Advantage Program?

[DumbosMagicFeather]

Hello!

Okay, so I'm looking to apply for the Disney College Program for the Fall 2013 time (I know, eager beaver, right? But I've been waiting nearly four years to do it, couldn't fit it into my schedule until after I graduate next May, so I'm *super* excited to apply as soon as possible.) But I'm having a bit of confusion/trouble..

I'd love to do the Advantage program, and go from June-January instead of August-January. The more Disney, the better! And I want to get Florida state residency for in-state tuition at FSU, so the earlier I can go down to Disney (if I'm accepted, trying to not just expect that I'll get in because I know it's not that easy) the earlier I'll be able to claim a full year in Florida. (I'll have to stay and do another job I suppose, or maybe even stay at Disney full-time till I go back to school )

My issue is, I can't find any information on the Advantage program other than that you stay a few months more, and I'm worried that there might be something else to it that makes it more selective, or more complicated...So does anyone know how the advantage program works? Is the application process the same?

...I just have this sinking feeling there's something else to it...like it's only for people who've been before, or something...

 

[sephorachick]

I thought to be an adv intern you had to complete a regular internship first but I might be wrong. They have a seperate recruiting session for the adv internships. I think they might do them over the phone now. Go the the WDWCP website & email them asking for the info if you cannot find it

 

[PyxiiDustt]

I recently finished the recruiting process for Fall/Fall Advantage 2012, and am starting my Fall program in August. To be perfectly honest, there really is nothing different about the two programs, with the exception of the time frame. FA tends to be more selective in that more people apply for it, so more people are cut from it (or have their times shortened to the regular fall program), but there aren't any special criteria necessary to apply for the Fall Advantage program.

With the Fall Advantage program, you have the opportunity to take more classes with Disney. You can take four (two during the summer term and two during the fall semester), whereas with the regular Fall program, you can only take two classes during the fall semester.

HTH! If you have any more questions, let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them!

 

[DumbosMagicFeather]

So I don't have to have done the program before, but I'm more likely to be rejected...? Hm...good and bad news at the same time...would it be more likely that they would just shorten my time to the regular fall, rather than outright reject me? Is it possible to apply for both just in case?

 

[MadisonWDWCP]

It is possible that they will offer you a fall program, but there's no way to tell how often that happens. In the three years I have been involved in the CP community, I have yet to meet someone who was denied because they requested advantage. That's something you could ask your interviewer, if you're concerned.

On the application, it asks you your first choice between Fall or Fall Advantage, so it is impossible to apply for both.

PyxiiDustt is right, advantage is a bit more selective, but that shouldn't deter you from applying for it. It isn't that difficult to be accepted for advantage.

If you are still hesitant, you can always participate in the regular fall season and request an extension during your program. Be sure to maintain a spotless record during your regular season because that is what extensions are based off of. Having an excellent rapport with your managers doesn't hurt either. Requests for extensions aren't always granted, but it's certainly worth a shot.

Best of luck!

 

[khancock]

The longer length allows one to take more of their courses (max 4 as opposed to a max 2 for the shorter program). This may allow to earn additional credit from ones school.

There aren't any positions that are exclusive to one program over another.

FA tends to be more selective in that more people apply for it, so more people are cut from it (or have their times shortened to the regular fall program)

I feel that I should point out that there is no official documentation stating this.

Over the years, the program as a whole has become more selective because they have had an increase in applicants. This is most likely due to the bad economy resulting in more companies reducing/eliminating their internships along with the rise in the use of Facebook and other social networks making it even easier for people to know of the program's existence.

There was a time not long ago when that they offered just about everyone. During those times, you didn't see very many posts about being declined. You also would come across the occasional post of someone being pended due to rehire paperwork or a background check (and before they changed the process for an audition). You didn't see the overall number of people who were pended w/o those reasons like you do now.

There is not one program time frame that is more selective than any other program time frame. There are certain roles that are more selective than others (either due to the need to have a certain skill set or due to the smaller number of positions in those roles), but not when it comes to a program time frame.

 

[wdwislife]

I am also planning to apply for Fall Advantage 2013!

 

[DumbosMagicFeather]

Thank you all very much for all your help. I think I might apply for advantage still. I'm a little worried because it's my last chance to be in the program, but I've been passionate about Disney ever since I can remember...I'm going to do my best to ace these interviews.

And really wdwislife? That's so cool, I hope we'll be in the program together! Which positions are you thinking of applying for? I'm leaning towards Merchandise, Vacation Planner, and Character Attendant, but I'm really willing to do anything but custodial...

(I'd love to audition for a character as well--I voice act and my friend says I'm the right height and look to be a fairy--but I don't want to risk my spot on an audition I likely won't pass, thank you dancing skills XD)

 

[TweedleMe]

Thank you all very much for all your help. I think I might apply for advantage still. I'm a little worried because it's my last chance to be in the program, but I've been passionate about Disney ever since I can remember...I'm going to do my best to ace these interviews.

And really wdwislife? That's so cool, I hope we'll be in the program together! Which positions are you thinking of applying for? I'm leaning towards Merchandise, Vacation Planner, and Character Attendant, but I'm really willing to do anything but custodial...

(I'd love to audition for a character as well--I voice act and my friend says I'm the right height and look to be a fairy--but I don't want to risk my spot on an audition I likely won't pass, thank you dancing skills XD)

You can apply for both regular and advantage. Also, most people that do the regular program and do well (not a lot of callouts and such) are asked if they want to extend their program to advantage. So if I were you, apply for both and if you get the regular program, just make sure you keep an eye out when they send you an email about extending your program, and make sure your track record is good!

Good Luck!

 

[meghan&josh]

I too will be applying for the Fall/Fall Advantage 2013! I'm graduating next Spring. I'm hoping for Merchandising or something to do with Hospitality/Concierge, but I'll take whatever they give me

As far as I know, there's no difference other than length of time. I had a friend do the Fall Advantage 2011. I believe he got it because he was graduating, but don't quote me on that

 

[DisPrincess4Life]

I am planning on Applying for FA 2013. I waited till after my college career due to my course load. I will be graduating in end of May 2013 so Im hoping I can start ASAP after that.
DISNEY HOPEFUL!!!

 

[mlips09]

I'm applying for the fall/fall advantage 2013 also!! I really want to be a fgit at Bbb in the mk! But I'll take anything so long as Disney takes me goodluck to everyone and thanks for the info

 

[aznshents]

Advice: apply for advantage. They can tell you you didn't make it for advantage and instead just the regular program. I applied for Spring Advantage and got it and it was absolutely fantastic. Once I was settled in and the new Fall Advantage-ers came in it was really nice being able to connect to people who were new in the area/job and looking for friends/connections.

 

[BMichelleWDWCP]

What is the difference between regular and advantage ? Are there certain criterias you need to meet in order to apply ?

 

[NHSchool2012]

What is the difference between regular and advantage ? Are there certain criterias you need to meet in order to apply ?

The regular program is shorter than the advantage, usually by +-2 months. Other than that, you still go down to work, you can apply for both if you want, it gives you more availability to your interviewer I think. I said I was open for either but would prefer Spring over SA, and I was put in SA just because I said I didn't really care.