Between Books - Brittany Earns Her Ears

Brittany Earns Her Ears: My Secret Walt Disney World Cast Member Diary by Brittany DiCologero is the fifth installment in the "Earning Your Ears" series.  DiCologero follows the basic outline of these journals.  The author discusses why she chose to enter the Disney College Program, the application process, Disney College Program life, and her job as a merchandise cast member in Fall 2014.  She concludes the volume with reflection of her time in the program. 

Again, this volume follows the basic outline of "Earning Your Ears" books.  And this allows a reader to come to understand this specific cast members decision about entering the program and navigating the process.  In this case, I found myself "routing" for Brittany since we are both history majors.  And I believe that if I was a young adult I would likely gravitate towards this volume thanks to our shared academic interests.  I can also see myself gravitating towards this volume since Brittany discusses maintaining and supporting a long distance relationship which would have been close to my own situation at that age.  I can see the value to readers of these types of books if one feels the author is like me.

DiCologero along with the typical topics calls out advantages to program participation.  This includes Disney discounts, typically deeper discounts than found at retail jobs.  Also she participated in educational experiences, giving this history major the most interesting business course she ever completed.  And of course, she calls out the fundamental truth...Animal Kingdom is hot!

Brittany Earns Her Ears is another well-written contribution to understanding and preparing for the Disney College Program.  Like all of these volumes, some will resonate better to others with readers due to experiences and common personality traits.  The series is one that should be examined by all potential College Program participants.    

Between Books - 40 Year in a Mousetrap

Recently I have been reading a lot of memoirs from those who served for a few years as young adults as Disney cast members.  But some cast members work for years and make Disney a career.  David G. Ackert shares his fun experiences working the Disney front line for decades.  How would his experiences vary from those who worked for a year or less in the park?

In March 1975, young David Ackert was hired on at Walt Disney World.  He would stay until May 2014!  In 40 Years in a Mousetrap: My Walt Disney World Career in Words and Pictures, Ackert outlines how a young man moved from New York to Florida beginning a career at Walt Disney World.  Ackert would start at the Magic Kingdom as a ticket taker, tearing admission tickets to show entry to the park instead of the use of electronic scanning devices.  Later he would move onto the Magic Kingdom and Epcot kennels as he cared for the dogs, cats and other miscellaneous pets of guests in the park.    And finally he relocated to the newly introduced Disney-MGM Studios where he would be a host at both the Great Movie Ride and his final posting of Star Tours.  Along with discussing his responsibilities with these roles he also shares celebrity encounters and off hour activities available to cast members in Orlando. 

I really liked 40 Years in a Mousetrap.  I found Ackert to be very humorous and lighthearted, which made it easy to pick the book back up again between readings.  And being a mature adult, he gives a reflective perspective that other younger memoirs cannot provide in depth.  Ackert did not spend 3 to 9 months in the park with the commentary of how it impacted him.  No, Ackert gave a career to the parks and can reflect on not just how that time changed and built him but also how the resort changed over the years.  A good example is the Disney College Program, since he witnessed the use of it for years he provides an informed outsider’s perspective that some potential candidates should really take into account!

Ackert and the scope of his career really does provide a fresh take in a memoir.  He can discuss what old Orlando was like, including the seedy side.  This is an Orlando I have heard co-workers in Betweenland discuss but Ackert can confirm.  He provides insight into how the original ticket takers worked and managed their workflow.  He takes readers inside the kennels, which I have never seen in other books.  It becomes clear quickly this is a very unique operation.  And while Ackert held a variety of roles, they were all roles that worked directly with guests which makes it clear that one can sustain a career in these roles.  Finally this is really the first book I have read that discusses guest facing cast member retirement including benefits and the fact that Disney gets you a cake.  I will admit when I have read of young adults being stressed out about losing costume pieces I have little moral support since they should be more responsible.  When Ackert does his last check in I find myself tense since he could have lost items he could not even remember in his four decades. 

 

I found 40 Years in a Mousetrap: My Walt Disney World Career in Words and Pictures really fun and enjoyable.  I would recommend that you read like me on a Kindle device, with a lower price point.  Ackert is fun and informative about his years at Walt Disney World, highly a Walt Disney World that is both foreign and familiar to many readers.  

Between Books - Katie Earns Her Ears

Katie Earns Her Ears: My Secret Walt Disney World Cast Member Diary by Katie Hudson is the fourth volume in the "Earning Your Ears" series which allows former Disney College Program participants to share their experiences.  In this recounting, Katie a student from Texas spent a fall working at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe.  But for Katie not everything is all work as she attempts to stay connected with her campus back home and make the most out of her limited time in Orlando.  Additionally, Katie's journey includes a tense roommate situation that uncovers how rigid Disney procedures can be for the young people in the program.  

For me what I generally want to know what about these books and their voice is different.  First, Katie is an introvert.  So being on stage all the time can be draining for her, and I am sure other cast members with like personalities.  Katie's story makes it clear you can still get a lot out of the program and be enthusiastic without needing to change who you are.  Second, Katie's social life gives some great ideas for those who want to enjoy everything Orlando has to offer.  In fact, through her experience one can learn how to work in the Disney College Program but still save money at Universal parks.  Third, these experience books often make it clear how regimented living in Disney housing can be with rules and inspections.  Katie's journey includes an incident with her roommates that provides an striking example of why one must follow Disney's requirements to the letter in order to keep from being termed, leaving or being sent away, from the program.

If I was to recommend this volume to any potential Disney College Program participants it would be for those who want the Disney experience but are afraid to put themselves out there because of their introverted nature.  The book is a journal format which is easy to read.  I personally read this book over a period of months with breaks between other books and I was never lost when I returned to the offering.  And I would likely recommend that like me, that one read it in the Kindle format due to the ease of quick note taking and cheaper price.
 
Katie Earns Her Ears: My Secret Walt Disney World Cast Member Diary by Katie Hudson reminds us that not all Disney fans and Disney College Program participants are outgoing extroverts.  Some of us, including me, are fun-loving introverts.  And those like us can still learn from the Disney College Program experience.  

  

Between Books - Sara Earns Her Ears

I have constantly made one request for authors of Disney College Program memoirs.  Please bring me more Dole Whip!  Now Sara takes me straight to the machine! 

Sara Earns Her Ears: My Secret Walt Disney World Cast Member Diary by Sara Lopes provides a Californian's perspective of the Disney College Program in Walt Disney World.  Lopes details her love of Disney and how she prepared and applied for the Disney College Program.  Additionally she walks through her interview process and steps from acceptance to moving cross country.   The author was cast to work at Capt. Cook's at the Polynesian Resort.  And that brought her straight to the Dole Whip machine itself!  Along with work, Lopes details the entertainment experiences available to her such as Goofy's Mystery Tour, a scavenger hunt/trivia event for cast members.  Lopes ends her memoir with a appendix of helpers that includes a study guide for interview questions and a packing list.

In other memoirs it has been clear that social media is a huge support.  In Lopes' memoir this fact is emphasized several times. Lopes shows how to use Facebook, blogging and YouTube to both learn about the program and connect with others.  I was even shocked to see that not only Lopes but other Disney College Program members were active with blogs and videos even during their time in Disney employment.  It is likely these online tools that aided Lopes to pick roommates that largely matched her personality.  Lopes continues this social media participation with her own blog The Disney Den, which has additional information about the Disney College Program experience.     

Like with all good books in this genre, there are plenty of helpful tips to assist the potential Disney College Program member.  First, do not be neutral.  A sure-fire way to not be cast is to be lukewarm to the experience in interview responses.  Another great and helpful tip is if flying do not over pack.  If you are not driving to Florida, you will be forced by the airlines to choose carefully what you bring instead of buying in Orlando.  Third, Lopes describes the process of being deployed, working at a new site, and what a cast member can expect from the experience. 

I am finally a happy boy.  Sara Earns Her Ears is a title with helpful hints and tools for those wishing to get accepted into the Disney College Program.  For someone like me though, it made me crave Dole Whip as Sara ate her first Dole Whip, sold Dole Whip, and championed the awesomeness of Dole Whip.

I guess I need to find a new fatal flaw to complain about!  

Between Books - Ema Earns Her Ears

Recently there have been several books put out about the Disney College Program. And at a certain point one begins to wonder do these growing number of books offer something new? This is the perceptive that I have started to take up as I explore new offerings on this topic.

Ema Earns Her Ears: My Secret Walt Disney World Cast Member Diary by Ema Hutton shares Hutton’s two separate experiences in the Disney College Program. Hutton discusses her love of Walt Disney World and her experiences as a youngster as a guest from the United Kingdom. The book is then broken into two separate experiences. Hutton’s first experience was working in Housekeeping at Port Orleans. Her second tour in the program was in Entertainment as Pluto’s supportive friend. The two experiences were vastly different. Yet for both she describes her application process (very different both times), arranging accommodations, training, work experiences and enjoyment she had until she graduated from each of her programs.

Does Ema provide something new to the Disney College program experience books? Yes, and it is an answer easy to reach. First, Hutton’s perspective is an international participant. So her memoir discusses immigration status and visas, topics participants from the United States never need to consider. Second, Hutton had two very different experiences. At Port Orleans she almost termed herself and left due to difficulties with her assignment. While other books have discussed the fear of being dismissed due to making mistakes or bad behavior, this is the first book I have read where the author almost self-termed. And in past books where self-terming seems incomprehensible. Hutton shows a situation and mindset that most Disney fans can understand. And it is very interesting to read a book by someone who had both a bad and good experience in one book as sharp contrasts. It makes it clear that sometimes it is the experience not the individual. Third, while many books share hints on completing the application process the right way Hutton’s first experience was very much the wrong way. By following Hutton’s two different experiences potential participants can see the traps of not being specific, the stress of not being informed and how knowledge can expedite the application experience.

I found Hutton’s writing easy to read. I read this book on a Kindle and the short chapters made it easy to bump in and out of. I also found it easy to like Hutton and pull for her to have a good experience when she joins Pluto’s posse. Also Hutton’s perspective as an international student helps us to see not only the Disney experience from abroad but also let us hear how we as American’s sound to someone from outside the United States even if we are using the same words.

Ema Earns Her Ears has convinced me that there is still plenty to say in the genre of Disney College Experience memoirs. Yes, some experiences are same but everyone’s experience is different. And I expect and hope that in the future new memoirs will have new perspectives and experiences to share.

Between Books - I Saw Ariel Do a Keg Stand

If you are considering the Disney College Program you need to do your research.  Step one is considering which books you want your parents to read as you gather support, likely financial, to enter this program.  But then you might want to also think about which books you want to read but forbid your parents from ever seeing!  Because in a world of young adults, some of drinking age, some stories are rated a little bit more than PG-13.

In I Saw Ariel Do a Keg Stand: The Wild Side of Walt Disney World by Chris Grimm outlines the author's semester working as a lifeguard at the Walt Disney World Resort through the Disney College Program.  Grimm discusses why he chose to enter the Disney College Program, a decision that will seem especially odd since he did not grow up Disney obsessed kid.  He follows with his preparation in moving to Orlando and the all-important chore of room-mate first impressions.  Grimm's story is then dominated by parties, parties,  girls, parties, drinking, parties, girls and parties.  He clearly got as much as he could from the social aspect of the program spending time with his roommates, co-workers and his new found friends the Spanish Mafia (a group formed to participate in a massive weekly drinking game).  Grimm follows his time at Walt Disney World with a description of a trip to Spain where he spent time with his teammates from the Spanish Mafia.

I Saw Ariel Do a Keg Stand is not a book I would hand the Between Tween.  Grimm is very honest and explicit about his experiences, and I do mean explicit.  He details numerous parties including his intense drinking, as someone who was not drinking age at the time.  Grimm also outlines his philosophy on picking up girls, a technique he learned as he came out of his introverted nest.  And that includes the numerous hook-ups that these tactics brought him.  He discusses casual sex throughout the book, and there are no fairy tale romances to be found in his story.  Some of his descriptions of sexual encounters are highly detailed and have to be labeled erotic.  This is not a book for everyone and all age ranges.  Though I am sure for those looking to read about the social side of working in the Disney College Program this book will be a hit.  

The odd thing about this book is even if you do not agree with Grimm's choices, much like his father, you cannot help but like him as you read through the book.  He writes with a very straightforward manner that helps you like him, despite the fact he is making out with as many young ladies as possible.  Fathers should beware.  Grimm cares deeply for his friends.  He does not intend to hurt anyone, which means he is clear about his intentions with his numerous encounters.  And you as a reader want to see him succeed socially.  Though as a middle aged man I would like to see Mr. Grimm settle down...wait did I just become his dad?

In many ways older readers can understand books about the Disney College Program.  All of us have generally had that first experience, be it college or first apartments, where we were free to express ourselves for the first time without parental guidance.  For some it is party, for others it is hard work.  But for all of us it is likely a balance.  Grimm in I Saw Ariel Do a Keg Stand stresses one aspect of his life in the Disney College Program, the party.  There are some brief mentions to his work as a lifeguard which he appears to have enjoyed.  But all of us one way or another understand this life phase and a book like this allows us to remember our own walk, even if Disney was not involved.

I Saw Ariel Do a Keg Stand is not a book for everyone.  Though those within its audience are sure to chuckle as they read the book or hope they can duplicate similar experiences.  It serves as a fun, quick and enjoyable read.  For those on the fence and members of Kindle Unlimited, you can dip your toe in by borrowing the title for free.  As for me, the Between Kids are now barred from ever going to Walt Disney World without me!  But that's because they are not allowed to have fun without me!


Review Copy Provided by Theme Park Press     

Between Books - Two Girls and a Mouse Tale

What is it like to apply for, be selected and work in the Disney College Program? This is likely a question that many parents and young adults have? Is it safe? Will the participants become rich? Are they all friends of Mickey Mouse and if not what kinds of jobs can one get? These are questions that Elly and Caroline Collins help answer in their latest book.

Two Girls and Mouse Tale by Elly and Caroline Collins provides an account of their two semesters away from school as members of the Disney College Program. They provide a comprehensive review of the program. This includes the application process, selecting which resort to apply for, and interviewing. Once selected they go into depth on the housing options, packing and the question of bringing a car. Their accounts once they are in Orlando include living in Disney housing (including its pitfalls), special events for Disney College Program participants, educational opportunities and work schedules. Throughout the book they sprinkle the logistics of being in the Disney College Program with dairy like accounts of their own experiences.

Two Girls and a Mouse Tale provides a very personal look at the Disney College Program. The writers provide a lot of good details about the program including how to select jobs on one’s application and the advantages/disadvantages of the two United States’ resorts. And I think they make a pretty strong case for Orlando due to the volume of positions and support systems that Orlando provides. If one is interested in the types of housing Orlando provides, they provide an extensive breakdown of different apartment complexes and what is it like living in Disney housing, hint do not pin anything to the wall. They also provide tales of their own roommate issues, which many in their early 20s can relate to. I am pretty sure I was the bad roommate having turned up the stereo one time (seriously it was like one time)! I personally found it interesting seeing the list of benefits including courses for college credit, special parties and extensive discounts. Overall, I think this is a good resource for someone considering applying to the Disney College Program.

There are a few hiccups for me from a writing side. It can be difficult telling who is writing which section, though they sometimes identify themselves. There are sections that appear to be self quotes, but I am not really sure where they are quoting themselves from. And there are some specific Disney terms, like Basics Walk, that I do not believe every reader will know. These issues would at times take me out of their personal anecdotes, with me generally getting back into the book when they recounted program logistics.

Two Girls and a Mouse Tale is a helpful book for those looking to enter the Disney College Program. It provides firsthand accounts of how to apply, live and work in the program. Parents reading this book will be reassured that the Disney College Program is not a constant party for every cast member. Potential Disney College Program participants will have needed information on how to prepare for their experience. Readers will be better informed and ready to face the Disney College Program ready to hit the ground running, or if they are smart it seems driving.


Review Copy Provided by Theme Park Press 

Between Books - Amber Earns Her Ears

Amber Earns Her Ears by Amber Sewell shares with readers the experience of working in the Disney College Program.  It is a memoir that follows the actions of an introverted young lady as she works for Disney not once but twice after high school.  It is friendly and interesting story without the questionable material that might keep you from letting a younger reader from enjoying the title.

Sewell recounts two stints as a Disney cast member at the Walt Disney World Resort, starting her story in 2010.  The first tour was under the CareerStart program, no longer active, which allowed the applicants to submit their materials while still in high school.  During her CareerStart program, Sewell worked at the Electric Umbrella in Epcot.  With her return to the park, Sewell was part of the Disney College Program and worked in merchandise at Epcot.  Sewell outlines how one applies and what they can expect in the interview process.  She then discusses the training program that cast members go through and how living arrangements are setup.  And she discusses in the depth the life of a cast member both at work and play.  She also goes into depth about the disillusionment of young cast members as the magic wears off during their programs.
Honestly, I could let the Between Tween read this book.  I cannot say that about all Walt Disney World memoirs, with many of them seeming to stress the party and alcohol atmosphere that exists everywhere young people gather.  This is closer to my own college experience, one where parties with alcohol and intoxicated people existed, but where most of the social gatherings were largely innocent and silly.  I think it helps underscore the point that every cast member is not a party girl/boy, an impression that other memoirs can give.  Instead those highlighted in the book are people that are more like my history than other memoirs show.  Of course, that could be because both Sewell and I are introverts.  And the fact that Sewell and I have both written for Celebrations makes it easy for me to relate to her.

I think the aspect of the book that many young people may be interested in is the “how to” aspect of the book.  Sewell walks readers through her application, interview, housing and training experiences.  This would be a great and easy to read primer for those interested in the Disney College Program.  Yes results may vary, but Amber Earns Her Ears provides a good baseline expectation of the process end to end while still allowing the unexpected to happen.  And it may help parents feel more comfortable in allowing their young college aged adults venture to Orlando.

It is interesting though that like more cynical memoirs Sewell  shares the disillusionment of working Disney experience.  It becomes clear that despite one’s level of fandom, working for the Mouse is a taste that not everyone acquires.  And when comparing Sewell’s two experiences it becomes clear that even working in the same park can lead to a very different experience.  Like all jobs, perhaps it is about the people you work with!

The book itself is very easy to read.  Sewell’s writing flows well and one can read it as a vacation book, like I did.  The chapters read like edited blog posts, which is the origin of many of them.  In fact the second half of the book reads like it is real time instead of a historical account.

Amber Earns Her Ears by Amber Sewell is a pleasant and easy to read memoir about working at the Walt Disney World Resort.  It adds to the Between Books library by outlining the Disney College Program experience.  And it is a memoir that a parent can feel good about letting a minor read as they dream about their own future.
 

Review Copy Provided by Theme Park Press