College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[MarinaAndCharlie]

So I want to apply for the Fall 09 program and I heard they start taking applications in January.

We're planning a trip to WDW for early next year and I'd like to talk to CPs while I'm there about their roles to help me decide my preferences. We'd either go Jan 7-15 or in late February. I'm planning on applying right after we get back. Do you think it'll put a damper on the availability of certain roles if I wait a month to a month and a half and go in late February(running into the possibility of applying the first week of March) instead of mid-January?

 

[Joanna71985]

So I want to apply for the Fall 09 program and I heard they start taking applications in January.

We're planning a trip to WDW for early next year and I'd like to talk to CPs while I'm there about their roles to help me decide my preferences. We'd either go Jan 7-15 or in late February. I'm planning on applying right after we get back. Do you think it'll put a damper on the availability of certain roles if I wait a month to a month and a half and go in late February(running into the possibility of applying the first week of March) instead of mid-January?

Yes. Disney will start recruiting for Fall 2009 in late Jan/early Feb. I will be applying for Fall 2009 too.

I don't think so. I think applying in Feb will be fine. However, going into March may cut it close for certain roles.

 

[MKandy]

Day 1- Check in, get your apartment, house key, housing ID
Day 2- find out work area
Day 3- Traditions, get work ID and nametag

Okay, Thanks...

On Day 2 ("find out work area"). Is that all that happens on that day?

 

[csaribay]

Okay, Thanks...

On Day 2 ("find out work area"). Is that all that happens on that day?

There's additional paper work and a benefits briefing on your second day, but the whole thing shouldn't take more than an hour or two.

 

[sandybobandy]

So I want to apply for the Fall 09 program and I heard they start taking applications in January.
QUOTE]

I'm planning to do Fall '09 too!

 

[carlwitac]

a quick question

would it be better to drive from my home state of CT to FL or fly to FL, i have issues with what i want to bring and now the hidden fees being placed on checked bags at airports, plus gas prices aren't helping my idea of driving either. any recommendations?

 

[DisneyJersey]

a quick question

would it be better to drive from my home state of CT to FL or fly to FL, i have issues with what i want to bring and now the hidden fees being placed on checked bags at airports, plus gas prices aren't helping my idea of driving either. any recommendations?

can always take auto train, which goes from VA to I believe Sanford, Fla which is like a couple hrs north of orlando..

 

[meederman]

Hey I got two questions.

How does the apartments cost? Is it like the more roommates you have the cheaper the apartment?

I found out there is underground at Disney world that is for cast members? If I don't have job at magic kingdom, can I still go there?

 

[csaribay]

Hey I got two questions.

How does the apartments cost? Is it like the more roommates you have the cheaper the apartment?

I found out there is underground at Disney world that is for cast members? If I don't have job at magic kingdom, can I still go there?

To the best of my knowledge, here's the current apartment pricing structure. Pricing is determined by the complex you live in, and how many bedrooms you have (the more bedrooms, the less expensive).

Vista Way
Two bedroom: $85/weekly
Three bedroom: $75/weekly

Chatham Square
One and Two bedroom: $90/weekly
Three and Four bedroom: $80/weekly

Patterson Court
One and Two bedroom: $91/weekly
Three and Four bedroom: $81/weekly

As for the "underground world", yes, there are utilidors (tunnels) underneath the Magic Kingdom, and in select sections of Future World at Epcot. Official policy is that you aren't to access backstage areas when you do not have a legitimate business purpose for being there, so technically speaking you shouldn't be exploring backstage areas. Note that there are cast services available in these areas, including a salon, and that would possibly be reason enough to justify you being down there.

Others may say that you can head down there with no problem, and it is true that when you board the bus at West Clock to access the entrance of the tunnels, the security cast member stationed there will not typically ask what's the nature of your business - they'll only request to see ID in most cases. However, the rules are pretty simple: you need a reason to be down there. If you do choose to access the tunnels, you must wear your ID if you are not fully costumed.

If you're looking for a sanctioned way to access the utilidors, the Magic Kingdom offers a "Keys to the Kingdom" tour which takes a peek at various "behind the scenes" aspects of the Magic Kingdom. As a Cast Member, you do have a discount on tours, including Keys to the Kingdom.

 

[Jules76126]

I found out there is underground at Disney world that is for cast members? If I don't have job at magic kingdom, can I still go there?

If you are not working in the Magic Kingdom I dont suggest you just wander around for kicks. I know from personal experience. One day my friend and I visited property control and decided to head into MK through the tunnels. No big deal right? Wrong. It is like a maze down there with little direction. We evenually made it to tomorrowland but didnt know how to exit and people arent very helpful either. We ended up exiting into Comsic Rays breakroom and boy did we look funny and out of place, that was my second and last time in the tunnels.

Also I worked in Epcot and the tunnels there are nothing to see. Mainly just a smelly hole in the ground (something to do with the storage of mayo) mainly for evac purposes.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

I'm planning to do Fall '09 too!

Awesome! Maybe you'll see Joanna and I down there! *fingers crossed*

 

[impsythealmighty]

If you are not working in the Magic Kingdom I dont suggest you just wander around for kicks. I know from personal experience. One day my friend and I visited property control and decided to head into MK through the tunnels. No big deal right? Wrong. It is like a maze down there with little direction. We evenually made it to tomorrowland but didnt know how to exit and people arent very helpful either. We ended up exiting into Comsic Rays breakroom and boy did we look funny and out of place, that was my second and last time in the tunnels.

Agreed, getting out of the tunnels and into the park can be very challenging! I've gone up through Ariel's Grotto and Peter Pan's Flight when I've had to do it, but you're totally right, you go through breakrooms and maintenance areas and it's awkward. All the people I've talked to for help getting out have been very nice though - they all understand how confusing the tunnels are!

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm planning to do Fall '09 too!

Yay!!

I found out there is underground at Disney world that is for cast members? If I don't have job at magic kingdom, can I still go there?

I HIGHLY don't recommend going into the tunnels if you are not working. I have personally seen people get caught by security when they were there and not working.

Awesome! Maybe you'll see Joanna and I down there! *fingers crossed*

That would be awsome!

 

[bennyb98]

Agreed about not going in the tunnels. I went one time just to get the experience and got lost. VERY lost and couldn't figure out how to get out of there as everywhere seemed to be a dead end or just another series of tunnels. But it makes for a good story. Just be sure to wear your Cast ID if you want to go down there. I have been backstage at all the parks and was never once asked what I was doing there by security but I also had my ID visible at all times.

 

[tinyt396]

a quick question

would it be better to drive from my home state of CT to FL or fly to FL, i have issues with what i want to bring and now the hidden fees being placed on checked bags at airports, plus gas prices aren't helping my idea of driving either. any recommendations?

I took the auto train down in June. It took me less than five hours to get down to the DC area. The train ride was interesting- I didn't sleep very much. We got into Sanford early and it didn't even take an hour to get my car off the train. Then it took me a little over a half hour to get to Orlando. I would highly recommend it if you have to have a car down here. But trust me, it is not necessary.

 

[kandeebunny]

I took the auto train down in June. It took me less than five hours to get down to the DC area. The train ride was interesting- I didn't sleep very much. We got into Sanford early and it didn't even take an hour to get my car off the train. Then it took me a little over a half hour to get to Orlando. I would highly recommend it if you have to have a car down here. But trust me, it is not necessary.

So why was the train ride interesting? I am taking it next month and am a bit nervous, longest I have been on a train is 2 hours! Did you ride reserved coach? I'd love to hear more about your train trip!

 

[tinyt396]

So why was the train ride interesting? I am taking it next month and am a bit nervous, longest I have been on a train is 2 hours! Did you ride reserved coach? I'd love to hear more about your train trip!

Well my parents actually paid for me to have a roomette to myself- I can't sleep when there are other people around me. This may sound stupid, but I thought it would be a smooth ride and it was not. I met interesting people at dinner. My biggest problem was when we went over bridges, and it felt like we were going to tip over. Honestly, I will use it again if I leave here. It was awesome the amount of money I saved on gas.

 

[kandeebunny]

Well my parents actually paid for me to have a roomette to myself- I can't sleep when there are other people around me. This may sound stupid, but I thought it would be a smooth ride and it was not. I met interesting people at dinner. My biggest problem was when we went over bridges, and it felt like we were going to tip over. Honestly, I will use it again if I leave here. It was awesome the amount of money I saved on gas.

Interesting! Thanks for letting me know! My mom did reserved coach for myself and a friend who is traveling with me (I don't like traveling that far alone, I've done it, I just prefer not to!) I think I'll be staying up all night playing cards and watching movies lol!

 

[deadtoaster2]

Okay quick one here.

Do I need to contact someone at my school to let them know that I plan on applying for the program next semester or will Disney make the necessary contacts? I attend a Community College and as such you can take as many (with a few restrictions), or as few classes as you would like and your credits last forever. IE: It's not like a university where you have to pay regardless of how many/whether or not you take classes.

While it would be an extra added bonus if they were able to give me credit for the internship that really isn't a deal breaker.

So should I schedule an appointment with somebody and let them know I will be applying or does it really matter?

Thanks

 

[bennyb98]

Okay quick one here.

Do I need to contact someone at my school to let them know that I plan on applying for the program next semester or will Disney make the necessary contacts? I attend a Community College and as such you can take as many (with a few restrictions), or as few classes as you would like and your credits last forever. IE: It's not like a university where you have to pay regardless of how many/whether or not you take classes.

While it would be an extra added bonus if they were able to give me credit for the internship that really isn't a deal breaker.

So should I schedule an appointment with somebody and let them know I will be applying or does it really matter?

Thanks

After I went to the information session where I actually applied they gave an information sheet that had contact information for Campus Reps at my school as well as a Faculty Rep to contact who would help me with questions about the program, so I imagine if you go to a presentation at your school they should be able to help. If not the recuriter would probably be able to help you figure out who to talk too.