Interview a CP: Bridget (Pop Century Hospitality)

Bridget and her fellow Pop Century CP's for Fall '07

Hospitality with the college program can be a competitive role, but Bridget was able to experience this position during her DCP. Here's what she had to say about her experience in Pop Century Resort!
What role did you have during the DCP, and where did you work?

I had the role of "hospitality" at Pop Century resort, which meant I worked front desk as well as runner-I checked people in or would run special deliveries such as packages or Disney merchandise to rooms to set up for guests arriving to the resort. My favorite time to be the runner was at Christmas as I got to set up Christmas trees in guest rooms for their magical Christmas vacations!!!

What was a typical day like at work?

Work was busy, we were a 2,880 room hotel and we constantly had a line of people waiting to Check in. This was fine with me as it was a constant flow of people and it made the day go by fast. I typically worked 5pm-1am (I worked about 2 weeks on overnight as well) so rooms were ready to be checked in and guests were eager to check in and get their vacation on a roll....the check in process was lengthy as you described the building/section of the resort they were in, where the lobby/quick service restaurant and gift shop were/where to catch the buses to the parks and any questions guests had about the parks/park hours/nearby attractions....each check in took some time, depending on the guest. On runner days I was mostly back office and running around the resort-assisting with packages, Disney merchandise delivery to rooms, towels, blankets or any room items needed to rooms...I also completed the DME letters to be hung on guest doors during the overnight shifts.

Is this the role you originally wanted? If not, are you happy you got it?

Yes, I was worried about getting a job I was not interested in, as hotel ops was my main focus in college. I was very pleased with my location after I started-as I knew nothing about the value resorts when I started my CP.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts about your job?

Favorite- my team, the full/part time CM were all so welcoming of the CP's...I gained friendships that will last a lifetime and It made being away from home a lot easier working with such amazing people.

Least Favorite- having to learn the hustle and dance to it at 6pm each day. We litterally would leave the desk and go "hustle" in the lobby. It was really embarrassing as I'm the worst dancer, I would try to avoid it by "getting a call" on runner days! Front desk days i couldn't get out of it! (Everyone did it together including management so we all looked silly together)

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

My favorite was the day I was handing stickers to these little kids as their parents were checking out-and I asked what their favorite rides at Disney were during their vacation and the little girl goes "the Disney bus!!!!" All proud of herself. Made me smile and I still recall it when I visit the parks :)

What made you want to do the DCP?

I was apart of a leadership group in high school and we did a trip to Disney my senior year and we did tours/classes through Disney as part of our trip...we did the Keys to the Kingdom and our tour guide explained the CP to us and it intrigued me. My senior advisor and I talked about it more In depth afterwards-I went on and graduated honestly forgot about it-then at the end of my first semester of college she dropped me an email telling me they were having a open house about it at OSU and I should attend. So I did-and fell in love with the idea of having my interning credits done at disney, I applied that night, interviewed and a few months later got my acceptance!

Bridget's first night with her roommates from Vista Way!

Is there something you wish you would have known before doing your program?

I wish I would of known all my roommates...I had never lived outside of my parents house and having to move in with five other girls was shocking as I had only met my immediate roommate on Facebook a month before. I became best of friends with her and one other roommate...other than that, one moved out in the middle of the night 3 weeks in because she missed her boyfriend (kind of shocking to find her side of their room empty when we all woke up) and then one roommate moved out because she had differences with us-and the last one was always working we rarely saw her. It was odd to be thrown into a living situation with strangers at first but I guess it forces you to "network" in an odd way! Ha! I loved it though!

What advice would you give to those who want to participate in your role?

Be prepared to work allllllll different hours. There is not a set schedule and hotels are open 24 hours, people tend to forget this...we had one girl who refused night audit, I jumped on the overtime any chance I got so I picked up shifts all the time...it worked out great on days I took the Leadership class once a week because that was like working a shift, and couldn't work during those days.

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

Take advantage of their class courses they offer. I took the leadership class and still have my notes. It's a great networking class and gets you to meet people outside of your roommates or fellow CM at your location. Also, you don't need a car-the busses were an awesome

Mode of transportation. You can give yourself an extra 20-30 minutes a day to take the bus and save on gas...you're paying for it anyways! Plus drivers in Orlando are bad enough...save your car from tourists! 

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!

I hope everyone has a magical day!