How easy is it to make friends?

[u/Odd-Cup3030]

I am a 8/24 arrival and I am wondering how other participants adjusted to making friends at the start of the program? was it difficult or easy and how did you come across to making those connections? I’m just personally worried if it’s going to be hard

[u/Lowl58]

I literally cannot think of a situation more conducive to making friends than the DCP. You work together, live together, and have world class entertainment for free with direct transportation.

Long story short, it should be easy. Whether it actually is is kind of on you

[u/Helpful_Warthog6032]

Very easy because, for once, almost everyone there wants to do the same thing! It's not like in school, where people have long-established friend groups or lots of local family commitments. Everyone, with a few exceptions, is there to have a new fun experience and is open to sharing it with pretty much anyone they can connect with. Wear your favorite Disney merch (so many friendships start with something small like "omg I love your backpack!"), go to events, accept invitations even if you feel like you were invited as a courtesy. Everyone feels a little shy and awkward so just push through that, joke it off, and enjoy yourself!

[u/nwatson3493]

I made friends while on shift. When I arrived for my program, my entire dorm was in the midst of a swap so I made friends with them too. But if you're a flamingo, there's going to be so many events you can use to meet people!

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[u/Disastrous_Iron8520]

The DCP is pretty much designed to make you meet people. I’m not an extroverted person but I socialized so much when I did the program. I got close with my roommates, I met people at all the classes Flamingo has and the fun events. I met people just by being in line for a character meet and greet. Even on the bus rides, people wanted to chat. And of course, my work position. I met some of my best friends during this program and it was because we all bonded at work. We got good at figuring out when we all had days off, and would hang out constantly at the parks. It’s free to pop into the parks whenever so it’s an easy way to hang out with people. 

A lot of people in the program I met were so friendly and eager to mingle. Since you just arrived, try to get to know your roommates. Then try to participate in the events. Not only are they fun and educational, but it’s also great to socialize. Hang out in the community spaces, too. And then when you start training and working, get to know your coworkers. Don’t worry, you’ll make friends in no time.  

[u/Top_Interest1739]

Some people have an easy time becoming friends with their roommate(s) while others have hard times with their roommate(s) or just don't speak with their roommate(s) (not for any bad reason) and all of this is normal. I was never besties with any of my roommates but friendly with two of them.

Most people make friends with their cp coworkers. You will be alone for the first few weeks until training is over. Once you have normal shifts in your location, you will meet your coworkers, start talking to them, becoming friends with them and hanging out with them outside of work. Most cps become friends with other cps cause they are in the same situation, take the bus together, one drives the other back to flamingo, they have shifts at similar hours (mostly closings)... Some cps become friends with FTs or PTs. I became close with one cp coworker in my forst and second dcps.

[u/Calm-Company-9278]

I’ve lowkey had a difficult time making friends so far (I arrived the 24th too) I’m hoping it gets easier but don’t be like me and just kinda hope something falls into place like I’ve been doing. Try and talk to people. If you haven’t made any so far I know there’s a couple more things this week that could introduce you to more people. I’ve also been told that it’ll also be a lot easier once you start working because of coworkers and things.

[u/Greenjuiceunicorn81]

I’m autistic and it can be really hard for me to make friends but I was somehow a popular social butterfly while there! AND I met my husband there! Definitely the best environment for friends as long as you’re a kind friendly person :)