College Program Participants Spread Gingerbread Cheer

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‘Tis the season for giant gingerbread houses! Each year, fantastical gingerbread creations appear around the resorts at Walt Disney World Resort, and this year, College Program participants Claire and Emily are helping spread the magic as merchandise Cast Members at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As Disney enthusiasts from a young age, both Claire and Emily grew up going to Disney parks with their family – Claire, who is from California, grew up going to Disneyland, and Emily, a Massachusetts native, grew up going to Walt Disney World. They both wanted to pursue their love of Disney as a career, and the Disney College Program was a great way for them to begin their journey with the company.

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As merchandise cast members, Claire and Emily work in the gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, where they sell an assortment of holiday treats. The holiday season brings an influx of Guests to the location, which creates a fast-paced environment that both Claire and Emily enjoy.

Emily explains that the Guests’ excitement is one of the things she enjoys the most about her role: “They’re about to eat it, and they’re so excited. They’ve been waiting for this all day and they love asking questions about it, like ‘is this real gingerbread?’ And I say, it is. I promise. Here’s the broken piece, I’ll show you.”

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One young Guest in particular was very impressed by Emily showing him the gingerbread was real, and wanted to keep asking questions even when his family was ready to leave. “Adults think it’s amazing too, but for kids to see the Christmas magic come to life, that’s really awesome to see every day,” says Emily.

Guests aren’t the only magical part of their role – they also get to work surrounded by a holly jolly confection that doubles as a work of art. Claire says, “I love so much of the artistry that goes into it. There are little panels that are hand painted. And the trees are all made by people in the Disney Culinary Program, and I think that really shows their individuality. I always try to tell Guests about that. We have to give them their crowns for that.” One part of the gingerbread house that Emily likes to point out is the Santa – it is made out of 80 pounds of white chocolate!

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To those who are considering doing a Disney Program, Claire and Emily have some advice: have fun, but also work hard. They point out that it is important to enjoy going to the parks, but also to take advantage of the learning sessions and unique opportunities the program offers. Emily states, “Make sure you’re working hard and you’re introducing yourself to people, because you never know where that can bring you. And at the very least, it could give you a new friend.”

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Claire agrees that it is important to get to know your leaders and let them know your career goals. “One of the biggest things I was kind of nervous about when I started was talking to the leaders and our coordinators. I was kind of scared of them. And I remember going up to my coordinator in our break room and sitting down and saying, ‘Hi, I’m Claire. I’m going to be your best friend right now.’ And honestly, my coordinators and leaders are lovely people.”

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If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit, Claire and Emily recommend exploring the parks to see the seasonal decorations. Emily enjoys asking Guests for their suggestions for festive fun. As for the gingerbread house, Claire and Emily agree that the gingerbread loaf is their favorite snack. If you have time, make sure to visit the wonderful gingerbread creations across property, and the merry cast members like Claire and Emily who bring the holiday magic to life!