Caroline Madden, ’Doah Staff Writer
February 6, 2013

‘Doah photo courtesy of Carrie Cook

For seven months, sophomore musical theatre major Carrie Cook got to live a life that many would only dream about — she spent nearly every day at Disney World. Cook participated in the Disney College program, a full-time, paid internship that allows students to take classes related to the history of, as well as what it’s like to work at Disney, while also being immersed in the parks through eight hours of work every week.

Cook took marketing and Disney history classes. For her work, Cook had a merchandising role, selling toys in Tomorrowland and the Magic Kingdom, most often at the Space Mountain ride. As one can imagine, it can get very crowded at Disney World, but she says that only made her want to try harder to create “magical moments” for the customers.

“I would play a game with the customers to help pass the time, anything to help make a difference in the vacationer’s experience,” she said.

Cook is now a seasonal cast member. She still has more work hours to complete, which she plans to do during her summer and winter breaks. She says that she enjoyed her experience in Disney World so much that she hopes to eventually have a career there. To start out, she wants to move to Florida and work as a parade performer. Someday, she would love to work internationally at Disneyland Tokyo or Paris.

Cook said she “loved being a part of the magic,” and hopes to continue doing so for the foreseeable future.