Custodial: Help A Parent Come to Terms

[jobro912]

Nevermind. Have a Magical Day.

 

[Mama Who]

My son has accepted a role in custodial. He is a theatre major, wanted attractions, custodial was way down on his list. He auditioned for Character, made it through the audition, but didn't get in. So, explain to me why he should do this...from parental perspective, I find it kind of embarassing. Sorry, but I do. I don't see the point of giving up a semester, and potentially losing scholarships to go to WDW to empty trash and clean bathrooms. I'm not even sure I understand how you get selected as custodial...Is it that they don't think you are capable of anything else? Yes, I am a bit concerned. Yes, I am quite a bit negative. So if you are in the know, please explain to me why I should let him do this vs staying at school for now.

What does his resume look like? Does he have some elaborate work experience that makes him too good for an entry level job at a world class company? What jobs is he qualified for? What jobs could he get elsewhere?

If he has a better offer, he should take it. But if he isn't ashamed to start at the bottom and work his way up, nobody should make him feel that way.

 

[disneyaddict101]

I have not done the DCP(hope to next year) but i do know people who have done it, with the same job. They actually loved it. I mean, what good would Disney be if it was covered in trash? Some also think it's the best job because you're not in one spot. You're all over the place and guests often after for you to take pictures for them. It's really easy to spread some magic with that job with people asking for directions and what not. No, a lot of people don't want that job, but when you look at the positives, it's not that bad. It also teaches good social skills. Which is good for everyone. May even help him clean a bit once he's back wether it's his room or apartment! Haha the experience is what you make of it. If this is what he wants then support him. If it makes him happy then I believe it'd be well worth it! :$

 

[jobro912]

Disney Addict...We've heard good things too. Would like to hear more from those who may be here who have done it..ie, what are the placements? I know parks, but are chances good at getting a park vs a resort? What about hours? I am assuming closing, but no idea. How many CPs are in custodial? I have heard of CPs working pretty much alone. How much training do they receive...because seriously...I'm not too sure he knows what a broom or mop are?

 

[hapandpam]

My daughter worked as attractions. However, she got cross trained so she could do custodial as well. It isn't what she would like to do for the rest of her life, but kids learn from all sorts of experiences. She also worked at McDonald's, a job a lot of her friends though was beneath them, and met many terrific people.

If your son doesn't want to do it, I wouldn't force him but if he does, I would support his decision to go outside his comfort zone.

 

[jobro912]

Oh he's doing it. He has been on the mailing list for DCP since, 6th, maybe 7th grade...He gets stretched...Hopefully he interacts with guests a lot, trades pins, takes pictures...and gets to spend 5 months at his favorite place. Now, to convince his school to defer his scholarships, and maybe give him 3 hours credit or something.

 

[ibaw]

As someone who has had exposure to a wide range of roles within the Company, custodial Cast Members have the unique opportunity to truly interact with Guests. While the Company is constantly evaluating to discover ways to allow front line CMs to interact more with the Guests rather than just participate in 'transactions,' (i.e. one of the drivers behind MyMagic +) Custodial CMs already have this full flexibility!

For example, it was always suggested that you guide a Guest to what they are looking for, rather than just point it out. However, not many frontline CMs have the ability to wonder away from their post. Custodial CMs can actually assist guests and take them to what they are searching out. Additionally, custodial CMs can seek out guests who look lost/confused, offer to take pictures, give stickers to children who are upset or learn to draw characters on the sidewalk in water and entertain Guests. Every role is what you make of it, but I would go as far to say the odds are stacked in favor of a Custodial CM making a vacation magical over many other roles.

As a disclaimer, I never was a custodial CM, however my through various experience I feel as though I have the knowledge to make these statements.

All the best to your son as he pursues his dream at the most magical place on earth!

 

[wilkeliza]

Disney fills holes is all they do with DCP. It may no be that they thought he wasn't good enough for attraction or merchandise or entertainment but rather they didn't have enough positions versus people apply for those jobs. He got custodial because that is what whole needed to be filled. The DCP is not about where you work but what you do during your off time such as networking and classes.

Remember some of Disney's greatest legends started as custodial and out door foods.

 

[jobro912]

Thanks...He will love "Guiding" the guests where they are trying to go. And yup...Current, or very recent COO started in custodial. Plus he likes that he will be able to wander...don't know if that's a good way to put it. LOL.

 

[khancock]

jobro - here is some more info for you

of course, these are put out by the company, so use that as a filter. I can attest that every single person I knew who was in custodial really enjoyed it. And a lot of us who weren't, were kinda jealous.


Blog Articles

• http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-downtown-disney-at-walt-disney-world-resort/
• https://disneyprogramsblog.com/?p=644
• https://disneyprogramsblog.com/?p=568

YouTube Videos

• http://youtu.be/kfv4HY6zzUE (This is included in the offer letters.)
• http://youtu.be/4Xva3aLzIyw?t=2m40s (Part of their "day in the life" series.)
• http://youtu.be/62USrmpuCWA
• http://youtu.be/oAYRGKAG5QQ

 

[Joanna71985]

I did custodial on my third CP. It wasn't that bad at all. I loved the freedom that came with the role, and the guest interaction. And I didn't think being in custodial was something to be embarrassed about

 

[leebee]

Hi, jobro912. Here's the link to the document that DD took to her department/college:

http://cdn.disneycareers.com/managed/WDPR_CollegeProgram_Credit_12-2011.pdf

I think this helped convince them to give her six credits for the CP. it also means she is enrolled at least part-time, which keeps her loans from going into the grace period, and holds her financial aid intact. Another way to have approached this was to have her file as an "away" student at her home school and then register at one of the six schools that actually award credit for the CP. These six schools are listed on the Disney website, but include a couple of community colleges so the tuition is fairly tolerable (Onondaga CC and Mesa CC, I believe).

Another thing your son might consider is taking Disney's production class while doing the program; his college might give him credit for this class. Here's the link:
http://cdn.disneycareers.com/managed/WDPR_CP_PDS_EntSHOPR_12-2011.pdf

I think one of these options should convince your son's school to hold his scholarships and let him take the opportunity to work for Disney for a semester. Good luck!

 

[wilkeliza]

Hi, jobro912. Here's the link to the document that DD took to her department/college:

http://cdn.disneycareers.com/managed/WDPR_CollegeProgram_Credit_12-2011.pdf

I think this helped convince them to give her six credits for the CP. it also means she is enrolled at least part-time, which keeps her loans from going into the grace period, and holds her financial aid intact. Another way to have approached this was to have her file as an "away" student at her home school and then register at one of the six schools that actually award credit for the CP. These six schools are listed on the Disney website, but include a couple of community colleges so the tuition is fairly tolerable (Onondaga CC and Mesa CC, I believe).

Another thing your son might consider is taking Disney's production class while doing the program; his college might give him credit for this class. Here's the link:
http://cdn.disneycareers.com/managed/WDPR_CP_PDS_EntSHOPR_12-2011.pdf

I think one of these options should convince your son's school to hold his scholarships and let him take the opportunity to work for Disney for a semester. Good luck!

Just a heads up Entertainment Show Production is one of the hardest courses to get into. They only take 50-80 CPs each time they do it and based on availability of the two mentors it isn't always offered.

Great course though. I love working with Gary and Flounder.

 

[jking6]

My Daughters roommate last fall was in Custodial for her 2nd time. She LOVED it and thats why she came back to do the same thing. They are not pushing people along to keep the lines moving they actually have time to talk to people. My Daughter did Photopass last fall and extended as is now doing Character Attendant. She wishes she stayed Photopass just because as a Character attendant she has to deal with a lot of rude people. I wish your son well I think he will have a great time.

 

[waltfreakingdisney]

I have never participated in the DCP, but I did visit WDW in December last year and met the coolest girl who was on custodial duty. My dad is a smoker, and while we were stopped at a designated smoking area in Epcot, she came over to chat with us for about a half hour. She was so awesome and friendly that both of us went to the customer service desk on our way out of the park to give her props to her superiors. Disney has a little form you can fill out that goes into an employee's record and (from what I understand) enters them into a drawing to win something.

Sadly, her name escapes me but I wish I could remember it. She was so awesome.

My point is, the custodial person I met was WAY more friendly and polite than many of the folks at the food courts, shops, etc. Perhaps your son was chosen for custodial because they see similar qualities in him?

Best of luck to him, whatever he decides to do, be it school or Disney.

 

[checkwriter]

I have to think one of the major benefits of the CP is the exposure to the standards that Disney tries to impose on all of its cast members. This is not something that is not found in many work environment -- just think about, for example, the varying levels of competence we experience when visiting different McDonalds. Each CP member is going to take that away with them no matter what role they play, and if they pay attention to what's going on, they're going to benefit.

 

[AnnaS]

My dd is there now and is in custodial at a resort. She had never picked up a broom or mop before. But I will say - that they are not really the "cleaning crew". They make sure things are clean, stocked up and tidy. She absolutely loves it. They have more freedom and get to interact with the guests a lot more. She loves it so much, she decided to extend. Her next role will be attractions since she loves to try new things and wants to experience a park. She is lucky she got that but would have been happy with custodial again or recreation at the resort (another role she would not have minded doing).

 

[Luvchefmic]

A dear friend of mine had the same goals and started at custodial as a CP he is now a friend of Goofy Just hold your head high there is nothing lowly about custodial in fact they have the most guest interaction learn the parks very well and they make the magic by keeping WDW the way it is..not like other area parks

 

[keypooh90]

OP, I sent you a long PM.

 

[Puffy2]

OP, I hear ya. One of my children is a theater major.

And I know exactly what you are saying. I still think that the Disney College Program is slave labor/indentured servant - minimum wage...live in company housing...they take your rent out of your check. Sounds familiar.

But I can also see some positives. Kid lives on their own, learns some life skills, is trained by a company known for service.

The good thing about custodial is that if your son hates it it will absolutely motivate him to work harder for a better job later in life. Might be the best thing that ever happened to him. Could also teach him appreciation for the work of others, etc...

Good luck to him and you too.