Going Back for a Second Disney College Program

Watch my full Traditions week HERE!

If you had told younger me that one day I’d not only do the Disney College Program, but I’d go back for a second one, I would not have believed you. In the best way.

I grew up going to Disney World with my family, but I was never really a “ride person.” The teacups were about my speed, and the scariest thing I’d go on was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. My favorite part of the parks was always meeting the characters and filling up my autograph books.

Fast forward a few years. I graduated high school during COVID, did my freshman year of college online, and by the end of my first semester, I was ready for something new. My sister and I had watched DCP vlogs for years, and the program always looked like the dream. I needed a fresh start, a new place to go, and a chance to spread my wings. So after finishing my second semester, I packed up and moved to Orlando for my very first Disney College Program.

I was nervous. I didn’t know a single person. I had never been away from home. And at just 18, it felt absolutely terrifying. But then, 9 days after move-in, I met him.

The night I met Michal, before I even spoke to him, I told my roommate Kendall: “I don’t know what it is about him, but he’s the one.” Mind you, I had never dated before. Never been in a relationship. Never even pictured myself getting married. But something in me just knew. And I was right.

We became inseparable. Suddenly, everything I had ever been scared of felt easy. I went on every ride, even the ones I swore I’d never touch. I laughed harder than I ever had. I loved more deeply than I knew I could. My brain and body, which were so used to being filled with anxiety, felt relaxed. Disney became our place—so full of love and memories I’ll never forget.

But it wasn’t just Michal. I met friends who will be my bridesmaids, people I still talk to every single day, almost four years later. My program became the most magical chapter of my life not because of the rides or shows (though those are amazing), but because of the people who made it what it was.

After our programs ended, we moved to Atlanta together. But every time Michal went out of town, I’d find myself driving back down to Orlando. Being there reminded me of him, reminded me of the magic, reminded me of how full my heart felt.

This year, when our lease ended and Michal’s work took him elsewhere, I felt like I needed to come back here. I applied for a second Disney College Program. And now, here I am again.

I came back because I love Disney. But more importantly, I love the people Disney brought into my life. My support system. My family. The ones who made me want to come back, because the program isn’t just about working at the parks—it’s about the people you meet along the way.

I’ve already met incredible new friends, and it’s been less than a month. I grabbed food at Wine Bar George the other day, the same spot where Michal and I had our first date, and it made me so happy (and miss him, a lot). Because while Disney will always be magical, he’s always been the magic for me.

And to everyone else who’s been a part of my story here, you know who you are. I love you. Thank you for making Disney not just a place I love, but a home I’ll always come back to.

Check out my first week back on the Disney College Program (Traditions week!) over on YouTube. I’ll be vlogging every week of this second program, so come along with me for this magical new chapter!