Interview a CP: Olivia (Tomorrowland Attractions)

Olivia (middle) and her Speedway friends!

Ever wonder what it's like to work the Land of Tomorrow? Olivia was kind enough to share her experience in attractions during her college program in Florida!

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

My role has been attractions for the full year, but I've had 3 locations: 1. Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground at HS 2. Tomorrowland Speedway at MK, 3. Space Mountain at MK

What was a typical day like at work?

The playground is what you'd expect, watching the slides and finding lost children. Speedway consists of loading people into cars, making sure they have their seatbelt on, and telling them not to bump the car in front of them (the rule they never follow.) It's very laid back because it's a guest driven attraction so you can only go as fast as the people. Space is similar whereas you get people into rockets and send them, but you have to deal with resets when the mountain breaks down. The pace is much faster there since its a computer based ride system and it normally has a long line.

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

I LOVED my cast member family at studios, but the playground was chipping away at my soul. So, I moved locations for my first extension. I was once again disappointed to hear I got speedway, another hot outdoor attraction. It turns out that speedway has been my most favorite place and I've had the time of my life there. We have an amazing cp group and I'm so thankful everyday I got placed there. I was able to cross train over at space for my final extension which will have my program end in January.

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

As with all attraction roles, the guests can make or break your day. Speedway is particularly difficult because of the loud engines, it can be hard for guests to pay attention and listen to what you tell them. Don't even get me started on trying to explain rules or assigning car numbers to foreign guests that speak very little to no English. But as with everything else, you take it in stride. Hands down the best part of my job is seeing and interacting with the little kids that are absolutely the most excited to drive a car. Some are scared at first but they come back laughing and having the time of their lives. It's amazing. Make a wish children always make your day. Most of those kids won't make it to their 16th year to go through the process of getting their drivers license, so being able to see them drive a car and give them our speedway Mickey licenses is truly magical. I love my fellow cast members and we have AMAZING mechanics and they make us food and we all have a good time together.

Any specific magical moment you want to share?

Oh my goodness, there are just too many to choose from. I'll say the most typical magical moment to guests (but seemingly ordinary to us) is when an adult comes up with 2 kids, both crying and fighting over who gets to drive and the adult is freaking out over it as well. We have a flag we can put on the car that lets us know to let it go around twice, switching drivers after a lap, so that both kids can drive. When we tell them about that option, they literally worship the ground we walk on because it saves them having to wait in line twice and waste an hour of their day.

What made you want to do the DCP?

I am your typical life long Disney lover so I was immediately interested when I heard about it. But I came down for reasons other than to be able to work at Disney. I did the college program to sort of come out of my shell and over come shyness and things like that. It's absolutely worked. I am 100% more outgoing and can strike up a conversation with a stranger with no problem.

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

I felt prepared about the weather, and the bugs, crazy work schedules, and the barely there pay checks, but I didn't full realize the kinds of guest interactions I would have. I mean all of them, ranging from the absolute best to the absolute worst. People freaking out over the fast pass system will be your worst nightmare, but your coordinators will always have your backs in those situations.

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

Again, be prepared for the range of guest interactions, the good the bad and the ugly. But you will survive. You will also have amazing days that will make it all better.

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

Be sure you are ready and prepared to work a lot. If you come down to just party and have fun and play in the parks all the time, you will be sorely disappointed and probably go home within the first month. But honestly, 90% of the time, my best memories and most fun times come from work. Be prepared to be optimistic because if you don't, being pessimistic will ruin your experience. It has hands down been the best experience of my life. I don't know how I'm going to leave all my friends, but it was absolutely the best decision I've ever made for myself.

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!