My College Program Experience

        My name is Brent, and I interviewed at Arkansas State University in the Fall of 2000.  I was offered a Quick Service Food and Beverage role for the Spring Advantage 2001 program.  I checked in at Pleasure Island on Jan 30.  I was assigned to work at Liberty Inn at The American Adventure in Epcot.  I worked in a variety of roles, usually backstage in the kitchen.  For the most part, I worked the late, closing shift and got off around 10:30-11:00 pm.  I also had the opportunity to work on stage in the restaurant.  During the summer months, I was stationed outside on the Turkey Leg/Popcorn Cart.  I also worked at the Nut Cart, when open. Another one of my roles was to be the stocker for the cart.  I also was given opportunities to perform crowd control for the good parade at Epcot, Tapestry of Nations.  (Tapestry of Dreams didn't measure up to Tapestry of Nations).  My final day of work was August 9th. 

        I started out in Chatham Square in a one bedroom apartment.  I happened to live with someone that worked at my location.  He wasn't a good cast member and received several reprimands and was eventually termed for housing violations (having guests over after 2 am).  Our working situation wasn't good and our living would have been worse if he hadn't stayed with his girlfriend across the hall most of the time.  I wish that I had chosen a two bedroom apartment to begin with.  It would have given me a better opportunity to change roommates easier than what would have been.  I eventually ended up in a two bedroom apartment at Chatham to finish out my program.

        I applied and became a Campus Representative for my school.  I have served as a rep for two years.  It's a great way to show your love for Disney with others at your school and help show them how great this program is.  This is the reason why I've developed this website.

f  a  b  O  er

        I went back in December 2001 to work as a seasonal cast member during Christmas.  It was amazing to see WDW at Christmas.  I celebrated Christmas basically alone, just arriving the week before Christmas Day.  Most of the CP's there were celebrating with traditional Christmas dinners (or as best they could with limited time and cooking skills) in their apartments, buildings, or throughout housing.  Room discounts are available for family as well so spending the holidays at WDW isn't that bad. 

        While in Florida I made multiple trips to the beaches in Daytona, Clearwater, etc.  I visited SeaWorld and Universal Studios many times.  I was able to go to the Space Coast for a night (actually early morning, about 4 am) shuttle launch with several friends.  There were lots of college program kids on Cocoa Beach that night.  Trips to movies, mini-golf, Pleasure Island on Mondays and Thursdays (its free!!), and trips to The Ale House were great ways to spend time away from the job.