CareerStart: California vs. Florida

[melissakay75002]

Hi,

I just found out about the CareerStart program recently and I'm very eager to apply for Spring '09. However, I can't decide whether to go for the DLR program or the Florida one.

Can someone who has any knowledge of one or both programs tell me about the similarities & differences between them?

I would prefer to live in California, but I want to be able to have a great experience with Disney as well.

Any advice, insight, and help would be greatly appreciated

 

[deadtoaster2]

I am sure you will get the same "Disney experience" wherever you go. The big difference is the size, WDW is much larger than the DLR so in that sense it is a very different program.

It also depends on where you currently live and where you would feel most comfortable. Since I am already living in California its only logical for me to go to the California program (also the fact that I have never been to WDW yet would make it very hard for me to go there to work without having ever even visited it.

If you feel comfortable with both parks, just choose which one you would like to apply for. You should also note that the roles offered at WDW and DLR are often times different (for the CP at least, and I would imagine for CS as well).

Good luck with the decision.

 

[melissakay75002]

Thanks for the reply

I've been to both parks but I liked Disneyland much more. To be honest, I think it was only due to the weather and the times of year we went, but I feel I would be most comfortable in Cali.

Does anyone know if they have housing for CareerSart in California or would I have to find my own place?

 

[deadtoaster2]

I was pretty sure they did, but I just checked the CS website and I don't see any mention of it... how odd.

 

[melissakay75002]

I checked the site as well and couldn't find anything. Yet, the WDW CS site certainly mention housing and such.

I would have to say that finding a place to live out there would be my main concern. If thy don't have housing, I'd be a bit more likely to consider going to Florida instead.

Btw, thanks for your help, deadtoaster.

 

[JaimeRay]

As of now housing is only offered to the CP students at Disneyland. They might offer it in the Spring. I do believe it is RUMORED, that they will offer housing to CS. I would consider doing DW. You get the living experience, so you don't have to worry about finding a place and paying bills. You make tight friendships. There is more to explore in Florida. Also even if DL starts housing, I believe they don't offer transportation to work. You might drive, but to have that option of saving the gas that gets you to and from work is awesome.

 

[cowza]

I wouldn't be put off of going somewhere just because you've never been there. While sometimes it is nice to play into your comfort zone, I travelled all the way from Europe, paid a lot of money and had no idea what to expect from Florida or the US in general. Sure it took me a while to settle in... just like anything I guess... but I don't regret it for a second. Best experience ever. I would say most people go there by themselves at the beginning without knowing anyone.

I met a lot of guests during my time at Florida who were from California, and I never ever encountered one who prefered the park in California. Obviously it's amazing because it's Disneyland and it's the original... but Disney World is really in a league of it's own. There is also a lot more opportunity in Florida for networking. I guess it really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.

Ben

 

[JaimeRay]

And speaking of knowing people, there are groups for the WDWR CP and CS on Facebook. Everyone is really supportive to one another during the application process. Then when people start to find out they made it, then the bonding really starts. I joined the Fall 08' group and they got to know each other online before summer really started. Some of them are roommates now.

So if you have facebook join a CP and CS group. I say join the CP group also because you might room with them too. Also they have a thread on the page of interview questions I find very helpful.

CP FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?g...ok.com/s.php?q=Disney&init=q&k=200000010&sf=t

CS FACEBOOK GROUP
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?g...ok.com/s.php?q=Disney&init=q&k=200000010&sf=t