Since she was a toddler, Jayna had a love for Disney films, specifically Walt Disney’s whimsical world of Peter Pan. She recalls fond memories of watching it: “Peter Pan was the first Disney film I distinctly remember that started my love for Disney. I’d watch the film at my aunt Barbara’s house. I always wanted to know what pixie dust felt like and thinking how much fun Peter Pan and the Darling children had.”
As Jayna got older, she had the opportunity to work as a cast member through Disney World’s DCP (Disney College Program) - a dream come true!
Courtesy of Jayna Bonnette
Can you explain a little about DCP?
JB: “The DCP stands for the Disney College Program. It is a program for college students to participate in a paid internship through either Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort while they are in college, or up to a year after they graduate college. Most use this as their foot in the door to the company.”
How did you find out about the program?
JB: “I first found out about the DCP when a couple of older girls from my dance studio got jobs through the program when I was just in middle school!”
What is the application process like?
JB: “The application process, back when I went through it, was an application stating your interest in the program where you attached your resume and any other supporting documents. If you were selected to proceed, you were then asked to go through a web interview that contained various situational questions. Basically, they want to gauge your personality and see how you’d do in the Disney environment with guests, roommates, etc. Then, if you were asked to continue the interview process, you’d receive an invitation to schedule a phone interview with a Disney Recruiter! You always wanted to make sure you had plenty of interview questions and answers to possible scenarios they might ask you about. As for me, I wanted to be in the entertainment part of Walt Disney World, so not only did you have to make it past the phone interview, you then had to attend auditions held nationwide to be considered as a character performer for the college program. Auditions sometimes took all day, depending on how far you made it in the process. They were such fun! But I was always anxious because I wanted it so badly. Then, depending how your phone interview (or audition if you were trying to be a performer) went, you would either receive a congratulatory message or one of “we’re sorry to inform you…” messages.”
Courtesy of Jayna Bonette
What job were you assigned when working through the DCP?
JB: “I was assigned Character Performer both times I participated in the DCP (2017 and 2020). However, the first program I did they overcasted by mistake, so I was asked if I would like to remain in entertainment as a Character Attendant instead. I’ll never forget crying on the phone with the Cast Member that informed me, but my bottom line was that I wanted to work at WDW no matter what, so I was going either way. You can imagine my excitement when it actually happened in 2020 for me, right before COVID layoffs.”
What did an average day on the job look like for you?
JB: “An average day for a character attendant would be to park at your assigned park that your shift was for that day (you can be scheduled pretty much anywhere) and then go through the backstage cast areas until you arrive to the turnstiles to clock in for your shift. Then, you walk to your work area for the day. We normally would have a 30min or an hour lunch, depending on your role, along with breaks throughout the day. You’d have to make sure you had your correct attire and everything you needed for the day, as well. Name tag, especially!
Courtesy of Jayna Bonnette || Spending time with the boys!
What was it like hanging out with your favorite characters all day?
JB: “ Being surrounded by characters all day I was able to truly immerse guests in their worlds. It was a blast. Hanging out with characters was a dream come true; something I’d wanted to do since I was young. You’d really feel like a kid again, even on the job. It was the best time of my life. I’ll never forget it. However, I can’t give away all my secrets. Protecting the magic was my job, you know!”
What was your favorite part about working for Disney?
JB: “My favorite part of working for Disney was the magic. I’m not trying to be cheesy, it truly was magic. I know the parks have changed since I worked there, but you stepped into a different world once you arrived at work. The outside world no longer applied. It was just fun and magic.”
Are there any misconceptions people have about working at the park?
JB: “I think some people judge the parks for their pay to cast members at times, but to be honest, you don’t work at Disney for the pay. You work for the experience of it all. You definitely have to go into it with a positive mindset. “
Would you want to work for the company again?
JB: “Unfortunately, I wouldn’t work at Disney again. There are many factors that go into that decision, and I am content with the blessings God gave me in the past of working there and the memories that will last me a lifetime. I intend on bringing my husband and I’s children to the parks to show them where their momma used to make magic someday.”
What was your favorite cast member position?
JB: “My favorite position was Character Performer, no question! But I LOVED being an attendant. It was its own type of fun! I got to be with Disney characters all day. And get paid for it??? Baby Jayna would’ve freaked!”
Courtesy of Jayna Bonnette
What is your favorite park at WDW?
JB: “My favorite park is Magic Kingdom because of the nostalgia, but I loved working at Hollywood Studios! I worked at all four parks plus Disney Springs.”
What would your advice be for people who are thinking about applying for the DCP?
JB: “My advice to anyone considering the DCP is DO IT. You won’t regret this experience. I have made lifelong friendships and memories to boot. I thank God for it every day. It’s so special to have participated in something as amazing as the DCP. Even if you don’t get the role you want, you will learn invaluable skills, add some sparkle to your resume, and have a truly life changing experience.”