Beginning in June of 2006, I began the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando, FL. When I first went down I had no idea where I would be working. During my Traditions class, the four hour introduction class that covers the entire history of the Walt Disney Company, I received my ID card, name tag, and also was told where I would be working. I was assigned as an operations cast member at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney/MGM Studios). I was sent to attractions to work both Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, which is a "larger than life" playground for kids, and Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, which is a new stunt show that was brought over from Disney Land, Paris and opened in May of 2005. I first began at the playground, but after a month I was trained at the stunt show. Once I was trained at the stunt show I was rarely ever scheduled at the playground because I was able to quickly adapt to the stunt show environment and became very comfortable with everything and the managers and coordinators recognized this. Considering at the time I was there I was one of the youngest and one of the most athletic CPs there, I was the one who was always called to help around the stadium. Now when I say stadium, I don't mean a small set of bleachers, this was a 5,000 seat stadium full of guests on vacation that all thought that they were right and could do whatever they wanted to. It could get pretty hectic. As the months went on and we got closer to the holiday seasons, the crowds started getting larger and larger. In December, we hit a record high of fitting 5,100 some odd guests in our 5,000 seat stadium. Even with all the craziness that went along with it, my time on the college program was one of the best experiences of my life. During my program I received many Great Service Fanatic cards for helping guests as well as helping other cast members. I also received a Safety Recognition Award for coming to the aid of guest who unknowingly entered the stage where the cars were driving. I graduated the college program in January of 2007 and went seasonal after that. I still go down during the summer and during vacations to work to keep my status and will eventually work my way back down there for an extended period of time to see where life takes me.
Below is a link that will take you to a short slide show o my time on my College Program.