College Program positions

[Jaleatonbro]

I was just wondering what the different positions are within the Disney World College Program? I am interested in attractions, merchandise, or being a character handler. How difficult would it be to get in to one of these positions? Within these, what would one suggest and why?

[psherman42]

Attractions and merchandise accept quite a few CPs each season. Character attendant is a bit more selective.

[Jaleatonbro]

Thank you for the quick reply, but also, what are some attractions specific position within the parks that would be good and same with merchandise?

[NHSchool2012]

You don't get to pick where you work. If you're given the attractions role, you won't know until the day you check in what ride you'll be operating, and same for merchandise.

I've heard that you can email and let the offices know where you would prefer to be or what role you want but there's no guarantee that you'll get anything you ask for. I know that when I had my interview I told my interviewer that I was interested in merchandise, hospitality and concierge and I was given quick service food and beverage, so even if you give them a preference they don't have to give it to you.

[Joanna71985]

Originally Posted by Jaleatonbro

I was just wondering what the different positions are within the Disney World College Program? I am interested in attractions, merchandise, or being a character handler. How difficult would it be to get in to one of these positions? Within these, what would one suggest and why?

I've done all 3 of those roles. For merchandise, you can wind up working in one of the 4 parks, the water parks, Downtown Disney, or one of the resorts. For attractions, it could be anything from an actual moving ride, a 3-D show, a live-action show, a playground, ect. Character attendants are just based in the 4 parks

[Pirate415]

I was lucky on my college program and got to work at Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise, but just be careful when you choose what roles you are willing to do. They will put you in a role and you are stuck with that role, even if it wasn't your first choice. Even if you choose "operations" and hope to get on a ride you may be doing parking lot duty. It is all based on where their needs are and where they need staffing. That being said, I think anywhere you get put it is all what you make of it. I wouldn't have traded my experience for anything and I know a lot of people who would say the same, whether they were in the parking lot, merchandise, custodial, or operating rides.

[angelbear425]

Originally Posted by Pirate415

I was lucky on my college program and got to work at Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise, but just be careful when you choose what roles you are willing to do. They will put you in a role and you are stuck with that role, even if it wasn't your first choice. Even if you choose "operations" and hope to get on a ride you may be doing parking lot duty. It is all based on where their needs are and where they need staffing. That being said, I think anywhere you get put it is all what you make of it. I wouldn't have traded my experience for anything and I know a lot of people who would say the same, whether they were in the parking lot, merchandise, custodial, or operating rides.

POTC and Haunted Mansion are my dream to work lol. I got the role of Vacation Planner though so I won't be doing either of those this CP.

[Pirate415]

Originally Posted by angelbear425

POTC and Haunted Mansion are my dream to work lol. I got the role of Vacation Planner though so I won't be doing either of those this CP.

I got to do greeter at Mansion if that counts! Haha I still got friends at Mansion and POTC, maybe some day you can get cross trained I had a friend that did Vacation Planner and loved it! My next goal is professional intern at a resort

[lilmissdisney216]

When I did my CP I was a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess/Fairy Godmother in Training. I LOVED it! It was so much fun! I worked at Downtown Disney and occasionally I would pick up a shift over at the Magic Kingdom in the castle. Very special role. My roommate I lived with worked in attractions at the Haunted Mansion and she had a love hate relationship with it. She didn't like the hours over there cause she was at the mercy of extra magic hours and not to mention having to shut down once the park was closed. Let's put it this way, when I was getting up for work, she was coming in and going to bed. But, its all about what you make of it.

[captainjanesparrow]

great info! Thanks!