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.
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