The Application Process: Final Interview!

So apparently I just completely forgot to write about my final interview. Oops. I do have a video here about the whole application process if you would like to check that out. Anyway, I found out I had gotten through to the final interviews on Friday 12th October at 6:11pm.

Again I got the 5am coach from Southampton to London, meeting up with Kerrie at Victoria coach station before heading to Hammersmith together. There I met up with Becky & Jamie plus a few others. Off to Disney HQ we went! We had to go around the entrance, so in the little shopping centre follow the signs for the bus station then turn right. When we got to HQ, we were all given guest passes and told to wait in the lobby. The next few hours are a blur thinking back. We were led upstairs through a room adorned with Disney posters and sat in a movie theatre style room where we were introduced to the Disney recruiters and watched a presentation video.

Times were then read out for what “group” you would be in. I was in the 11am group… the first one! It turns out, I had the first interview, of the whole ICP 2013 intake final interviews. I was bricking it. The two American ladies but me at ease though, being very welcoming and friendly.

Some of the questions they asked were

• What course are you doing?
• Why do you want to do the program?
• Tell us about your top roles (I went into detail about each of my top 5 roles and why i wanted to do them).
• What do you think is good customer service?
• Any tattoos or piercings?
• Anything else to add? & Any questions?

During this we had abit of a laugh about British tea and I emphasised the cultural aspect of the program while mentioning I was interested in volunteering opportunities out there. I reckon the interview lasted around 15 minuets, but don't hold me to that. It was so long ago that I cant remember too much about it. What I do remember is how terrible I felt afterwards. I was so anxious and didn't know how I had done at all. I met up with the rest of the guys at the weatherspoons afterwards but just couldn't focus with how worried I was! I ended up getting an early coach home. As it turns out, my angst was nothing as on Friday 2nd November I got the email informing me that I was going to Florida! It must have been my in depth knowledge of British tea  

At the end of the day, the process can be scary (I had so many nights worrying about it, researching until the early hours and making notes on things I could say) but if you want this enough, you’ll be fine!

Remember,

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

- Walt Disney

Good Luck.

xox

1 Month to go Update, Disney Hoody & VISA/Embassy Appointment!

In exactly 1 month I will be on a plane over the Atlantic ocean, heading to Orlando. Is this real life? Other than university deadlines there's been a few exciting Disney bits happen over the past few weeks! For starters, my Disney Hoody arrived! These are not provided, you and your other participants have to design and order them yourselves. The lovely Rachael F designed our logo and Jack C organized where to get them from, thanks guys! We ordered them with hoodietee and I believe they are £25, actually being amazing quality!

  

Secondly I had my embassy appointment on the 24th April and I’m delighted to say my VISA was approved! I’ve spoken more about the day in a video and some pre-information here. I’m going to list some pre-to do things down below. If you have any questions on this fee free to comment/message me and ask!

Pre-Visa To Do

• As soon as you receive your welcome pack phone up the embassy to book your appointment and pay the $160 fee. You will be sent an receipt & appointment confirmation letter for this. Print them out.
• Fill out the online SEVIS form, pay the $35 fee and print the receipt out immediately. You cannot print this off at a later date so only do it when attached to a printer.
• Fill out the online DS-160 form and print out the completion page as instructed. You will need a photograph of yourself for this, but it’s alright if you don't have an appropriate one. Just make sure you take one to the embassy.

These forms will take about a hour and half in total, just get it out of the way so you don't have to worry about it.

Embassy Appointment Documents Checklist

• The non-immigrant visa interview confirmation letter (send by email after booking your appointment).
• Print out of the MRV application fee receipt (sent with the interview confirmation letter).
• SEVIS receipt (printed after completing the form).
• DS-160 Confirmation page (printed after completing the form).
• DS-2019 visa petition (sent with your welcome pack).
• Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay).
• Passport sized photograph.
• Official Disney welcome letter (sent with your welcome pack).
• Supporting documentation showing intent to return home (most people weren't asked for this but take along a university letter saying you intend to return for your next year, a job offer letter, postgrad offer letter or anything that shows ties to your home country).
• Payment for the courier fee – London (they only accepted card when we were there. If you are getting your passport processed in Belfast take a prepaid special delivery envelope).

As I said, I have done a video about the actual day which you can find below!

31 days and it still doesn't feel real!

xox