"American Honey"

So I'm getting bored with my blog tittles so right now I'm changing it up. To what kind of mood I am in that day. Most mornings I take out my guitar and play a song. Most of the mornings it is a song or two how I feel and how I think the day is going to go. I'm going to do an A-Z Song list of what I love to play and what Defines me. I will pick a song and then pick a Disney song that begins with that letter. Some days I will put the second song with lyrics for you to identify and other days I will just post the video. I started to Think what Songs begin with "A" that I love to play and I am a big Lady Antebellum Fan.

IN OTHER NEWS:

As we are waiting for are purple folders. Everyday I am running to the mailbox to look in the mail. So one of my friend Crista got an email saying that she got in. I hope I get mine soon. I can't wait any longer I hate waiting.
So here is some music that I love to listen to. My favorite artists are Lady Antebellum, Billy Joel, Beach Boys, Hanson, and many others.

Day 2 of Waiting

So I did my interview the day before yesterday it went very well. My top 3 choices were Attractions, Merchandise, and my old rold of Park Greeter. Know I have to wait 2-4 weeks for hopefully another purple folder to arrive so I can go back to Disney World. I really want to go back to Disney right now but can't because I have to save up some more money and complete more school.

Right now I think I really would like to do the the program again, but I think maybe now I might not take the opportunity. I'm like half go and half not go. I would really like to finish school before I go down again. I have one year left till I graduate. My boyfriend Harold has all ready graduated and is down their. Most of the classes I have to take are classroom classes, so the bad part is I can't take them online anymore.

Also it depends what role I get to go down. I'm also trying out for Character or Performer I'm going to auditions with some of my friends from CCAC in Pittsburgh. Dancing was my life when I was little. I'm a little more heavier now but I can still "get my grove thing on" as Andy will put it. I will let you know how that goes after I audition.

For People going to do the program:

If your going to be down their during Christmas and the rest of the time at least go down with at least $800 in your bank account. I suggest more. Even If I don't do the program this semester I will be updating this with things that I think you should bring.

A little about me:

Nickname: Dana

Age: 21

Were I work currently: Shop N Save- Cashier, Coffee Shop/ Beer Shop, and anywhere else they need me.

I also babysit some local kids for some money.

Past jobs: Disney World- Park Greeter- Epcot-1st College Program

Relationship: My boyfriend Currently is a Park Greeter at Epcot for The College Program. Currently he is trying to decide what he wants to do. He is either thinking of buying a house down their or getting an apartment. But he is thinking more a house.

Other News:

Another Semester of school has started. I am not to happy because we are getting pounded by snow and now everyone is sick.

Also the computer that I use to make my vlogs is currently not working. I am working to fix it in my spare time. Currently If I do a vlog it will either be from my flip or from my digital camera. Hopefully I will be getting my new computer soon. I also am getting a new phone soon also.

For Now:

Have a Magical Day!!!

My Last Program and Fun Stuff that you get to do.

I love my purple folder by the way. I already have one purple folder from last year. Hopefully I will get one this year because Disney is awesome and I want to go back and work for them again. My last program was fun and I enjoyed it so much I want to go back again.

Well were all ready for the purple folders to be mailed to us but it's going to take some time I think it's time to have some fun on our own I'm actually going to start to make my blog and update it and tell you of some fun memories from my last program.

Well my program started on August 9, 2010. That day was filled with a lot of sadness that was the day I left Pittsburgh, PA. I have left my home are before for school, but California University of PA is only 45 minutes away and its nice because I could go home on weekends or I could stay at home and just drive to school. This trip need me to be on my own and I wanted to do it so bad.

My mom and dad were on me for weeks to do the program. I actually didn't tell my parents that I applied and did the interview. I got my purple folder from Disney and that is how they found out that I was going to Disney to do the program.

My original role was Quick Service food and beverage or what we call QSFB. I worked for about a week at Blizzard Beach at Lottawatta Lodge. It was okay but the K bus took forever to get to work because you were the last stop. I have a shoulder injury and casting decided that I should be switched to something easier and they decided I should be a park greeter. A park greeter is basically running all the ticket turnstiles and getting everyone in. It's hectic in the morning when you don't know were everything goes but other times it's so much fun. Important: Florida liquor laws prohibit Alcohol be consumed before coming into the park or before exiting the park. That is just so you guys know. My friends and I were shocked to hear the rule when we got down their. Important: Everything down their is military time so get used to military time before you go down. Military time was the hardest thing for me to get used to besides talking to my friends that are in the military. My watch is actually still in military time now. Important: Did you know that we get 20% discount and usually are discount around the holidays Between November- February is either 40% or 50% it depends on weeks. Note all countries in Epcot participate but only some do for a limited amount of time.

By the way it rains like a clock down their in the summer months. Between 2-4pm their is always showers. Be prepared for hot weather also. During the summer months it is best to go to the parks during the rainstorms because everyone fleas Disney and it's really funny and the lines are very short.

Now to talk about some fun stuff you can do down their.

Hopefully by now you know you get into the parks for free and after a certain date you can get into the water parks for free.

Well I started a few collections down their my last program I will have to put up pictures of everything that I now own from Disney. I collect and trade 2 things I trade for Vinylmations and I do Disney pin trading. When I do my next vlog in the next couple of days I will show you what I have and why I bought it.

I also have a lot of Disney books, magazines and Movies.

So to all of you bloggers out their even if your new to doing it here are some questions to answer on your blog or on your vlog.

Questions:

1. How Many Times have you been to Disney World? Disneyland? Toyoko Disney Resort? Disneyland Paris? Hong Kong Disneyland Resort? Or on the Disney Cruise Line?

2. What is your favorite animated Disney Movie? Pixar Movie? Live Action Movie?

3. If you have ever been to Disney World what is your favorite Park and Why?

4. What is your favorite ride and why?

5. Who is your favorite Disney Princess?

6. Who is your favorite Disney Couple?

7. What ride is not worth your time?

8. What is your favorite memory from Walt Disney World?

9. What is your favorite Place to Eat?

10. Where is your favorite place to watch fire works from?

11. What is your favorite Disney Snack?

Answer those Questions either on here or on your blog and tell me by either facebook or on here and you might be featured in my next Vlog in the coming weeks.

Questions They Could Ask you

Disney Questions that they might ask you

Tips in Italics

Recruiter’s Name : _______________________________

TIPS FOR THE INTERVIEW :
• SMILE!!
• TALK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY
• BE ENTHUSIASTIC
MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN AND A MAGICAL DAY!!!

NOTES : _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

QUESTIONS FOR THE RECRUITER :
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




PROGRAM QUESTIONS

• Why do you want to do the Walt Disney World College Program?
I loved it the first and want to do it again. I loved to network with different people and I liked meeting friends from around the globe.
• What are you most looking forward to?
Seeing my friends that I met down their last program and being able to network with the people I met before I left.
• Are you familiar with the parks, resorts, and Orlando area?
Yes definatley I worked their already.
• What does Disney mean to you?
Fresh, clean entertainment, fun for the whole family.
• How will the college program help you professionally?

My major is Business Management and Hotel Management anything helps because your so professional down their and I like having a little part in the running the park.
• What makes you a good candidate for the College Program?
• What does Disney mean to you?
Disney means wholesome family entertainment. Walt created Disney to bring family's together and he wanted everyone to do their part even the lowest role to the highest role. Everyone uses first names. We all do are part to keep the park looking clean and tidy and we leave all of the personal stuff backstage.
• How will the college program help you professionally?
It looks great on a resume. You get to experience something from every culture and it's amazing.
• Do you have any tattoos or piercings that are allowed in the Disney look?
Just make sure your tattoos are covered either by make up or a shirt. I know one of the guys I knew from my last program had a couple on his legs he wasn't allowed to wear shorts only pants. My suggestion for that one is Start to practice covering up the tattoos before you go down so you get used to doing it. Also get used to taking out your piercings really fast I can take mine all out in a under a minute now.

ROLES QUESTIONS

• Roles that you chose:
• What are your top four roles?
• Why role #1?

My top role is Attractions and I know from the past they ask what attraction and I would have to say Great Movie Ride I used to go on that ride everyday just because I could and it's always one of the coldest rides in the summer to beat the heat or the rain. I also know most of the script because I rehearsed with my friend when she learned the roles.
• Why role #2

Photopass Photographer. I love to take pictures of people and everything around me and I like trying to take new pictures in light. I also try to take a lot of pictures of Disney stuff.
• Why role #3?
• Why role #4?
• What if a child does not meet the height requirement for an attraction?
• What if a guest is being violent with a character?
• What if someone asked why the fur characters don’t talk?
• Do you have cash handling experience?

Yes I already know how to count money back the Disney way.
• Are you open to QSFB or Custodial roles?

I worked in QSFB for about a week and then I hurt my shoulder so they Changed my role to park greeter. Custodial is ok I heard from a lot of people. They didn't like cleaning toliets.
• Have you ever given a speech?

Yes, I actually did the opener for the parks a couple of times and it was really fun to do it. For Epcot we pick one family every morning to come and help us open the park. Our procedure is to go out into the crowd and find someone that you would think would love to do this. My favorite family I picked out was the one that was a reunion that had 20 of them and they had everyone from 3-84 was the oldest and they opened the park. They had a magical day they came back a little later and told me that they got to ride the ride that they missed out on their last reunion because it broke down and it was all thanks to me picking them.
• Are you comfortable speaking to large groups of people?

This is a good thing for Disney also it is good to be able to yell, but nicely because sometimes you have to get the people to move. This is sometimes hard and I suggest if you know any Spanish brush up before you leave.
• What would you do if you messed up the spiel?

Correct yourself and keep going hopefully you saved yourself, everyone has their off days and get it right the next time.
• Explain how you would handle an emergency.

Stay calm, if everyone around you starts to panic it's not good and it becomes chaos and Disney is really busy I was their for the Holidays and I worked them.
• Do you mind working outside, in the Florida heat?

Nope did it all last year you learn to live with it, but drink lots of water and Gatorade helps a lot. Also wear stuff under your custom because it helps a lot.
• Would you rather work alone or in a group setting?

I like working more as a team. I don't use the word group.
• How would you handle a guest who doesn’t speak English, but clearly needs help?

Figure out which language their talking in and try to find a cast member who speaks their language either call guest services operator for language or walk them to guest services.
• Do you mind working morning, evenings, late nights, weekends, holidays?

It's not that bad working all crazy hours. My hours last program weren't that bad and if you know you want certain days off put them in as soon as you get down their.

• Would you rather work in a slow or a fast-paced environment?

I like fast pace I don't like to slow down because time goes so slow.
• If you were bussing a table and someone spilled their drink, you went to clean it up but then another guest had a question about the menu, what would you do?

Tell the guest that had the question one moment and I will be back to answer the question. Tell the guest that you will get them another drink and it will only take a couple of minutes for you to go get it or give them a guest assistance card for a new drink free of charge and smile to the person. Then go back and see if the person had any questions about the menu.
• What if a child wanted to get on an attraction but it was broken?

I would recommended other rides that the child could go on and tell them to check back periodically to see if the ride had open up.
• Have you ever had to control large groups of people?

Yes I have opening of the park and park exits are hard you have to get people out through turnstiles and make sure no beer leaves the park.
• How would you make a guest’s day?

Smile be polite if its a little girl call her a princess, if their wearing a certain disney product call them by whatever their wearing they will get a kick out of it and the parents will surely laugh and call them that all day. I worked at epcot last time and when we closed I would have a mickey glove on my hand at the end of the night and I would tell the little dudes and dudettes to give me some fin. They think it's so funny. Keep to the disney code and play along with the show. Learn your basics and you will be all set.

Cast member guidelines: "The Disney Service Basics"

"I project a positive image and energy."

• Smile
• Look approachable
• Look happy and interested
• Model the Disney Look
• Keep conversations positive

"I am courteous and respectful to all guests, including children."

• Make eye contact and smile
• Engage in guest interaction
• Treat guests as individuals
• Greet and welcome each guest
• Thank all guests and invite them back

"I stay in character and play the part."

• Preserve and protect the magic
• Provide excellent show quality and safety
• Perform role efficiently by reducing hassles and inconveniences

"I go above and beyond."

• Anticipate needs and offer assistance
• Create surprises and Magical Moments
• Provide immediate service recovery

• EXPECT OTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR SPECIFIC ROLES.

If you have questions I can probably answer them or ask one of my alumni friends to help find you and answer.




Experience/Personality

• Tell me about your past jobs.
• Tell me about a time where you made a guest happy at a previous job.
• How would your bosses (past & present) describe you?
• Tell me about a time where you didn’t get along with your co-workers.
• Tell me about a time where a guest was difficult. What did you do?
• As a guest, what do you expect when you arrive to your WDW Resort?
• What are three positive qualities about yourself?
• What are three negative qualities about yourself?




Housing

• How do you feel about the apartment/dorm setting?
• How would you handle living away from home?

After the first two weeks it gets easier and I suggest get a web cam for at least one computer at home and yourself so you can talk on that and it makes the transition a lot easier. I also had friends that I was sending Disney stuff home and they were sending stuff down to me at the same time.
• How would you handle a roommate disagreement?
• What do you think the worst aspect of Disney Housing would be?
Done the program before and it was the buses last time. Sometimes the bus would never show up and you would be another 3 hours before it was their. The one night the one bus broke down and the sent a bus the was small and everyone ran on and their wasn't any room on the bus and the bus driver let the people on who worked and I payed a lot of money for all my chritmas presents for my family and had about 5 bags I was mad.

Hey Guys

Well Since I really didn't update my blog last time I'm forcing myself to update a lot more this time. I will also try to vlog as much as I can. I will try to do a blog at least once a week and a vlog every two weeks. I have video from the last program that I'm editing now.

hey Guys

Well guess what I'm applying for another program last night I watched the e-presentation and answered all the questions. Right now I'm about to call and tell them to schedule my interview. I can't wait. I want to go back to Disney so bad now. I had so much fun last time it should be a lot easier this time and and lot more fun. I made a lot of friends last time and this time I hope to do the same thing. I love it down their and I'm ready to go back down now.

Love,
Dana

Fall College Program Done

Well my fall College program is done. Now I'm waiting to go back to do the Alumni Program, hopefully it will be up soon and I will get in. I haven't been home even a week and I want to go back. Hopefully I can get a new and not be a Park Greeter, I loved it but I want to do something else. The only thing I do not want to do is Quick Service Food and Beverage or Custodial.

The college program was very fun. I got to go to all the parks and ride all the rides and eat most of the food. The food is a little pricey hopefully next time I go down their I can have more money to work with and a car. I didn't like taking the bus everyday. They are late most of the time or they don't show up. Price Management should get a new bus company. It taught me a lot of things about myself and how to be around people more.