I'm Moving To Walt Disney World | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

I'm Moving To Walt Disney World

No, I'm not going to be a princess.

30
I'm Moving To Walt Disney World
Unsplash

Ever since I was a little girl I dreamt of working at the most magical place on earth. I watched my sister complete her Disney College Program during her first semester of senior year with her boyfriend-turned-fiancé as a character performer in the fall of 2010 and wanted to do the exact same thing.

Fast forward to my sophomore year of college at Ball State University. I was filling out the application for fall 2015 on my laptop on a whim after receiving the email that applications had gone live. Later that afternoon I was taking the web-based and setting up phone interviews simultaneously.

Less than three weeks later, I was accepted.

As my arrival date of August 10th drew near, I became increasingly nervous. I was leaving my boyfriend of almost a year, my nephew of four months, and pretty much my entire life behind. To say I was irritable and crabby is an understatement as I accepted my fate of living in the worst housing apartment offered by Disney as well as a role in merchandise in one of the busiest areas of the parks: Main Street East in Disney's Magic Kingdom.

My mom left without saying goodbye after moving me in (this wasn't her fault, but bad planning due to a flight issue) and I said a tearful adieu to my beau early the next morning.

I attended Traditions and hoped for the best, but to no avail. I hated my work location, I wasn't making any friends, and my roommates had different days off than I. I was getting home at late hours, barely managing to sleep and eat. I lost 14 pounds in two months. It was terrible.

On a warm, September evening during a stock shift for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, I was informed my nephew was ill. I was driving home three days later, self-terming from my program.

Fast forward again a few months later and I was applying for yet another program. Accepted and excited, I ended up not going due to scheduling conflicts with my university.

On February 13, 2017, I made the decision to make a final attempt to apply for the Disney College Program. I had basically been offered a full-time position earlier that month, but when they found out I wasn't able to move until May, they gave the role to someone else.

All I wanted was to be back in Disney.

That Valentine's Day, I completed my phone interview, having skipped the web-based from previous applications. I answered the recruiter's questions confidently and felt as though I had aced it. Several pain-filled months later, I was waitlisted. Devastated didn't come close to how I felt.

Thankfully, on April 19, I was accepted. My role is merchandise, which is something I'm no stranger to. I auditioned my first program and my current one for character performer but unfortunately didn't make the cut. I'm not giving up hope, though, that one day I'll be able to portray a Disney character.

As for now, I'm planning my upcoming wedding, preparing to move permanently down to Florida, and anxiously awaiting my arrival date for the College Program. I'm excited and nervous and freaked out all in one, but my happiness to be going back to be a Cast Member cannot be matched.

I'm so thankful to have this opportunity to work at one of my favorite places in the entire world. I highly recommend the Disney College Program to any lover of Disney because it's an experience that can't be found anywhere else. To live and thrive and work in the place where dreams come true is a privilege and not everyone gets to experience it. I'm just lucky to have the chance to go for a whole semester this time.

Remember: If you can dream it, you can do it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17907
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7628
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5593
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4857
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments