College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[csaribay]

I have been very interested in doing the college program and at first decided not to sign up for fall '08 because I am working at Cedar Point for the summer. But I recently found out that there are starting dates that I would be able to do (My job ends on Aug. 18th).
Any opinions on whether I still might have a chance at Fall '08? The only things I was really interested in are Attractions (this is the one I want most), Merchandise, Character Attendant, and Costuming.
Or should I just wait to Spring '09?

Also, I have heard things about extending your program? Does this mean that if I do this program and I end up really liking it, its possible to stay for the duration of the following program? (if this makes any sense)
Thanks!

Sure, apply and give it a shot. Just be firm on the roles you're receptive to. Note that Character Attendant may be a hard one to score (and possibly Costuming), but the rest should be within reach (and still available for the late Fall dates). The worst case scenario is that you're extended a role that you do not want, at which point you can decline (this doesn't affect your future chances).

...and yes, if you do end up liking your program you most likely will have the option to extend it into the following term(s). Program cast can extend their programs into the next season for a maximum stay of one year.

 

[Joanna71985]

I have been very interested in doing the college program and at first decided not to sign up for fall '08 because I am working at Cedar Point for the summer. But I recently found out that there are starting dates that I would be able to do (My job ends on Aug. 18th).
Any opinions on whether I still might have a chance at Fall '08? The only things I was really interested in are Attractions (this is the one I want most), Merchandise, Character Attendant, and Costuming.
Or should I just wait to Spring '09?

Also, I have heard things about extending your program? Does this mean that if I do this program and I end up really liking it, its possible to stay for the duration of the following program? (if this makes any sense)
Thanks!

Hi there. And welcome to the DIS!

If you are planning on applying, I would do so ASAP. The Fall 2008 season is starting to wind down. I also don't know if those roles (if still available) will be open much longer. It's up to you, but it may be easier to wait til Spring.

As for extending, you would be in FL for a year (May to May, Jan to Jan, ect).

 

[flipturngirl]

I am starting to think that I might not get in. I am wondering the likely hood of getting in.

 

[Joanna71985]

I am starting to think that I might not get in. I am wondering the likely hood of getting in.

It's pretty good.

 

[Ylushi]

Thanks guys!
Scheduled an interview for tomorrow!
Not expecting I'll make it this time since it's so late but it doesn't hurt to try!
Also decided that I'd be willing to do a lot more things (QFSB, Custodial, Park Admission, Hopper)

When you are down there, is there room for a desktop computer or only laptops?
Is it more hard to get into one housing than the other?
If you get a role and at a later date you decide you want to switch is this possible (if there are any openings of course) or can you switch roles if you extend your program?
If you can switch roles, would you then be able to pick up hours in the previous role you worked since you would know how to do that job? (Don't really know why I want to know this but if anyone knows great!)

I'm sure that I will think of more stuff later. Just hope I don't cough while I'm on the interview (Just getting over a cold).

 

[seastars]

Thanks guys!
Scheduled an interview for tomorrow!
Not expecting I'll make it this time since it's so late but it doesn't hurt to try!
Also decided that I'd be willing to do a lot more things (QFSB, Custodial, Park Admission, Hopper)

I think your likelihood of getting in is a whole lot better if you have QSFB and Custodial on there, since those are the broadest things to fill. My recruiter asked me about this today, and I told her I'd be willing to do QSFB only if it was the ONLY way I'd get in. She said she put no, haha.

 

[csaribay]

Thanks guys!
Scheduled an interview for tomorrow!
Not expecting I'll make it this time since it's so late but it doesn't hurt to try!
Also decided that I'd be willing to do a lot more things (QFSB, Custodial, Park Admission, Hopper)

When you are down there, is there room for a desktop computer or only laptops?
Is it more hard to get into one housing than the other?
If you get a role and at a later date you decide you want to switch is this possible (if there are any openings of course) or can you switch roles if you extend your program?
If you can switch roles, would you then be able to pick up hours in the previous role you worked since you would know how to do that job? (Don't really know why I want to know this but if anyone knows great!)

I'm sure that I will think of more stuff later. Just hope I don't cough while I'm on the interview (Just getting over a cold).

Be sure of your intent here- if you mark QSFB or Custodial, there is a very high likelihood you will receive these roles even if others are still available. They are good roles mind you, but also are the ones likely with the most openings left available.

Once you accept your position, you are formally committing to working that role. While role changes before arrival are not impossible, they aren't easy either- it depends on current role availability, and later on, it hinges on someone canceling where you'd like to be. That's why I think you need to be somewhat sure of what roles your indicate interest on. It changes a bit if you extend- if you extend, you can formally switch roles into an area of choice, pending availability. You may be able to pull hours in your previous location as well- depends on the leaders in that location.

Also, for the exception of some one-bedroom apartments, all apartments have either a built in desk in the breezeway (Chatham), or a stand alone desk in the living room (Vista). That'll easily accommodate a desktop. You could also do what a lot of people do- put the display on your night stand and the machine on the floor right next to the nightstand- that works fairly well.

As far as housing availability goes, it really depends on your check-in date. They try to keep an even amount of housing available on all dates, but it doesn't always happen.

 

[graygables]

Here's one for you...my 19yo was offered a FT position at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (where she did her CP extension, she's currently down working seasonal part time). She's seriously thinking about taking it, BUT, would that possibly impact my ability to do a CP at the boutique myself in the Spring? I REALLY want to be a FGMiT and with4 DDs and 6 nieces who've been in dance, I think I have a good shot!

 

[Berlioz70]

Here's one for you...my 19yo was offered a FT position at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (where she did her CP extension, she's currently down working seasonal part time). She's seriously thinking about taking it, BUT, would that possibly impact my ability to do a CP at the boutique myself in the Spring? I REALLY want to be a FGMiT and with4 DDs and 6 nieces who've been in dance, I think I have a good shot!

It depends... would she be in a position that supervises CPs? I'm not sure what Disney's policy is on nepotism, but most places allow a family member to supervise another if the employee is on internship or only part-time. I think the problem occurs once full-time benefits get added.

Keep in mind, however, generally CP recruiting assigns the job roles, so your daughter would have no say in where you'd get placed for your CP.

 

[thewishfire]

Yes, I have another question!

I am well versed in what the Disney Look is, but... I have a facial piercing that I do not want to lose. Can I just take it out during classes, work, and things like Traditions? What about ear piercings beyond the standard? I wear my hair down and would continue to do so if I could during my job, but I'll do what I have to to be a CP!

 

[Deb6648]

Yes, I have another question!

I am well versed in what the Disney Look is, but... I have a facial piercing that I do not want to lose. Can I just take it out during classes, work, and things like Traditions? What about ear piercings beyond the standard? I wear my hair down and would continue to do so if I could during my job, but I'll do what I have to to be a CP!

I'm pretty sure you can do whatever you want when you are on your free time BUT you can't have any kind of visible hole when it is not in.

At least that's my understanding

 

[Joanna71985]

Yes, I have another question!

I am well versed in what the Disney Look is, but... I have a facial piercing that I do not want to lose. Can I just take it out during classes, work, and things like Traditions? What about ear piercings beyond the standard? I wear my hair down and would continue to do so if I could during my job, but I'll do what I have to to be a CP!

Yes. As long as it's out for work, classes, ect you should be fine.

 

[CheshireSmile]

Are they really terribly strict about the nail length rule? My nails grow very fast, and I'm used to them being long so I don't cut them down often. I know it's part of the look and I'm going to have to remind myself to keep them trimmed short, but I was just wondering in your experience if it's one of the rules that they're really rigid about.

 

[wenzdae]

Are they really terribly strict about the nail length rule? My nails grow very fast, and I'm used to them being long so I don't cut them down often. I know it's part of the look and I'm going to have to remind myself to keep them trimmed short, but I was just wondering in your experience if it's one of the rules that they're really rigid about.

I am sure if you are in a food service area (QSF&B) it may be something to keep an eye on...simply because of sanitation and what not. Otherwise I am not sure how closely they watch it.

 

[CelticBelle]

I think your likelihood of getting in is a whole lot better if you have QSFB and Custodial on there, since those are the broadest things to fill. My recruiter asked me about this today, and I told her I'd be willing to do QSFB only if it was the ONLY way I'd get in. She said she put no, haha.

I told my recruiter that i wanted QSFB if it was the only way I could get in and she ended up recomending me for it. ARG! Im sure that if I said no I would have gotten one of the roles that I actually did want. Good thing your recruiter understood what you were saying.

 

[Deb6648]

I told my recruiter that i wanted QSFB if it was the only way I could get in and she ended up recomending me for it. ARG! Im sure that if I said no I would have gotten one of the roles that I actually did want. Good thing your recruiter understood what you were saying.

How did you find out what your recruiter recommended you for? I'd like to know what mine said about me...

 

[graygables]

Are they really terribly strict about the nail length rule? My nails grow very fast, and I'm used to them being long so I don't cut them down often. I know it's part of the look and I'm going to have to remind myself to keep them trimmed short, but I was just wondering in your experience if it's one of the rules that they're really rigid about.

My 19yo was in merchandise and they got on her a few times about hers (she had acrylics and the nail tech went a tad too long), so I'd say, yes, they can be.

 

[Joanna71985]

Are they really terribly strict about the nail length rule? My nails grow very fast, and I'm used to them being long so I don't cut them down often. I know it's part of the look and I'm going to have to remind myself to keep them trimmed short, but I was just wondering in your experience if it's one of the rules that they're really rigid about.

Yes they do. Some more roles more then others.

 

[Caribbeanprincess]

it worries me also because i also am hypoglycemic. Its not a real issue, but its something that i make sure to tell me employer about. I have fainted at work a couple times. (once was my first day at the morning meeting! )

Oh, good, i'm not the only one, hehe. Anyway, I've never fainted, but I do need to have a small meal every 2 hours to keep my blood sugar leveled and I get dizzy sometimes, so I need at least 10 minutes every 2 hours to eat something or a few minutes if I get dizzy to compose myself.

 

[jpod523]

Just a question about housing.

Since i'll be going in August, will there be empty rooms, or will i be thrown into any room with an empty bed? hopefully not the latter...

And another question...do you alumni's get sick of answering the same question over and over? because i'm sure this question along with every other question i've asked in the last 3 weeks has been asked 10 times before me! sorry for all the overtime and thanks for all the great answers.