Disney Classes QUESTION!!!

[Goofster18]

Ok, so I have seen some threads on here talking of taking a class at Disney. I am considering these but I have some issues. First, let me say that I will be going to those seminars and the other groups that aren't "Classes". But I know that if I take a class, I am limited to number of work hours per week and I was planning on picking up any shift possible, a few of them look kind of interesting but they aren't thrilling for me at this point, I'm not sure if I have time, they don't transfer credits and I don't know if I want to do homework and stuff over this program. Sounds like a lot but I'm sure others have thought about/like this and I am wondering, people's thoughts, ideas, suggestions. Ultimately: To take or not to take a class?
Thanks, Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[DisneyLover0526]

Ok, so I have seen some threads on here talking of taking a class at Disney. I am considering these but I have some issues. First, let me say that I will be going to those seminars and the other groups that aren't "Classes". But I know that if I take a class, I am limited to number of work hours per week and I was planning on picking up any shift possible, a few of them look kind of interesting but they aren't thrilling for me at this point, I'm not sure if I have time, they don't transfer credits and I don't know if I want to do homework and stuff over this program. Sounds like a lot but I'm sure others have thought about/like this and I am wondering, people's thoughts, ideas, suggestions. Ultimately: To take or not to take a class?
Thanks, Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

It's all up to you. I do want to pick up extra shifts if need be, but at the same time, I didn't want to fall behind with my classes and graduation. At my college, all of the classes at Disney are transferrable, so I'm going to be taking them. However, if the classes aren't transferrable for your college, and if you do want the extra work time, i say to not take the classes.

[kmg148]

Just keep in mind the shifts aren't in abundance during slow periods. Luckily in the Fall, you have Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years--we only had Easter. But after the last two weeks, it goes back to only having around 10 shifts that only certain people can take. QSR tend to be there, but other ones such as ride specific trained and tram drivers are things that only few people can do.

[kmg148]

And I have to do a lot of work for my internship with my school and took a class the first 8 weeks of the program. You have enough time to do them. I also took a Disney Exploration Series class.

[Goofster18]

I just figure that any time I have extra and available would be good to have in case I can snag one every once in a while, but yes, I have heard the shifts aren't usually open. I'm doing Fall Advantage, so I don't know if those are available during holidays.
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[kmg148]

The added benefit you have is both the Halloween and Christmas parties. It just really stinks if you're in a LoB that doesn't have many. FSFB RARELY has shifts. My friend has picked up one once, and that's because it worked with her schedule. I picked up my first shift today, other than that nothing has ever been compatible with my schedule.

[Goofster18]

I'm doing Character Attendant so even if I somehow was able to work a party, it would probably only be 1 or 2 shifts tops. I'm looking more at being able to, if I find one, jump on it rather than have to calculate my hours and not sign up for too many hours or be worried or have work interfere with classes, therefore not being able to take that shift. I have also heard that parade control is fun so I am looking into that as well!! As to classes, my major is Puppetry, so the Fine Arts seminar series thing is actually better for me than the classes, except perhaps the "Marketing You" one. I have heard that there are usually a lot of shifts in QSFB so I guess i got a great job but one without a lot of shift changing and dropping. And I only have 1 kind of costume which kind of stinks. But it's DISNEY and I'm working with the characters backstage and on, and I can talk, definitely a plus for interaction and communication and such. SUPER PUMPED!!! any other insight would be appreciated, thanks for all the comments and thoughts, fast replying!!
Have a Magical (Morning? Night? whichever you choose!!)
Goofster18

[kmg148]

Well, the thing about PAC is you have to be attractions trained. So unfortunately you wouldn't be able to do it. :(

[Goofster18]

Really?! I had heard around here that you could pick up a shift just playing games with the kids and such before the parade starts, then making sure people are off the streets before the parade starts. I love my role and I'll be excited to do anything, but if I can't get a shift or do anything else than I might as well get my times worth and just take a class. If my hours won't be different and I won't need the time I might as well use it well learning. It just sucks that I won't be able to do anything else, get a fuller experience, a different costume to wear every once in a while, go to a different park sometimes. I'm going to check and see if the "Marketing You" class will transfer any credits and I'll look into that one I guess. I'm already starting to hit the "reality" part of this and when people said it isn't so glorious as it is sometimes made out to be. But I'm still excited just to be at Disney, work with the characters, and get in for free!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[kmg148]

I've never seen untrained PAC (parade audience control) shifts on the hub, for the exception of the American Gardens Theatre. Fantasmic you need training, as well as for the parade at MK.

I'm not trying to ruin it for you, I just want you to be prepared for what you may see. If you really want to pick up shifts, QSR is the place to do it. During Easter, my friend picked up shifts in Liberty Square as well as other places. She went crazy. On the other hand, I avoid QSR.

[Goofster18]

No, I know this is actually really helpful, knowing all this in advance and understanding the program!!! What is QSR? Just so I know. I usually can figure out most of the little downsized things (I forget the word I'm looking for here...) but I don't know that one. Thanks!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[Aiden]

Has anyone taken an exploration class? How was it?

[kmg148]

Quick service food and beverage.

I take one now, Guest Service. It's okay, I know most of the information they "teach" though, since I've dealt with it at a job I have back home. But, it's still interesting and looks good on a resume!

[piratechick]

I've never seen untrained PAC (parade audience control) shifts on the hub, for the exception of the American Gardens Theatre. Fantasmic you need training, as well as for the parade at MK.

I'm not trying to ruin it for you, I just want you to be prepared for what you may see. If you really want to pick up shifts, QSR is the place to do it. During Easter, my friend picked up shifts in Liberty Square as well as other places. She went crazy. On the other hand, I avoid QSR.

I worked PAC a few times in my last program and I wasn't trained in Attractions. I was in QSFB. You don't have to be trained in Attractions to work PAC. I know in Animal Kingdom (where I worked), they pick two people from every location/role and made them do PAC. I also picked up a few shifts on the Hub for PAC and it was awesome.

[kmg148]

I worked PAC a few times in my last program and I wasn't trained in Attractions. I was in QSFB. You don't have to be trained in Attractions to work PAC. I know in Animal Kingdom (where I worked), they pick two people from every location/role and made them do PAC. I also picked up a few shifts on the Hub for PAC and it was awesome.

Well, every time on the hub the shifts say they require attractions training.

Just saying what I've seen...

[glendalais]

I worked PAC a few times in my last program and I wasn't trained in Attractions. I was in QSFB. You don't have to be trained in Attractions to work PAC. I know in Animal Kingdom (where I worked), they pick two people from every location/role and made them do PAC. I also picked up a few shifts on the Hub for PAC and it was awesome.

In early 2008, or somewhere thereabouts, WDW changed their policies regarding EHH PAC shifts. You now have to be Attractions-trained to pick up most PAC shifts on the EHH.

I believe this was done to bring WDW into compliance with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operations guidelines. No other WDP&R site allows non-Attraction Cast Members to pick up any type of Guest Control shift. Indeed, here at the DLR, with the exception of one very small portion of Fantasmic! Guest Control, it would be unfathomable to see a Food & Beverage Cast Member working any sort of Guest Control.

I would also think that it also helps improve efficiency on the parade route, as Attractions Cast Members are already trained on Guest Control techniques, while Cast Members from other Lines of Businesses are not.

No, I know this is actually really helpful, knowing all this in advance and understanding the program!!! What is QSR? Just so I know. I usually can figure out most of the little downsized things (I forget the word I'm looking for here...) but I don't know that one. Thanks!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

QSR - Quick Service Restaurants, is the section within the Food & Beverage department that manages the Counter Service, Fast Food, Buffeteria and Food Court restaurants throughout the Theme Parks and Resorts of the Walt Disney World Resort.

[piratechick]

In early 2008, or somewhere thereabouts, WDW changed their policies regarding EHH PAC shifts. You now have to be Attractions-trained to pick up most PAC shifts on the EHH.

I believe this was done to bring WDW into compliance with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operations guidelines. No other WDP&R site allows non-Attraction Cast Members to pick up any type of Guest Control shift. Indeed, here at the DLR, with the exception of one very small portion of Fantasmic! Guest Control, it would be unfathomable to see a Food & Beverage Cast Member working any sort of Guest Control.

I would also think that it also helps improve efficiency on the parade route, as Attractions Cast Members are already trained on Guest Control techniques, while Cast Members from other Lines of Businesses are not.

That explains it. I worked there in Fall 2007, so I didn't know they changed it in 2008. Which sucks, because I was hoping to pick up a few PAC shifts this Fall but now I won't since I am going to be in Merchandise. Oh well, at least I was able to experience it before they changed it.

[DisSisters]

Has anyone taken an exploration class? How was it?

I took Exploring Guest Service and I loved it! I did not take away from getting enough hours either. It was just once a week for 2 hours. Every week a different disney leader would come talk with our class and it was very interactive. We also took a few field trips, one to the Polynesian and one to Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios was the best one, we talked with a guest relation person who gives tours to celebrities who was very interesting. Then we learned more about the HSM3 show and watched it. The best part was sitting in the control room and watching guests drop in the Tower of Terror. I thought it was really interesting.

[dms25]

I work at Fantasmic/PAC/HSM and also worked at Rock'n'Roller Coaster. For our PAC, we "technically" have to be trained, but if we were short, then they would pull people from QSFB or merch to do PAC. If we had new people who had never done PAC before, a manager or coordinator would pull you off to the side and explain your position, and sometimes even walk you to your position.

I also took a class while I was there for my CP. I took Marketing You. I only got elective credit for this class and it doesn't affect your schedule that much. All it did for me was guarantee one of my days off being the same every week. If you don't need the class, then I wouldn't bother.

[Joanna71985]

Yeah, it stinks that PAC was made attractions-trained. I used to pick up PAC shifts all the time during my first 2 CPs. So I guess there is one good thing about doing attractions on this CP (I can do PAC again).

Really?! I had heard around here that you could pick up a shift just playing games with the kids and such before the parade starts, then making sure people are off the streets before the parade starts. I love my role and I'll be excited to do anything, but if I can't get a shift or do anything else than I might as well get my times worth and just take a class. If my hours won't be different and I won't need the time I might as well use it well learning. It just sucks that I won't be able to do anything else, get a fuller experience, a different costume to wear every once in a while, go to a different park sometimes. I'm going to check and see if the "Marketing You" class will transfer any credits and I'll look into that one I guess. I'm already starting to hit the "reality" part of this and when people said it isn't so glorious as it is sometimes made out to be. But I'm still excited just to be at Disney, work with the characters, and get in for free!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

Even if you don't pick up shifts from the HUB (and there are lots of shifts that don't require training), there are plenty of entertainment shifts that can be picked up from the base. From picking up extra shifts, I've gotten to work the castle show (Cinderellabration, Dream Along with Mickey, and Celebrate the Seasons), Woody's Cowboy Camp (now gone), and Mickey's Backyard BBQ (among others). So that is something to consider.

[Goofster18]

So thanks to everyone who replied, this is great info!!! I think I'll check on what credit I could get, if any, for that marketing you class. I plan on coming back and doing the CP again, so it is something to maybe wait on, I'll talk with my parents and go over the syllabus, what credit I could get, etc. And it is understandable the whole PAC thing, I woulda never thought of it that way!! But that's Disney!! It is comforting to know there are at least one or two shifts I could pick up at some points throughout. OK, feeling much better!!! still scared of all the horror stories I have been hearing (seems to be more and more and more lately,.....) but I'm still just excited to work with DISNEY!!! YAY!!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

[BabyPiglet]

I find it a little funny that character attendants aren't allowed to do parade guest control, but they deal with guest control everyday. That's basically one of the biggest duties of their job.

[Toffy]

^Yeah... you know, if it were specific to one resort, I'd almost think that decision was made due to some managment politics (sounds like something we'd get down here at DLR)

[PrincessJordynx]

FSFB RARELY has shifts.


Is this your role? It's mine for Fall 09 and if that is the case that is truly upsetting.

[kmg148]

Is this your role? It's mine for Fall 09 and if that is the case that is truly upsetting.

Yes, it is.

I never really see past 32 hours a week. However, my friend from school who works at the Crystal Palace sometimes has 12 hour days. It just depends on where you are placed.

My location doesn't allow anyone to pick up overtime, so they will deny any switches if it gives someone an extra day.

I've only seen a handful of shifts on the hub for FSFB. Garden Grill once, H&V once, couple of Tusker House, and a couple of Tony's Town Square. They are very rare because of the site specific training that is usually needed, so many never post them. QSR is very generic, not very site specific. The restaurant I work at never posts shifts.

[PrincessJordynx]

well here's hoping for a busy restaurant lol. i work generally 25hrs a week at my restaurant at home, of course i get a higher pay so it works out but i do hope ill be able to get enough hours. =/

[jewjubean]

Does anyone know how Merchandise is for picking up shifts??
Im all for working!:D

[Joanna71985]

Does anyone know how Merchandise is for picking up shifts??
Im all for working!:D

Merchandise is usually pretty good for getting extra shifts. Some are untrained, some are Matra trained, and others are Matra/Merchantainment trained.

[christiemarsh88]

Merchandise is usually pretty good for getting extra shifts. Some are untrained, some are Matra trained, and others are Matra/Merchantainment trained.

I'm merchandise, too, and I was wondering about this. What are Matra and Merchantainment?

[kmg148]

Matra is the system on the computer you use for cash handling.

Merchantainment is just what Merch is sometimes called.

Just cross your fingers for a 3 meal restaurant. I work at one of the busiest and most popular restaurants on property..about 500-600 guests a night and I still only get that many hours.

[PrincessJordynx]

really that sucks. i didnt want a 3 meal actually, im not a morning person. i was hoping due to my experience they would want to work me alot =/ oh well its not the money i suppose.

[graygables]

I wouldn't count at all on being able to pick up shifts. Yes, PAC are now attractions. Many QSFB have added Matra to the requirement as well. Fortunately for my 20yo she is both attractions and Matra trained or she wouldn't work nearly enough (she's PT at the moment) Shifts outside the busy times are very few and far between, I haven't found a single one I *could* pick up that would mesh with my own schedule, even during the peak around Easter.

That said, I opted to take the Explorations in Leadership course this term and have enjoyed it. The information is excellent and has added value to my education and program. It was well worth the 2 hours per week I needed to dedicate to it. There was no homework, but since I'm in a Master's program, I already knew there would be no credit for it anyway.

[kmg148]

It really doesn't have a whole lot to do with your experience. Some people where I work have a lot, others do not. I think I have a lot, I'm a supervisor in a Guest Relations. A lot of the work I do comes easily, to others it doesn't.

There are far more 3 meal and even 2 meal restaurants than dinner only.

[kenovak]

In my experience, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find shifts to pick-up. Many of the shifts that I have posted are either awkward times (like 4 or 6 hour shifts) or are available at the times that you are already scheduled to work, which if you are a CP, is typically closing. There are opportunities if you talk with your leaders ... my leaders knew that I was dependable and reliable, so if they had a lot of call outs, they knew that they could call me and I would usually come in and help. I got a lot of hours that way during slow times.