As most of you already know during my Program I did everything and when I say I did everything I’m not exaggerating. While down in Florida I made it my mission to explore as much of the Walt Disney World resort as possible. It was a very high-paced, non-stop 7 months down in Orlando and I discovered so many cool things while exploring. Below I’ve compiled a list of some tips and tricks that I think every Disney College Program Cast Member should know before embarking on their own adventures. So without further ado, here are my Tips & Tricks that I learned while down at Disney:

• If you like coffee, go to Joffery’s in the parks (or at Disney Springs). It is one of the only counter service locations in the parks where you get 20% off (My order: a giant Donut and the Shakin Jamaican Iced Coffee)

• Get up early and go to the parks (even before your shift)

• Make a Bucket List and be super ambitious with it! See how much you are able to cross off your list, this way you always have something to look forward to. (Check out my Bucket List here)

• Document your time (Instagram, Vlog, Blog, Photographs) your program is going to fly by and you are going to want to remember every moment of it

• Go to the parks on rainy days (most of the time people head back to their hotel or camp out in the stores, which opens up most of the attractions)

• Sneak snacks on the Peoplemover

• ALWAYS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FASTPASS (the My Disney Experience App will become your best friend and you’ll become a pro at it by the end of your program)

• Go to the Water Parks when they are open to CM’s –> make sure to look up Blockout dates on the Hub

• Go to Housing Events –> free food, characters, cheap field trips

• Check out the HUB for exclusive Cast Events & Giveaways (Magic Backstage, Sunrise Yoga, Discounts on Behind the Scenes Tours)

• Make sure to look up which restaurants offer discounts on property AND AT WHAT TIME (Went to Coral Reef for dinner expecting a 40% off discount when it was only that for lunch)

• Make sure you get most of your souvenirs when the Holiday discount is available (40% off merchandise!!!)

• Resort Hop and check out all the nooks and crannies of the resort and find your favorite spots

• Take advantage of behind the scenes tours & events offered at your location (ask your leaders for more information about upcoming events)

• Go to Cast Connection frequently! Camp out at Mickey’s Treasures –> they are constantly bringing out new merchandise

• If you plan on meeting characters, find something for them to sign and then look back at all the ones you met at the end!

• TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES

• Make a photo album or keep items from throughout your program to look back on your time at Disney

There are so many things you will learn and pick up during your program and I encourage you to write down your own tads and tidbits that you learn along the way! Be sure to follow along on my Instagram as well where I post a lot of tips & tricks that I’ve picked up in the parks. Thanks for tunning in, until next time.

Keep Moving Forward

-Kacey