DCP Tag

Happy, merry, holly, jolly, season’s greetings here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLGBEETtEPc

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season, just like Olaf! Since today marks one month until my program (wait what?!), I thought it would be fun to share my DCP tag. The DCP tag is a questionnaire that a lot of DCP bloggers and vloggers do, so I thought I should too. Check it out below!

1. How did you hear about the program?

If you know me, you probably know I’m obsessed with anything and all things Disney. In fact...it kind of runs in my family! My oldest brother, Shane, did the DCP when he was in college and that was one of the first times I was introduced to it. I also vaguely remember searching for colleges in middle school and getting super excited when I came across Disney University, only to realize it's a training facility for cast members. As it turns out though, I’ll actually be completing some training there during the first week of my program!

2. How was the interview process?

(Since I wrote a blog about this already, I’ll be sharing more about some things I experienced during the process itself. If you want to know more about applying in general, check out my first blog!)

Being at this stage, the interview process obviously went well for me! I am really grateful to have been accepted the first time I applied to the program. I will say though that some steps in my application process did not go exactly as expected!

The day of my phone interview, I encountered a lot of mishaps! Being locked out of several buildings and desperately claiming a room in the library to use….getting over a cold and barely having a speaking voice...having trouble making phone calls and being heard on the receiving line….etc! Despite the circumstances, I powered through and gave it my all.

My interview was rather short and only lasted about 16 minutes. I didn’t get to talk about my role or location preferences, and I also wished I would have had more time to look over my notes beforehand...but all I could do after was wait and let it go. After all, everything happens for a reason!

The next week and a half was definitely a struggle! I worried about the outcome even with my friends and family reassuring me. I asked God for a sign that all would be ok….and I got one! The morning of September 5th, I awoke and found a cricket in my dorm room. And maybe this sounds a little out there, but I knew then that I would be accepted that day because (1) Jiminy Cricket paid a visit to reassure me and (2) crickets are lucky!

All in all, my application process was very quick! I was accepted just ten days after my phone interview, which was also the first week acceptances went out. Sometimes it can take weeks and even months for people to hear back, so I was very grateful and relieved to have heard back early!

3. Where were you when you found out?

I knew acceptances were going out, but I had to power through classes and attempt to stay focused. I had just finished my directing class and turned off airplane mode on my phone. Upon doing this, a text from the DCP came through telling me to check my email for “an exciting update”. Based on what I had seen through social media, I knew this meant I was accepted. I immediately felt a rush of emotions, but then realized I had to ask my professor a question before leaving class! After doing so, I quickly left class and right away checked my email where my acceptance letter was waiting for me.

4. What is your role? Preferred roles?

My role is Merchandise! I am super excited for this and cannot wait to interact a lot with guests and create magic for them. My top/preferred roles were Vacation Planner, Character Performer, Attractions, and Merchandise.

5. How did you find your roommates? How many do you want?

I found my roommates mainly through the Facebook group! I think six roommates total would be ideal. Roommate and location preferences aren’t guaranteed, so I am crossing my fingers and trusting that it will all work out.

6. What are you going to miss while in the program?

My family, friends, and pets! I won’t be home for some holidays and events, but I know it will be exciting getting to experience these at WDW too.

Although I am currently ready to trade the winter weather for some Florida sun, I actually do enjoy the seasonal climate at home! I’m sure I will miss the *slightly* cooler PA temps when the Florida summer arrives.

7. What’s your favorite Disney park?

Magic Kingdom! The park captures the essence of Disney and there’s nothing quite like strolling down Main Street and seeing Cinderella Castle….the feeling never gets old! Magic Kingdom also has two of my favorite rides, Splash Mountain and Peter Pan’s Flight.

Epcot is definitely a close second! As someone who enjoys traveling, the World Showcase is one of my favorite places in WDW (especially to wander around and grab a bite to eat!). I was able to visit a few of the countries while studying abroad and the World Showcase (plus riding Soarin’) brings back wonderful memories.

8. First thing you want to do when you get there?

Hmmm...I have to think about this one! I think the very first thing I want to do is take a moment and soak it all in! I still can’t believe that in just one month I will be living in Orlando and working for Disney. I really want to stay present and enjoy every moment during my program.

I won’t be able to go to the parks until I officially start training with the company, so in the meantime I think it would be fun to resort hop, ride the monorail a bit, and hang out with my roomies! My mom is making the drive down to Florida with me so we will definitely be spending some time together before she heads back to PA too.

9. What is number 1 on your bucket list?

I want to do all four parks in one day! I think the most I have ever done in just one day is two or three parks, so four would be a fun challenge.

Another top bucket list item includes riding all of the attractions/rides in WDW! There’s still some I have not done and these are at the top of my list. I am also really looking forward to doing some backstage tours.

10. One thing you hope to take away from the program?

Knowledge and memories! I cannot wait to learn more about the company and network with cast members. I hope to create some magical memories while working and adventuring, too!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the holidays!

See ya real soon,

Maddi