Making Magic.
One night while scrolling on Facebook I saw an ad to apply for the Disney College Program. I had a few friends that had done the program in the past, so I thought, “Why not?” I never expected to hear anything back, so I didn’t even tell my friends or family that I applied. After a web and phone interview, I got the email that I was accepted. I was kind of torn because I didn’t want to fall behind in school since I was already going to be graduating in 5 years. I decided I could go as long as I took classes. Needless to say, the fall of 2019 was an interesting semester of college for me. It was definitely tough trying to juggle working for Disney full-time while taking school online full-time as well, but I got through it. To be honest, I was excited but also quite terrified to move to Orlando for 6 months.
In August, when I moved in, I had three Canadian roommates and a roommate from Massachusetts. After about a month Marie-Eve, Michelle, and Jessica’s international program ended and they had to go home. It was a sad moment but Emily and I were also excited to be getting three new roommates. When Bailey, Kristie, and Holly moved in about 2 weeks later, it felt whole again in our apartment. I was originally scared that I wouldn’t be able to make friends, but we became so close. Emily and I actually lived in the same room, so we especially for to know each other very well. It also helped that my friend, Zach, from school, was also doing the program. Christmas was a tough time for all due to being a little homesick. We decided to celebrate that morning with breakfast and we even exchanged gifts. I miss my Disney roommates so much and I hope we can all have a reunion one day!
I was chosen to work at the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT. It was probably the best position I could have asked for. I worked with some of the best people who I still talk to every so often. We became a family. Being outside, the weather was extremely hot or rainy, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I mean, come on, I got to eat free leftovers almost every night. Once the festival ended, I was moved to Cosmic Rays Starlight Café in Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom was very intimidating due to the number of guests. There was never a slow moment. I also got to work the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which had the cutest costume! New Years’ meant my program was over. Luckily, my family got to come to visit and help me move out. On my last night, I watched the Magic Kingdom castle firework show for the last time as a cast member and I cried like a baby. It was a sad but fulfilling end to a chapter of my life. Making magic at Disney was an amazing experience that I hope many get to have the opportunity to do.
