College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[Bounce_Tigger]

So, I'm waiting for my letter to come and I tried logging into the Accepted CP site (even though I know it said you shouldn't) and I got a message that said that I shouldn't try to log in without a letter. Does anyone know if doing so will affect my status? A friend of mine tried logging in before she got her letter and it said "congratulations!" so she knew was in LOL.
I just don't want to chance not getting accepted for checking the site!

 

[namara87]

Welcome to the boards Namara!

Thanks!

Bounce_Tigger I would not log in early. While waiting for her acceptance letter, my friend logged in early...which delayed her letter getting to her, and earned her a huge lecture e-mail sent from Disney IT. We actually have a theory that they changed her desired role (Safaris) to Planet Watch Ops. She wasn't happy.

 

[Salukfan]

Argh, so I'm in a bit of a bind...

I've been searching for flights on my arrival date (May 21), but none of the flights get in before 11:30 without a ridiculously short layover. I'm considering flying in on May 20, but I have no idea where I'd stay for a reasonable price. I really don't want to rent a car/have to deal with bringing it back, so that leaves me with places within walking distance or a quick cab ride to Vista. I know Sheraton Vistana is right there but it's a bit pricey for one person/one night.

Does anyone have any advice? I don't think they'll approve of me sleeping outside the Vista gates.

 

[tinyt396]

Argh, so I'm in a bit of a bind...

I've been searching for flights on my arrival date (May 21), but none of the flights get in before 11:30 without a ridiculously short layover. I'm considering flying in on May 20, but I have no idea where I'd stay for a reasonable price. I really don't want to rent a car/have to deal with bringing it back, so that leaves me with places within walking distance or a quick cab ride to Vista. I know Sheraton Vistana is right there but it's a bit pricey for one person/one night.

Does anyone have any advice? I don't think they'll approve of me sleeping outside the Vista gates.

I would fly down the night before, there are cheap hotels all around Orlando and a lot of them right down the road from Vista. You could try finding out about local transportation and cabs, if you are close enough it shouldn't be too expensive.

 

[Katy0708]

Argh, so I'm in a bit of a bind...

I've been searching for flights on my arrival date (May 21), but none of the flights get in before 11:30 without a ridiculously short layover. I'm considering flying in on May 20, but I have no idea where I'd stay for a reasonable price. I really don't want to rent a car/have to deal with bringing it back, so that leaves me with places within walking distance or a quick cab ride to Vista. I know Sheraton Vistana is right there but it's a bit pricey for one person/one night.

Does anyone have any advice? I don't think they'll approve of me sleeping outside the Vista gates.

Hey!!
When I went down for my first program, there was a Holiday Inn like RIGHT across Vista, and that is where my parents and I stayed. It was a cheap price, but the rooms were big and it was nice for a one night stay. Also, I think we got some sort of discount, because my dad told the receptionist I was there for the College Program, and I think the receptionist saw my dad's State Police ID. So I mean, try to get yourself a discount!!
Good luck finding something!!

 

[Bounce_Tigger]

I've been reading that a lot of people suggest emailing your recruiter with ride/park preferences and that they take it into consideration. Has anyone actually emailed a preference and received it? Thanks!

 

[Caribbeanprincess]

I have some questions, mostly to answer them for my mom whom is still considering this...

I have hypoglycemia, that means that I must have snacks every 2 hours to keep by blood sugar steady and feel well. Can my managers/suppervisors accomodate my needs in this case?

Also, about medical plans and emergencies...how does Disney work about this?

 

[Carlos_in_Wonderland]

I have some questions, mostly to answer them for my mom whom is still considering this...

I have hypoglycemia, that means that I must have snacks every 2 hours to keep by blood sugar steady and feel well. Can my managers/suppervisors accomodate my needs in this case?

Also, about medical plans and emergencies...how does Disney work about this?

Are you supposed to go to another meeting?
If so well Vangie will answer all those questions for ya. I remember somebody asked that question and if you have an accident at work Disney takes full responsibility. If you need medical attention there's a place for the CM to go. In your case I advice you to let them know right away. I'm sure it won't be a problem. Let's just hope for the best....

 

[Board57796]

I've been reading that a lot of people suggest emailing your recruiter with ride/park preferences and that they take it into consideration. Has anyone actually emailed a preference and received it? Thanks!

When I was talking to my recruiter about how much I wanted Monorails, she said when I got my letter that I should email her, and then she winked, as if to say she'd contact the people who make the decisions about who gets Monorails vs. Watercraft (in Transportation that is.)

So, I did! I figured it can't hurt. I'll let you know if it worked in August

 

[Caribbeanprincess]

Are you supposed to go to another meeting?
If so well Vangie will answer all those questions for ya. I remember somebody asked that question and if you have an accident at work Disney takes full responsibility. If you need medical attention there's a place for the CM to go. In your case I advice you to let them know right away. I'm sure it won't be a problem. Let's just hope for the best....

I'm going to the meeting this Sunday. My mom will ask the questions there, but I figured I should ask here also.

 

[csaribay]

I have some questions, mostly to answer them for my mom whom is still considering this...

I have hypoglycemia, that means that I must have snacks every 2 hours to keep by blood sugar steady and feel well. Can my managers/suppervisors accomodate my needs in this case?

Also, about medical plans and emergencies...how does Disney work about this?

Disney makes reasonable accommodations for Cast Member's medical conditions, as long they know ahead of time. Be sure to let your recruiter know. As part of this, you will probably need some form of medical documentation that you can submit to health services, so they can draw up your specific accommodations and any possible restrictions.

As far as medical plans go, you will need to provide your own- Disney doesn't provide insurance as part of the program. However, if you should have a work related injury, Disney will take care of the related medical expenses in most cases. If for whatever reason hospitalization is required or there is a medical emergency, cast will be transported to Celebration Health or other local hospitals for treatment. In addition, Disney has their own health services center for cast members, which is located at Epcot (for lesser medical issues and work-related accommodations).

That covers the work portion. As far as housing goes, you are personally liable for anything that may happen, and there are provisions that note this in the housing contract.

 

[CheshireSmile]

Okay, my family has a question. If I use my Pass to get them into a Park for free, is it a Hopper-type pass? Or do they have to stay in the Park where I signed them in at?

 

[Joanna71985]

Okay, my family has a question. If I use my Pass to get them into a Park for free, is it a Hopper-type pass? Or do they have to stay in the Park where I signed them in at?

It is a hopper. You can go to more then 1 park in a day.

 

[joepic]

I love reading this thread

 

[wabashparker]

SO i've been accepted to the Disney College Program for Fall Advantage. I'm a freshman this year and i'm hoping to make a good impression on Disney while i'm down there. How often ( if ever ) do students who partake in the CP are offered part time jobs while finishing school, or offered a full time position at the park?

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

I audition tomorrow! I am so excited/nervous!

 

[csaribay]

SO i've been accepted to the Disney College Program for Fall Advantage. I'm a freshman this year and i'm hoping to make a good impression on Disney while i'm down there. How often ( if ever ) do students who partake in the CP are offered part time jobs while finishing school, or offered a full time position at the park?

For starters, welcome!

As far as work post-program goes, it depends on the labor needs of the particular location that you're in. I think it is fair to say that Disney is always looking for people to work at Walt Disney World, but the various departments that have availability at any given time does fluctuate. Full and part time positions are based upon this rolling availability.

A good number program participants who have a positive record card and good performance who've asked to stay on board are able to be converted to seasonal status once they leave. With seasonal status you are not offered a guarantee of hours, but it does allow you to keep active status with Disney and your previous work location. From personal experience, I know that all of our seasonal cast were scheduled for most of their submitted availability with no issues. You're able to submit and amend this availability online via the company portal as much as you like. Seasonal cast also have all the elements of the CP/Seasonal Disney Difference benefit package, including park admission and various discounts.

Hope this helps!

 

[Joanna71985]

SO i've been accepted to the Disney College Program for Fall Advantage. I'm a freshman this year and i'm hoping to make a good impression on Disney while i'm down there. How often ( if ever ) do students who partake in the CP are offered part time jobs while finishing school, or offered a full time position at the park?

That's great! Congrats! As long as you keep your record card clean, and they have need, it's not too hard to go FT.

I audition tomorrow! I am so excited/nervous!

Good luck!!

 

[CelticBelle]

Does anyone have any advice for looking for flights??

I want to start looking for tickets so I know the price, etc. But I am sooo lost!

I have no clue what companies are better and geez am I confused by having to switch planes and all that. Do I actually have to switch planes! like recheck all my stuff?? or do I get to stay on the same plane? Wow I am going nuts!

 

[CheshireSmile]

Does anyone have any advice for looking for flights??

I want to start looking for tickets so I know the price, etc. But I am sooo lost!

I have no clue what companies are better and geez am I confused by having to switch planes and all that. Do I actually have to switch planes! like recheck all my stuff?? or do I get to stay on the same plane? Wow I am going nuts!

If you do not get a direct flight, usually they can check your bags through all the way to your destination (in this case Orlando) and you wouldn't have to re-check them when you changed planes. All you would have to worry about is getting yourself and your carry-on from one plane to another. That said, if at all possible, do try and get a direct flight, it'll be much easier on you mentally. You get on one plane and get off in Orlando, easy as pie. Changing planes gives them more of an opportunity to lose your bags. I've never had my bags lost, but there's always the possibility. As far as choosing an airline, big names are almost always better, United, American. I'm flying Southwest because it's the cheapest flight I could find, and I have like no money currently. Shopping around online and checking on the various companies' sites is usually the best way to go. Super cheap companies like JetBlue or EasyJet offer inexpensive flights, but read the fine print because they come up with some very creative ways to sneak in extra charges. Hope this helps!