Mail!

This post has nothing to do with my progress in the application process, but I did get something in the mail today which I'm rather excited about :)

My 'Little Black Book of Walt Disney World' by Rona Gindin finally arrived and it is so cute! It basically breaks down each world within WDW regarding the rides, entertainment, food and resorts located around each world.

Some good research will be done with this book! :D

Step 2: Applying to the Program

This part wasn't very difficult as it was the initial step in expressing your interest in the program.  I had begun an application a few years ago and I can tell you that there is a difference between the current and previous application process. From what I remember, the only difference to the previous process is that they have broken down the application process into further steps as you were required to immediately give them all the information that you now post to 'DOC'. Any who, for the new system I recommend that you have your Resume/CV ready and a Cover Letter explaining how you could be a good candidate for the program and why you want to participate. With your cover letter, keep it short and sweet; do not exceed a page!

This process is open for 30 days and doesn't take very long (max 1 hour) as long as you have your Resume and Cover Letter prepared and know some general questions about your University: i.e. when you started, when you graduate, what your major and minors are, etc.  Please note that you can edit the Resume and Cover Letter after you submit your application! So do not stress if you read it after and think what is this gibberish that I just sent to Disney?

Once you have completed this section you'll receive a generic confirmation email basically saying thank you for applying and you'll hear from them soon. After this, you should receive an email within a week explaining you need to upload documents to the secure website known as 'DOC' within 7 days.  The items they will ask you to upload are:
- Proof of Student Status Form (go to your Student Services to fill this form out)
- Scanned image of your Passport/s (this is not mandatory, simply email them explaining you currently do not have a passport)
- Any Prior US Work Visas
- Emergency Contact Address Information
- Visa Appointment Location

The DOC step apparently does not occur for every applicant so please do not worry if you do not receive any information. But if you find you are the only person who hasn't been asked to submit any further information, send the recruitment team an email voicing your concern.
And that is it for the application process! Now you wait...

Step 1: What is Disney J1 Australia & New Zealand CEP?

Most of the following information is from the Disney Careers website but I thought to briefly explain what the program is about and why you would want to apply. You need to be a minimum of 18 years of age to apply and a minimum of 1 year of full time study University/TAFE at an accredited institution, fluent in english and an Australian, New Zealand or USA citizen. You can also apply within a year after your graduation date and there is no maximum age requirement. The program allows people from Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to work at Walt Disney World for 6 to 12 months. The areas which you can work in include:

- Attractions
- Character Performer
- Concierge
- Costuming
- Custodial
- Front Desk
- Full Service Food and Beverage
- Lifeguard
- Main Entrance
- Merchandise
- Recreation
- Quick Service Restaurants
- Vacation Planner

Each area has a range of responsibilities and you could work in any of the worlds or resorts within Walt Disney World. The pay starts from $9 USD per hour and a minimum of 30 hours a week.

You are probably wondering why would I want to travel to the other side of the world to work ridiculous hours for very little money? Well, one of the perks of being a Disney 'Cast Member' (employee) is that you can go to Walt Disney World for FREE and there are discounts and other fancy stuff. Also, (and this was a main one for me) that you LOVE Disney, that you are living so close to one of the most magical places on earth, and you are part of the experience which the guests will talk about for years to come. And finally, you will be surrounded by other people from across the world who express the same love for everything Disney as you.

I'm just keeping it positive and there are some general negatives across the internet about this program. But one thing I have noticed is that if you do not extremely love or obsessed with the Disney Company, not a fan of following so many rules, not very optimistic with what this program entails, hate working nearly all the time and believe you are brainwashed during the training, then you won't enjoy yourself.  Other than that, don't freak out about the concept of earning little money as the fact that you could proudly say "I worked at Walt Disney World" is very unique for us who live no where near Florida.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes

After a number of years of questioning whether or not I should apply for this program, I finally listened to my heart and went for it. I chose to apply because I honestly do not know what I want to do after University and I think this program would be a fantastic break from my ordinary life. I have always loved and been fascinated by the Walt Disney Company in their ability to spread the magic of Disney all over the world; so why not apply to be a part of the magic?

My current position in the application process is 'In Progress'... I applied on the 20th of May 2014 and they had expressed on their Blog that we would hear something within 4 to 8 weeks. You won't receive any contact from them during this period of time, unless you email them. This is such a painful and long wait but I highly recommend that you either look for a Facebook group that includes other applicants or create one that way you can begin to connect with other people who are in the same position as you. Also, your family and friends will probably get sick of you talking about Disney 24/7 so, this way you know you won't be annoying anyone as everyone is this program/process are united with their love for Disney. It should be noted that your obsession for Disney will sky rocket once you apply for this program... this is not a bad thing! haha

In further posts, I'll explain the application process and what you need to include with the new process they have implemented. But for now, I'll be praying and wishing upon all the stars that sometime in July I'll hear from the recruitment team!