Summer 2000 WDWCP:
(l-r) John Wimer,
Brian Haggerty, Me
& Tim Swan

Dinosaur!

Summer 2001 roomies:
Kara Cressey
& Alysha Hill

Beyond the WDWCP

Life after Disney was tough. I know it sounds silly, but after spending so much time in such a "magical" (no pun intended) place, the "real world" takes on a much different light. Disney becomes the ruler against which everything in life is measured. When CP's leave the Program, many of them suffer depression and withdrawal back home. It's indescribable to those who haven't felt it, but the "real world" seems much more hostile and alienating after the WDWCP.

I repeated the College Program partially in the summer of 1999, and again in the summer of 2000. Throughout the years, with Orlando only a short trip down the Interstate, I often headed down on the weekends to visit friends and work.

In the summer of 2001, I once again moved to Orlando for a few months at Disney. This time, however, instead of working at "Kilimanjaro Safaris," I was plucked away to work at "Dinosaur," a dino-themed themed thrill ride, also located at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. While I was leery of working at what I then-considered to be a lesser attraction, it turned out to be the best summer yet. Not only was the job much more challenging and enjoyable than I expected, but the attraction itself is exciting and the people were friendly and welcoming. Now, I am not only a rugged, outdoorsy safari driver, but I am also a snooty scientist at the Dino Institute. How's that for a College Program resume?

With college graduation only a few months away, the question "What next?" is constantly arising. Do I try to work for Disney full-time at Kilimanjaro Safaris or Dinosaur? Do I apply for a job as an animator, something I've wanted to do since I was a child? Do I continue with school, working summers and holidays at Disney just like I'm doing now? They're all good questions, and I don't even know the answers myself. It's an interesting and difficult time, so wish me luck!