The Disney College Program

I was reading through some e-mails this evening and I found one from the Disney College Program®. I learned that this year marks the program's 30th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, I thought it would be fitting to reflect back on my CP experience in the Spring/Summer of 2006.

For those who know me can tell you that I am fanatical about everything Disney. From theme parks to movies and everything in between -- I love it all! My fondest Disney memory comes from my first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort back in 1994. Walking down Main Street, USA at the Magic Kingdom Park® and seeing Cinderella's Castle for the first time further cemented my love. I knew at that moment, I wanted to work for Disney in some way.

That dream came true when I was accepted  into the Disney College Program® back in 2006. I was a Junior at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. I can remember it like it was yesterday, going through the phone interview process and then crossing my fingers in hopes that I would receive a nod from the mouse himself to be called into this "heavenly cult." Within weeks a large white envelope arrived at my door step and without a single flinch I ripped it open to realize that I Stephen "Disney" Sperandio was going to the place "Where Dreams Come True!"

My role was in Attraction Operations (for those who don't know Disney treats everything like a show, so, your job is a "role," when your working your "on-stage," park visitors are "guests" and so on). I was assigned to  the Imagination! pavilion at EPCOT®. I was lucky because I had the opportunity to work two attractions which were Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (now the home of Captain EO) and Journey into Imagination with Figment. What I loved most about working at this pavilion was that it was staffed with a lot of other CPs who all shared a similar dream of being part of the company some day.

Working hard and going the extra mile throughout my program was the secret to my success, midway through I was recruited to take on additional responsibility as a Host at Turtle Talk with Crush at the then Living Seas. The star of this show Crush from the hit Disney/Pixar movie Finding Nemo interacted with guests asking them questions about the human world. This was an amazing opportunity for me and it's one that I will never forget.

My journey that year was absolutely surreal. I had the chance to meet amazing people that I still keep in contact with today, these individuals span throughout the United States and the world. Additionally, I went to the Disney theme parks for free on my days off, obtained cool Disney merchandise at a tremendous discount, and best of all I gained experience in delivering exceptional guest service and hospitality from a world-class organization.

For those who are thinking about being part of this program my advice to you is DO IT! It is a unique experience that will look tremendous on a resume to future employers. You will have the opportunity to star in your very own role at an attraction, restaurant, hotel, or shop on Walt Disney World® property (how cool is that!). Your living will be arranged at a Disney managed apartment complex off property. There you will reside with CPs from all walks of life who share a passion for Disney. Your pay will be minimal but your living expenses will be taken care of and the amount of experience you will gain will be priceless. For those seeking learning opportunities while on the program, they are abundant. From meet and greets with key Disney leaders throughout all disciples of the company to credited classes on Human Resources, Marketing, Hospitality, and Communication this program has it all.

Looking back, the Disney College Program® was the journey that changed me! Although I don't work for Disney today, I have many friends that still do. The impetus behind Skipper Steve's Magical Vacations has its roots from the Disney College Program®. To learn more about this life changing journey, visit their official site by Clicking Here.

I hope you have enjoyed this look back at the Disney College Program®. If you did, then my name is Skipper Steve, if not then my name is Wilson Matua and this has been Kilimanjaro Safaris.

A Chilling Tribue to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Hello Mateys,
Skipper Steve's Magical Vacations is pleased to present to you the first of many blog posts about Disney vacation destinations and Orlando attractions. Today's blog post features a special piece on Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park as on Friday it celebrated its 16th Birthday. So sit back, relax, keep your hands and arms inside the boat at all times and off we go!

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is the perfect place to "chill" out when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort during the hot and steamy summer months. This expansive Water Park located near Disney's Animal Kingdom® offers the best in aquatic recreation for every member of the family. For those who have splished, splashed at Disney's Blizzard Beach can tell you that it's a great way to spend a day beyond the Disney theme parks. Did you know that this park has a back story? Yes, it's true! The story goes a little something like this...

On one hot Central Florida day the skies started to get dark. As you can imagine, when it gets dark in Florida it can only mean one thing -- rain is a 'comin! Well as the skies opened up it wasn't rain that fell but it was SNOW and lots of it.  As the snow came down harder and harder it blanketed the entire area. Just as quick as this snow fell - a group of investors took the opportunity to open Florida's first (and only) ski resort. But much to their dismay, as fast as the snow came in, it rolled out - bummer.

The temperature began to rise, and the Florida weather returned back to normal. As the sun beat down, this makeshift ski resort began to melt away. The skis hills, once covered in snow were downgraded to piles of melted slush. It seemed that all hope was lost and that the fate of this ski resort was over, until an alligator approaches the ski jump. He then quickly takes off down the half melted jump and screams "Yahooooo" all the way down. The alligator finds safe landing because luckily the melting snow has formed a large pool of water at the bottom of the mountain. As the investors witness this unbelievable feet, it instantly became clear that the answer to their problem was simple. Turn their failed ski resort into a thriving water park.   

And that they did! On April 1, 1995, Disney's Blizzard Beach opened its doors. It became the newest and largest water park on property coming in at an astounding 60 acres. The alligator that sparked the idea for a water-filled ski resort was nicknamed "Ice Gator" and he was dubbed the official mascot of Blizzard Beach. Guests visiting the park can enjoy notable attractions including the famed Summit Plummet a 120 ft. water slide that takes guests down at speeds of 60 mph, Teamboat Springs a family white-water raft ride, and Melt-Away Bay a 1-acre wave pool nestled at the base of Mt. Gushmore. Kiddies in the group can climb, splash, and slide at their very own area called Tike's Peak. Which by the way is awesome!  As this area is more of the Skipper's speed. 

While at the park, a full day of swimming can work up quite the appetite. No need to worry about that because Blizzard Beach offers an array of snack and food options at Avalunch, Lottawatta Lodge (the park's main building), The Cooling & Warming Hut, I.C. Expeditions, and Frostbite Freddies. For those on the Disney Dining Plan you can absolutely use your credits here.

For those planning to enjoy Blizzard Beach during your stay, the Skipper suggests to either purchase a Magic Your Way® Ticket with Water Park Fun & More option (in this way you get access to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, Disney's 2nd Water Park located near Downtown Disney®) or you can purchase tickets separately at the gate or from your Disney hotel. Ticket prices for Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park are $45.99 for adults 10+ and $40.00 for children 3 - 9. Walt Disney World buses travel regularly to Blizzard Beach, but be aware that at times the buses stop at Disney's Animal Kingdom® so plan accordingly. For guests staying at a non-Disney resort check with your Front Desk about shuttle service.

Additionally, If you are looking for something fun to do in the evening. Check-out Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course located at the entrance of Blizzard Beach, this fun course is themed as Santa's permanent off-season retreat.   

I would be remiss if I didn't end this post without giving a "shout out" to my friend Beth who worked as a lifeguard at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park during our College Program back in 2006. She worked hard to make sure the waters were safe for the guests plus she took me there for the first time, so thank you Beth for that!

So. there you have it. The story behind Disney's Blizzard Beach. I hope you enjoyed your Disney journey with me, if you did, then my name is Skipper Steve, if not, then my name is Dreamfinder and this has been Journey into Imagination with Figment.