Working at Disney is often seen as a dream job, and for many, programs like the Disney College Program are the perfect stepping stone. For me, after successfully completing Disney’s CareerStart Program, the transition to the College Program at Disney World in May 2011 felt like the next natural step in building my Disney career. This journey, however, has been filled with unexpected turns and a stronger sense of homesickness than I anticipated.
Reflecting on my experience so far, particularly in comparison to a previous Disney program, a distinct feeling has emerged – an intensified longing for home. Unlike last time, where the desire to leave only surfaced towards the end, this time, with sixteen weeks still ahead of me, the pull to return to familiar surroundings is significantly stronger.
While there are individuals here I will genuinely miss, the overall atmosphere feels different. Perhaps it’s the absence of the close-knit “family” dynamic I experienced at the Electric Umbrella during my CareerStart Program. Or maybe it’s the contrast between spending evenings chatting with roommates and now retreating to my room to escape the constant noise. The thought of being back home, progressing with my education and completing general education courses, also adds to this feeling. And of course, missing the beauty of autumn back home, with its changing leaves and cooler temperatures, while still experiencing Florida’s heat, definitely contributes to the homesickness.
Whatever the combination of reasons, the reality is I’m committed to being here until January. Despite the strong desire to return home, I recognize that leaving prematurely wouldn’t serve any positive purpose.
September at Disney World is noticeably quieter. Park attendance has decreased, resulting in less work to fill the time. I’m grateful for my package pickup assignments, as they offer a welcome respite from the boredom of being onstage with little to do. While interacting with guests is usually a highlight, slow periods can be challenging. Package pickup allows for productive downtime, reading and managing tasks between deliveries. My schedule includes only one stocking shift per week outside of package pickup, located in the West area. However, the upcoming Food and Wine Festival is expected to bring increased park attendance and activity.
My role involves driving vans for package pickup, and recently, an incident occurred. Van 64 was temporarily out of service for tire maintenance, and we were using a loaner. During one run in the loaner van, navigating the backstage alleys of EPCOT, the absence of a rearview mirror proved inconvenient. While it didn’t initially impede my deliveries, the challenge arose in Japan, the last stop on my route. Exiting Japan typically involves backing into a space between freezers to turn around. As I reversed in the loaner van, aware of unseen poles behind me, I rolled down the window for visibility. Unfortunately, despite my caution, I backed into a pole, bumping my head against the window in the process.
Upon inspection, a five-inch dent was visible on the van’s bumper. Returning to base, I reported the incident to the manager, completing the necessary paperwork for both the incident and the loaner vehicle status. Surprisingly, instead of reprimand, the manager overseeing package pickup opted to handle it with paperwork alone. However, the incident was noted in the closing report, making it known to area management. While potential repercussions from higher-ups remain a possibility, for now, it seems to be resolved. Unsurprisingly, the loaner van is now avoided, and Van 64 is back in service.
Automotive issues seem to be a recurring theme. Just the other day, my personal car’s oil light illuminated on my drive to work. “Dinosaur,” my car, started running strangely upon reaching cast parking. A call to my Dad and a quart of oil from the trunk offered a temporary solution to reach Walmart for more oil. Adding two quarts in the parking lot seemed to resolve it momentarily, but the oil light reappeared before even reaching Chatham, a short drive away. The next morning, checking the oil revealed a near-empty dipstick and a significant oil leak beneath the car. Consequently, bus transportation will be my mode of transport for the foreseeable future.
Beyond these incidents, my program has been relatively uneventful. A visit to the Utilidors barbershop for a hair appointment caused some initial apprehension. The stylist, a stereotypical image of a cosmetologist, initially suggested a color that deviated from my usual formula. Despite my concerns, the result wasn’t disastrous, but it’s another factor adding to my anticipation of returning home to my regular hairdresser.
Mostly, my time has been filled with reading, occasional shopping, and watching episodes of Friends. Constantly checking the Hub for extra shifts to supplement my scheduled 33-hour weeks has yielded only one additional shift so far.
With 113 days remaining, I’m focused on making the most of the rest of my Disney College Program experience, even while counting down the days until I can return home.
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