Ex-Disney College Program

When people find out that I worked for Walt Disney World, I’m often  bombarded with a tidal wave of questions amounting to “what was it like?”

When talking to kids about college, I am never at a loss for words when it comes to the College Program.  And I’ve never hesitated to recommend it.

Joining the WDW College Program was without a doubt the best decision I ever made.  My only regret is that I didn’t stay in college and reapply.  Well, that isn’t my only regret.

Make no mistake, life as a CP is hard.  You’re broke, dead broke.  You’re either too young to get into anything legally fun or you’re surrounded by kids who treat you like Father Time.  You’ll be worked like a dirty mule and the regular workers hate your guts because you’re taking their jobs.  And for all intents and purposes you will be treated like a child, and you’ll probably act like one.

But if you can get past all that, if you can move past the fear and loathing of actualresponsibility, the DCP might just be the time of your life.   Where else can you finish a ten hour shift serving hamburgers, then get dressed and go for a spin on 3 different Roller Coasters?   Where else can you spend four weekends in a row riding water slides for free?  Where are you going to go to hit on girls from 30 different countries?

And that’s just the brochure features.  The truth is that the best times for me were the small moments with good friends.  Waffle House at 3 in the morning.  Nights at Pleasure Island (which is sadly no longer operating).   Road trips to Destin.   Part of being a CP means being thrust into life in motion.  You’re not ready.  You don’t know what to make of all that’s being thrown at you until long after it’s over.  And in truth, it isn’t until after it’s done that you realize how much you miss it.  In many ways, it’s a roller coaster all it’s own.  That’s life.

I’d had adventures before.  And I’ve adventures since.  I’m pretty sure my finest moments have yet to come.  But nothing will ever replace Disney in my heart.  I miss it like a sailor misses the ocean.  And every time I go back, it’s like coming home again.

If you’re thinking about joining up, here’s a few suggestions.

• save up a lot of money beforehand.  you will most definitely need it, especially if you have bills to pay.
• if you don’t have a car, make friends with someone who does.  and if you do go somewhere, help out with gas, it’s expensive and you’re free-loading.
• don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. the vast majority of them are just as nervous and freaked-out as you are.
• don’t waste your opportunity by doing stupid things that could get you kicked out.  you’ll have plenty of time to make mistakes later.
• explore.  Orlando, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista span a huge area and have a lot to offer if you look around.  Disney is most definitely not all there is.
• have fun. things like this don’t happen every day.

That’s all I got.  Enjoy the ride, kids.