“Ma chere Mademoiselle, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you…” To my blog! Here I’ll keep you updated in word form about my trip to Walt Disney World. I will post video blogs or vlogs, as the kids call them, when I’m actually in Orlando because there might be days when words can’t describe my emotions. Also, keep your eye out for a new Facebook page and “like” it! Now sit back, relax and be our guest on this once in a lifetime journey.
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked “how did you get this job?” I could probably afford my trip by now! It’s a fair question but honestly there isn’t a spectacular backstory. I’ve always been looking on the Disney Careers website for jobs in radio, The Disney Store and other things. A few months ago, I stumbled across the Canada Cultural Representatives Program posting and applied. I’m sorry it wasn’t more exciting, but it’s just that simple! Applying for this is just like applying for any other job. You need a résumé and cover letter. (Okay… I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t apply with a cover letter and got an interview. I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you need to draw on inspiration… Here I am!) At this point you’ll get an email from Disney saying thanks and we’ll let you know.
I was lucky enough to get an interview. Disney provides you with 2 options of dates and locations. There’s one in Toronto and another in Vancouver. It’s totally up to you on where you go BUT you pay for it. The flight, the hotel, the room service, everything. So if you’re rich, live in the West and want to hit up the 6ix (Toronto) you can. It’ll cost you a lot. If you’re not rich, like me, Vancouver is the best option. I was able to pull off this trip in a day. To be honest with you, it was better that way. I didn’t have time to be nervous and overthink the interview. I just worried about making the train on time when I landed in Vancouver, finding the hotel where the interview was, changing jackets and the rest was a breeze.
At the interview there is a presentation you must attend. It gives you a lot of info about the program, The Walt Disney Company and other tidbits. I recommend being a keener and do research. There’s a trivia game after about Disney World and the World of Showcase. Be a nerd. Win a prize! (I finally understand the importance of studying……) There are time slots for your interview. The times are an hour long. You must be there for the whole hour, as well as 15 minutes prior. I had the good -or bad depends on how you look at it- fortune of being interviewed first. (No time to stress!) There are two interviews at a time. One with one interviewer on one side of the room and another on the other side. Have your resume and cover letter ready. I didn’t need them, but you never know. The interview was nothing out of the ordinary. Basic questions like “what are your previous work experiences?” “Why would you like to work here?” “What can you tell others about where you’re from?” (I said the Stampede because I can talk chuckwagon racing for days with anyone who will listen.) and the most important question… “When can you start?” I pulled off the most Nathan Bannerman answer possible and said “yesterday.” (I shared my answer with a few people waiting and am pretty sure it was that moment I became best friends with someone 😏 continue reading and you’ll find out who!) After your interview that’s it. You now have to sit and wait for Disney to get back to you.
Waiting is the hardest part. It’s easier if you made some friends from the interview and you can all panick every time you get an email notification. It was about 2 weeks after the interview my bruh Sam (subscribe to her YouTube channel here and watch this video… She explains everything better than I can: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E0L5QCfxV3Y) tells me she got accepted! I was excited for her! But was a bit nervous that I either didn’t hear back yet or that I got a no. Well let me tell you another cool story. The same day Sam told me she was off to Florida, mom and I went to the bank. I connected to their Wifi and a few email notifications popped up. Oh man… The nerves hit hard and fast. Did I say the right the right things? Did I look okay? Was I too cheesy with my answers? I opened my email and I saw the word “congratulations” from Disney! I tossed my phone on the desk at the bank and almost cried right there! After showing mom my email I immediately called Sam. Luckily she picked up because I kinda didn’t answer her call a few mins before… Sorry pal! ❤️ (find someone who’ll answer your call even if you don’t answer theirs!) but yeah. It’s an amazing feeling knowing Disney wants you to work for them.
My journey starts in November. I’ll be spending a year there and I’m looking forward to it. I had the privilege of working at The Disney Store so I can’t wait to get to the big leagues and build my résumé! I hope you are excited for this journey as well and I’m happy you can join me. Once again, be on the look out for a Facebook page to “like” in the future and I’ll have a YouTube channel made in Florida so you can see what I see!
If you have any questions, comments or concerns let me know!
Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata in Disney World 