My BIG Secret!

So my dear friends. I went through the Cultural Representative Program application process with you twice.  I went through the Cruise Line Interviews with you.  I went through the University of Central Florida application process with you.

I had a gut feeling about all of those. This time I don't.  That is why I am wary to discuss that I even applied.  But with success comes failure, and with failure comes lessons learned to turn those failures into successes later on.  I have not been accepted for many jobs in the past. I have been offered many jobs as well.

The closest I've ever felt to this before was when I was in the running to be one of the West Coast Trainers for Boston Pizza Corporate.  I would have traveled through Western Canada as a corporate trainer for new restaurants and revamps.  I didn't think I had a chance, but I got called for a phone interview. Then I made it to the next round.  Then the last round! I was one in three candidates left.  I had to go to a Boston Pizza and write a report on it.  I poured hours into this report.  Then I had to train the interviewers to do something in 20 minutes.  I chose to teach them the dance to Thriller.

I didn't even know the dance to Thriller. So I learned it.  And then I rocked it teaching it to them.  They were two late 20 something guys, it was intimidating, and perhaps not the right choice (their examples were 'how to put on hockey gear' and 'how to build a card house') but I thought it was interactive and fun.

I really thought I had a good chance when I was in the top three.  I was already imagining myself travelling around the provinces, teaching, learning, exploring and loving life.  I was contemplating not applying for a second Disney program if I got this job and sort of starting a life. (Crazy, I know.)

Then I got an email...that I didn't get it. I tried to justify it to myself that I wasn't really qualified anyways and that I made it way further in the process than I should have, but I was still sad.

Walt said everyone needs a good failure when they are young - hopefully this was mine and now I'm good to go.  I have this weird way of thinking that I should get whatever job I apply for because I know I can step up and perform the role amazingly - it's getting that across through my resume and interviewing that seems to be the problem.

I got through that interview failure, and I survived and am incredibly happy with how everything went even though I didn't get that job.  Plus I learned a lot in the process (besides amazing dance moves).  I learned that I can write reports and overcame my fear of public speaking/shyness by teaching a dance to men in suits.  I learned that even though I may not have gotten the job, I worked hard at trying, and as clique as that sounds, there was just someone else better suited for the position.

So where is all this going?

I applied for the Disney College Program.  I also applied for Disney Professional Internships.

Thank goodness only my family reads this or else it would be way scarier putting that out there. Oh public rejection. Hopefully we won't have to deal with you...but if we do...it will be graceful (mostly).

Let's do the College Program first:

The Disney College Program is a Disney geeks dream.  You get to work in also ANY POSITION PROPERTY WIDE (all non-tipped of course!) and make magic for guests.  You get worked to the bone, with super long hours, and then get to go home to housing! So it's like Le Cellier...but without the restaurant, the tips or the other Canadians.

There are a variety of roles from housekeeping to hospitality to attractions to character performers to merchandise etc. and when you initially apply you rank which you are most interested in.   What made me really want to apply is that Hospitality and Concierge were on the list. CONCIERGE! Can you imagine? (Hello, dream in life being realized!) On the Disney website they pretty much NEVER have this role or front desk because the turn over is so long for part-time and full-time cast members.  Therefore I thought if I were able to get in on the College Program, we may be able to work some Disney magic afterwards.
The problem with this is that I could be offered a role in any of the jobs I listed as interested in, and they include main entrance operations, housekeeping (whoops!) and attractions.  The good thing about this is once you're in, it's easier to stay in, and I've become very talented at making a bed (ask Francel!). So if I do a program in a different role there may be a possibility to switch to a seasonal position in a role that is more relevant to my major.

Now that we have that spiel out of the way...here is the process so far.

I applied online.

I got an email asking me to complete an online interview.

I completed the online interview. Upon completion I was invited to schedule a phone interview.

I completed my phone interview.  20 minutes ago.

It was scary. All interviews are scary.  Why? Because you are trying to sell yourself to someone who listens to thousands of college students trying to sell themselves.  You are trying to make that person see you as someone who should work for the best entertainment company in the world. That's an intense sell.

The lady (I'm a horrible person and forget her name already) was very nice and laid out how the phone cal would go.  She asked me a series of questions to start.  Of course 'Why do you want to do the college program?' was a big one, and she made reference to the fact that I had already worked at Le Cellier ('it's such a great restaurant but so hard to get in to!') Then we talked about roommates and working in the weather (good thing I already live here and did popcorn cart in August!).  She also asked me how I deal with having a ton of things to do at once and I discussed prioritizing and list making. oh dear.

She asked me what my top roles were and I said Concierge/Hospitality then Character Attendant (in my mind character attendants have to deal with a lot of anger...lines being cut off, scared children, saving characters being harassed...it's like guest relations but in the field!).  She asked me what I thought the difference between concierge and hospitality (front desk) was and I was not expecting that.  I gave my best answer though, and the next question was if I was comfortable putting out food in the club levels, but then answered herself by mentioning all my food and beverage experience...I said yes to and used the example of myself being a banquet captain so I was familiar with the buffet style set up, stocking and take down.

I got asked about a time when guests were upset and I turned the situation around. I told the story about the anniversary couple that was really upset they had to wait a long time to sit, and how I was really excited for them, celebrated their anniversary, and in the end completed their pin set that they had been working on for years by presenting it with dessert. So magical.  (They actually cried and hugged me, and gave me an unreal steamboat Mickey pin, because you 'have to trade').

She asked me about how I would deal with a scared child coming up to a big character and I talked about turning the nervous energy into excited energy, talking about the character, how friendly they are, getting them down to the child's level as well, that sort of thing. Going over to the character together perhaps? I don't know, I've always been a thousand feet tall and only scared of Frolo...who has creepy fake human hands.

She then asked about my student visa and if I had a driver's license.  I think that's about it? She told me I had to wait 2-3 weeks and to continuously check my Disney Dashboard as sometimes the emails get sent to the junk mail folder.  I asked a few questions about the program and extending, and voila - it was over.

Now we wait.

As for the Professional Internships Program:

I applied for a couple of the 'College Program Alumni Only' Professional Internships.  They count the CRP as alumni too thank goodness! The roles vary quite a bit but the two I am most interested in are an International Recruiting Internship and a Guest Relations Internship.  I think everyone and their brother wants to be in Guest Relations so that will be intense, and I think international recruiting would be the coolest thing ever as I've gone through the process twice and being able to be a part of doing that for other people? UNREAL.

I applied and had my interview for those in the beginning of February so I don't remember the questions as well.  I was told (not in my interview but by others applying) that there are about 6000 applications and about 100 Professional Interns, so your chances are slim.  I don't know how true this is, but college program alumni are intense individuals, all with Disney experience and magical examples.

What I wasn't expecting in this interview was all the questions about what I was hoping to gain from the internship.  I had prepared a lot more on the side of what I could bring to them, not exactly what they could give to me, besides experience, knowledge, on the job training and that sort of thing. The interviewer was really nice though (as they always are) and I think it was a good experience.  I have plenty more opportunities to apply for PIs (until the semester after you graduate) so at least I got the chance to see what it was like if I don't get one this time.  I will admit I really want one though.

Applications just closed for the Professional Internships on March 8th (last Friday) so they have to do all the phone interviews for the people who applied recently.  Apparently the individual departments don't even start looking at resumes until about a month from now because of all the phone screen interviews and such.  So we shall see.

I'm horrible at waiting.

So there you have it. I let you in on my big secrets.  My fingers are crossed that something works out, but if it doesn't there are other places I can work until the opportunities come around again.  I can also apply for regular part-time and seasonal positions in a couple months so that's always an option as well.

Plus, there is always Universal? I would look mighty cute in that Harry Potter World wizard hat....

News! Just not for me...

At my Disney World CRP interviews, as I previously mentioned, there were also people interviewing for the ICP - International College Program. They go down just during their summers to work for the Mouse! They were told they would have to wait 2-3 weeks for their interview results...and found out yesterday!!!! That's right, they only waited ONE WEEK!

This news has got all the CRPs going crazy hoping they (we) will hear sooner than the 3-4 weeks we were quoted.

Here are my well thought out thoughts... hahaha

-Most likely all the decisions have been made. All the interviews are done, and I'm assuming Jeni and Shandon have decided who is going down, who is waitlisted, and who isn't accepted.

-The ICP interviewees were easier to place because they all go down the same day, or the same few days, however they would take more work in that they have to be placed in numerous work locations all over the Disney World.

-The CRP interviewees (us) would take longer to find start dates for, however we all work in the same 3 locations within the Canada pavilion therefore that wouldn't take as long.

-Jeni and Shandon have to return to Orlando, go into work on Monday and start processing all this information in their computers. As well as talk to staffing and figure out all the dates they need different amounts of people for.

-I have no idea when they are going to contact us. I just know if it's Friday, I am going to be on an airplane and out of cell phone territory from 1pm eastern time on. That gives Kristen 4 hours to call or email me and give me news that I won't be able to see until 11:45 Friday night...which means I wouldn't be able to respond all weekend until she's back in the office Monday! Ahh!

-I think that we won't find out until the week after this one coming up...that's my prediction.

If you are wondering why I'm going on an airplane Friday it's because I have to fly back to Vancouver...from Toronto!! Yes, I am going to Toronto on Monday (in two days!!) for a Disney Cruise Line interview!!! I'm very excited! It's my back up if I don't get a CRP contact. I am excited about the cruise ship in an entirely different way than the CRP. It's hard to explain. I know that it would be way way harder, and way more work, but I really think that I can do it, I know I can. Stand up for Canadians and prove we do have strong work ethic ;) So wish me luck with that!

I'm also really excited because I get to see my sister Carrie!! She's the greatest person, I look up to her so much and I'm inspired by the incredible way she lives a healthy life. She's so fun to talk to, hang out with and just be around and I'm ecstatic about it! I also get to see my wonderful Aunties!! and cousins!! AND hopefully a few dear dear friends! It's such a silly short visit, and I'm sad I won't be able to see everyone that I want to! It's tough having so many incredible people you love all over, however it is also humbling that people would want to drive, travel and change plans just to see me. It really means a lot to me to know there are people that I don't get to see often but who truly care that much. Thank you all so much.

I'm off now to sleep, then work tomorrow :) I'm so excited to find out what is going to happen, I'm kind of majorly stressed about a lot of things, but I know that 3 months from now I'm going to be in a totally different place with totally different stresses and feelings and I'm so excited to find out where that is and what I'll be doing!! Sorry there aren't any pictures in this blog!! I'll get better I promise! I'll try to take some while in TO!!! :D

19 and a half days until we hear from Disney!

Mickey's Soundsational Parade!!

So click on THIS LINK and scroll down to the Mickey's Soundsational Parade video and WATCH IT! Yes, even those of you who I know don't click on my links...click on this one!! It's a preview of the new parade with ALL NEW FLOATS and it looks incredible!! Disney has been recycling a lot of its floats in recent years but this parade looks like it's going to be absolutely amazing!

Honestly, just watch it!!

Other big Disney News!! Found on the same website I just linked, is the grand opening dates of The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure (, Star Tours: The Adventure Continues and of course the Soundsational Parade which debuts Memorial Day weekend!! They haven't yet said the opening dates for Goofy's Sky School or the Paradise Garden Dining Area, but they're both suppose to open this spring as well!! Such incredible things happening in California these days, and some huge changes coming up for Disney World as well...mainly the new FANTASYLAND!

If you are a Disney nut like me you should definitely be reading WWW.MICEAGE.COM It's the best resource for getting your Disney fill, as well as they have some great discussion boards and everyone on there seems to have the inside scoop on everything!! Check it out!

Other than that, I've had a pretty chill day, had an interview for Sonora Resort this morning, ran some chores with my favourite pug

and am now going to make some vegetable soup then work out! Sounds like a beauty day to me! Back to work tomorrow morning. I'm trying not to think about my Disney interview but it's really tough. We'll find out when we find out :)

Cheers!

Location Location Location!

I received this email from Kristen this morning:

Greetings Kathryn (Kate)!

Many thanks for confirming your preferred interview location of Vancouver on February 25^th. Walt Disney World and Yummy Jobs very much looks forward to assisting you on taking this next step on your adventure the US. During the presentation and interviews you will be given the opportunity to meet with Walt Disney World, interview, and have any of your questions about the program answered!

Your interview will be held at:

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Friday, February 25^th 8:45am- 5:00pm

Sutton Place Hotel

845 Burrard Street

Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K6

Telephone: 604-682-5511

Website: http://www.vancouver.suttonplace.com/default.htm

You will need to arrive at 8:45am as the Disney presentation will start at promptly at9:00am. After the presentation your interview will be scheduled. You must be prepared to spend the whole day at the interviews and will be required to dress in professional / business attire.

It is essential that you bring the following items to the interview:

1. 3 Photocopies of your main passport page (picture page/passport number)
2. Your Passport
3. An up to date copy of your resume
4. Walt Disney World Online Application Form
5. Role Check List
6. A black pen to fill out any forms

We will be sending you a link for the Disney Application form and an attachment copy of the Role Checklist in a second email that will arrive to your inbox by 8am tomorrow morning. Please do contact us if you do not receive this second email by 8am tomorrow.

If you have any questions about the location, please do feel free to contact me for assistance.

* Please do note that if at any time before the interviews, you discover that you are no longer able to participate in the program, please do email me. This will ensure you are able to be considered for Walt Disney World should you wish to reapply in the future.

Once again, congratulations on reaching this stage in the recruitment process and we look forward to meeting you!

Kristen Thornton

Yummy Jobs

It's very exciting to have a location. Even though I knew the date, and that it would be downtown, having an exact location somehow makes it feel very real and cemented down. Does that make sense? Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to wear!! Oh and try to think about some answers to interview-type questions. I know why I want to go back - its my dream coming true all over again, however I don't exactly know how to convey it in so many words without gushing like a big weirdo! haha. We shall do our best and at the end of the day if they want to rehire other people instead of me, I can't do anything about it - as long as I know I did everything I could at the interview.

I'm also excited because we're planning a dinner the night before the interview to meet up with everyone and chat. Sam (my little sister from my first contract!!) is coming over from Victoria so it will be really nice to see her, as well as one of my roommates from my first contract Courtney, and meet everyone else! This dinner before my last interviews really helped to make me a tiny bit less nervous, as walking into a room of familiar faces is always easier than walking into a room of unknowns!

One year ago today I went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras! I'll try to put together a post about it soon!

An Email from Yummy Jobs!

Random family photo to start off the post...

...this was our families meeting place if the adults ever got "lost," because at Disney it's the adults that get misplaced, not the children ;)

Greetings!

We hope all is great and that you are getting excited for the interviews with Walt Disney World!

We have just spoken with Walt Disney World, and wanted to send you a quick update regarding the interview locations. For the interviews the Disney Travel Team is working diligently to confirm the exact address/building for which the face to face interviews will be held. While we do hope to have this information in the next few days, we did want to touch base to confirm that the interviews would be held in the downtown areas of your chosen interview city. If you are looking to book hotels, we would recommend to aim for the downtown core to ensure the easy access to the interview building.

Along with the exact interview address we will be sending the information on what you will need to bring with you to the interviews, so do keep an eye on your emails.

We look forward to sending another update soon!

Have a Great Day!

Kristen Thornton

Yummy Jobs

So that means that we aren't sure were it is still! Disney is definitely having some kind of problems finding the best location for the interviews, I hope they figure it out soon though! It doesn't really make that big a difference to me as I live in Vancouver currently and can just bus over the Lions Gate Bridge pretty easily, but it would be nice for the other people interviewing from further away so they can stay at the same hotel or one right by it as it's going to be an early morning!

I spent a long time talking to my dear friend Ashley this evening (who appeared in those lovely Spirit of Aloha photos! Ashley has already been accepted for a second contract and starts April 12th!! This is also exciting because I happen to be seeing Ashley April 2nd...because I'm going with her on her road trip to the south! We planned out a lot of our stops and stays tonight and it really only looks like we're going to be paying for 2 or 3 nights of the whole trip because we have friends in all the right places! We found some incredible road side attractions as well and some amazing stops that will make certain people VERY excited!!

I also will be flying east for a Cruise Line interview in a few weeks. It's a pretty stressful tense month coming up with a lot riding on a few very important interviews and decisions, so everyone cross your fingers and toes that everything works out.

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them" -Walt Disney

So if nothing else, there will be some beautiful Toronto/road trip pictures popping up in a few months. And some major plan making. It's time for bed so I can wake up and run off the stress!

14 days 23 hours 43 minutes until my Disney Face to Face Interview!

Estoy muy nervioso!

I'm almost as nervous as I was when this photo was taken. My family thought 'oh let's put Kate in the front because she's little and won't be able to see otherwise,' thus began my life long fear of heights ;)