Last week, we looked at what it looks like to be a quick service food and beverage cast member, today we're looking at merchandise. While not one of the "high need roles" listed on the application, they are a high volume role, which means that many CPs are cast in this role. Robert, Breanna, and Jared have helped me provide more info about this role, all three were friends of mine at Disney World in spring 2016. Role Description"As a merchandise host I had a variety of tasks that ranged from operating the registers, stocking the merchandise around the store, and greeting guests that come into the store and assisting them with their shopping experience. In merchandise you have a unique opportunity to interact with guests not just behind the counter but also throughout the store, which is something Disney calls "Merchantaining" (merchant + entertaining). Often you will be rotated around to different positions within the same shift, including moving from one store in your zone to another. Depending on where you are located, other responsibilities may involve food handling and/or PhotoPass assistance." (Robert)
"Run the cash register, restock the floor, greet guests entering the resort, sort merchandise, occasionally participate in dance parties" (Breanna) " I worked at Hollywood Studios at various merchandise shops. You could see me playing with BB8 from star wars which was called merchantainment, you could also see me ringing register." (Jared) During my 2016 college program I conquered fears that have been haunting me my entire life. When I started my program I was terrified of rides that go high, spin, get wet, go fast, and definitely those that go upside down! My favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I refused to go on Splash Mountain, the Teacups, the Tower of Terror, and certainly any and all roller coasters. My dear friends Robert and Sarah took me to Magic Kingdom for the first time the day after my Traditions class. After riding Pirates of the Caribbean they talked me into riding Splash Mountain (and tricked me about when the big drop many many times) and I loved it! After a snack I let them talk me into Big Thunder Mountain. While waiting in the line I got more and more scared I became but I didn't chicken out! I was not such as much a fan of this ride. I was eager to try riding it again but not for a long while.
I was accepted to the program my second time applying which is sooner than it takes for most people. How did that happen? I really don't know what particularly made that happen but I have two things that I think helped a lot. Remember, though, this is entirely my speculation. Here are my two things, try them and tell me if they work for you! 1. Related Experience
The summer before I applied and was accepted I worked at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies, a YMCA resort. This experience helped me in two ways. First, I had experience working at a resort, in hospitality, and at a tourist destination. Second of all, my experience at the YMCA was very similar to the DCP because it had the three aspects of the program: living, learning, and earning. I worked full time, and lived in a dorm at the Y, and I was in a Christian leadership program so I was learning things related to that. I explained both these things in my interview. A few days ago I joined the DCP Spring 2017 page as an alumni and an applicant. Applications only came out a few days ago but everyone's already worried about the status of their app, and I don't blame them. There are tons of theories that float around every season as to how you get into "in submission" or "in progress" or what increases your chances of being accepted. All of these are valid questions, but also no one knows the answer. If this is you, I want to encourage you to slow down and remember it's going to happen or not, worrying isn't going to help you, quite the opposite actually. In order to encourage you to be patient and wait I wanted to give you a glimpse into what the timing of my application process last year.
Looking back on my experience last spring and thinking about doing it again, there are a lot of things I would do next time, things I would not do next time, and things I would keep the same. I wanted to share those things with you so you can learn from my experience. Keep: Things I did that I would do again
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