10 Costumes.
9 Mickey Premium Bars. (Yep, only 9...)
8 Visits to the Animation Academy.
7 Months.
6 Roommates (x2).
5 Character Meals.
4 Parks.
3 Selfies with Walt.
2 Roles.
1 Life Forever Changed.
I laughed. I cried. I cried tears of frustration, sadness, separation anxiety, joy, and everything in between.
The College Program is special. We get to live where others vacation. We get to make the magic that others dream about experiencing. I simply cannot think of another job where you get so much freedom to make people happy. And that's what it's all about. It's about escaping your real life and leaving it at the edge of property. It's about being a kid again. It's about spending time with the people you love and making memories to last forever. And getting to be a part of all that? Absolutely priceless. And worth all the ups and downs. It's worth the 14 hour shifts. It's worth getting sunburned doing PAC and getting soaked because you forgot your rain gear. It's worth the sore feet, difficult guests, no sleep because you just had to see Wishes the night before, no money in my bank account because I spent it all on Mickey-shaped items, and crazy questions. It's worth everything and more.
The College Program is also cruel. It's becoming so SO close with your roommates, and your co-workers all while in the back of your mind, you know you'll be going your separate ways in a few short months. It's knowing that all the fun and excitement in the parks will soon be gone. It's bringing people together temporarily, then splitting them apart.
The College Program. It's magical. It's making a child smile with a simple sticker or a High-4. It's tearing up as the music swells and Wishes begins. It's selling guests their perfect souvenir to end their vacation. It's making a guest the best Dole Whip they've ever tasted. It's taking the most adorable picture of a family on vacation. It's sneaking a group of girls some fastpasses because they were so nice and excited to go on your ride. It's life-changing.
After living anywhere for 7 months, you feel a connection- one you don't want to lose. Especially if that place is Walt Disney World. I was lucky enough to be a part of an amazing opportunity and I'd like to believe I took advantage of almost all the things I had offered. It's hard when you realize you can't just go watch Wishes tonight, or go to Hollywood Studios and ride your favorite ride on a whim anymore.
I dined with Chef Mickey and the Mad Hatter, I checked into the Hollywood Tower Hotel, I saw all 3 Fireworks shows in one night (I never said I wasn't crazy), I saved dinosaurs, I traveled the galaxy, I encountered 999 happy haunts, I met all the princesses and even a few crazy critters. I cheated on Disney and went to Universal Studios more times than I can count. I became a Senior Wilderness Explorer, I drank around the world in one day, I got to ride the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness an unbelievable amount of times, I made friendships to last a lifetime, and I got to work at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Looking back on my experiences, I would 1000% do the Disney College Program again. I might not have stayed as long as I did, though that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy working at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Even though I promised myself I'd be happy to be done with the horrible hours and working out in the hot sun everyday, I really do miss everything I had in Florida.
I graduate next year, and while I'd love to pursue a career in sports, I do have a couple months where I can maybe get to be a kid again. Who knows? You might see me in yet another one of those lovely polyester costumes soon.
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them
