The Disney Dream

By Ryan Wimble; For the Clock

On April 27, 2017

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The Disney Dream

Ryan Wimble

For The Clock

rawimble@plymouth.edu

Around the month of November of 2016, I was checking my email when I received the acceptance into the Disney College Program. I always wanted to work for Disney and at that moment my dreams finally came true. Now after months of anticipation and planning I flew from the cold weather of Vermont and arrived in the mildly warm weather of Florida at the end of January.

During my time there, I was provided an apartment that was paid for through my pay at Disney, as well as transportation services to and from all Disney complexes and theme parks. I was placed in Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Café, a restaurant in Magic Kingdom right next to Splash Mountain. I was taught multiple positions within the restaurant from counter service, to topping bar, greeting, and bussing and overall gained an unmatchable experience with customer service. When I wasn’t working I was attending a class through Disney as well as completing bi-weekly homework assignments in order to gain 12 elective credits.

I would spend free time going to Disney parks for free, going to Disney Springs for some live entertainment, visit clubs in the Orlando area, see movies, go to concerts and started friendships that will last a life time. I lucked out and was accompanied by three other students from Plymouth State University with Kate McCann, one of my best friends, being one of them. I got to meet people from around the world from places like the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, and many others.

Overall the Disney College Program was, as a Disney Employee would say, “MAGICAL!” and I can look back on the experience and smile because I met some of the greatest people I will ever know down there. The only downfall is that I miss them all so, so much. I have fond memories of nights at the parks all the way till closing, working extra shifts to get a little extra money, going on beach trips, dancing and singing the night away, and never wanting the program to end. I don’t think Walt Disney realized what he did when he made that mouse but I know many years down the road that one moment changed my life.