We’ve made it through our first week of the Disney College Program. I know a lot of people are wondering what we’ve been doing in that week and others might be wondering what they can expect in their own program. So I’ve got a break down of our first week.
Day 1
On Day 1, we arrived at our assigned apartment complex. Our assigned time was 9:15 am. You check in with security and then follow the check-in signs to the building where they do your check in. You get your picture taken and receive your Housing ID, your Program Guide and the key to your apartment.
We headed to our apartment building and found out we were on the top floor. (ugh) There are 3 floors and we are on floor #3. It was A LOT of stair climbing to unload our 2 cars. Fortunately we had totes and baskets to help minimize the number of trips, but still. It was rough. And it was TOASTY out that day too. We got everything unloaded from our cars and started putting some things away.
That afternoon, Adam had to go to Casting to get his background check done and have his picture taken for his employee ID (although you do not get your Employee ID immediately…more to come on that).
Outside Casting building
How cute are these statues inside Casting?
We finished off Day 1 with a Walmart and Target trip. We had to stock up on, well, everything. Eating is important. And we plan on doing a lot of cooking at home so we can actually put some money in our savings while we work.
Day 2
I wish I could tell you that we were 100% moved in on the first day, but the truth is, we were not. We were probably 75% though. Sometimes you just need to spend some time in the space before you can figure out where everything goes. So Day 2 was us settling in some more and doing a Costco run (because our Costco is about a 25 minute drive from us and there were things on coupon that we needed).
Also, Day 2 was when I went to Casting to do my stuff. Everything is scheduled out at very specific times, so it’s not like I could have just gone with Adam because that’s not what my schedule said.
Day 3
Neither of us had any events scheduled on Day 3. We are Disney World Annual Passholders, so we decided to go into the parks for a little bit. Most CP’s don’t get to do this until after they receive their employee ID because that’s what gets you into the park for free.
So we spent the afternoon in the Magic Kingdom exploring the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo. You can find our video of that here.
Day 4
We started Day 4 with a Housing Welcome Session. This took place in The Commons Clubroom. It was about and hour long and just kind of explained some of the rules and amenities in our housing complexes.
That was it for that day. Disney really likes to spread things out. I guess it’s nice because you have time to get settled in and adjusted to the area. But I was anxious to get to training and working.
Day 5 and 6
Adam got to go to his Traditions class on Day 5 and I went on Day 6! Traditions is basically your Disney orientation. You get to hear a lot about the company and the history, which is so great and emotional if you’ve been dreaming of working for Disney your whole life (I may have teared up…which is a rare occurrence for me).
Traditions is held at Disney University!
This is also where you get your name tag and Employee ID. There are some other really exciting moments and you can find videos of those if you want. But they were so magical, I don’t want to be the one to spoil them. I will tell you to make sure you wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in!
No joke, looking at this makes me tear up. I’ve wanted one of these so badly!
Day 7
We got to go to our first day of training on our 7th day. This training was also at Disney University. For me, it was just 5 hours, including an hour to go get my costume. For Adam, he was there for an extra hour and a half and he didn’t get his costume that day. This was more HR type stuff. Lift with your legs, not your back. Don’t be mean to guests. How to use a Fire Extinguisher. It was done in a very Disney way, but it wasn’t focused role-related training.
We are so excited to join the Walt Disney World family and start creating magical memories at the parks! Our next few days of training should be more focused on our actual roles and responsibilities and we can’t wait!
#livingthedream
