Heading Back for Disney Alumni Homecoming
After many technical issues and a frozen browser, I finally get the confirmation that I’m going home!! Well, my unofficial home away from home, and the place that taught me who I am, how unique our lives are, and that has provided me with a community of support; that’s right, I’m heading back to Walt Disney World. This time though, for the Disney College Program Alumni weekend!
At the time we were all late teens, early twenties interning in a place many of us had the opportunity to visit as a kid. We would joke that as Disney College Program ("CP") Cast Members we were the "Closing Program", often working the late shifts closing down the parks that would end with 1am dinner at Perkins in the Crossroads Plaza. There were moments we really weren't sure how this internship or our "Ducktorate" would serve our future careers, but we felt that we were living the best days of our lives.
As I approach my 20 year anniversary as a Disney College Program Cast Member it is safe to say the experience still serves my career in the best possible ways.
How is it possible when most of our memories are a variation of:
▪ PI Nights and Vista Way prank wars
▪ Creating Magical Moments and certificates
▪ Listening to Fantasmic! while on break before the closing stroller dump
▪ Spending 75% of what we made at Property Control or the outlets
▪ Signing autograph books and smiling for pictures in my Oscar's Stroller overalls
It continues to positively impact our story because of the unofficial lessons.
✨ We were consistently receiving and observing professional training emphasizing the value of customer service excellence and employee engagement.
✨ Professional moves within an organization are celebrated and even encouraged knowing that new perspectives are a powerful part of innovation.
✨ You can build a strong organizational culture with a “Yes, and” mindset where experiential learning is encouraged, creatives aren’t outliers, and opportunities to give back to through the VoluntEARS program.
✨ Days on the frontlines with executive leaders breaks down walls allowing for more clarity on customer and employee needs and experiences. Or as Lee Cockerell says, the best way to lead is to "get off the carpet and onto the tile".
✨ Just because someone is no longer with a company doesn't mean they can't be great brand advocates. For internship opportunities that may mean Campus Representatives, seasonal cast, and Alumni associations.
The Walt Disney Company is a notable brand that develops creative thinkers and doers. Enough to have it be a talking point on resumes, show up in professional conversations, and build a magical personal board of directors.
Even though I am not a full time Cast Member, I could not be more grateful for the opportunities and people the Disney College Program continues to connect me with. To those that have recently been impacted by the layoffs, I can assure you there are countless organizations ready to welcome you in, and a global network of people that understand that Disney difference.
All that said....registration is complete.
Homecoming Weekend, here I come. 🎉
Who else is heading to Disney Alumni event in January? Any 2005 or Right block Merchandise at Disney’s Hollywood Studios {then Disney-MGM Studios} alumni?
The countdown begins to a magical weekend with so many past and current connections.
