Friday, April 30, 2010

Fashion Friday:
Peter Pan
Peter Pan

Sunday, April 25, 2010


Hello, fellow Mouseketeers!

I don't have a great deal to say right now, but I have been tying together a bunch of loose ends.  I cleaned and organized some of my room (I still have to go through my closet, drawers, and desk, but that shouldn't be too bad).  I packed some books and my decorations.  I'm planning on organizing my closet and desk tomorrow.  I will be putting all the things I'm taking with me in the front and everything that will be staying behind will be pushed towards the back.  As for my school supplies, I have a box prepared.  I don't really need anything for school anymore (finals are next week), so I can just pack it all up and be done with it.  I need to buy space bags, newspaper, and a few extra boxes, but I think all in all, I'm in pretty good shape.

Also, I received a call from the College Program yesterday asking if I had any questions and confirming my arrival on May 24th.  I didn't have much to ask, but I was extremely pleased to make contact with them.  I cannot wait to get to Disney!  27 days until I leave my house, and 29 days until the program starts!

Oh, and don't forget, everyone!  Enter my contest to win a free copy of Brent Dodge's book "From Screen to Theme".  It's a great addition to any Cast Member's library!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Fashion Friday:
Ursula



Also, don't forget to enter my contest to win a copy of Brent Dodge's book, "From Screen to Theme"!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I know I said 8 pm yesterday, but I'm just too excited to wait!

Anyway, as I said yesterday, I have some big news! I have been in contact with Brent Dodge, author of the book "From Screen to Theme: A Guide to Disney Animated Film References Found Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort".  I am happy to announce that I am hosting a giveaway!  That's right.  I'm giving away a copy of the book!  This book is so fascinating and would be a great addition to any library, especially one of a future cast member!

Here's a little information on the book from its Facebook fan page:


"Working as a cast member in Fantasyland during the 2004 College Program a guest approached me about where he could find Peter Pan. I asked if he meant the attraction or character to which he responded, "What about every spot where I can find anything about Peter Pan?" After talking with the guest for about half an hour he pointed out that there should be a book that helps guests find these references.

A few months passed and the idea of the book came back to me while I was watching the Share a Dream Come True Parade. As the Aladdin float passed I realized that there were small figures of Bernard and Bianca from The Rescuers and The Rescuers Down Under in front of Aladdin. I began to play a game in my head where I'd try to find more references for these two films, but never thought of writing it down.

Four years later while watching Robin Hood I began to play the game once again in my home. I began to jot down the various references to Robin Hood and other films until I had about ten pages of notes. After looking into it, I realized that no one had ever written a book about the references found throughout the parks and a new hobby was born.

Almost a year and a half since watching Robin Hood I am proud to announce that my first book that focuses on Disney Animated Film References Found Throughout the Walt Disney World Resort is complete and in the final editing stages."

For more information on the book, please visit the From Screen to Theme website.

Here's how you participate:
1) Respond to this post with your first name, email address, and the correct answer to the trivia question.
2) Your name will be entered into a raffle to win the book.
3) The winner will be drawn at random on or around Wednesday, May 5th.
4) To gain an extra entry, you can link this entry to your blog and post the link in your comment.

And now, onto the trivia question!
Q: What year did the Walt Disney World Resort open?

Good luck!  :)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010


Something big is happening here at A Friend of Mickey, but I can't say exactly what just yet! It's super exciting, and I'm bursting at the seams to tell you all, but mum's the word for now. All I can say is brush up on your Disney facts and trivia and come here at 8 pm eastern time tomorrow for the grand announcement!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

I just received the following question on my Formspring:

How did you apply for internship? Through school or online? Online all I can find is the talent program info..where you have to be graduated from college :( Also, do you know if it's too late to apply for next spring? Thanks :)

I realized how very little information there is about the application process for the Disney College Program, so I think I'll give you guys a small taste of what I went through during my application process.

I received several emails from my college about a special presentation about a Disney internship. Not knowing too much about it, I decided I would attend one of the presentations. Unfortunately, all of the presentations at my school were snowed out. I decided to take matters into my own hands and look up information on the program. When I saw that the program was a way to work and study at Disney World for an entire semester, I decided to turn in an application right away. However, when I went to apply, I realized that attending one of the presentations was absolutely necessary for the application process because they give you a code at the end of the presentation that you must enter to get to the application. Luckily, you can watch the presentation online, which is exactly what I did. As I watched the 45 minute presentation, I began to get more and more excited about the program. By the end, I was chomping at the bit to get to the application.

I received the application code in my email within five minutes of the end of the presentation. I immediately entered the code into the application and began. I filled out the preliminary application in about a half hour. It asked similar questions to any other job application I've ever filled out: name, address, birth date, education, job experience, etc.

After that portion of the application, I began the questionnaire. This part of the application process tests how compatible you are with what the Disney Company expects out of its employees. This portion of the application took me about an hour. There are many questions, and each asks you to rank how you fit each question on a scale of one to five. You must read this section carefully: sometimes one is the best and sometimes five is the best! At the end of this section, you will find out if you are compatible with Disney or not. If you are, you receive a phone number to call and schedule a phone interview.

I called immediately after finishing the application, but unfortunately, the office was closed for the evening, so I called the next morning. My interview was scheduled roughly two weeks after I scheduled it. I was extremely nervous and did not know what to expect, so I Googled past interview questions. Even after doing that, I was still extremely uneasy, so I decided to contact my cousin, who is very knowledgeable in the area of human resources. She suggested this book:




I have to say, reading this book was probably the best decision I made regarding this interview. Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations, and as such, he is extremely well informed about Disney management. It was extremely helpful to know what Disney looks for in an employee, but even more than that, it taught me a great deal about what to expect when I enter into the workforce and become a manager myself.



I do not remember too much of my telephone interview. I was so amped up on adrenaline that I was running on sheer nerves. I expected interviewer to throw me a lot of curve balls, but she didn't. She basically went over what I had said on my initial application. The only real advice I have about this process is simply to smile and be as pleasant as possible. I thought my interview went well. I was just nervous that I had said, "Um..." too much.

At the end of the interview, the interviewer told me that I would have to wait up to a month for my results but if I didn't hear back from them at the end of that time, to send them an email. It turned out that I wouldn't have to wait nearly that amount of time. I found out after a mere ten days, the shortest amount of time out of everyone I knew. I was ecstatic.

I would highly suggest that anyone who is interested just take the plunge and apply. There isn't much to lose, and everyone who is involved in the internship application process is really nice and friendly. As far as I know, they are still accepting applications for fall 2010, but I think they are nearing the end date now. Either way, all the information to apply can be found here:

https://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/index.html

Go for it! Who knows what could happen?


Do you have a burning question?  Ask it here!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Fashion Friday:
Bonus Edition

Yesterday I posted an entry about the Disney Look, complete with guidelines and examples of outfits I like. I was thinking today about how difficult it is for plus-size ladies to find cute, chic business looks, so I set out on a mission: to recreate some of the looks I posted yesterday with plus-size clothing. I picked my two favorite outfits, both from J Crew. I hope you like my renditions!


I was talking to my roommate about the distinct possibility of starting an a cappella group when we get to Disney.  I've been doing some arrangements (and some recordings, but they're a surprise for later), and I'm really excited about this possibility.   I hope people are interested in doing this!



This guy is seriously impressive.  I'm in love.
Fashion Friday:
The Disney Look!

Those of us preparing for the College Program know about the Disney Look.  Everything a person does while "on stage" is a reflection of Disney as a corporation, and as such, Disney has put in place a set of guidelines for Cast Members to follow.  I am going to do my best to summarize them.


Accessories, Hair, and Other Miscellaneous
Nametags
+ Should be worn on outer-most layer of clothing
+ Should be worn on left shoulder area; should not be worn on lanyards, ties, hats, waistbands, or on shirt or blouse collars
+ Names shall be full, legal, first or middle name or a derivative of that name

Pins & Buttons
+ Cast Members have the option of wearing up to two approved pins on nametag; approved pins are most recent service pin, Partners in Excellence pin, 1971 opening team pin
+ Stickers or other decorations are not permitted
+ Up to two separate approved pins/buttons may be worn directly on costume

Company Identification Cards
+ Cast Members in costume must have their ID with them at all times but they do not need to wear it
+  Non-costumed Cast Members are required to visibly wear their ID in backstage areas at all times

Eyewear
+ Sunglasses should be avoided if possible
+ Sunglasses that allow your eyes to be seen are permitted but should be removed when engaging in extended interactions with a guest
+ Frames and lenses must be a neutral color

Body Alteration or Modification
+ No visible tattoos or piercings other than one hole in each ear
+ No spacers or retainers

Personal Hygiene
+ USE DEODORANT!
+ Heavy scents and fragrances are not permitted

Medical Restrictions/Religious Accomodation Requests
+ Must be presented to the Health Services Department with supporting medical documentation

Hairstyling 
+ Classic, easy to maintain style
+ Hair below shoulder length should be confined
+ Shaving of head or portion of head or eyebrows is not permitted
+ Artificial hair is permitted if it looks natural
+ A plain barrette, comb, or clip no larger than one inch is acceptable
+ All accessories must be neutral
+ No more than three barrettes or combs worn at once 
+ May not be worn as a decorative addition to the costume
+ No extremes in dyeing, bleaching or coloring

Makeup
+ Applied in a blended manner and in colors complementary to skin tone

Cell Phones and Pagers
+ May not be worn or carried during work hours


The Costumed Look (What We Wear to Work)
Costumes
+ Should be clean and neat at all times
+ Should be worn as designed

Fingernails
+ Should be kept clean
+ If polish is used, it should be complementary to skin tone
+ Charms or decals on fingernails are not permitted
+ Should not exceed one-fourth of an inch beyond the fingertip.
 
Jewelry
+ Rings, earrings, and business-style wristwatch permitted
+ Necklaces, bracelets and ankle bracelet not permitted
+ earrings must be simple; one earring in each ear; post earrings may not exceed size of quarter; hoops must be smaller than a dime
+ One ring on each hand (exception being a wedding set) 

Footwear
+ Depends on job

Undergarments
+ Underwear should not be seen through costume! 
+ Solid white crewneck or v-neck undershirt is permitted


The Business Look (What we wear to Disney functions that aren't necessarily work related)
For Women
+ Skirt or pants suit
+ Sweaters or blouses with slacks
+ Dresses (but not sundresses)
+ Business style walking shorts with a blouse and blazer or vest
+ Dockers and khakis if they are neatly pressed and appear professionally laundered

Hemlines
+ Hems for dresses/skirts must not exceed 3" above the top of the kneecap while standing
+ Kick pleats and slits in skirts must not exceed 5" above the middle of the knee
+ Shorts must end somewhere between the kneecap and 3" above
+ All pants must touch the bottom of the ankle

Hosiery
+ If you wear a skirt/dress, nylons or tights are mandatory

Accessories
+ Up to two necklaces and two bracelets
+ One ring on each hand
+ One earring per ear
+ Scarves, watches, pins, and brooches are also permitted


Shoes

+ Heels, flats, or boots in business taste
+ Sling-back, open-back, and peep-toe are permitted, but shoes can't have more than one of these features

For Men
+ Sweaters and short or long-sleeved dress shirts with slacks
+ Ties, sport-coats and suits may be required
+ Dockers and khakis if they are neatly pressed and appear professionally laundered

Accessories
+ Lapel pins, collar bars, tie clips, cuff-links, rings, and business watches
+ Bracelets in gold, silver, or a color that blends with color; must be smaller than a half inch
+ One ring on each hand

Shoes 
+ "Dress shoes and socks in good business taste are required."

So, there are quite a few guidelines to follow when dressing for events.  I've chosen some looks that I like (mostly J Crew and Nordstroms).  Also, if you're looking for some other ideas, you should check out this blog.




Outfit on the right





Outfit on the left needs a cardigan, of course

Friday, April 16, 2010

Hey everyone! I know it's been a few days since I've done a proper update, but I just want you to know that I have been working on some pretty stellar things, one of them being tomorrow's Fashion Friday post. It's going to center around the Disney Look. Get excited!

I've been seeing a lot of my extended family recently, and as such, I've been telling them about the internship. I got most of the spiel down ("I'm going to be working as a member of the Quick Service Food and Beverage Team and studying business at Disney."), but I haven't really been able to explain what exactly I'm going to study. I realized that's because I haven't really researched it properly. So, without further ado, I present this entry about learning with a focus on the collegiate courses and Professional Development Studies. Keep in mind that there are various other learning experiences available to inters. These experiences will be explored in future blog posts.




Deciding what to take
+ Contact your college advisor for information on how to receive credits.
+ Registration for classes is upon arrival in Orlando.
+ When deciding on how many and what classes to take, keep in mind your work and social obligations.
+ The Disney College Program offers interns unique learning opportunities through collegiate courses, professional development studies, the Disney Exploration Series, and additional learning opportunities

Scheduling
+ If participants are enrolled in one of the Disney Education Courses, or have registered a distance learning course with our Education office, they will be scheduled 30 to 45 hours per week during non-peak periods.
+ Disney Education Courses do not meet during peak periods.
+ Sample schedule:


Collegiate Courses
Each of the Disney Collegiate Courses is focused around an area of
Walt Disney World Resort expertise and contains levels of academic rigor like the classes you take at your own college or university.


Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management
+ Prepares students to become entry-level managers in the hospitality industry
+ Exposes students to contemporary and complex operational issues and situations
+ Equips students with the ability to analyze problems and develop, propose and implement strategic solutions

Corporate Analysis
+ Provides an in-depth look at The Walt Disney Company
+ Covers a variety of topics including productivity, corporate culture and diversity & inclusion

Corporate Communication
+ Introduces students to the purpose and significance of communication within an organization at many levels
+ Teaches students both the why and how of communicative techniques

Creativity & Innovation: Gaining the Edge
+ Introduces students to the main theories of Creativity and Innovation
+ Teaches students various tools to promote creativity and increase innovation, how to contribute to a creative team, how to manage creativity and how to establish a culture of creativity within an organization.

Experiential Learning
+ Combines academic classroom education with on-site learning opportunities across the Walt Disney World Resort property
+ Study theories of adult education, experiential learning and the role of learning in a corporate environment

Human Resource Management
+ Provides an overview of fundamental human resource management in a corporate setting

Marketing You
+ Students learn how to market their skills of communication, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision-making, self-management and creative thinking
+ Key elements include the development of a career focus and a personal marketing plan that encompasses the creation of a cover letter, résumé and networking strategy

Organizational Leadership
+ Analyzes the universal principles of leadership theory and their application within a personal and corporate environment
+ Designed to build repeatable and transferable leadership knowledge and skills

Professional Development Studies
These courses are major-specific. Enrollment is limited to students who have declared majors in these fields of study.

Engineering
+ Professionals share real-world experiences in areas such as Transportation Maintenance, Ride & Show Engineering and Central Shops
+ Consists of eight sessions lasting two or three hours in length

Entertainment Show Production
+ Offers students majoring in performing arts, theater or show production an opportunity to explore how Walt Disney World Resort develops, implements and maintains their productions
+ Topics include Business Planning & Creative Investigation, Concept Development, Show Development, Production & Opening, and Operations
+ Consists of eight sessions lasting two to three hours in length.

Finance
+ Provides Business & Accounting students and opportunity to explore how specific organizational units are managed
+ Specific topics include Forecasting & Trend Analysis, Operating Labor Management, Operating & Capital Planning and Pro Forma Development
+ Consists of eight sessions lasting two to three hours in length.

Security
+ Designed to engage students in the field of Security and how it is applied at the Walt Disney World Resort
+ Applicable majors for this program would include Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Sociology and Political Science
+ Topics include Fraud & Loss Prevention, Emergency Management and Incident Command
+ Consists of eight sessions lasting two to three hours in length.

Tuition
+ The Walt Disney World Company does not charge tuition fees for collegiate courses
+ Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks and paying a materials fee

Textbooks & Course Materials
+ Course materials range from approximately $6 to $60 per course at the current time
+ Students will purchase their course materials through payroll deduction upon arrival
+ New texts cost from $18.95 to $125; however, students are welcome to purchase used textbooks from any outlet

My personal choices
What classes am I interested in taking? As a business student and aspiring entrepreneur, I am very much interested in Corporate Analysis, Creativity & Innovation: Gaining the Edge, Experiential Learning, Human Resource Management, and Finance. Obviously, I need to do some more thinking so that I can narrow the choices down a little bit further!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

I hope you're all having a good day! Here's something to make you smile!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Oooooo, my first Formspring questions!

Favorite Disney movie?
from Jessica
Ooo, that's a tough one. I'm going to have to list a few because I can't decide! I love the Lion King, the Little Mermaid, UP, Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc. I hope this answers your question!

What's your favorite disney ride?
Carousel of Progress, oddly enough. I loved it as a kid, and I still love it today. :)


Would you like to ask a question? Fire away!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hello, everyone, and a very special welcome to my new followers!  :)

Got a burning question for me about the Disney College Program?  Heck, got a burning question for me about me?  Got a burning question about burning questions?  I've got a Formspring for that!  Feel free to fire me a message on there, and post the answer on Formspring and on my blog!  Just comment in the box below (the box is also a permanent fixture of the toolbar on the right side of my blog)!

Hello, friends! I hope you all enjoyed yesterday's Fashion Friday entry. I had a really good time making it! :)

As you may or may not know, the Disney College program centers around three aspects: living, learning, and earning. Today I'm going to talk about living.


Photobucket


There are several frequently asked questions about housing.

Which Housing Complex Will I Reside?
According to the website, for some Cast Members, work location determines housing due to transportation. You will receive the name of your specific housing complex when you arrive.

What Size Apartment Will I Reside?
You will have a roommate that you share a bedroom with, at minimum. You can request to be a part of the Roommate Matching/Notification process if you would like to find a roommate prior to arrival. I would highly recommend doing this. It's where I got my roommate, Michelle (hey girl hey!). When you use the matching process, the following are considered:
+ Arrival/Departure dates
+ Gender
+ Whether the Cast Member is over or under 21 (those under 21 will be placed in dry apartments)

You will indicate your apartment preferences when you check in on your arrival day. Once you have a roommate, you will need to decide how many other people you would like to live with (there are two different apartment complexes and each apartment has one to four bedrooms). This decision should be discussed in advance but will be made officially upon check-in.

What Should I Bring With Me?
All the Disney apartments are fully furnished and come with basic appliances. According to the website, here are some things you may want to consider bringing with you:
+ Set of linens and bedding (twin-size sheets, pillow, blanket, towels, etc.)
+ TV, VCR, DVD player and a coaxial cable
+ Stereo (small)
+ Toaster
+ Coffee Maker
+ Phone card
+ Answering machine
+ Cordless phone (The phone provided in the apartment has a cord.)
+ Cell phone (Check with your current provider for coverage information.)
+ Alarm clock
+ Beach towel, suntan lotion and/or sunscreen
+ Camera and media storage cards or film
+ Casual clothing
+ Professional clothing (Please refer to the Disney Look Guidelines for assistance.)
+ Sweater or jacket
+ Dress shoes
+ Combination lock for the locker in your bedroom
+ Computer with Ethernet card
+ Original employment eligibility documents
+ Cosmetics and toiletries
+ Credit card and traveler’s checks (if available)
+ Health insurance information
+ Personal medications, including prescription drugs, if needed
+ Writing paper, envelopes and pens

What Should I Leave At Home?
The following items are not allowed in the Disney apartments:
+ Candles (the fire codes prohibit you from burning them)
+ Small/mini refrigerators (there's a big fridge for everyone to share!)
+ Bicycles (no bike paths or storage facilities for them)
+ Pets of any type (including fish)
+ Weapons of any type (including pocket knives)
+ Hookah pipes (besides, it's gross, anyway!)

Last but not least, here is a walk through that I found on Youtube of one of the apartments, just so you can get a general idea of what's in store for you:

Wednesday, April 7, 2010


I promised that I'd post my packing list, and I think it's finally ready!  I was just talking to my super awesome future roommie about what we're planning to bring, and I think it's going to be essential that we work together on this one, anyway.  So, without further ado, my list!

For the Bedroom
1) Fan
2) Bedding
3) Extra padding for bed
4) Extra lighting

For the Bathroom//Hygiene
1) Soap/shampoo/conditioner
2) Hair dryer/straightener/curling iron
3) Brush/elastics/bobby pins
4) Shower caddy
5) Hair towels/beach towels/hand towels/dish towel/robe/slippers
6) Nail clippers
7) Flip flops for shower
8) Toothbrush/toothpaste
9) Feminine hygiene products
10) Make-up
11) Deodorant/perfume
12) Razors

Cleaning Supplies
1) Febreeze
2) Lysol/bathroom spray
3) Kitchen trash bags
4) Paper towels/napkins
5) Clorox wipes/Windex
6) Small vacuum
7) Swiffer

Electronics
1) Computer/printer/paper
2) Digital camera/cell phone and charger/ipod and charger/headphones
3) Computer speakers
4) External hard drive
5) Extension cords/surge protectors
6) Keyboard

For Your Desk//School Supplies
1) Desk lamp/extra lamp
2) Leisure books
3) Tissues
4) Trash can
5) Ikea boxes
6) Envelopes/stamps
7) Rubber bands/staples/paper clips/pencils/pens/pencil sharpener/post-it notes/push pins/hole punch
8) Scotch tape/masking tape/Duct tape
9) Batteries
10) Notebooks/index cards
11) Pencil/pen caddy
12) Calculator
13) Book bag

Storage
1) Rubbermaid containers
2) Milk crates
3) Ziploc bags

First Aid Kit
1) Neosporin
2) Bandaids
3) Cough drops
4) Aloe vera
5) Thermometer
6) Ice pack
7) Advil Cold & Sinus
8) Ibuprofen
9) Coricidin

Craft Items
1) Markers
2) Cardstock
3) Scissors
4) Glue
5) Crayons
6) Ruler
7) Tape

Miscellaneous
1) Sun screen
2) Mugs for loose change/items
3) Flash light
4) Alarm clock
5) Deck of cards/board games
6) White board
7) Sunglasses
8) Houseplant
10) Figment picture/wall art
11) Desk calendar/Phillies calendar
12) Brita pitcher/filter
13) Can opener
14) Travel mug
15) Air fresheners

I bought my sheets today!  They're not really anything exciting, but they're a reminder that this is real.  This is happening.  And it's happening soon!

While I was feeling excited, I started my packing list.  I separated it into parts, but I think I'm going to re-do the sections from rooms into three categories: buy now, buy when I get there, and already have.  I will definitely be firming up the list and posting it here, soon.

In other excitement, I have friended a few other College Program people on Facebook.  We are all planning a pre-arrival dessert.  We will be meeting at Ghiradelli's Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop in Downtown Disney on May 23rd.  It should be a good opportunity to meet some of the people I'll be working with!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Hey, everyone! Just so you know, I've signed up for Formspring. This way, if you have any burning questions about anything (program related or otherwise), you can ask them right here! It's much easier than trying to seek me out elsewhere, and it's also anonymous! So, just post away in the little box. I also added it to the sidebar of this blog for easy access. I'll be posting the answers to the Formspring, but I'll probably make a post once a week or so to answer them here, too. So, fire away! :)