Before I began my Disney College Program, I read countless articles and watched dozens of YouTube videos about the program. Acceptance to the program was a dream come true for me, and I could not wait to begin my magical journey. If you are reading this article and have been accepted to the program, I would like to congratulate you on this accomplishment! You are about the begin the ride of your life! If you are reading this article in interest about the program, please keep researching and APPLY! You don't want to miss this chance. Here are a few lessons I learned on my program that I would like for you to know in advance as you prepare for this incredible journey.
1. Know that it's normal to feel completely excited and completely nervous at the same time.
When I got accepted to the program, I thought I was going to literally fall over from my excitement. As the program quickly approached, I found myself getting super nervous and doubting myself. On my move in day, my mom told me, "I am not going to let you let go of this opportunity." You have made it. Your dream came true, now seize the day!
2. As you search for your roommates, realize it will all be OK.
I have a tendency to over think pretty much everything. As I searched for my roommates, I was super nervous, because it was my first time away from home. I had to really trust God to provide in this situation, and He did! My roommates and I are all so different, but in many ways SO alike. We embraced each other's special qualities and learned from each other. (I was learning Italian my first week of the program!) I can honestly say that my Disney roommates became my forever friends, and I can't imagine my life without them.
3. You should make reservations for special restaurants (your favorite restaurants and new ones too!).
This will give you something to look forward to throughout the program. Restaurants like Be Our Guest will fill up fast, so go ahead and try to reserve a table for a date that falls within your program.
4. Go ahead and make a Disney Bucket List! (You probably have one going...)
For example:
1. Ride Splash Mountain 35 times.
2. Visit all four parks in one day.
3. Eat ice cream in all four parks in one day (my favorite).
5. Realize that even though your new home is in the "happiest place on earth," you will become homesick at times.
I moved from small town Mississippi to Orlando, and it was my first time away from home. That being said, I thought that I really wouldn't get homesick, because I was living my dream! Truth is, dreams often involve sacrifices and bravery. You will sacrifice special holidays and moments with family and friends from back home, but you will live at Walt Disney World, (or Disneyland) and your family will want to visit you! (Thankfully my mom came to visit me once a month... We kinda have a Lorelai and Rory relationship...) Also, we are so blessed to have such fantastic technology these days. Utilize FaceTime and Skype to stay connected to home! (Yes, I FaceTimed my dogs, no shame.) Enjoy the Welcome Events hosted by the Disney College Program! They are a blast, and they helped me as I adjusted. Be brave as you embrace independence in this "whole new world."
6. Make sure you pack for hot and cold weather.
Congratulations, you're about to move to Florida or California! It may seem to always be warm, but make sure that you pack clothes for warm and cold weather!
7. Get ready to shop!
Take advantage of your special cast member perks and use those discounts, honey! Shopping is one of my favorite hobbies, and I especially enjoy shopping at WDW. Getting to shop at Disney with special discounts is great, and I wished I had saved up a little extra pocket change to enjoy those discounts more.
8. Consider going to Orlando a few days earlier than your arrival date. You can take this time to familiarize yourself with the city.
My mom and I traveled down to Orlando three days before my official move in date. It was quality time spent with my mom exploring Walt Disney World property and the surrounding area (aka my new home!). I will never forget those special moments with her as I prepared to live out my dream. (Sniff-sniff, no I'm not crying... ok, just a few tears...)
9. Beware: you may become a Dole Whip addict...
Y'all, I didn't even really like Dole Whip before I moved to WDW. I quickly became addicted to the delightful citrus treat... So "Be Prepared!"
10. Get ready to meet people from all over the world!
This is something truly magical about your college program experience. You get to meet so many people from all over the world from all walks of life. You truly realize "it's a small world after all!"
11. Get ready to work hard.
Walt Disney said, "If I could tell others how to make their dream come true, my answer is, you do it by working." If you have not noticed already, I am trying to be realistic with you as you prepare for this journey. Your program will be SO much fun, and your job will have so many wonderful opportunities; however, there will be days you do not want to work. There will be long days and random hours for you to work. There will also be days full of magical moments you created. There will be days that are filled to the brim with pixie dust, and it's those days you remember why you work for a Mouse.
(Pooh, Tigger, and I liked to exercise before we met new friends. "Up, down, touch the ground...")
12. Please consider bringing your own vehicle.
Trust me. If you can avoid relying on the bus system, please do. The one time I took the bus to work, I was late (and that was the only time I was ever late to work...)
13. Have Disney movie nights!
When you feel like you can't make it through the rest of this semester, stop and watch a Disney movie. It will remind you of the magic to come! Finish strong, my friend.
14. Have a countdown!
There are fun apps that you can see how much longer (even up to the second) you have until your magical journey begins!
15. Eat at all your favorite restaurants in your hometown, because you will miss and appreciate them once you live far away.
This may sound silly, but it happens! I missed McAllister's, Newk's, and Friends and Company so much during my program!
16. Consider getting a Dapper Day outfit together. (You don't want to miss out on this fun day!)
If you don't know about Dapper Day, it's a fun day at one of the Disney Parks where guests dress up in vintage style clothing. I tailored a vintage dress and wore a fascinator hat that belonged to my great-grandmother, Grammie. Everyone looked too fabulous that day, and Magic Kingdom was extra glamorous that day! I kept thinking of my Grammie smiling on me as I wore her hat in Magic Kingdom. I'm sure she would have never guessed that I would wear it and wear it in Walt Disney World.
17. Keep dreaming.
This is only the beginning. Your dream is about to come true! May this experience be the foundation of many more dreams to come.
I could go on forever talking about my Disney College Program journey. I hope that this has helped you as you prepare for your adventures. I dedicate my first article to all my Disney pals, and to my two Zeta sisters, Hannah and Brooke, as they begin their magical journey. Hugs and pixie dust to all, and may all your wishes come true!
