College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[Seewhatimesdone]

Just a quick update...

I arrived Wednesday , Sept 3rd. I went to check in around 8 am and was in my room at Vista Way by 9:30. I am in a 3 bedroom, rent is 75 per week. I am also living in wellness, even though I am 23, because my roomie is 19. I am positive I will have no problem with my roomies and alcohol.

I have my last day of training tomorrow. I am working the Wildlife Express Train in Animal Kingdom. It takes guests over to Rafikis Planet Watch. I do have some spieling to do but as long as the safety stuff is said correctly, the rest is informal. We also drive the train which is not that difficult. I love AK and am extremely excited to work with the CMs at my location (most are full timers as WE and Rafikis are both highly requested work locations.

I think I may do a quick update occasionally if anything really interesting occurs, definitely do not have the time and patience for a blog.

How exciting! I'm glad to hear that everything is going well.

I was wondering, to any alumni out there...do you find that CPs are treated differently or looked down on my CMs? I've heard that there's some resentment. I don't really want to have to go through Disney hazing XD I'm sure there's a CP stereotype that we're lazy college kids or something but i'm sure most of us are hard workers

 

[SweaterInJune]

This is so true. If you plan, you can come home with money. My second CP, I brought home over $3000. And I brought home almost $1000 this past summer.

The resort discount is pretty good. I have used it 3 times now for Contemp, GF, and AKL. I plan on trying to stay at YC or BC next year.

That's great saving, Joanna! Good for you

I've always wanted to ever since I saw South Pacific as a kid XD I really want to swim in that pool. Hopefully I can stay there with my mom. I want to spend a night at a hotel for my birthday too, I think either AKL or GF. They're both really nice looking so I don't know which one


On the Disney website it says that there's cable tv but I was wondering if they get HBO XD

I remember walking through the Poly to the luau when I was 7...it was the most incredible place to me. haha...

I haven't stayed on property aside from Port Orleans: Riverside, so I definitely have to take advantage of that once I'm back. It's just difficult to swing my budget. The discount makes it much easier though!

And no, you don't get HBO.

Just a quick update...

I arrived Wednesday , Sept 3rd. I went to check in around 8 am and was in my room at Vista Way by 9:30. I am in a 3 bedroom, rent is 75 per week. I am also living in wellness, even though I am 23, because my roomie is 19. I am positive I will have no problem with my roomies and alcohol.

I have my last day of training tomorrow. I am working the Wildlife Express Train in Animal Kingdom. It takes guests over to Rafikis Planet Watch. I do have some spieling to do but as long as the safety stuff is said correctly, the rest is informal. We also drive the train which is not that difficult. I love AK and am extremely excited to work with the CMs at my location (most are full timers as WE and Rafikis are both highly requested work locations.

I think I may do a quick update occasionally if anything really interesting occurs, definitely do not have the time and patience for a blog.

I've had a lot of friends who worked there... Jambo, rafiki--Karibuni kwa Harambe! Kwaherini!

How exciting! I'm glad to hear that everything is going well.

I was wondering, to any alumni out there...do you find that CPs are treated differently or looked down on my CMs? I've heard that there's some resentment. I don't really want to have to go through Disney hazing XD I'm sure there's a CP stereotype that we're lazy college kids or something but i'm sure most of us are hard workers

Some CM's think exactly that...some don't care one way or another, and some like CPs. It's like any job...haha. It's nothing to worry about though. That park wouldn't be in operation without the CPs, so it doesn't matter. Work hard and do your job...you'll be fine. It's WDW...there isn't hazing! (Some might disagree with this--training can be pretty intense! )

My birthday is on a saturday and I can't be sure as to which days i'll have off but i'm going to call and book reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table! I don't know how many I should include in the party though...who wants to come? XD

I do! When is your birthday? I haven't been up there since I was 7--and I don't think it was even character meal then! It was just a lunch at King Stefan's Banquet Hall.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Some CM's think exactly that...some don't care one way or another, and some like CPs. It's like any job...haha. It's nothing to worry about though. That park wouldn't be in operation without the CPs, so it doesn't matter. Work hard and do your job...you'll be fine. It's WDW...there isn't hazing! (Some might disagree with this--training can be pretty intense! )

Haha I was laughing as I typed Disney hazing. I'm pretty sure that would look just as rediculous and is it sounds

I do! When is your birthday? I haven't been up there since I was 7--and I don't think it was even character meal then! It was just a lunch at King Stefan's Banquet Hall.

My birthday is February 28th! I'm taking a list so I know how many people to call in XD I was thinking about saying something like for 6 so that I can just invite people as I meet them but I don't know because CRT is the one that's always booked!

 

[glendalais]

I was wondering, to any alumni out there...do you find that CPs are treated differently or looked down on my CMs? I've heard that there's some resentment. I don't really want to have to go through Disney hazing XD I'm sure there's a CP stereotype that we're lazy college kids or something but i'm sure most of us are hard workers

There are some issues that arise from time to time. At the DLR, for example, there is much grumbling right now in some areas that CPers are "stealing" hours that should rightfully be going to CR Cast Members (made worse by the fact that it is very slow at the moment, and there aren't very many hours to begin with). It's gotten to the point in some places that CMs will not work with CPers or in the same area as them.

But other than that, you'll find that most CMs are neutral towards CPers. They're just CMs who leave after a few months.

And "Disney Hazing"?! Why does the mental image that produces horrify me , lol.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

There are some issues that arise from time to time. At the DLR, for example, there is much grumbling right now in some areas that CPers are "stealing" hours that should rightfully be going to CR Cast Members (made worse by the fact that it is very slow at the moment, and there aren't very many hours to begin with). It's gotten to the point in some places that CMs will not work with CPers or in the same area as them.

But other than that, you'll find that most CMs are neutral towards CPers. They're just CMs who leave after a few months.

And "Disney Hazing"?! Why does the mental image that produces horrify me , lol.

Wow, that sounds rough. I'm certainly not trying to steal anyone's job

I get the image of Mickey and Goofy standing over me and shouting while I try to do pushups or something XD

 

[SweaterInJune]

My birthday is February 28th! I'm taking a list so I know how many people to call in XD I was thinking about saying something like for 6 so that I can just invite people as I meet them but I don't know because CRT is the one that's always booked!

I think 6 is a good number, but just know that you have to make a deposit of $10 per adult($5 per child) on the reservation...at least that's what it used to be because it's so in demand and people were getting extra times just to hold the spot open. That policy may have changed.

My birthday is the 6th of February...I'm going to have to plan something cool. It's hard to beat my birthday on my CP though--I got to swing dance with Mickey! Haha...it was so much fun. My friends took a lot of pictures.

And "Disney Hazing"?! Why does the mental image that produces horrify me , lol.

I'm thinking of a full-day of IASW...non-stop! Or maybe Splash Mountain! I love it, but a full day of 'Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah' and I might never be able to ride it again!

 

[Joanna71985]

I was wondering, to any alumni out there...do you find that CPs are treated differently or looked down on my CMs? I've heard that there's some resentment. I don't really want to have to go through Disney hazing XD I'm sure there's a CP stereotype that we're lazy college kids or something but i'm sure most of us are hard workers

I have noticed it in some areas. But for the most part, I love the other CMs.

That's great saving, Joanna! Good for you

Thank you! I hope to do as well next year.

 

[fraggle551]

Thank you for being so helpful Joanna! I have another question for you...what was your favorite role, and why?

 

[havie35]

do they still have the golf discount for cp's...i did the program in 2007 and was wondering if they still had it

 

[TiggerTastic09]

ANNALISA!!

i want to go with you

i've never been before and i totally want to go w/you for your b-day
that would make me super happy.

~jacki
p.s. i've been reading this and i'm kinda bummed we can't be roomies

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

ANNALISA!!

i want to go with you

i've never been before and i totally want to go w/you for your b-day
that would make me super happy.

~jacki
p.s. i've been reading this and i'm kinda bummed we can't be roomies

Let's do it!! XD I was there once when I was five and I don't remember much but I do remember it was AMAZING! I'm going to call tomorrow

I tried to email Disney about doing Spring instead of Spring Advantage and then extending but no response! I think they're pretty swamped

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I just read that security at the apartments does random drug sweeps of the apartments which is okay because I don't do drugs XD But if a roommate is caught then everyone gets sent home! Not that I think i'll get a druggie roommate but how is that fair to me?

 

[SweaterInJune]

I just read that security at the apartments does random drug sweeps of the apartments which is okay because I don't do drugs XD But if a roommate is caught then everyone gets sent home! Not that I think i'll get a druggie roommate but how is that fair to me?

Quite simply...it's not. You have to define rules with your roomies from day one. Odds are you won't have problems, but just like with alcohol, all can be terminated by one 'bad seed'.

If you know someone is doing something in the apartment...report them immediately. Odds are drugs won't be just left behind in an apartment... I haven't heard of any apartments being termed for drugs. At least not while I was in Chatham. Doesn't guarantee that it didn't happen, but word travels pretty fast about things like that.

You'll know within the first week or so if you could expect issues with your roomies...at least in the illegal contraband dept. Thongs happen unexpectedly though, so just keep your eyes open...

 

[csaribay]

I just read that security at the apartments does random drug sweeps of the apartments which is okay because I don't do drugs XD But if a roommate is caught then everyone gets sent home! Not that I think i'll get a druggie roommate but how is that fair to me?

Random drug sweeps are generally not something that occurs in the complexes, but random apartment inspections can and have happened.

As a participant, you agree to certain community codes on your arrival date. While you cannot affect the behavior of others, you are fully expected to be compliant of the rules and codes yourself. Moreover, you are required to immediately report anything and anyone that breaks such codes in your apartment upon your learning of the situation.

I realize that places participants in between a rock and a hard place, but the bottom line is this: you are the person in charge of your own program. If someone were to jeopardize my program with illegal behvaiors, would I let them get away with it? Not in the slightest.

Breaks in code (including the discovery of drugs) will not automatically send everyone home in that particular apartment; the very next day, you will be individually interviewed in a mandatory housing meeting with Disney at The Commons. You'll be asked what you know, and other questions pertinent to the situation. If someone owns up to it, others could be safe. If no one owns up to it, then everyone except the person(s) who originally reported it may go home.

I wouldn't really worry about it if I were you though. Cross that bridge if you get there.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Thanks for the info. I know it's kind of a random concern XD I just really don't want to get sent home. And if I even saw drugs i'd probably have a heart attack because i've really only seen them in movies (pretty sad huh?) I'm sure it will all good as long as I get roommates like you guys *cheeeeesy*


Also, how does the overtime work? I heard you can't work overtime but then I heard some people have picked up shifts and have worked as many as 60 hours! I'd like to pick up some extra shifts, what are the limitations?

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

And I just booked the reservation and CRT and it cost me like 250 bucks XD WOW. Maybe I shouldn't have booked it for six haha. I just didn't want to leave anyone out if they wanted to come!

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

Joanna talking about her savings has got me trying to budget plan myself.

For those of you who recently got paid, or remember, what is the absolute minimum you could get on a paycheck if you work only 35 hours a week after taxes and rent is taken out? I'll be sure to give or take ten bucks for rent differences but I just want to get an idea.

 

[havie35]

type paycheck calculator into google and click on the first option they give you

this website lets you calculate your net pay depending on what state you live in and allows you to add deductions (cp apartment fee)... a great website i just found so i hope it helps you all too

for gross pay: do the calculation yourself ((hours x hourly rate) x 2)
click the drop down box next to the text box and pick "per pay period"
do not enter anything into the gross salary ytd box
pay frequency: bi-weekly
deduction amount: whatever complex you are planning to live in's cost x 2

hope this helps

 

[SweaterInJune]

Also, how does the overtime work? I heard you can't work overtime but then I heard some people have picked up shifts and have worked as many as 60 hours! I'd like to pick up some extra shifts, what are the limitations?

There are certain times of year when they lift the overtime ban. Also, the powers that be can schedule you over 40 hours, you just can't typically add shifts yourself to put you over (fair, eh?). Otherwise, overtime is anything more than 40 hours. So if you only have 35 hours one week, you can likely pick up a shift. I picked up quite a few shifts in MK. It was a lot of fun.

And I just booked the reservation and CRT and it cost me like 250 bucks XD WOW. Maybe I shouldn't have booked it for six haha. I just didn't want to leave anyone out if they wanted to come!

Did they make you pay for the entire meal in entirety up front?! That is crazy... We should get discounts once we're there though...that will cut that down, and of course people will be paying you back...

I can't imagine doing a Disney Vacation with a big family... or even a small one--especially if you stay on property and do a few sit down meals. It's getting ridiculous!

When I was at DLRP a few weeks ago, my friend Laura and I wanted to eat at WDS at this Ratatouille-themed buffet. It was over 30EUR/ea. for lunch...no characters Needless to say, we were on a much tighter budget after almost 2 weeks of traveling from Munich to Rome to Paris on au pair budgets, so we went to Casey's in DLP and bought 10EUR meals... It's too bad because I loooooove Ratatouille. To put it into perspective, I only paid 49EUR/ea for 1-day park-hoppers.

Joanna talking about her savings has got me trying to budget plan myself.

For those of you who recently got paid, or remember, what is the absolute minimum you could get on a paycheck if you work only 35 hours a week after taxes and rent is taken out? I'll be sure to give or take ten bucks for rent differences but I just want to get an idea.

I think I usually ended up with around $140/wk bring-home, after rent. FL has no state tax, so those deductions are minimal. Your first week or 2, it's more like $70, so be prepared! I found groceries to be cheaper at that time than the either the Chicago-land area, or WVU/Pittsburgh area.

This is really just a ballpark...may have been higher...I can't recall exactly...

Oooh! Actually...I can go check my bank statements...brb

 

[havie35]

i was a cp in spring 2007 and was a lifeguard at the grand floridian... i was working 40-50 hours a week at $6.67/hour and lived at vista way in a 6 person apt... i think my vista cost was $71 per week i think it is more now and i do not know how much cp's get paid now (a little more i think)... anyways, my paychecks were usually around $200 if im remembering right