Interview a CP: Bethan (Blizzard Beach Merchandise)

Bethan at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

I was in Merchandise and I worked at Blizzard Beach. I was there Spring Advantage 2012, but I ended up staying a year. (Jan-Feb and Oct-Dec, I was at Epcot but I was at Blizzard Beach longer.)

What was a typical day like at work?
It kind of depended on the day. Since it was a water park, during March and then May-September we were insanely busy and I was working pretty long hours. I worked 60 hours one week so that was crazy. But anyways, days usually started at 8-9am and went until about 4pm or closer to 6/7pm and sometimes later. We worked mostly 8 hour shifts. It was very rare to get days less than that. In the summer, we were open later so we would be there until closer to 10pm. I remember one day I started at 6:30am because that was extra magic hours and I worked that day until 6:30pm. So basically, our days were completely different- the only thing that was the same was that they were long. We would always start our days cleaning and getting ready and then when they opened the park, we could be sent four different places. We would either be in the main store helping with towel and locker rentals; out with a sign promoting the spots you could rent for the day; at our little mini store that sells goggles and the like; or at our little spot that would sell more lockers and towels and the special places you could rent. Throughout the day, we would get switched out to all the spots depending on the rotation and whatnot. Another job you could end up with was towel run, where we had to walk all over the park and collect all the towels, and take them to where housekeeping would deal with them. During the summer- this would take a long time. And then there were assignments cleaning up the store and magical moments.

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?
I had mostly put down for merchandise so I was very happy with this. I hadn't anticipated being at a water park though- but it was awesome. I feel like it had a completely different and much more relaxed feel than the main parks.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?
The favorite part was definitely the people I worked with. I had the most amazing mangers and the full-time, part-time and other CP's were awesome. I was at Blizzard Beach from March to October so I met a LOT of CP's and they were all awesome. Some of them became the people I hung out with the most.

The least favorite thing was probably the tour groups. They were loud and didn't like to listen to us at all. Especially if it rained, they would come into the store and sit down and make it absolutely impossible for ANYONE (cast members and other guests alike) to get through. One of my managers spoke Spanish and she would tell them to get up and they would just ignore her. 

Bethan and her friends at DCP graduation

Any specific magical moment you want to share?
We had a LOT of freedom at Blizzard Beach for Magical Moments so I got to do it a lot. One of my favorites was when I gave away one of our rented spaces. We got to do this a lot if we weren't super busy and had spaces available. I gave one to a cute family and they were so excited. The grandmother wouldn't stop hugging me and was so excited about the spot. It was adorable and has stuck with me.

What made you want to do the DCP?
I was having a rough time in school and I had heard about the DCP from two of my friends who had done it previously. It seemed like a good time to apply when I did and I am so happy i did. 

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?
I actually found out pretty much everything I wanted to know before I left. I did a LOT of research about everything.

What advice would you give to those who are going to be participating in your role?
Just relax and have fun with it. There will be days where you will hate it because it is so hot and humid and the guests aren't super happy but all in all, it is a truly awesome experience.

What advice would you give to those who are interested in doing the DCP?

GO FOR IT! It was seriously the best decision I had made in my life up to that point. I made some amazing friends and I have memories that I would never give up. Something else I would say- make friends with people at work. You are going to be working long and rough hours with these people, and they are the people you will ultimately end up hanging out with more. I had some great roommates and we had fun when we did hang out, but most of the time I would find myself hanging out with people I worked with because my schedule was similar to theirs whereas my roommates did not always have the same schedule as me. I went about a week one time without seeing my roommate when we were both awake because of our schedules. So seriously, make friends with the people you work with and it'll be so much more fun.

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!