
I went through the DCP in Fall 2015. It was an amazing, fun experience. The people were great, the parties were great and the experience was simply awesome. Keep in mind, however..this should be viewed as a social experience, not a traditional internship that leads to employment. I went through in my sophomore year, while I was getting an engineering degree, with the hopes of being a design or systems engineer at one of the parks. After the program I went back, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My senior year I took a (paid) traditional internship at Lockheed Martin for 10 months and was hired on graduation. I am currently a Systems Engineer based in Sunnyvale, California. As I said, the DCP is a fun, interesting, awesome program that I will always remember...but you must ask yourself..Is this the best use of my time? Would an internship that leads to employment be a better use of my efforts? Food for thought, anyway.
That's a really good point! When people ask me what I got out of the DCP, I tell them new experiences, friends, and a mental break from school. While professional internships at Disney can lead to something more, the DCP is definitely more of a "let's get you some work experience to put on your resume" even if it doesn't relate to your field. Side note - sunnyvale! That's where my mom, sister and I stayed when we went to a concert at Levi's stadium haha
So I'm a sophomore in high school and i've been watching your channel. I think that the DCP is an amazing opportunity and would be an awesome experience! I've been reading about it, but I have a question for you. Did you move your job around like one day you had to work as a character, another day you worked in merchandise, etc. Or did you strictly stick to one job? thank you! you are so cute btw! :)
You pretty much have one job! There are opportunities to cross role into another role if you extend your program, but typically you stick with one position the entire time!
Is the amount of work worth the pay they give you? I heard that when your done with the college program that you hardly have any money left. This would be due to the rent and food that you have to buy each week.
It really depends on your situation! I had the highest rent, and very few hours so like I said, I had to look at it as an exchange rather than a summer of saving money. It's also because it took me about 6 weeks to get settled, so if I had stayed longer I would've been able to save more instead of spending all my money on one time necessary purchases. Last program though, I worked a ton, had overtime, and the cheapest rent, not to mention I was there for 20 weeks, and I actually saved $1,000 outside of what it took to live, what I spent on merch, universal, my plane ticket, etc. I would also say "is it worth it" depends on your role! I hated my role so no, it wasn't really worth it - I could've been at home at Walgreens doing the same job but without rent, food costs, etc. HOWEVER, I think doing the college program the first time is "worth it" if it's been your dream! My friends in attractions LOVE their job and my friends in other roles are using this as a stepping stone to move up in the company, so a year or so getting experience is "worth it" to them. Sorry, there's really no straight answer on this!!
Ur videos are so good! I wish I could subscribe more than once!
aw you're so sweet! Thank you so much!
I just got accepted for quick service food and beverage for spring and i'm honestly not sure if I should go. It's not related to my major (elementary education) and its a long time, but i can also see the appeal of going. i'm very introverted and i worry that I would get there and not get along with my roommates or find any friends, but somewhere in my heart i just keep thinking i have to go because it sounds like an amazing opportunity. what advice can you give for someone stuck in the middle and not sure how to make a decision?
i'm in a similar position (studying elementary ed), and some roles are definitely better suited to us than others, but for any of them you can say you have the ability to make connections with people from all over the word, including across language barriers (which would be important if you ever get a kid in your class/parents that don't speak English). And it teaches you patience, resilience, flexibility and multi-tasking which are all great skills to have as a teacher!
If it's your first program and it's your dream to work for Disney, I say go for it. I was worried about not making friends either, but literally everyone you meet LOVES Disney - that means you already have so much in common with them! Not everyone gets along with their roommates, but between coworkers and neighbors and people from the facebook group, I wouldn't worry too much about people. If you're not quite sure, you can always wait and do it after you graduate so you don't give up school time! I would also say, mentally make a decision (but don't tell disney yet) and sit on it for a day or two and see how you feel. Maybe it's just a disney world vacation you want, not necessarily going and working there. You can also decline the offer and apply again for another role if you still want to do it! It's so hard to give advice on the subject because everyone is different. It also depends on what your worries are about going. If your only worry is the friend thing - I wouldn't worry. If you're worried about getting behind in school, then that's a bigger decision to consider. I personally needed a break from school, so I was going. All of my neighbors had just graduated so it worked best for them to wait until after they were done. Jordan and Sarah took classes during our first program so it wouldn't put them behind. Sorry for the long answer that really doesn't say anything, but it's such a hard question to give advice on!
Hi! is it posible to change roles? Like from merchandise to quick service (as you said)
I've heard of people switching for medical reasons, but i'm not for sure if you can switch. I feel like if they had an opening and you were desperate, they would let you!
How hard is it to transfer from a CP to a PI? I've been looking into internships for Merchandise Marketing and would love to know how to take the first step. Thanks!
It honestly depends on Disney's needs! Some people get PI's right after their CP and some don't... Network with your leaders whenever possible because you never know who they might know in different departments! Other than that you don't really know how many people they're hiring or what they're looking for :/
My second program wasn’t awesome either. I was a character attendant both times, but the second time around was SO MUCH HARDER with very different leadership and not being able to give away! I was statused at DAK in 2014 and LOVED IT, then was stuck at DHS the entire time in spring 2017. I was miserable and just overall disappointed. 😫😫😫 I TOTALLY understand how you were feeling and it’s taken me a long time to not feel guilty for feeling that way.
Also, COMMONS 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
You put it into words!! I agree 100% Especially the part about feeling guilty... It's hard when you know that SO MANY people wish they had been accepted for the program and your there just... hating it... lol Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Sorry you didn't have as good a time this time around as you did the first, but I was still able to live vicariously through you through your videos and instagram page. *insert big grin here*
I had the same issue with merch! Loved registers, but it was sort of awkward to walk up to guests randomly in a store😂
I'M GLAD YOU GET ME
I know you said you don't plan on working for Disney again, but because you self-termed can you get rehired? I'm curious because I self-termed in my first CP for similar reasons (school, work, etc.) and am now thinking about applying on more of a corporate level. But obviously I don't want to apply if self-terming is an automatic no hire. Thanks! :)
They told me that I couldn't apply for 6 months, but then after that I was fine! If they put you on restricted rehire, they'll probably just ask you why you self-termed and I feel like school/work is a very good reason lol Good luck with your application!!
I self termed and then got hired again. They didn’t even ask me why I had self termed on my first program! Hope this helps.
I just found this video as I'm debating doing a 2nd program... I self termed my first program (spring) and I kind of want to reapply for merchandise (I was character attendant before) but hmmm I really don't know what to do after watching this!! working for disney won't help my career path at all BUT I really want to experience halloween + holidays at wdw!
Hi Jennifer, I think your experience the 2nd time will depend on your personality type and location! I am not customer service oriented AT ALL and I also hate dinos and carnivals, so being places to work outside at a dino themed carnival in a guest service role was my worst nightmare (granted, I didn't know I wasn't customer service oriented until I took the job). Honestly, I'd say save up for a vacation and go experience wdw during those times! If you schedule it right, you'll be able to catch mk at both Halloween and Christmas in the same week.. there's no harm in applying and seeing how far you get in the process because you can always turn it down if you get accepted! That way you won't be kicking yourself wishing you went for it again and applied. Other people love merchandise, I just didn't! Hope that helped a little bit 💕
Love your videos♡
Btw do you know sign language??
I don't know if it's just from working at Disney or not, but your demeanor looks like you know or can interpret sign language.
Thank you Destiny! and no I don't! I'll probably learn it someday though! Do you know sign language?
Girl, you missed out. DAK closes at 8:30 now haha everything you said about merch is literally me though... Dinoland is it's own world haha
DAK.... closes... at.... 8:30?!! 🙃 (pssst I know we texted about this earlier but I still feel like i should comment back) ily
hello did you want to work for Disney since little what made you want to start originlly?
No, i didn't know I wanted to work there until I was a junior in high school! I saw a DCP girl's vlog and that's what got me interested!
ok thanks for letting me know that is interesting your blog is actully what helped me get more interested in it to :) I loved Disney since last year after and before my high school senior trip there. @@olivia_simone
I couldn't do actual in park work. I'd consider an office job with disney though
i think that's the way to go!
Do you wish you did it in disneyland amd not in disneyworld?
Nah. If I had gone to Disneyland my roommates would not have been there (which was why i did the program again). I also hate southern california so living there just sounds like a nightmare to me
Great Vlog - my daughter has said she would love to work for Disney when she’s older - I will get her to subscribe to your channel
Thank you so much! I definitely think subscribing to Disney channels is the best way to see what it's like being a cast member!!
We’ve just returned from Disney having spent two weeks vacation - we had a brilliant time as you can see from our Vlogs we did
I never wanted to go back for a second round of being a CP because I loved my first experience so so so much. I’m afraid if I go back, I won’t have the same love for my roommates or wonderful bond with my coworkers. However, I miss it so much and I absolutely love Disney! I think the smart thing will be to just visit, but not work there again. I loved working there, but I remember how brutally rude guests can be when a ride is down.
Yeah I'm with you - visiting will be really nice but dealing with people is just not worth it!
Watching your reactions on the second time aroundis really sad but I'm a realist and this is what we working with the public is like. People are pretty horrible especially in large amount, there tend to be this groupthink mentality. There's a shelf life on each person on how long you can work with the public 😉
Did you have to do traditions again?
Unfortunately yes lol Unless your employment ended with them in the past 6 months
I’d love to meet you! I’ll be in Disney in January!
January is going to be such a good time to go!!! since I don't really know how my next semester is going to go I'm thinking of going in May!
I’m glad you think it’s a good time to go! What year are you in college btw?
You don't like dinosaurs?! What do you think of Disneyland in California? I go every Thanksgiving.
I HATE dinosaurs lol and I like Disneyland! Very small though - once I'm there for 3 days I'm good for a few years. We used to go on Thanksgiving too back in the day, but when we went in 2014 it was SOOOO busy! We decided to skip Disney during holidays from now on to avoid crowds
Go back and be a Disney guru forever 😭 xoxo
There's an $80 flight to orlando this weekend and I am SO TEMPTED
@@olivia_simone I'm so glad you're happy with what you are doing currently but dude I swear you just light up when you talk about Disney and the experiences you've had. Totally adorable and dude one day I hope you become a princess cast member. That'd be so cool 😢 thanks for sharing your experiences, it's always fun to see what you have to say 😊 best of look to you Olivia!!! Xoxoxo
Thank you for making the report. I am a manager, and it is nearly impossible to terminate someone unless co-workers put issues in writing. We don’t want people like that working at Disney!!!
Yeah that's what I've come to realize! If you never say anything, nothing will be done!
Oooooh!
haha thanks for watching!
I think they took away the ability to give away shift because I heard one season cps gave their shifts away so much they couldn't afford rent. But then again I think that was just a rumor someone started to make cps look bad. sorry you didn't like your second program as much in the work aspect.
I heard there was a group of international CPs who gave away all their shifts, had their parents send them money to pay rent, then trashed the apartments and just left without terming or anything - just decided they were done and left. Don't know if it's true or not though!
Why do so much people self term their 2nd DCP?
hmmmm that's a good question! For me, I knew that I for sure didn't want to work for the company again and I had more important things to do. They didn't end my program early enough for me to fly back to California and then drive to PA for graduate school (which was a much higher priority for me than staying and completing the program). I think we tend to romanticize our first program and then while second programs can be so much better in different ways, it can also help clarify whether or not working for Disney is a fun, one time experience or a career we wish to pursue further.
Saw you this summer at Dinoland U.S.A. working Merchandise for the Carnival Games!
Twas me!
You've never been as a guest before to WDW have you? It'll be interesting to see your perspective on that.
I have not! That's what's going to be so interesting when I go again - it will be the first time I'm not going as a cast member!!
ProsAnd cons!
exactly!
Second comment but a lot of my friends went back for second programs and didn’t enjoy it as much. One of my roommates was there for her second program and absolutely hated it because all of her friends had left and in the few months since she’d been there everything at her work location had changed (she picked same role/same location). I think the odds of enjoying your second program are better if you go into a different role if possible. I lot of people who went part time that I know of got tired of it and left after a year but there’s a ton of cms on Instagram who seem to love it. I think it depends a lot on personality and overall career goals
I've been deciding whether I want to try the DCP for next summer, but I feel like there's a 50% chance that I will absolutely hate it and regret being across the country from my family. Ahhhh I don't know what to do!
Ugh I know it's such a hard decision! i was honestly debating from my acceptance all the way until the weekend before if I actually wanted to go! :/ Wish I could offer some advice but I was literally in the same boat and... I think I chose wrong... but I made fantastic friends so it wasn't the wrong decision, but I HATED it this time around and really disliked Disney as a company by the end so....
I came early but idk to comment sooo.. 😅😅
Lol you're comment is much apreciated
If you think merch is hard go to attractions lol
I wouldn't even make it through training lol
Olivia Simone that Peter Pan flight merge point 😩😭😩 I’ve seen ppl have breakdowns bc of it lol
I worked dinoland Merch FA17!
TWINS!
I’m so sorry you dealt with so many jerks. How can you be in a bad mood in the happiest place on earth?!?
Right?!
Honestly, being in the program as watercraft I love the job but I hate the program. Im sick of closing every night, I hate living on property, and I hate that im basically slave labor but I definitely want to stay with the company. Working on the friendship boats is the best job in the entire world!
Aw man I'm sorry! :/ I feel like your feelings are pretty common! I hope your hours get better!
Omg yes guests can be rude! I'm always outside at Mk no less; guest interactions constantly! It's rough! Sorry second time want as good. I've heard a lot of people say that.
oh my goodness - bless you for being outside at MK!
Usually main street too!
Olivia must be Italian she talks with her hands for sure
Actually took a DNA test recently and I'm like, Dutch and Eastern European lolol
Your creepy person sounds like someone I know, that got termed..not too long ago...he was a bit too physical with cast on and off stage!??? Wonder if it's same person !??
Lol...dream comes true, but turn out to be a nightmare. Still good experiences.
hahaha at least I have stories!
"Next Level Courtesy". Ugh. Who comes up with this crap? What's wrong with just being a dedicated/loyal employee and doing a good job?
hastyberford companies exist to make money to believe otherwise is naive