Back to the Basics

I realize, with some regret, that not all of my posts have been about my experiences on the Disney College Program exclusively. Sorry about that. I was trying to keep with the normal updates for friends and family. However, I originally intended this blog to be there to answer questions that incoming CPs might have.

So here goes. Back to the basics, as the title obviously implies. I want to answer questions and provide tips to current and future CPs. Ready? Set? GO!

Tip #1: Learn enough Portuguese, Spanish and French to be able to explain anything vital to your job. Trust me. If you don't learn Portuguese, you're in for a great time with the Brazilian tour groups. If you do learn, you can explain what they need to do, how they need to do it, and how many of them can go at once. You'll not only survive their visits, but you'll relish the challenge. Spanish, I feel, is a given. French is surprisingly popular as well. I've had to use my rudimentary French a few times already. Let me explain though... I took two years of French in high school... That was freshman and sophomore year which, by this time, was more than six years ago. The facts that I A) remembered any French and B) was able to get my point across each time... well I'm highly impressed with myself.

Tip #2: If you do not know any of the three aforementioned languages, Disney University provides the use of Rosetta Stone through the DU Library. Sign up for it as soon as you arrive. I signed up about two weeks in, checked back about a month later and was told I would still have about 3-4 months on the wait list. Just to clarify, I'm still waiting. A tip for Disney would be to buy more licenses or at least inform the CPs about the wait list. I'm not complaining. It's a great opportunity and it will help me to better my knowledge of the three aforementioned languages.

Tip #3: If you haven't had the opportunity to live outside of your own home, your college dorm or your fraternity/sorority house, then you'll want to pay special attention to this one. Let me clarify first. I have awesome roommates. Surprisingly, we all get along well and, besides the personal pet peeves of each, we don't have any major problems. But I have heard from many of my friends that they've had problems with roommates. Make sure to establish ground rules and even discuss things like allergies or what have you. By ground rules, I mean those dealing with visits by the opposite gender, who's going to buy the dish soap and when, etc. Things of that nature. It's not tough, so just do it.

Tip #4: Take advantage of your free admission into the parks, but try to bring your lunch/dinner/snacks/drinks as much as possible. You'll save yourself money and that, my friends, is all I need to really say on the subject.

Tip #5: Don't be negative. Disney accepted you because you showed personality and positive attitude on the phone. They don't want Wendy Whiners, OK? I work with a lot of them and it's no fun for me and it brings me down a little. But then I remind myself who I'm working for. Dude... my boss is Mickey Mouse. 'Nuff said.

Tip #6: Learn how to ask off. I obviously did the wrong thing when I asked off my first time because it put 8 hours on my schedule, but when I showed up for work... well I wasn't supposed to work. Just make sure you understand. I obviously didn't, but I do now.

Tip #7: Buy a lunchbox and decide what you're going to eat for lunch/dinner at work. It may become monotonous, so make sure you can switch it up. I have a problem, personally. I work in a food court... around delicious Disney food all day... I can't resist the Magic Cookie Bars. They're amazing. If I were to actually bring my lunch every day, I wouldn't have a problem. But I don't. I'm going to start though. I know this is a lot, but stick with me. I'm almost done.

Tip #8: Find a doctor locally. A lot of CPs get sick in the beginning of the program; new environment and all. I have had this insane cough for a month now and I'm finally on the right antibiotics to get rid of it. Go to the Take Care Clinic at Walgreens for all your medical needs. Well, not really. But go there first. And they gave me a list of local doctors in case I need to go back.

That's all the tips I have for now. If you have questions about any of them, comment below. If you want more tips on certain issues you've heard about... well... you know what to do.

Until next time, keep on dreaming!