A New Chapter Begins

This is my first official post after becoming a Campus Rep! For anyone interested in applying to be a campus rep the process is pretty simple. The application is available on the Disney College Program website under the Alumni tab. Fill out the application (you will need your manager's information so make sure to get it before you leave)and fax it into the recruiting office along with a cover letter. A few weeks before the recruiting season begins, you should receive an email to schedule your interview. You will interview via skype or in-person if you are still in Florida. After the interview you get to play the lovely Disney waiting game again (although this wait shouldn't be nearly as long) and then you get your decision email. I am definitely SUPER EXCITED to begin my journey as a Campus Rep. I've already become a mini-ambassador for the program on my campus so this felt like a natural progression. My "parent campus" will be the University of Delaware so now I have an excuse to go up to Newark and get my tax free shopping on! Of course, one of the most "infamous" perks of the Campus Rep program is that you get your maingate pass back. So a few choice people should be expecting visits soon *cough*KyleandAsh*cough*. The recruiting season for Spring 2013 will be underway soon and it will be interesting to see things from the "other side" this time around. Have a magical day everyone!

How to describe the past few weeks...

CRAZINESS AND MAYHEM

The good news is that I'll have some interesting pictures to post. Until then I'll give you the abridged version.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party was amazing.
Food and Wine festival was amazing, except the whole working it part....
It's still 80 degrees here. Perfect weather.
Want to get all of the cp's to show up on time? Throw them a midnight parade.
Or give them free food.
The Christmas festivities are fun too, but Halloween was better....

And a teaser pic:

Oh, the life of a CP

"As a CP, you never really sleep. You simply nap."

They really should tell you that your sleep schedule will be nonexistent once you get here. One day you may work at 5pm, the next you may work UNTIL 4am. A third day could be an opening shift. SLEEPING IS IMPOSSIBLE. At least if you want to attempt to do some fun things. As much as I find myself wanting to sleep on my days off (how wonderful they are) I always seem to end up in a park. When else will I have free access to Disney World's parks and resorts? Sleep can wait.

In the weeks since I last posted, I have:
1- Successfully requested time off (finally!)
2-Managed to ignore DAK's existence completely (it's only open until 5)
3-Eaten myself into a coma. Enjoyed the Food and Wine Festival.
4-Spent time in the "iron toaster" aka the Contemporary Resort. I NEED to stay there before I leave.
5-Tried beignets at Port Orleans.
6-Worked the Wine and Dine half-marathon. Parking was a disaster, I froze to death, and working until 4am is never fun. However, getting paid to have a mini rave while some non-Disney music is playing could be worse.

Park traffic is starting to pick up. Magic Kingdom is currently hosting "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" until November 1st. Saturday October 1st also marked the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. Can you say CRAZINESS AND MAYHEM. Lines formed outside of the TTC around 5am. I stayed home :) Epcot is currently hosting the Food and Wine Festival. Think tapas bar but with better music and wayyy more alcohol. I believe there are at least 3 booths dedicated solely to beer. I personally enjoyed the South Korean food the most (That should surprise no one). Kimchi is basically the best thing I've ever had. Seriously.

I leave you with some photos....

I'm Duffy's #1 fan :)

BENIHANAS

Gotta love the teacups.

The best part of "Value Season"...

Is that there's about 5 people in the parks. To say things have slowed down would be an understatement. The waits for rides have fallen through the floor; Toy Story Mania had a 50 minute wait AND fastpasses available at 3pm! It was like a miracle! It also means that things aren't too hectic at work. Of course, with the food and wine festival coming up that will change soon. Tonight is the preview for the "Boo to You Halloween Parade" and all of my roomies are going, should be a fun time. Too bad there's no "Happy Hallowishes".

I leave you with a short photo post...

Waiting for "Wishes" with Jocelyn :)

Wishes!

The nighttime parade (it's not better than spectro...)

The nicest royal couple at Disney. Fact.

What we do during value season at strollers.

Be ready for some "never before seen" footage coming up soon!

Check in Day!

Wednesday was my check-in day! We got in line at Vista Way around 5:50 a.m. and there were already several people in front of us. Unfortunately, the people who had luggage and were at the front of the line had to eventually get out of line to store their luggage and then get in the back of the line at the check in building. We were among the first group to get through, however our number one choice of apartments was already almost full. We got one of the last units (out of 3) so we're feeling very lucky.

After checking in with housing at Vista Way we were off to casting. Casting took a little over an hour. The first thing you do at casting is receive your work assignment. Epcot Future World north anyone? Then you go through Pan's Labyrinth and learn about the Disney Look, get fingerprinted, and turn in all of the on boarding paperwork. By the time you're finished at casting, you are definitely ready for a break. Depending on what time you finish you then have an opportunity to do some unpacking before the housing meeting.

The housing meeting is held at the Commons complex either the day of your check in or the next morning. It's a little over an hour long in the coldest room on Earth. Nothing major, you simply watch some videos and learn all about Price Management's rules and regulations. They also give away some free prizes.

By this time you're super tired. If you have the first housing meeting you get your second day off to get settled. Me and my roommates went on a super huge shopping trip and only forgot a few important things like dishwasher soap :)

Finally put in my location request!

I requested:

Dinoland (I WANT THOSE PANTS)
Beverly Sunset
Stage 1 Company Store
Inside Track
Mouse Gear
Mickey’s of Hollywood

I also noted that I’m open to working at any resort shop. I wasn’t asked about anything during my interview and I was too nervous to bring it up :p There really isn’t any shop that I’m totally opposed to working, but I thought I could at least try to get one of my favorites.

ONLY 40 DAYS UNTIL CHECK IN