Often referred to as “Post Disney Depression”, I changed it for the title of this post because I feel like it mostly occurs in Disney College Program participants.
The greatest advice I can give any CP is to enjoy the program while you’re on it for all of the highs and all of the lows, because when you’re done – Disney feels totally different. Home feels totally different. It’s a weird sensation and it is hard to describe – but let me try to explain. After, I’d love to hear your thoughts and your experiences in our comments section or even in a direct message to us.
Identifying “The Feeling”:
The second I left the border of Florida and realized that Massachusetts was at the end of our trip some kind of feeling sunk into us. This kind of feeling was almost like a longing for a special kind of happiness you can only understand if you have been a Disney Cast Member especially College Program participant.
It’s completely true. Disney changes you. Working there trains you to look for the magic in every situation that you can and make it better. Coming home is a complete culture shock. I personally felt that I feel like there is one half of me that is perfectly “Boston” while the other half of me is truly “Disney”. If you also feel like your heart is split down the middle for your home and also for your second home, continue reading to learn the tips that I have applied to my life once I got home.
Three Things That Make Me Feel Better:
1. Go Outside:
If you live in an area that is cold most of the year, like Boston, this can be difficult. However, still try to do your best to go outside. That vitamin D will definitely help remind you of the warmth of Florida’s sun – even if it’s 9 degrees outside. Going outside and soaking up the sun is proven to uplift your mood so I try to take a walk every now and again.
2. Indulge in a New Hobby:
When I got home, I knew I had to throw myself into school to do really well the last semester of my Undergrad. Luckily, one of my semester-long assignments was to create a blog! Ta-da! This blog has really helped me tap into my Disney magic and continue to be productive and positive.
I also want to include here, that if your hobby is Disney related, it’s okay to take a step back from it when you need to. Sometimes if you are surrounded by Disney related things it makes it worse, sort of like a “too soon” situation, it’s okay! Sometimes you need to focus on where you are for a second so you’re not putting missing Disney ahead of your own priorities.
For example, I had to take a break from watching Disney movies because when I came home I watched them all the time and after a while it was just making me sad because I missed being in the parks and working for the mouse so much. But after a good month, I’m totally okay to watch my favorite Disney movies.
3. If you’re planning on going back to Disney, be productive as possible.
Before I even left Disney, I made a list of all of the things I need to do in order to get back to Disney and have a successful career. I set that goal for myself to get back into the company after my Master’s Degree is complete.
A few things on my “to do” list are:
- Have $3,500 – $5,000 in my savings by the time I get back
- Get experience in interpretation/education
- Get experience in customer service that is impressionable
- Look at Professional Internships with Disney when they are posted and see which ones I meet the qualifications of
- Continue to maintain the relationships with friends and colleagues I met from my program
Let’s help each other. What are your three things that make you feel better?
It’s always great to surround yourself with people who are dealing with the same thing as you. Of course, it’s harder to come by “Disney People” when you’re home and no longer in Florida. I hope that my blog serves a purpose of bringing “Disney People” together online to bring the magic to each other when we’re not in the parks.
With that being said, I would love to chat with anyone who is struggling a bit with this “Post CP Depression”. Please, feel free to message me through the blog on Facebook.
Disney Trips and Dole Whips 