A few reservations about applying for the CP [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

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jediobiwan

10-14-2009, 11:24 PM

So my fiance and I are interested (to different degrees) in applying to the college program. We both have some likes, dislikes, and questions.

We like that we would get away from the craziness of engineering majors for a term! :thumbsup2

We would love to be in Disney World! :banana:

We are worried about how crazy it would be to work there. I know so many people love doing the CP, but what experiences have people had that they did not like or where annoyed with.

We are worried about how much time we would get to spend with each other. Would we have a good bit of time every day, or just on off days? Would we be likely to even have the same free time? How does the schedule changing from week to week work.

Would we be likely to get placed in the same park/ apartment complex if we request? Due to the visitation rules, the same complex would be a must.

I am sure we will have more questions, but that's it for now!
TIA!

CP2003Alumni

10-14-2009, 11:46 PM

The chance of getting the same location are slim - same as same schedule. You are under Disney Control plain and simple, that is what you sign on for. That being said - it is a great program. If you live separate now, no biggie, but if you live together you will be seprate at Disney. As for complexes - you can go to and from any Disney complex with your college ID, so you could stay with each other, but you will be sharing a room with another person, so please respect that person's wishes if they say they do not want your fiance sleeping over.
I loved my college program, and sharing it with someone is great! Hope this helps, I was just trying to be truthful.

taigirl87

10-15-2009, 03:49 AM

actually, youd only be able to stay overnight at each others apartments if you lived in the same complex. like when i go to my friends apartment in vista(i live in chatham) i have to be out by 1am, or he can run the possibility of getting termed(it does happen) if him and i both lived in chatham though, we wouldn't have to worry about it. also, with your housing id, you can come and go into each apartment complex, until 9pm, when you have to be signed in by someone who lives in the complex you are visiting.

its kind of lame, but their reasonings make sense...now if only theyd extend the "curfew" times...itd make for late night wendy's runs to be easier.

DisneyAngie

10-15-2009, 08:32 AM

I'm curious to see what people post in the way of negative or annoying things. There seems to be two kinds of people - people who loved the CP and people who hated it. Most of the people here are definitely the first kind, which is good, because its reassuring that most people who love Disney enjoy the program. But, in a way, it is a little limiting because we only hear the really good things.

One way you could try to increase your time together is to request the same park. My understanding is that if you request a location or a park, they will try to fill it if possible but it is by no means a guarantee. I've heard that Animal Kingdom has good hours, because the park closes just about every day at 5. So if you both worked there, you could have most evenings together. The odds of you two working the exact same roles is slim, but even if you did, you might not have the same schedule on any given day.

I haven't done the CP yet, so I can't speak to the housing situation. But another option is to opt not to use CP housing (there is a fee and you would have to find somewhere else to live, but then you don't need to worry about curfews or roommates).

MarinaAndCharlie

10-15-2009, 04:09 PM

When are you getting married? If youre married, I do believe you can be in a 1 bedroom apartment in the CP housing together. I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure.

I agree with the Animal Kingdom idea so you know you'd have evenings off. But even if youre both working at the Magic Kingdom, that doesn't mean you'll be working until midnight every night. And if you do.. then you can spend the mornings together. :goodvibes

Sorahana

10-16-2009, 08:37 AM

Housing complex-It shouldn't be too hard to end up in the same complex, just request the same complex at check-in =).

Job location-Chances of you being in the same park are VERY SLIM, people are placed based on operational need, especially if you get different roles. As someone stated, Disney is in control of all of that, you go where they put you. You can request a park but there's no guarantees.

Time to see each other-Schedules vary by location, role, etc. When I did the CP in spring of 08, my days off varied every week and I worked longer hours. On my summer cp, I had the same days off every week for the most part (two days a week, either Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday) and my hours were the same for the most part except if it was a busy day. Depending on where you're placed you may have more time to see each other during the day (Animal Kingdom), or you'll see each other on your days off if you at least get one of the same days off.

Hope that helped!!

zulemara

10-16-2009, 11:09 AM

hhmm things I get annoyed with? see my signature :lmao:

The way to handle being annoyed with things is to view it as an educational experience. For instance, on the launches(39 passenger sail boats) people with strollers love to sit on the white benches where I have to squeeze through to get to the wheel. Instead of complaining about it, I started asking people with strollers to sit in the back of the boat. The same thing applies to the cruisers...people with strollers, with 100 people behind them, will plop down with their triple wide mercedes and block the other 100 people from efficiently getting on the boat. When I'm the pilot, I get on the mic and make sure people keep moving to the back of the boat, sit down, including strollers, and then fill in the aisle with people standing. I've increased loading efficiency almost 50% by doing that.

So if you take the things that annoy you and realize people just don't know, then find a way to flip it around and make it educational to the guests, it's a lot easier to deal with. Of course you can't do that for everything, but it helps a little bit.

epfootballcutie04

10-16-2009, 01:21 PM

I'm one of those that loved basically everything about the cp, which is why im applying again for Fall 2010.

A couple things were annoying to me, though:

1. American Coach- I had a car with me, but wanted to take the bus the first couple weeks until i felt comfortable with the route to work and where to park. Words can not express my dislike for American Coach. It's a great system for CPs and ICPs that can't or don't have their car with them, but often times for me, The bus would either get me to work an hour before I had to be there, or it would be scheduled to get me there 2 minutes late, which would give me 1/2 a point.

2. Housing Rules- I understand them, but nothing on the walls was kind of annoying. People found ways around that but inspections were part of that annoyance.

Also, if you both live in the same complex you can be with eachother 24/7 if you want. Well, aside from working :) If you live in different complexes, you have to be signed in after 9. They take your license plate number if you drive in so make sure to be out of there by 1am otherwise you could get termed.

Depending on your work location, you could have every chance of working insane hours. I know a jungle cruise skipper who worked 75 hours one week during Spring Break. While I never had more then 42 hours in hospitality.

When you accept your role with the college program you are agreeing to full availability.

Could you guys be in the same park/resort? Sure! Could you guys get the same days off? Sure! Are the chances of that good? Eh, maybe. Make sure to email recruiting to put in your work requests ASAP and that will help your odds :goodvibes

With all that being said, the college program was BY FAR the best experience of my entire life. The good FAR FAR FAR outways the bad (in my opinion) and I can't wait for the chance to do it all over again!!!

Good luck! (and congratulations!! )

jediobiwan

10-16-2009, 04:22 PM

So a few things have changed from when I first posted!

Due partially to the fact that we can live together if we are married (emailed housing and they gave me this response: Thank you for your email. Married housing is offered within the Disney sponsored apartments. In order to be eligible to request such accommodations, both you and your spouse will need to be participating on the Walt Disney World College Program and have the same arrival and departure dates. If you are chosen to participate on a Walt Disney World internship and would like to request married housing please send a certified copy of your marriage certificate with an original stamp and signature to the address below. Unfortunately this document will not be returned as the housing placement team will need to keep your certificate on file. ) and partially due to financial aid reasons and housing at college we are going to go ahead and get married this winter. We are not planning on applying for the college program for Spring, but likely for Fall 10. Everything is worked out as long as we can work out the classes we are taking to graduate on time so that is the only remaining reservation with applying for the CP. What is the timeline like? I know a lot of people have already been accepted, but my universities presentation is not till next week. Would it be better if applying for Fall 09 to go ahead and view the e-presentation as soon as spring rolls around?

Also, from everyone's advice I think we may try to get Animal Kingdom. My preferred park and really preferred roll would be Attractions for Star Tours, but it is my understanding that even though it is easy to get attractions it is impossible to ask for a specific one, correct?

Also, how does food work? Do you have to pay for food while working or is that covered? Also, what are the best roles to ask for to make sure you get accepted? (Food and Janitorial first I suppose, but what about past that?)

Thanks for so much good info!

abmagical

10-16-2009, 04:34 PM

Everything happens for a reason :)

abmagical

10-16-2009, 04:35 PM

I have no clue how that got posted there...haha! I thought that I was posting somewhere else....

abmagical

10-16-2009, 04:38 PM

Wow I don't know how to use computers....anyway good luck with everything! I don't know much yet because I will be a CP for Spring 2010, but I hope everything goes well for you :)

jediobiwan

10-16-2009, 05:12 PM

Everything happens for a reason :)

So what is the reason for misposting that? :rotfl2:

Sorahana

10-16-2009, 06:20 PM

So a few things have changed from when I first posted!

Due partially to the fact that we can live together if we are married (emailed housing and they gave me this response: ) and partially due to financial aid reasons and housing at college we are going to go ahead and get married this winter. We are not planning on applying for the college program for Spring, but likely for Fall 10. Everything is worked out as long as we can work out the classes we are taking to graduate on time so that is the only remaining reservation with applying for the CP. What is the timeline like? I know a lot of people have already been accepted, but my universities presentation is not till next week. Would it be better if applying for Fall 09 to go ahead and view the e-presentation as soon as spring rolls around?

Also, from everyone's advice I think we may try to get Animal Kingdom. My preferred park and really preferred roll would be Attractions for Star Tours, but it is my understanding that even though it is easy to get attractions it is impossible to ask for a specific one, correct?

Also, how does food work? Do you have to pay for food while working or is that covered? Also, what are the best roles to ask for to make sure you get accepted? (Food and Janitorial first I suppose, but what about past that?)

Thanks for so much good info!

You can request an attraction but that doesn't mean you'll be put there. My first program I requested Animal Kingdom and I got it, summer program I requested Animal Kingdom again (either the attraction I worked prior or a show) and I got Test Track @ Epcot. It's based on operational need.

If you're applying for Fall 2010, you'd watch the e presentation and/or attend a live presentation in the spring. You can attend one in the fall for more info/to get any questions you have answered though. Then in the spring (around February) you'd actually apply. You watch the e presentation, submit your application, and then you have to pass a web based interview. If you pass the interview then you'll be invited to call and schedule a phone interview. Then comes the phone interview. After that they will contact you anywhere from a few days to 4-6 weeks later as to whether you're accepted or not, it varies.

You have to pay for your food while working, they have cafeterias backstage at all the parks. Also, you are responsible for your own food if you live in housing. You're essentially living in an apartment, so you'd take care of your own food.

As for what roles to make sure you get accepted? It's never a "for sure" thing you'll be accepted no matter what roles you pick. The highest "in demand" roles is QSFB (Quick Service Food and Beverage). Other roles that are higher in demand are custodial, attractions, merchandise just to name a few.

Hope that helped!

Seewhatimesdone

10-17-2009, 02:22 PM

epfootballcutie04

10-17-2009, 02:51 PM

I did not enjoy my Disney CP and ended up leaving early but there were a variety of reasons for that happening. Also, three of my other roommates ended up leaving as well. First of all know that above anything else you are there to work. I had back to back shifts of thirteen hours sometimes. I know people say that they don't care because it's Disney (I said the same thing) but after being really rundown from work you will start to care. I also found it very hard to work in my certain environment with terrible management and sexual harassment. But it really depends on where you work. I had some health problems that were making it hard for me to be so dedicated but my managers didn't care.

I had good days and some very bad days. I would give it another shot though, although I would find my own housing for sure. The housing company was terrible. I mean there is only so long you can share a fridge between eight people. Not to mention food was constantly stolen. The inspections are ridiculous. If you have a few things on your counter the WHOLE apartment fails and you're charged twenty five dollars each for maids to come and vacuum...and don't try reaching the housing office because they just hang up on you. Seriously, every time we called.

The perk of being able to go into the parks whenever you want is really nice but after a while it gets boring going to where you work on your days off. And all of us were too tired to go out.

Even though there were far more bad times than good some of the best memories I have are from the program. I had amazing friends and we had some crazy adventures. If it wasn't for the CP I probably wouldn't have decided to go to college. It motivated me to get a degree because I don't want to be rolling silverware for six hours a day for the rest of my life!

My recommendation, from the heart, is to go to college. THEN when you're done, do the CP. It's really not worth getting behind for. But others will say otherwise and tell you they had an awesome time. It really depends. I will probably try it again after college, with my own housing. And i'll have the proper expectations of work hours and how I will be treated. We really are seen as nothing more than workers. Management gave me no reason to believe otherwise. There are thousands of people coming in to take your spot. So if you decide to leave, it's really not a big deal. Just please know what you're getting in to. I was extremely excited as well but it certainly wore off quick.

As my health problems escalated due to many different things I decided to leave. My health \y was waaaay more important than anything else. Just take care of yourself above everything else because you're going to be the only one looking out for yourself. Be careful of your surroundings too. It's not as safe as you think. I ran into a police officer during the CP and when I told him I was on the CP he warned me to be very careful. There are several robberies, rapes, etc. at knife point that happen to CP kids. Locals in the area know who we are and that they can take advantage of us. Just be careful!

wow, sounds like you had a terrible CP experience. I'm so sorry! I'm sure there are others out there like you which is so unfortunate.

Inspections do suck, but it depends on the people inspecting your apartment. We had things on our counters, my roommates had stuff on their walls,etc and we passed every time. The only thing they said to us was just to make sure to take it down and clean it up for next time. Then they always left us treats, so go figure!

I've never heard of rapes at knife point during the CP. I have heard of a lot of stories about why Playboy ranks the Cp as it does, but never about Rapes. I suppose it might happen though. But like you said, just watch out for yourself... like you should do anywhere. No matter if it's Disney on the CP or at the local grocery store.

As far as work goes, I loved all my managers and they backed up the CPs endlessly. Sometimes I think we were even taken better care of then the full timers. Speaking of, I've heard how full timers hate CPs, but the full timers at my location were like moms and dads to me. They loved all of us and greeted us with warm "welcome homes" every single day.

I know what you mean when you say you get long hours and back to backs. I had my share of them, too. It does start to ware on you after a while, but it's what we signed up for at the same time: full availability. It does ware on you though, especially if you aren't feeling well.

Regarding the fridge situation, i was in a 4 bedroom, too. You might be happy to know that all 4 bedroom apartments now have TWO fridges and TWO freezers. In all complexes. It helps a lot. It also sounds like you had terrible roommates if they ate all your food... mine never ever did that.

I'm interested in knowing if you would share your work location and when you did the CP. Maybe if people get placed there it will help them keep a heads up as far as sexual harassment goes and be prepared to deal with any potential management issues that might arise.

Also, if you know the hours are bad and you disliked your experience so much and you're going to school so you don't have to fold silverware for 6 hours a day, I'm also interested in knowing why you would consider doing another college program.

All in all, I'm so sorry you had such a bad time down there. Sounds like everything was against you. Know that while people definitely have their bad days, most people would say the good far outweighs the bad.

I wish you nothing but happy times if you do consider another college program :goodvibes

Seewhatimesdone

10-17-2009, 07:15 PM

wow, sounds like you had a terrible CP experience. I'm so sorry! I'm sure there are others out there like you which is so unfortunate.

Inspections do suck, but it depends on the people inspecting your apartment. We had things on our counters, my roommates had stuff on their walls,etc and we passed every time. The only thing they said to us was just to make sure to take it down and clean it up for next time. Then they always left us treats, so go figure!

I've never heard of rapes at knife point during the CP. I have heard of a lot of stories about why Playboy ranks the Cp as it does, but never about Rapes. I suppose it might happen though. But like you said, just watch out for yourself... like you should do anywhere. No matter if it's Disney on the CP or at the local grocery store.

As far as work goes, I loved all my managers and they backed up the CPs endlessly. Sometimes I think we were even taken better care of then the full timers. Speaking of, I've heard how full timers hate CPs, but the full timers at my location were like moms and dads to me. They loved all of us and greeted us with warm "welcome homes" every single day.

I know what you mean when you say you get long hours and back to backs. I had my share of them, too. It does start to ware on you after a while, but it's what we signed up for at the same time: full availability. It does ware on you though, especially if you aren't feeling well.

Regarding the fridge situation, i was in a 4 bedroom, too. You might be happy to know that all 4 bedroom apartments now have TWO fridges and TWO freezers. In all complexes. It helps a lot. It also sounds like you had terrible roommates if they ate all your food... mine never ever did that.

I'm interested in knowing if you would share your work location and when you did the CP. Maybe if people get placed there it will help them keep a heads up as far as sexual harassment goes and be prepared to deal with any potential management issues that might arise.

Also, if you know the hours are bad and you disliked your experience so much and you're going to school so you don't have to fold silverware for 6 hours a day, I'm also interested in knowing why you would consider doing another college program.

All in all, I'm so sorry you had such a bad time down there. Sounds like everything was against you. Know that while people definitely have their bad days, most people would say the good far outweighs the bad.

I wish you nothing but happy times if you do consider another college program :goodvibes

I appreciate you not flaming me and actually responding thoughtfully. The reason I would consider doing another CP is because i'd like to work for Disney someday but in an art position. I'd love to draw characters for the guests and do a character artist P.I. But I won't have a shot for either of those most likely until i've worked for the company doing my share. I also don't think I would have a chance at being hired because I left early so I have to redo the CP.

It's nice they got another fridge but I still think I would do better with my own housing which i'm told you can get if you really push for it. Several people were unhappy with certain managers at my location. A few of them left because of it, a few stuck it out. I realize you have to do grunt work when you start out at any position but I don't think it's worth getting behind in school. I'd rather get my degree out of the way.

But like I said I have some incredible memories there. In a few years I think i'll give it another shot in my own place. At least i'll know what i'm getting into this time.

I'm not trying to complain, i'm just trying to tell the other side of the story. It goes about half and half with the CP and I think it's important to tell the bad side too. I don't feel animosity towards Disney because there's so many kids coming in they can't make sure everything is fine for everyone. I just feel like sometimes we can be taken advantage of as workers because we're so plentiful. And yes, the full timers were not so nice to us, although like you said a few were great.

Ariel864

10-17-2009, 08:32 PM

I have heard of a lot of stories about why Playboy ranks the Cp as it does, but never about Rapes.

I know what you mean when you say you get long hours and back to backs.

Just out of curiousity what do you mean about the playboy thing?

And when you say back to backs? How close are the shifts together? And what is the longest shift you worked while down there on the program?

Thanks!

theatergal

10-17-2009, 08:38 PM

its kind of lame, but their reasonings make sense...now if only theyd extend the "curfew" times...itd make for late night wendy's runs to be easier.[/QUOTE]

Actually, technically you're not supposed to have anyone sleep over, even if they live in the same complex. Technically everyone who doesn't live in your room is supposed to be out by 1 am. Iti's just harder to track if you're in the same complex as the person you're visting. CPs and guests visting different complexes need to be signed in after 9pm.

As for living together, you wouldn't be able to share a room but you may be able to live in the same building as each other. And chances are your schedules will be different.

epfootballcutie04

10-17-2009, 11:48 PM

Just out of curiousity what do you mean about the playboy thing?

And when you say back to backs? How close are the shifts together? And what is the longest shift you worked while down there on the program?

Thanks!

If you can, read the book "Mousecatraz" by Wesley Jones. It's a book a guy wrote about the college program and it is HILARIOUS. There, he mentions that Playboy had ranked the college program as the ***iest internship. It's because of the stories that people tell about it. The stuff that some CPs decide to participate in, if you get what i'm saying.

As far as back to backs go, they technically have to give you 8 hours between shifts. I was scheduled until 2 am some days and then the next day i would have to be back at 10 am.... 8 hours between shifts.

It's not too bad if you work close to the apartments, like I did. I worked at saratoga springs which is right next to downtown disney, about 10 minute drive from the apartments. I also had my own car.

but for people that took the bus, they would often have to wait for the bus to show up, stop at a vista first, then get dropped off at chatham at which point they would have to shower or do whatever they needed to do before bed, then wake up early enough to catch the bus to work. It just didn't allow for a lot of sleep, and I think that's what people found most annoying. It's do-able... but can really ware you down if you let it.

and... the longest shift that i ever worked was 10 1/2 hours. At my location is was really really really hard to get extended and i was always scheduled for 8 1/2 hours. I had roommates though that would work 13 hour shifts frequently in merchandise or attractions. Especially during Spring break season.

epfootballcutie04

10-18-2009, 12:03 AM

I appreciate you not flaming me and actually responding thoughtfully. The reason I would consider doing another CP is because i'd like to work for Disney someday but in an art position. I'd love to draw characters for the guests and do a character artist P.I. But I won't have a shot for either of those most likely until i've worked for the company doing my share. I also don't think I would have a chance at being hired because I left early so I have to redo the CP.

It's nice they got another fridge but I still think I would do better with my own housing which i'm told you can get if you really push for it. Several people were unhappy with certain managers at my location. A few of them left because of it, a few stuck it out. I realize you have to do grunt work when you start out at any position but I don't think it's worth getting behind in school. I'd rather get my degree out of the way.

But like I said I have some incredible memories there. In a few years I think i'll give it another shot in my own place. At least i'll know what i'm getting into this time.

I'm not trying to complain, i'm just trying to tell the other side of the story. It goes about half and half with the CP and I think it's important to tell the bad side too. I don't feel animosity towards Disney because there's so many kids coming in they can't make sure everything is fine for everyone. I just feel like sometimes we can be taken advantage of as workers because we're so plentiful. And yes, the full timers were not so nice to us, although like you said a few were great.

Oh I understand where you're coming from 100%. I would never flame someone for having an opinion. Like you mentioned, it is important for others to hear both sides of the spectrum. I went into the CP thinking I would become best friends with my roommates and my first batch was SO not that way. It couldn't have been further from the truth... but the 2nd batch became my family. I think the most important thing for any future CP (or current CP for that matter) is to keep an open mind. It will help more so than if you didn't.

And a artist position sounds like SO much fun. I adored going to the animation classes at DHS and drawing all the characters. I respect your attitude about still wanting to work your way up and not just expect to get what you want right away. A lot of people lack that so I really like that about you.

Good luck getting your own place!! I know a couple people have done that and are quite happy. I hope everything works out for you :)

americangeiko

10-18-2009, 04:20 PM

I've been wanting to do a 'CP Reality' post on my blog for a while now. But due to mid-terms and work, I haven't been able to devote my time to much of ANYTHING, nevermind, posting about Dis.

Things You Don't Get Told Till You Arrive:
-50% your roommates will either self-term, or term, during the program. (It's a fact.) If this happens, then you'll be 'consolidated', which means you and your roommates might be forced to move to another apartment. While there, this could happen AGAIN! If it does, you maybe asked to move AGAIN! Housing tries to make people only move ONCE, but I've heard of people having to do it more than once in their program.
-If you Extend, you're changing apartments, whether you want to or not.
-While I never had safety issues on the program in the apartments, I had heard of someone getting knifed, and if you consider the statistics given for murders and rapists and compare it to the number of people in the program, then you'd understand.
-If you hate your roommates you can pay a fee (like $60) to move to new apartment. HOWEVER, you could move to someplace even worse.
-You are a very tiny voice in a LARGE company, so either you pull 'A Goofy Movie' and 'stand out', or you get ignored/left behind.
-There's a lot of opportunities, but if YOU don't search them out, you'll never know they even exist. (I found out recently about several things I could've done on my CP that I didn't know were possible. :sad2:)
-A LOT of colleges don't give credit for the classes or the internship. So doing the program could delay your graduation!
-It's Southern Florida, there's bugs, and they don't leave quietly.
-Your mattress is your worst enemy!
-If you take the buses, and they make you late, your manager will tell you that you should've left over 1 hr early. The only exception is if you raise hell with the bus driver/bus office, and they call your manager to say it's their fault. (Don't expect that to happen, period.)
-If you do a Fall program you will be completely miserable around the holidays unless your family can afford to come down TWICE, and you can managed to get the time off.
-If you work less than 30 hours a week your check could go entirely to housing.

Seewhatimesdone

10-18-2009, 05:47 PM

Just out of curiousity what do you mean about the playboy thing?

And when you say back to backs? How close are the shifts together? And what is the longest shift you worked while down there on the program?

Thanks!

As far as hours go the longest shift I ever had was thirteen hours. Then I would have an eight hour break and then another thirteen hour shift. It's hard to be "magical" :laughing: when you work these kinds of hours. But, at the end of the day when Wishes started everything sort of melted away. No matter how bad a day I had seeing all the kids get so excited when Tinkerbell flew made everything that much better. Cheesy, but it really was a magical moment for me. That and being able to welcome Japanese guests in Japanese; it really made their trip!

mare07

10-22-2009, 06:57 PM

I was so glad to see this thread on the boards. I am always reading these posts from people who have a glamorized view of the program! There are definitely two groups, people who love it and people who hate it, but at some point almost everyone will be miserable/think about leaving. The person who posted the "things they don't tell you" was right on. There are always stories about bad things happening, but there are also a lot of people doing this program where this is their first taste of the real world and lose their heads. Here are some of my recommendations:
1. No matter what the recruiters tell you, only put down the roles you really think you'd like to pursue. Why would you apply for a job you didn't really want?
2. Realize this is a full-time job and that Disney is open 365
3. If at all possible, bring a car
4. The management. It doesn't much matter, because by the time you get down there it's probably changed. I went through 16 managers and 2 area managers in 12 months...they like to move them around.
5. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. The e-pres is good, but if you can, get to a real one and meet the CR's. They will be more than happy to discuss their program and no, not all of them had a great experience.
6. Getting time off is never easy. Yes, you may get a few days to go home, but then again, you may not. This doesn't change whether you are a CP or FT.
7. Every work location and role is different and each has their own personality, but if you give it a try you can find your place
8. Take some time to explore the area and spend time in the parks. There are people out there who like to do this and when you find them you'll know it. This makes your program 10 x better.
9. Want to move up in the company? It's up to YOU to take advantage and get to know your managers. Good work will often do this. Don't call in all the time, the managers will notice.
10. The work gets boring and the hours can be long and the guests can be mean, but it can also be fun and there are guests that are awesome.

kmg148

10-22-2009, 07:57 PM

...

yuffie

10-23-2009, 07:37 PM

Hi! My name is Cari, but on forums such as these I go by Yuffie (From Final Fantasy VII - it's a video game *she was in Kingdom Hearts too ^_^*)

Anyway, first let me say that I am SO glad I found this forum! So many places have left me feeling sad and uneasy about doing the CP. I've never done it and I'm actually not planning on doing it, but I do have some relevant questions that I simply can't find the answers to!

Quick back story: I'm a Senior at UGA, graduating in December. I applied to the CP & was accepted, but declined the offer due to family reasons. My dream is to be a Disney Princess at WDW, but I'd be willing to be any character. I'm debating whether it would be a good career idea to first complete a CP before auditioning, but I don't see how that would really affect things.
Which brings me to my first question:

(1) Is there a cut off for the CP? For example, take me! LOL I'm graduating this semester, but I was told I could still apply for the Spring 2010 internship. How long after graduation to be elligable for CP? (could I apply, say, in the Spring). I know I wouldn't be a student, but people go back to college all the time. =)

Okay, now for the list of random questions:

(2) Where does the bus drop you off? And are there designated parking areas for each attraction, or only one cast member lot?

(3) How flexible are the schedules as far as religious obligations? (weekly services on Sunday)

(4) Are the break laws enforced? (for example, in GA for every 4hrs you get a 15min break, every 8hrs you get a 30min break with 2 optional 15 min breaks)

(5) I know CP is different from normal full-time positions, but do you know if the schedules are done on a weekly basis? If you ask in advance, would they be willing to schedule for time off?

Hmm... I know I had more, but my first attempt at a post was erased >.< If I remember I'll come back LOL

Edit to add: I remembered!
(6) Are all cast members (full-time/part-time) allowed to enter WDW on their days off? (regardless of the area they work, like retail, food, entertainment etc)

(7) I read somewhere that family members of cast members were given free/discounted tickets to WDW - a. is this true and b. do you know the rules? (once every 6mo, once a month etc and how many people? 1? 4?)

Thank you in advance! Sorry for being so annoying :guilty:

kmg148

10-23-2009, 07:57 PM

Which brings me to my first question:

(1) Is there a cut off for the CP? For example, take me! LOL I'm graduating this semester, but I was told I could still apply for the Spring 2010 internship. How long after graduation to be elligable for CP? (could I apply, say, in the Spring). I know I wouldn't be a student, but people go back to college all the time. =)

Okay, now for the list of random questions:

(2) Where does the bus drop you off? And are there designated parking areas for each attraction, or only one cast member lot?

(3) How flexible are the schedules as far as religious obligations? (weekly services on Sunday)

(4) Are the break laws enforced? (for example, in GA for every 4hrs you get a 15min break, every 8hrs you get a 30min break with 2 optional 15 min breaks)

(5) I know CP is different from normal full-time positions, but do you know if the schedules are done on a weekly basis? If you ask in advance, would they be willing to schedule for time off?

Hmm... I know I had more, but my first attempt at a post was erased >.< If I remember I'll come back LOL

Edit to add: I remembered!
(6) Are all cast members (full-time/part-time) allowed to enter WDW on their days off? (regardless of the area they work, like retail, food, entertainment etc)

(7) I read somewhere that family members of cast members were given free/discounted tickets to WDW - a. is this true and b. do you know the rules? (once every 6mo, once a month etc and how many people? 1? 4?)

Thank you in advance! Sorry for being so annoying :guilty:

Hi Cari!

1. No, sadly you would not be able to apply for the CP in the spring unless you enrolled in continuing classes somewhere. In order to do a CP, you must apply while still enrolled. :( I'm still trying to find out if non-credit classes at community college count, but I haven't gotten that far yet.

2. There's designated parking for each location. I only know where my work location parking is, but each hotel should have one and each park would have one as well. The bus would drop you near the bus stop areas (or backstage areas) of your work location. Sometimes you have to transfer buses but they will get you where you want to go. (I never took the bus though).

3. You would have to speak to your work location. As far as I know, I didn't know anyone who was given a special schedule for religious reasons. Doesn't mean it can't happen, but they have made religious accommodations in the past. Just be ready if it doesn't happen.

4. They usually are, however different places do them differently. If I understand correctly, if you are working in attractions, through CDS (the rotation computer system) you are automatically scheduled and factored in breaks. Where I worked, since it was a restaurant and you can't really take a break, we had our 30 minute break 30-1 hour into our shifts, then sometimes another 15 minutes later in the night, if it allowed.

5. Usually all schedule requests go through the labor team. A lot of times they get denied too, but you can usually switch around or ask people to pick up shifts and work for you. They will usually deny anything over 3 or 4 days in a row in the same work week. The schedules vary, but mine was posted 2 weeks before the date, so I would have it posted at the beginning of the current week for the next week.

6. Yes! You can go to the parks on your days off (part of the perk of working there!) and you can also go before you start work. You only get in trouble if you are in the parks while you are supposed to be working. Example: You called in sick, yet went to the park. Managers can look up activity on your ID.

7. A few weeks into the program you get a maingate pass. This allows up to three people, six times. You can have as many as three or only one person each time, but you will lose a day each time, no matter how many guests you bring. Your 6 days for 3 people does not equal 18 park visits. It's six times, for up to three people. I hope that makes sense!

If you go seasonal, depending on when you are put into the system (before June or before November) you will be in the complimentary ticket distribution and receive 2 extra tickets!

You also get up to 50% off rooms for yourself for any of the Disney hotels (so you can book for your family, as long as you are staying in the room with them) and 40% off if you are booking for someone else and you are not staying with them. There's also other discounts to broadway shows, restaurants, places in Downtown Disney, etc.

Hope this helps!

DisneyAngie

10-24-2009, 10:23 AM

5. Usually all schedule requests go through the labor team. A lot of times they get denied too, but you can usually switch around or ask people to pick up shifts and work for you. They will usually deny anything over 3 or 4 days in a row in the same work week. The schedules vary, but mine was posted 2 weeks before the date, so I would have it posted at the beginning of the current week for the next week.

I'm glad you brought up switching shifts or having people cover for you. That's something I've been wondering about. If you need a certain day off, get denied through scheduling, and arrange for someone to cover your shift, is there any penalty? Obviously, you wouldn't make as much money which can get sticky for paying rent, but do they give you points or frown upon people covering other people's shifts? Is it generally better to swap shifts than have another person cover yours? How does that all work, exactly? Do you have to tell one of your managers that that's what's happening, or can the other person just show up for your shift?

epfootballcutie04

10-24-2009, 10:52 AM

I'm glad you brought up switching shifts or having people cover for you. That's something I've been wondering about. If you need a certain day off, get denied through scheduling, and arrange for someone to cover your shift, is there any penalty? Obviously, you wouldn't make as much money which can get sticky for paying rent, but do they give you points or frown upon people covering other people's shifts? Is it generally better to swap shifts than have another person cover yours? How does that all work, exactly? Do you have to tell one of your managers that that's what's happening, or can the other person just show up for your shift?

switching shifts or someone just taking your shift is all done through the hub.
That being said, and strictly speaking for my location alone, I never brought it to my managers attention unless it was less than 2 days out because sometimes the hub wont get the request until noon the day before I needed them too, and I just wanted to make sure everything was ok.

For my location in hospitality, switching with someone or having someone take my shift, was never a problem unless the other person would be getting overtime for my shift. If I wanted someone to work a holiday, it was never approved unless it was a CP taking my shift since CP's don't get holiday pay.

There were also a couple times where the Labor team denied my request but I talked to a manager directly, explained the situation, and they approved and overrided the request. As long as you have someone come in for your shift that has been approved by your labor team or management, you will not get any points for it. Points only occur (attendance wise) if you call in or just don't show up without having someone cover your shift, or if you clock in OR out late.

But generally speaking, everything you will ever need to do in terms of scheduling, pickign up or giving away hours, requesting time off, etc is all done on the hub which you get access to during training.

And in terms of rent: Be careful with how many days a week you ask off for. I normally had 2 days a week off, and I had roughly 120-140 a week in pay after rent and taxes... but if i had any days i let someone take my hours, then i would have significantly less.

I always made my rent, but there were a couple weeks i only had like 30 bucks to my check. If for whatever reason you do not make your rent one week, they will take the remainder PLUS your regular rent out of the next check, and continue to do so until you are caught up.

wow, that was a lot. haha. I hope that all makes sense:goodvibes

kmg148

10-24-2009, 11:38 AM