Pre-Trip The1000thHappyHaunt Becomes a Cast Member?! My DCP Diary Pre-Arrival Report

Hi y'all it's me, The1000thHappyHaunt. I am a long-time reader of the Forums but a brand-new member because I finally have a Disney trip to report! Actually, not exactly a trip because I am spending several months in Disney to do the Disney College Program (DCP for short) starting May 19th! The DCP has been a goal of mine since I first learnt of it when I was 12 so I am super excited to earn my ears!

Wait! What the Heck is a Disney College Program?
Good question! The Disney College is a national internship program where university students and recent graduates spend 4-7 months at the Walt Disney World Resort living, learning, and earning. Students are placed in various roles as Cast Members across property in roles such as quick-service food and beverage, merchandise, attractions, custodial, lifeguard, PhotoPass, and even character performer to name a few. Additionally, they have the opportunity to attend unique learning sessions and networking events just for program participants. There are also similar programs for international students as well. Students tend to work 30-50 hours a week in their assigned role, depending on operational need.

Where Will I Stay on the DCP?
I will be living at Flamingo Crossings Village (FCV), which is located near the western perimeter of Disney property. This expansive campus is exclusively for Disney Programs participants and other full/part time cast members, and includes amenities such as a full gym, pool area, and complimentary bus transportation to and from worksites and grocery stores daily. FCV also hosts special events just for those living in housing. Each apartment includes 2-4 bedrooms, a living area, and full kitchen.

Wait! You Haven't Introduced Yourself Yet!
Oh! Silly me, getting ahead of myself! So my real name is Larissa and I am 22 and due to graduate with my undergrad in just a little over 4 weeks, with a degree in Management and Logistics and Supply Chain. For all you basketball fans out there, I grew up in Bloomington, IN and attend school about an hour north in Indianapolis. After I come back from Disney, I plan on moving south a bit to Jasper, IN and secure work in purchasing/procurement. I've been to Disney World 4 times (2007, 2016, 2018, 2022) and Disneyland twice (2017, 2019). Fun fact, I have worked at 3 other theme parks the past 3 summers (Cedar Point, Silver Dollar City, Holiday World) so it will be interesting to see how Disney's operations compares.
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This is me on my most recent trip in 2022. I definitely want to get my last rides in on DINOSAUR as it has my all-time favorite preshow of any Disney Attraction.

Disney Favorites:
Favorite Movies: Hunchback, Pocahontas, Mulan, Hercules, Emperor's New Groove, does Avatar count since Disney bought Fox?
Favorite Characters: Esmerelda, Kronk
Favorite Princess: Pocohontas
Favorite Villains: Queen of Hearts, Hades
Favorite Park: Animal Kingdom
Favorite Attractions: Haunted Mansion, Avatar Flight of Passage, Tower of Terror
Favorite Snack: Dole Whip

My unpopular opinion: Mission Space Orange is a good ride.

When I'm not at theme parks, I enjoy reading, drawing, painting, antiquing, nature walks, doll collecting, and musical theatre.

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Me in my school play last fall A Doll's House. Not a musical, but still a wonderful classic. I played Anne-Marie.

How am I Getting Down There?
I am going on the ultimate road trip! 14 hours south or bust! I plan on leaving May 17th and stopping at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta that evening and then staying the night just south of Atlanta. May 18th only has 6 hours remaining, and I want to try to find a Buc-ees somewhere off of I-75 since I hear they are LEGENDARY in the South. When I get down to Disney, I have a 5;40 ADR for Saana at AKL, because the bread service is just divine, and then will be staying at SpringHill Suites at Flamingo Crossings Town Center that night because it is right across for FCV and I could be checking in as early as 8am the 19th.

Stay Tuned for More Exciting Updates, such as my work location!!!!!
 

The1000thHappyHaunt

Member
Original Poster
BIG NEWS FLASH!!!!! I got my onboarding paperwork to fill out today. . . and now I can officially say that this CP is going to saddle up for the summer at the one and only Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe! (Technically I found out earlier via a phone call because I needed to file accommodations to ensure I could attend Sunday Mass, but I held off on posting online, just in case there was a last-minute change). Also, a part of this area includes the snack stands in Frontierland and Adventureland, so I hope to be able to cross-train to serve up my FAVORITE Disney Snack, Dole Whip! Only 31 days until I leave Indiana! Happy Easter!
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The1000thHappyHaunt

Member
Original Poster
A Non-Disney but big update: Yesterday I had my last college class EVER, So today you can consider me a proud alum of Marian University Indianapolis! I have pretty much officially earnt my Bachelor's in Business Management and Logistics and Supply Chain! The ceremony is Saturday but I decided not to go since all diplomas are mailed out, so it just felt purely ceremonial. I decided to take the day and go shopping instead (but now it's forecasting rain so hopefully that changes).

It's kind of odd knowing that come August I won't have a school to go back to for practically the first time in my life. But I can't wait to do BIG things!
 

The1000thHappyHaunt

Member
Original Poster
Today I went shopping at this GIANT antique mall. I've been to it before, but this time I was there for one special booth. They had a TON of vintage Disney Parks merchandise and collectibles, including old shopping bags and cups!

But today I wanted to see if they had PINS. I am wanting to get into trading, but you usually get fakes if you try to buy a lot off of eBay. So now I have ten pins more than what I started with, which was zero. Here is the pin haul. The firefighter and USA pins are actually as old as me, copyright 2002 lol.

I am going to be a little cautious about trading pins with cast members at first because unfortunately they're not always trained to spot fakes on the boards, but I think other guests who know the values might be able to help a new collector like me.

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The1000thHappyHaunt

Member
Original Poster
T-Minus 22 hours and counting! Today I got all packed up. Some things I have to take with me I normally wouldn't take on a Disney Trip: Microwave Pasta Cooker, Egg-Tastic (cook scrambled eggs in the microwave), things to make dinner (when you're trying to go to Disney to MAKE money, you can't eat in the parks every night), Hair Dryer, Twin Bedding and Pillow, a few items of room decor. . . and I'm not done shopping yet! When I get to Orlando we will go to Walmart and pick up perishable foods.

I'm excited for this adventure but I'm also sad to leave Indiana for so long. Sure, we aren't exactly a tourism hotspot, but it's home.
 

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