My DCP Experience: How to Survive DCP Recruiting Season

So here you are. You've finally decided to apply for the Disney College Program. Although the initial application takes only about 20 minutes, the entire recruiting season is about 2 and a half months. So what can you expect in the application. Below, I will give detailed explanations of each step as well as a tip or two to help you not go insane, especially since the entire DCP Recruiting Season is a waiting game. And before I start, know that your dashboard and timeline don't mean anything, any significant updates will be in your email. Mine show up in junk almost every time, so be checking there.

1.) Applying
I mean it's kind of obvious that step 1 is applying. What you may not know is when doing the application, you NEED to pay attention and read every word in it. The first few pages are simple, it just asks for your info, work history, etc. When you get to the role interest page, only put interest in roles you are qualified/want to do. They will consider you for every role you put down, even as low interest. This also doesn't mean, only put interest attractions, because I guarantee that won't get you too far in the application.

2.) Interviews
Typically, you'll know pretty quickly if you got the first interview, a Web-Based Interview, which is essentially just like the questionnaire you would do on a normal job application, just this one includes questions about Disney itself. Immediately after the WBI, you'll find out if you got the second and final interview, a Phone Interview. Don't stress it too much. Just imagine if you were sitting at a desk with the manager in front of you. He or she is just on the phone this time around. Don't, I repeat DO NOT write you answers down and read them. For one, they could ask you completely different questions from the ones you wrote down and second, you could sound scripted if you do that and that will more than likely end up in you being NLIC'd (No Longer In Consideration). You got to the phone interview, so you already basically have the job, now its up to you why you deserve to be one of the 7,000 College Program Participants they hire every semester.

3.) Job Offer!
Congrats! You got offered a job. When offered the job, you will have a week to accept the position, pay the program fees, and select the dates of your program. When I did it in Orlando in Spring 2017, the fee was $350, so be prepared to pay that within a week, or they will assume you're turning down the position and you don't want that. The $350 pays for your first week and a half of rent, as well all the free events during the semester (a lot of the time, they'll come with dinner and/or a souvenir). I unfortunately do not know the fees for Anaheim's Program.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Now that you've accepted the position, what's next? Depending on when you're offered the position, you should have about 2.5-3 months to prepare for your move to Orlando (or Anaheim). This is more than enough time, but don't save shopping and packing till the last week before you leave. It'll put a lot of stress on you and whoever you may live with. You wont get your first paycheck until about 1 or 2 weeks into your program (depends on when your Traditions is), so I suggest bringing about $200 or $300 for that time. That's food and in case you see something (or two or three) in a store that you really like and want. I think I've covered everything that I need to! My prayers are with you and I hope you get the job!

Until Next Time, Alex 

My DCP Experience: Surviving A Disney Park 101

It's Summer. Which only means one thing. Everyone is going to Disneyland or Disney World. I mean, why not? Both parks are in really beautiful places, so it just makes sense. Seeing as I have been going to Disneyland my whole life (literally) and I worked at Disney World for 4 months, I know my way around the parks, even when it's annoyingly busy and you're about to lose your freakin' mind. So here are a few tips that you may or may not know, whether its your 1st or 100th time at a park.

1. Stores 
There's 2 things you should utilize about stores. The first is a shortcut, or as I like to call it a "storecut." Almost every Disney park has stores that just go from the beginning of Main Street to the middle. Its a great way to get where you want and fast. The second option is to shop early. Disney can hold your purchases until the end of the day for free, or if you're on vacation, they can even have it shipped to your house or placed in your hotel room.

2. Free Water!
Every Quick Service in the parks have free ice water. All you have to do is ask for it and they'll give it to you. No purchase necessary! It's a great way to cool off especially in the hot California or Florida Summers. Just note, by default you will get kids size cup of it, if you would like a regular or large cup, just ask!

3. Go To The Shows!
Most of the shows at WDW or Disneyland are indoors and air conditioned. Not only that, they put a lot of work into these shows. They have been known to be Broadway quality. What show do I recommend? The Tiki Room. Its the only show that allows you to eat inside. Plus, watching birds sing while eating a Dole Whip sounds like the dream!

4. Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
If you've ever been to a Disney Park, you know the food is borderline overpriced. But there's a solution to that with a way to get out of the crowds. Both US parks have a shopping district with food and clothing. Some of the food in both are cheaper than the in-park food. I suggest Blaze Pizza if you are at Disney Springs and Earl of Sandwich if you are at Downtown Disney. Another plus is both have World of Disney stores that have a lot of the same merchandise as inside the parks, without the crowds.

5. Free Soda?
Yes! I think my favorite part about any of the parks is Club Cool at EPCOT. They have free Coca-Cola soda samples from all over the world. There's no limit to how many cups you are allowed, but be sure to watch out for parties who are trying Beverley for the first time, it might be quite a sight... I think you need to try all of them once, but my favorite is the Melon Frosty.


That's all I have for now, but as I think of more, I'll add more!

Until Next Time, Alex

Thoughts on Look What You Made Me Do and the "Taylor Swift Tix" Program

On Friday, Taylor Swift unveiled her highly anticipated new single, Look What You Made Me Do. The single is taken from her upcoming 6th record titled reputation. The single has had mixed reviews, with more being negative than positive. People are saying Taylor has lost her mind. While that may be true, she has also been holding all this in for 10 years. Its not just Kimye. Its not just Calvin. It's all the criticism and hate she's gotten. She's fed up. And I don't blame her, man. Just because shes arguably the most popular musician of all time, doesn't mean shes not human. She has feelings like all of us. Some people hold it in and end their life (thinking about Chester Bennington). Others, go to counselors. Others will write poetry or songs. Taylor never wanted to be called "that bitch." Taylor never wanted to have sex with Kanye. She just wanted to make music people loved and related to. She didn't want drama. But she got dragged into it. And I can't help but feel bad for her. I agree, maybe she needs a little help, but people also need to stop hating her for no reason.

Now onto the Taylor Swift Tix program that many are calling a scam and why I say it isn't a scam.

Earlier this year, Ticketmaster started a new program called Ticket Master Verified Fan to stop scalpers and bots from getting tickets to high ticketed events. If you've even heard of Taylor, you know that her concerts are more than just concerts. And I think everyone needs to experience one to truly appreciate her art. Taylor's upcoming US tour is participating in this. She has took it further and instead of just posting on social media or listening to a song to get a place in line for tickets, you have the option to buy merch or her new cd to get a higher boost than the social events. Many people are calling this a scam because whoever has more money will get better tickets. That's not necessarily true. If all your friends register, you will be way up in line. Just as far as the merch buyers. So its not a scam because you don't NEED to buy merch to get good tickets. These are just the haters after her again. If you want tickets, register here. Get your friends to sign up, go see her live. It'll change your life.

Until Next Time, Alex