Q: What made you want to do the Disney College Program?
A: I have loved Disney for as long as I can remember. The first time I ever went to Disney World I was 13 and only got to spend 2 days there, but I wanted to go back so bad!!! Disney has a stellar reputation in the hospitality community and I knew by doing an internship with Disney I would get some amazing experience to add to my resume and life in general. I had never lived away from home and thought that would be a great life experience as well.
Q: What was your role and location? Was it your first choice? If not, what was?
A: I chose a role in hospitality since that was my major and it just made sense to get a job in the field I was studying. I worked front desk/concierge at Saratoga Spring's and Old Key West. I also became a trainer about half way through my program. This role was my first choice although I was secretly hoping to be at the Grand Floridian! I actually ended up loving Saratoga Springs and Old Key West, being on the Vacation Club side as well as regular guest service was very interesting and a great learning experience.
Q: What was your training like?
A: Front Desk roles have 2 weeks of classroom training. Disney has by far the best training program around. This training takes you though a host of fairly common front desk scenarios and teaches you how to handle them. The class also taught the fundamentals of the programs that were going to be used. Having previous front desk experience the hardest part of this training was just getting the system down (at the time was a DOS based system and not totally user friendly) but once that was under my belt it was smooth sailing. I loved the role playing we did for simulated check-ins. Great practice for a role that can be pretty high stress. Imagine a DVC (Disney Vacation Club) member yelling in your face, no fun!
Q: What were the best things about your role?
A: I loved those magic moments before that was an official Disney thing. As a front desk clerk we didn't have much magic we could do but sending balloons to a kid for their birthday or sending an autograph card to a couple on their anniversary that was always fun. As a concierge getting that coveted reservation for a guest, or helping a family who had no clue what they were doing but wanted to do something special for their child's birthday. It was all in their reaction, that big smile and thank you when you were able to help when they thought there was no way. That makes all the bad totally worth it.
Q: The worst?
A: I dont even remember why but this elderly DVC member was screaming at me, calling me names and berating me. Probably for something silly like telling her we can't combine her tickets. I just remember taking her harsh words like a woman and falling apart in the back office, a hot mess. I'm a pretty strong person and this to date is the only guest to ever make me cry.
Q: Would you recommend this role to a friend?
A: Absolutely. Disney is a great experience. Not just the job, but learning now to deal with people, conform to strict corporate guidelines, confidence, quick thinking. All of these things can be used in almost every job no matter the field. Maybe you don't love Disney, but its still a great company with an excellent reputation. I promise that interviewer will always ask you about your Disney experience no matter how far back it was.
Q: What advice would you have for new CPs in this role?
A: Do everything. Your manager asks you if you want to cross train in another role, yes. You can pick up at a shift at a different location, do it. Work 6 days a week to get experience and build your reputation, do it. Oh and go to the parks every day!!! You have a free pass make the most of it!! Make friends, be nice and always put your best foot forward.
Q: What have you been up to since your program ended?
A: After graduation I was accepted into the MAP program at MGM/Mirage Corp in Las Vegas. I worked there for about a year, opened the Hyatt Market Street in The Woodlands, worked accounting at The Woodlands Resort and am now an Account Manager for Booking.com getting to travel more than I ever have which I absolutely love. It's been a long road of figuring out that perfect role for me but its been a fun journey filled with meeting great people and learning a ton about myself. I owe a lot of these interviews and subsequent jobs to Disney, a lot of times it has gotten me in over other candidates
Want to hear more from Rachael? You can find her at:
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@whosTARDIS86 on Twitter
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