Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 Missouri is just about the worst place a Disney-phile could live. Almost evenly spaced out between Anaheim and Orlando, meaning that you're almost as far from both US parks as you could possibly be. Well, all that's about to change because, come August, I'm going to be living in Orlando, baby! I was just accepted into the Walt Disney World College Program! It's going to be my first time living away from home, so I'm a little nervous, but mostly I'm just excited. So much in my life is going to be changing very soon, and where better to start my journey than at WDW? Anyone else out there ever done the WDWCP? Any Orlando natives with advice for a new resident?
Originally Posted By DlandDug Oh! Congratulations! You will not only be at WDW, you will be living near the pulsing nerve center of LP.com itself!
Originally Posted By -em yup- Jan 01 to Jan 02 I hate to start off with a downer but realize you are coming for the experience and not the money. You wont have a lot, esp if things dont turn around economy wise... In other ways- Right now there are 4 housing complexes; Vista Way (the oldest and only one seperate from the others now) Commons (mostly international) Chatham Square (between Commons and Patterson- where I lived) and Patterson Court (the newest- only opened this year- not sure if its 100% operational yet (Chatham opened in phases over 2 years) If you don't bring a vehicle, you'll get the fun of the busses. Which run on a schedule to almost every point on property (and several places off) Best advice- They are not convenient but will get you where you need to go. The program is what you make of it and its more than just the task you will perform. Its meeting and working with people from around the world from other College Program to the other cast, leaders and guests. You will be at WDW at the best time (besides end of hurricane season but since Ive been here its not been bad...) The heat isnt as bad and the holidays are wonderful here. Any specific questions please ask- I'm happy to help -em
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter I have no advice, but I do have a great big squeal of glee both for your news and just for seeing you posting again! Congratulations, girlie, and don't be a stranger around here.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<Missouri is just about the worst place a Disney-phile could live>> But you've got Marceline and the Walt Disney Hometown Museum! So it isn't completely a Disney-free zone. Anyway... congrats on being accepted to the College Program.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove Congratulations, sweetheart! I hope you have an utterly amazing experience! xoxo
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 Congratulations christiemarsh88! Sounds like a WONDERFUL opportunity! Enjoy the magic!
Originally Posted By lesmisfan Congrats! what line of business are you going into? My brother just got accepted as well as main entrance operations. I did do the program back in the fall of 2005. I had a blast and made lots of friends! I lived in Vista Way and worked full service food and beverage at the liberty tree tavern in the magic kingdom. Here are some words of advice for ya. Be prepared to work what might seem like endless hours. It wasn't uncommon for me to get anywhere between eleven and fourteen hours a day! fifteen with holidays. Drink plenty of fluids! make lots of contacts. They offer specail disney classes outside of the disney college classes that are a bunch of fun. I went to one that had to deal with animation and halloween and we were showns some rare footage of things that are hardley seen. Just please be careful with who you make friends with. My friend make a friend turned enemy. enemy snuck alchol into their wellness apartment hid it in my friends room, told the security she found it while looking for something and got my friend fired! but if you have any problems the college program apartment heads are there for you. They had to help us out with a very disrespectful room mate. Most of my roomates and I got along up until we did get that fellow a few months down the rode, turns out he was kicked out of several apartments. There is transportation, buses, for you guys to take to work, and grocery shopping. so no worries there. They have learning centers or computer labs so you can keep in contact with friends and family. Take plenty of pics! Bring a journal and write in it any chance you get! i did and i just went back to it and read things i completley forgot about that i know remember. And you will make friends for life! I still talk to a few of my friends. I hope to visit them soon this year. maybe around october. if you have any questions please feel free to ask me. Might take me a day or two to respond since im so busy with school and work but i would be more than happy to help you out. I saw to many people go home early because they felt they couldn't handle the program. But if they just hanged in there they would have had a great time. Just let me know!
Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 Thanks for all the well wishes and advice everyone. I posted in sort of a hurry yesterday, and so I didn't include many details. I've been accepted for Merchandise, which was one of my top choices. Yay! I'm going to be there from August to January, so I'll get to see the World during the holidays for the first time. I'm also looking forward to attending my first LP meet while I'm there, of course! I have started a blog, and although it's only updated a couple of times a week right now, hopefully I'll be updating it more often as August gets closer, and throughout the program. You can check it out at <a href="http://www.happiestinternship.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://www.happiestinternship....spot.com</a> So if you're at WDW next fall and spot me working, be sure to say hi!
Originally Posted By jasmine7 Congrats, Christie! Glad to see another Missourian get this chance! Oh, and the holidays are so wonderful at WDW. My last 2 trips have been at the holiday time.
Originally Posted By lesmisfan the holidays at disney world are so much fun! be sure not to miss the osbourne christmas light spectacular or the full size gingerbread house at the grand floridian!
Originally Posted By brerroadrunner Congratulations! My DS was accepted for this past January to work main entrance, but decided to decline. His colege advisors were not too encouraging because it didn't compliment his major (music). I really wanted him to do it and he did as well, but he did have alot going on. Maybe another year. I hope you enjoy it and have alot of fun as well. I was wondering if they had cut back on the college program with the economy.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub "yeah" with the economy I worry the college program will be extra stressful. Do the regular castmembers resent the presence of interns when their are so many cutbacks? Just remember to have fun but you are not on vacation. Having WDW College Program Success on your resume is one of the most important accomplishments to affect your future. You should be very proud to have been accepted. We all wish you success and probably wish we could join you! Hey how's the weather? I am in K.C. but going to WDW on Tuesday to visit the Easter Bunny.It has been snow and ice mix all day with lots of cancellations even at the airport.
Originally Posted By lesmisfan I know none of my coworkers resented the college program students. they were all very friendly.
