Interview a CP: Caitie (Children's Activities)

Caitie working at Art of Animation!

Caitie was gracious enough to volunteer to share her story about working in a resort with Children's Activities! I've talked to a few people who have worked in this role, and honestly it sounds like so much fun! Here's what she had to say about her experience!

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?
I had recreation! However, recreation has different areas including; marinas, arcades, slide ops, and children activities. I worked at Pop Century and Art of Animation as a Children Activities hostess.

What was a typical day like at work?
Each day was mostly the same. Each resort has different games on different days. So you’d start off playing a couple games, then go to your Pool Party which is an hour of games in and out of the water for a prize. Following that is your dance Party for thirty minutes of teaching kids dances. Then it was Arts and Crafts and some more games until it was time to wrap up poolside activities. After putting the party cart away, it was crunch time, aiming to set up the movie screen in about thirty minutes so you have enough time to talk to guests. Then it was time for my favorite part of the day, spiel. Where we would ask guest trivia questions about the movie we were about to watch, tell them about some activities we do, as well as activities around WDW, and pick a ‘director’ from the audience to start the movie. While watching the movie, one host would go and set the party cart for the next day. After the movie would finish, it was time to hurry and put the movie away. 

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?
Recreation was tied for first choice. Once I got it, I got really worried that I would end up being a towel girl or in the arcade. About a month before check in, my dashboard said I got Children Activities and I was beyond happy.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?
Without a doubt, the kids were my favorite part of the job.  I have a million stories about these amazing kids I met. For my least favorite part, I would have to say wearing a one piece bathing suit that clings to your body after sweating and the tan lines.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?
Every single day was a magical moment for me. I met so many guests who made such a positive impact on me. There was one girl though who stood out. There was one girl named Cara who was from England with her mother, step father and brother. She was there for just about two weeks, and she was at the pool every single day. Each day she would play every game with me. On her last day, her step father came up to me and was talking to me about how they spent all this money to go to the parks, but every time at noon, Cara would say how she needed to go back and see Caitie. Her stepfather was talking to me and told me how Cara is usually very shy and reserved so it was amazing how she was so open with me. She won a beach ball that day from one of our games, and she got SO excited. She started crying saying how she never won anything. Her parents came up and started thanking me telling me how great I was, just for giving her a prize. In the end we all were in tears.

What made you want to do the DCP?
The first time I did the DCP, I just got out of a bad relationship and applied on a whim to get away, I figured I loved Disney and this is a great time to meet people and experience new things out of my comfort zone. I was later accepted for Spring 2012. After my first program ended, I realized I needed to go back as soon as possible. 

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?
Don’t pack too much. For both of my programs I packed way too many unnecessary things. Also, I wish I knew not to be afraid. For my first program, I was so afraid to go to the parks alone or talk to people during housing parties. Biggest waste of time ever. 

What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role?
Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself! For the first couple weeks, I was so worried about not looking like an idiot. I finally realized how much of a waste of time that was!

What advice would you give to people who are interested in doing the DCP?
First of all, DO IT. Secondly, make every second count. You will meet some people who want to go to the parks every second, some people who want to go to all the clubs and party busses, some people who just want to network, and some people who just want to hang out at home with their roommates. None if better than the other, do whatever makes you happy, but no matter what you do make every second count. 

If you would like to hear more about her story or have any questions about her role, you can contact her on her blog growingstrong-growingstrange!

If you're a current or past college program cast member and would like to share your experience, email your name and role to thedisneyden@yahoo.com to participate!

Have a magical day!!