Hello everyone! My name is Kira and I am a photography student who is participating in the Disney College Program for Fall Advantage 2014. I previously completed a program for Spring Advantage of 2013 but didn't have time to blog as I was still taking classes for school. On my last program I was placed in Photopass, and on this program I have been placed in Attractions!
This blog will be a way for me to report on my experiences while in Orlando this time around, as well as helpful(ish) tips about the DCP, Disney, living on a budget and whatever else comes to my mind. I'll also be starting a vlog on my Youtube channel once the program draws closer! If you have any questions about any of this, feel free to contact me through Twitter or through this blog itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though I answered a few of these questions in the first blog post I made, I'll put them here for easy access:ASL?
22/Female/Midwest (don't feel like getting any more specific than that, though I'm sure some people will figure it out eventually).
Where do you go to school?
I am officially a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, which is not in the state I live in permanently (hooray out-of-state tuition - just kidding!). If you also go to school in Missouri we have something in common!
How did you hear about the Disney College Program?
When I was a freshman in college we had the annual presentation for the College Program and I went to it out of sheer curiosity. I was amazed that there was a program out there that would allow me not only to work for Disney, but essentially live there too! I had been bitten bad by the WDW bug ever since my first trip there in 2006 when I was fourteen so it was perfect for me. I applied just to see if I could get in that semester, though obviously I didn't go until the spring of my junior year.
What's your major? Any minors?
I currently hold a Bachelor of Science in photography and minors in business and theatre.
Any siblings? Any pets?
One sister. No pets. I won't discuss my family too much in detail because I don't know if they'd enjoy being talked about on a personal level so publicly and I'd rather respect their privacy. However, I will say that my mom's almost more of a Disney nut than I am, my dad enjoys Disney and my sister kinda dislikes it nowadays.
Relationship status?
Ask me in a month ;)
Did you enjoy doing Photopass on your last program?
I loved it! I worked in Animal Kingdom and let me tell you, that is a great park to work in. It's more laidback yet still professional, my managers and coordinators were amazing and the guests always seem to be having fun since they aren't stressing over experiencing everything like they seem to do a lot at Magic Kingdom!
Was Photopass/Attractions your top role?
Photopass was. Attractions was not (it was third after character attendant and front desk/concierge).
Do you have an opinion on [insert controversial Disney topic here]?
Most likely. I'm sure a lot of people want to hear me talk about Brazilian tour groups/cheer groups, Fastpass+, the "dark side of Disney" (which I have personally never understood the obsession with), nice guests, mean guests, the new disability passes, etc etc etc. Will I ever talk about them? Maybe, but it'll probably have to wait until after my program is done and my employment with Disney is over.
Favorite park/ride/character/movie/song/game/etc.?
The obligatory favorites question. I'll do my best to answer it.
Favorite park: Epcot
Favorite ride: Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, Kilimanjaro Safaris and Dinosaur
Favorite character: Jack Skellington, Donald, pretty much any Winnie the Pooh character, Merida and Anna
Favorite movie: If we're talking just Disney, Nightmare Before Christmas and Monsters Inc. probably take tops for me. If we're talking any movie, it changes often but right now The Breakfast Club, Clueless, the original Star Wars trilogy (Episode V is probably my favorite to watch) and The Lord of the Rings films are probably among my favorites. My list of movies I enjoy is honestly so long that it might become a post of its own someday.
Favorite music: Daft Punk, Crystal Castles, Haim, Red Hot Chili Peppers and White Lies are among the bands I listen to most right now. I listen to just about anything that isn't trashy though.
Favorite video game: A very tough question... in my personal collection right now Mass Effect 2, Catherine, Persona 4 and Dragon Age: Origins are among my favorites. This is another topic that I could talk forever about!
Favorite TV show: Buffy is tops, always. I also enjoy Game of Thrones, Criminal Minds and Doctor Who a lot. I don't watch a lot of television but from what I've seen of shows like Modern Family, Community, Grimm and The Good Wife I really enjoy them. Not a huge fan of shows like Once Upon a Time, The Walking Dead or Grey's Anatomy. Sorry, guys.
Favorite anime: I don't watch a lot of but I've been asked by many people, so I'll say that pretty much the only shows I've watched and enjoyed enough to rewatch are Ouran High School Host Club, NANA, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt and Midori Days. I have a huge list of shows I'm planning on watching at some point.
Is your hair naturally curly? (You'll understand if you ever see my hair down.)
It sure is. And no, you do not want hair like this. It's difficult to manage.
