Afterthoughts- Was It All Really Worth It

Since coming home one question has been asked numerous times: “Would you do it again?”

My reply is always: “No”.

Everyone is always shocked when I give this answered. Don’t get me wrong I loved doing the Disney Cultural Exchange Program and being a lifeguard.  It was truly the best summer of my life. The memories I have working for the company and the amazing people that I met are too good that I wouldn’t want to spoil them by having a second round.  I believe that this experience was a once in a lifetime and if I went back again, all I would do is compare it to the first time.

I will highlight some of the cons to the Disney Cultural Exchange Program; not everything is always pixie dust. You will feel that the only thing you are doing is working, some people were working up to 60 hours a week. The transportation runs twice an hour to and from your location with bus journeys usually being forty minutes long.  You will have to pay for your own flights and medical insurance and rent for your flat.

Despite the above, I loved my summer working for the Mouse. I met some of the most amazing

people from all different countries. I met a great group of friends, who I keep in contact with today. I developed my understanding of American culture while also having a blast.  I saved up my wages and at the end of the program and got to travel the west coast going to San Diego, Los Angeles, las Vegas and San Francisco, for my summer vacation, this allowed me to see other parts of the country.

Days Off- Where The Magic Really Begins

One of the best things about the Disney Cultural Exchange program is your days off work! I mean where else in the world can you casually stroll into the magic kingdom in the morning (for free may I add) and go in a party bus to down town Orlando at night.

Depending on your job role will determine the amount of days off you get. Some people only got one day off a week where others got two, for Disney lifeguards it will depend on what resort you work at.  Some lifeguards were working twelve hour shifts and only had one day off a week.  other lifeguards only worked six hour shifts and had two days off a week. One piece of advice I would give anyone doing this programme is to make sure you are active on your days off, you will regret sitting in your apartment watching Netflix.  Some of my best friends of the program were made through spending time together on our days off.

Being a cast member at Disney means you get access to all four Disney theme parks and two water parks, this will give you endless amounts of fun on your days off work. Needless to say, there are more than just theme parks in Florida. If you are a shopaholic like myself you will be able to spend a pretty penny in all the outlets in Florida, making that pay check not stretch very far. Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in America and is a amazing way to chill on your day off.  Orlando nightlife is also great, there is nothing better than at the end of your working week to have a couple of drinks and dance away the stress from work. 

Welcome Home - Working in a Disney Resort

My work location was a resort called Old Key West. This post will explain what it really was like to work as a guard in Disney World and the expectations you had to meet daily.                                          

When you start working for Disney you will understand that you must use themed language. You will start using phrases such as: ‘Welcome home’ to greet guests. You will refuse to admit that there is more than one Mickey Mouse, no matter how much guests beg for an answer.  You will truly understand what it means to put on a show for guests and how to create magic in the little things you do while working; for me this was handing out funky ducks and playing games in the pool with kids.

Unfortunately as a lifeguard you won’t always be making guests smile as  there is a lot of rule enforcement. Countless times during a shift I would repeatedly yell across the pool:        

“Drinks are not allowed in the pool sir”.

“Feet first down the slide buddy”.  

“Walking feet princess” (Got to keep that themed language going).

"Off the shoulders, please"

These phrases will start to become part of your everyday vocab while working.

Definitely one of my favourite parts of lifeguarding was the ‘changing of the guards’. This happened when it was time for the AM guards to go home and the PM guards would take over. A song would come on and the lifeguards would get to come off stand and dance. Best start or end to any shift!!!!! I can now say I am an expert at the cupid shuffle, a dance that all lifeguards must master.

Lifeguarding at Disney: The Training Process

I got the opportunity to work as a lifeguard for my Disney Cultural Exchange role. In this post I will explain what the training and test procedures are to become a lifeguard at Disney.

Disney provides all training at the start of your programme, this means that anyone who is applying for the position will have the opportunity as no one needs previous experience. Everyone even those who have been lifeguards in the past must pass Ellis lifeguard training or will be reassigned to another role within the company.

The first test that everyone must do is a standard eye test. Although this is where some people I knew failed, so make sure you bring your glasses along!!!

The second stage is a swim test, depending if you are a shallow water lifeguard or a deep water lifeguard will determine what test you take. I was a shallow water lifeguard so my test was easy all I had to do was: Swim 50 yards (no time limit) and fetch a ten-pound brick from five feet of water (feet first).  Although deep water lifeguards have it trickier they must be able to: Swim 200 yards (no time limit), tread water for two minutes without using hands and fetch a ten-pound brick from eight feet of water (feet first).

The last stage of the test before you become lifeguard certified is the completion of an Ellis three-day training course which you will have to sit a CPR test, a practical lifeguard skills test and a written test. The Ellis trainers are extremely friendly and helpful. The training is intense but most people doing the program are first time lifeguards so everything is taken at a steady pace making sure you understand. After passing all the tests you will then go on to on-the- job training at your work location.

Program Overview: How to apply

First and foremost, for anyone who is unsure what the Disney Cultural Exchange Program is, well let me explain: It provides students the chance to spend their summer working for the mouse himself at one of the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts in Orlando, Florida. The options for work roles are; food and beverage, merchandise, attractions, lifeguarding, character performer, character attendant, custodial, costuming, resort services and recreation

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to apply for this program the following must be met:

•    Able to speak fluent English
•  At least 18 years of age at the time of applying
• Have a valid passport
•   A student enrolled in an accredited, degree-issuing college or university, studying full-time towards an undergraduate degree
•  Entering second year of study or above                                                                                                                                       If you meet the above criteria then that’s great you are now able to become a ‘cast member’ at Walt Disney World. However, a long, somewhat daunting and maybe even stressful recruitment process follows, although it’s worth it!!!!!                                                                                                                                                                                            UK student must apply through a company called Yummy Jobs: 

http://www.yummyjobs.com/work/disneyculturalexchangeprogram

 The first stage is an online application asking for your CV, a cover letter and two questions will be asked, usually along the lines of: “What is your motivation for this program” and “How would you be able to share your culture with guests”.

The second stage is a pre-screen group interview. In my group interview there was 8 people all girls surprisingly.  I had to remember information about the girl next to me and introduce her to the group, then I was given scenarios and had to give what my response would of been.

The final stage is a face-to-face solo interview with a Walt Disney World recruiter.  The interview roughly last 10-15 minutes mostly talking about yourself, this allows them to know if you will be suitable for the company and what role would be appropriate for you.