Advice for Wannabe CM

[dmk1021]

Hi Everyone!

I just signed up yesterday and I am really enjoying everyone's posts. I am hoping I can get some good advice:

I am 25, a college grad, and I've tried twice to find a corporate job rewarding, to no avail. One constant through this, I've been to WDW an average of 4 times per year! I'm the type of person who cries everytime I watch the movie from OMD, who knows where every bathroom is, screams when I meet Launchpad McQuack (I'm a child of the 80s)...you get it, we're all like this - I have found my own!

The thing is, I did some soul searching and realized that I truly want to be a CM. I want to work in the parks, bust my butt, work through the ranks. I know it's hard (my brother was a CP, and he has friends who are FT CM's doing the same thing), but I know that is what will truly make me happy.

I actually wrote a letter to Marty Sklar about a month ago and got a really nice letter back from him (I was quite honored that he would write a personalized letter to me), which has really given me motivation to make a plan.

I was wondering if any CMs on the boards (or anyone else) has any advice for me. Anything: which park is best to work at, apartments, any tips (success stories would be cool), basically I'm looking for some ideas and tips, and something to cheer me along my way.

Right now I am trying to save my money and pay off some of my credit card debts, and I am planning to relocate 5/01/07 (my current lease is up this 5/1, and I'm planning on giving myself a year to get financially ready).

I'm realy excited to be a part of this community, and I want to thank everyone in advance!

 

[Lisa AF]

No advice, just a GO GET 'EM!!! How exciting for you to prepare to live your dream. I think you're making a wise decision in preparing yourself financially. Seem's like you've thought this through.

 

[TAKitty]

Good for you! I wish I had moved when I was looking for teaching jobs. I have friends who live in Celebration and are CMs now. Good Luck!

 

[o2bacelt]

Good for you!

My uncle has been a CM for coming up on 20 years and he still loves it. He started in buses and now works in AK with the Fast Pass system.

I was accepted into the CP, definitely the most interesting interview I've ever had, my uncle's advice was to go in and talk.

Best of luck!

 

[bellarose23]

I feel your pain!! I'm 26 and in similar situation...realized what I majored in is not for me, and that I should have persued singing/theatre. I'm in grad school now since I couldn't find a job related to my bachelor's, but I am having sooo many doubts about it. What I really want is to sing on stage at WDW or in one of their Broadway musicals!

From what I've heard, it is wise to save $$ since WDW doesn't pay very well. They do have excellent benefits though, and a very enjoyable work environment! I started doing searches to get an idea of housing cost/cost of living, but I don't have a comprehensive list or good idea on averages yet. I did hear though that Florida is a hot spot for real estate, so I'm not sure how that translates in central Florida.

I would ask your brother's friends how long it takes to work through the ranks and what kind of positions/pay it entails. Maybe there would be something available that lets you use your degree that would pay a little more. That may help you plan financially. Also, research the surrounding areas for housing and living costs, and don't forget stuff like groceries. I'd be curious to find some of this out too, because I may finish the master's and relocate myself, and try to at least work part time at WDW!

I wish you luck. It's kinda scary when you get through college and realize you'd rather be doing something else, and it takes a lot of risk, sacrifice, and guts to chase a dream. I wish I had your courage!

 

[MyGoofy26]

I did the CP a few years ago and contemplated going back full-time once I had a degree. Original plan was to stay there, had an apartment lined up and everything, but things fell through and I came home to finish my education.

Since you go to WDW so much, I highly suggest if you're out and about off property that you look for and pick up one of the "For Rent" guides and take a look at apartments to get an idea of where you want to live and what you can afford. I think you can order them through the ForRent site, but they're free if you can find a display at Walmart or something. I don't know if things have changed, but when I was apartment hunting there was SO much competition between apartment communities that you could find some GREAT deals for signing a lease - as much as 2 free months rent that you could take the whole months or have it prorated so each month was cheaper. So definitely comparison shop - those deals won't be in the books (the books are just a great way to *see* the hundreds of options and start to narrow it down) Also, if you get a position with Disney prior to moving, a LOT of communities offer discounts to CMs. Sometimes it's a discount on rent, sometimes it's a waiver of the application fee. So be sure to mention working for Disney when you speak to leasing consultants.

Disney doesn't always pay the greatest - and if you're worried about making ends meet you could find a regular full time job and start out at Disney part-time, working your way up from there. But the overtime is GREAT. Unless they changed things, there were a lot of ways to pick up overtime that would give you a nice pay bump. Obviously anything over 40 hours, but there were a number of ways to get OT without even touching 40 hours. Anything over 8 hours in a day was time and a half, and over 16 it doubletime. If any shift starts less than 8 hours after one shift ended, time and a half and then after 8 hours it was doubletime. Any 6th or 7th day, regardless of hours, is overtime. This is assuming they haven't changed things.

Befriend managers. If I had stayed, one of my managers promised to help me get into any department I was interested in if I didn't want to continue with what I was doing with my CP. Managers have worked their way up through the ranks and the people they worked with on the way up have worked their way up as well, so often your managers will have "friends" all over the place and if they like you, can give you a pretty good recommendation.

 

[terribm]

Good for you. Sounds like you are going in with eyes wide open. You are so smart to get your self prepared before just jumping in with two feet. I wish you all the luck and success in the world. You will have to keep us updated on where you end up working so we can come by and say Hi. I have to say, I am kinda jealous. If I didn't have certain commitments (like a husband and 2 kids) then I would love to do the same as you.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Our daughter did the college program and then came back and graduated college a few years back. She decided to move to Florida and give Disney a shot for a career. She said she would stick it out for 1 year, she got a corporate job, entry level at Celebration and rented in Kissimmee. Moving up is a slow process and for her degree there were no openings and since her whole family lived in Ohio she stuck it out. Hoped she would make big bucks and we could pack up our kit and kabootle and move there. Been in Ohio 55 years and can't figure out why my dad picked this state when there were 47 others. Really hating the snow but, anyho, she's a Disney girl from 18 months and it didn't fit her lifes picture and moved bad, but to Columbus, better job and way better pay.

Disney isn't for everyone, but you follow your dreams and set your goals high and you just might get your name on one of the windows on Main Street, we say we're headed down and become seasonal employees and leave this cold and snow to others.

Here's Disneys career site : http:/corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html

Good luck !

 

[Joanna71985]

Good luck! I did one CP, applied to do another one, and plan on moving to Florida to work at Disney when I graduate (I'm a recreation major). Whatever you choose, best of luck.

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I would love to move back to Florida and work for Disney again. I did the CP twice and really enjoyed myself. Also about apartments, there is one directly behind the MK. It's called Buena Vista Place. I think several CM's live there and it's a great place.

 

[speakupjc]

Good luck!!!!!

 

[smileyk8]

Hey,

I was just wondering if anyone knows how to go about applying if your from the UK. I really wanted to do an animal behav internship at AK, but emailed them and found out just for US students . I graduate this yr and was really excited by the prospect of a year at Disney. What's the deal with regular jobs?

Good luck with your plans, hope everything turns out just as you hope for

 

[dizcrazee]

I just want to echo everyone else and say good luck to you! You are absolutely right in pursuing a career that you will enjoy, life is too short to waste by sitting in an office pushing pencils and shuffling paper (unless you enjoy that kind of thing, of course)! One day when I retire from my life as a college professor, I might become one of those really nice gray-haired ladies that work at MK, smiling and helping tourists! Maybe you'll be in charge by then, who knows?

Kudos to you for your courage and determination, and please keep us informed on your progress!

 

[byoung]

Good luck!!! Follow your dream.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Apartment complexes to look into (I've got friends living in every one of the complexes listed)

Buena Vista Place, Broadwater, Mission Club, Camden World Gateway, Emperian World Gateway, Alexan Legacy Dunes, Cagan Crossings, Legends Champions Gate

 

[dmk1021]

I just want to say thank you to everyone for their advice and kind words. It makes me more excited and set in my goals to get positive reinforcement and valuable advice.

You guys are great!!

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I have to agree with everyone else. Good for you to pursue your dreams!!

I myself am a child of the 80's and love everything there is about Disney. I thought about moving down there 2 work as well. But I don't know if I am ready or not. Too many finincial obligations at this time if you know what I mean....

But best of luck and keep us posted.

Coronado Hear I come April25!!!!!

 

[Syrreal]

My advice is just do it. The amount of time it takes to "climb the ranks" really depends on you. If I'm no mistaken, you need to stay at your first position for 6 months before you are eligible for transfer and atleast a year before you can be considered for management training. You also have to have pretty stellar reviews from your managers at your location.
With that said, you are given as many opportunities as you can inspire yourslef to take. I started out as a CP in attractions but ended up also working in guest relations and entertainment. The only reason I am not there now is because I wanted to get my masters (but I'm a campus rep for the cp now).

As far as apartments go, you will find less expensive ones in Kissimmee than in Orlando or LBV. Check out www.apartments.com
Hope this info helped

 

[CastMemberDWA]

Wehn you go through "casting" they will fit you into a "role" that suits your personality etc. I personally love DAK because you can work there and still have a "life". (they have shorter hours!) The cast there is a very family friendly as well.

 

[PKK/MJK]

My DD did two CPs and following college graduation she returned to WDW as a full-time CM in Entertainment. She loves her job--especially the intereaction with the children. Disney expects a LOT though--you work very hard!! The pay is definitely not great--so you have to be prepared to budget carefully! Having a little nest egg saved up would be a great idea. Many CMs live in apartments at the Alexan World Gateway. Good Luck!! Follow your Dreams!!