College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[kandeebunny]

This is exactly what I did during my first education term, haha. Works fine.

Awesome, I've been looking at the syllabi and was thinking I could only do 1 class, so this makes it so much easier.

BW Chris...you rock!

 

[Fairyprincess316]

for those of you past cpers i have a question. Im going into merchandise and was just curious on what you think the best and worst merch jobs are. and anyone else who would like to chime in feel free. Thanks.

Rebecca

 

[kandeebunny]

Just another thought...

Worth it to bring Bed Risers or not?

 

[ashliejere]

I won't be able to go until Jan. when is the best time to apply? I know now they are accepting apps for the fall semester. I would probably take the Spring Advantage (09). Can I send in my app. early or will it just get lost in the shuffle? Also...assuming I get into the Spring Adv. can I then apply for another semester at Disney after S.A. ends? (I will be graduated by that point.) So..if I apply early while I'm still enrolled at school for a time after S.A. would I get in? or no?

 

[ashliejere]

I think I saw somewhere that I had to make my phone interview 24 hours after I watch the e-presentation online, is that correct or did I mix up information somwhere? I have jumped around from PI to Disneyland CP to DWD CP that I've probably mixed info. up somwhere along the line. I just started looking into Disney two days ago...so info is still overwhelming at this point and I won't be planning on going until January...so I want to watch the e-pres. so that some q's I have will be answered and something will probably a lot clearer...but I'm not ready for an interview with someone yet. Can I watch the E-pres w/o talking to someone right away? (I'm assuming that my interview will be for Fall positions...or do you have a general interview?)

 

[CelticBelle]

I think I saw somewhere that I had to make my phone interview 24 hours after I watch the e-presentation online, is that correct or did I mix up information somwhere? I have jumped around from PI to Disneyland CP to DWD CP that I've probably mixed info. up somwhere along the line. I just started looking into Disney two days ago...so info is still overwhelming at this point and I won't be planning on going until January...so I want to watch the e-pres. so that some q's I have will be answered and something will probably a lot clearer...but I'm not ready for an interview with someone yet. Can I watch the E-pres w/o talking to someone right away? (I'm assuming that my interview will be for Fall positions...or do you have a general interview?)

You can watch the presentation and not schedule and interview. You have to call to make an appointment for your interview, but in your case just watch the e presentation and dont call. Just soak up the information and get used to the whole program in general. I think that the applications for spring start in the fall. Maybe September or October. Im not sure when the applications will be available, but they list what programs they are recruiting for on the website. Just keep a look out. You have plenty of time though.

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/students/program_seasons.html
Here is the link to the program seasons and when to apply.
Hope it helps!

 

[csaribay]

Just another thought...

Worth it to bring Bed Risers or not?

I didn't, but I knew people who did. The walk-in closets are sometimes small, but I everything I had was easily stored between the closet and the dresser. I guess it depends how much you expect to bring with you... some of my friends sweared by the risers.

I won't be able to go until Jan. when is the best time to apply? .

..Also...assuming I get into the Spring Adv. can I then apply for another semester at Disney after S.A. ends? (I will be graduated by that point.)

I think I saw somewhere that I had to make my phone interview 24 hours after I watch the e-presentation online, is that correct or did I mix up information somwhere? ...Can I watch the E-pres w/o talking to someone right away? (I'm assuming that my interview will be for Fall positions...or do you have a general interview?)

You'll want to apply at some point this fall (probably around August/September at the earliest) for Spring Advantage 09'. As long as you maintain a positive status and a good record card, you should be able to extend into the Fall term (just short of a year total on the program) without reapplying- all you'll need to do is apply for an extension via 'The HUB' company portal.

Also, you don't have to schedule an interview 24 hours before viewing the E-Presentation, you can actually do this at anytime you wish without submitting any personal information (this is an open presentation available 24 hours a day here). Just keep in mind that you'll need to see the E-Presentation (or head to a physical presentation at a host school) before interviewing this fall.

 

[pocopenguin]

ohhh there's so much conflicting information.
if i submitted my application for CS, do i need to contact them, or do they contact me to schedule the phone interview?
i feel like such a chum because i can't get this straight at all. haha.
i submitted my app on 4/16...
and i've watched the e-presentation.
twice.

 

[ashliejere]

Thank you sooooo much guys!!!!!!

This board is amazing.

Thanks so much!

 

[csaribay]

ohhh there's so much conflicting information.
if i submitted my application for CS, do i need to contact them, or do they contact me to schedule the phone interview?
i feel like such a chum because i can't get this straight at all. haha.
i submitted my app on 4/16...
and i've watched the e-presentation.
twice.

They should contact you in the next week or two to schedule an interview, as long as all your paperwork (including your recommendation) has been submitted. If not, you can go ahead and schedule an interview by calling the Walt Disney World College and CareerStart Programs contact center at 1-800-722-2930.

 

[ashliejere]

So, I watched the video...and they showed different parks that you can work at. Do you get to chose where to work? I'd LOVE to work at Disney Studios or Pop Century Resort. Can we specify what park we want?

 

[csaribay]

So, I watched the video...and they showed different parks that you can work at. Do you get to chose where to work? I'd LOVE to work at Disney Studios or Pop Century Resort. Can we specify what park we want?

Among the four parks and 20+ resorts, you could really end up anywhere. You can make requests, both during your interview and after you've been extended a formal role. Since requests are only just that, they can't guarantee anything but they'll try their best to accommodate them.

 

[tinyt396]

for those of you past cpers i have a question. Im going into merchandise and was just curious on what you think the best and worst merch jobs are. and anyone else who would like to chime in feel free. Thanks.

Rebecca

I did Fall 2005 in Merchandise and was placed in Toontown. I had an absolute blast there! The managers are awesome and really understanding, you are able to make lots of magical moments for people, and it was just a fun enviroment to work at. Only downfall was Potato Mountain! Boy, was it frustrating to clean!

I also worked at Pirates for two weeks, the costumes are not comfortable and did not fit me well at all. In fact I was told my first day there that if I wanted to come back I could wear the Adventureland costume. That costume is much more comfortable. Pirates was fun to work at but you just listen to the same song over and over again (in Toontown we could basically play any Disney music).

I was also deployed to Strollers in Magic Kingdom, which let me tell you, for the week that I was there I thought I lost 10 lbs!!! It is definitely difficult to set them up, clean them, put them out (morning shift) then clean them, stack them (closing shift). The upside to this was I worked there on the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and was able to get a really great view of the fireworks that surrounded the park.

Honestly, just go down with an open mind and you will be fine. The program is really what YOU make of it. I know some people end up hating it, but then you have the people who love it. If you go down expecting to be put in your favorite store, attraction, resort, then you may end up being disappointed and not having as good of a time. With all the thousands of places for you to be put its kind of hard to say where you will end up.

So good luck, keep an open mind, and just have a great time!

 

[seastars]

I did Fall 2005 in Merchandise and was placed in Toontown. I had an absolute blast there! The managers are awesome and really understanding, you are able to make lots of magical moments for people, and it was just a fun enviroment to work at. Only downfall was Potato Mountain! Boy, was it frustrating to clean!

I also worked at Pirates for two weeks, the costumes are not comfortable and did not fit me well at all. In fact I was told my first day there that if I wanted to come back I could wear the Adventureland costume. That costume is much more comfortable. Pirates was fun to work at but you just listen to the same song over and over again (in Toontown we could basically play any Disney music).

I was also deployed to Strollers in Magic Kingdom, which let me tell you, for the week that I was there I thought I lost 10 lbs!!! It is definitely difficult to set them up, clean them, put them out (morning shift) then clean them, stack them (closing shift). The upside to this was I worked there on the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and was able to get a really great view of the fireworks that surrounded the park.

Honestly, just go down with an open mind and you will be fine. The program is really what YOU make of it. I know some people end up hating it, but then you have the people who love it. If you go down expecting to be put in your favorite store, attraction, resort, then you may end up being disappointed and not having as good of a time. With all the thousands of places for you to be put its kind of hard to say where you will end up.

So good luck, keep an open mind, and just have a great time!

Thanks for this post, it was really informative. I applied for Merch, and I'm really hoping to get in, and the big store in ToonTown was one of the first ones that popped into my mind as "Wow, I want to work there." Also, I'd love to work at Pirates.. strollers, not so much.

 

[tinyt396]

Thanks for this post, it was really informative. I applied for Merch, and I'm really hoping to get in, and the big store in ToonTown was one of the first ones that popped into my mind as "Wow, I want to work there." Also, I'd love to work at Pirates.. strollers, not so much.

Yeah I really lucked out with Toontown. There are three locations you could go to: inside the tent, outside at the farmers market (which is fun and not too bad), or the pin cart at the entrance. Even when you go to the pin cart, most of the time you are not there for more than an hour and a half (unless you get stuck there for closing). It was such a fun atmosphere, we actually were able to do the Cha Cha slide as a task!, and at night there are the dance parties where the characters come out into the store and dance around. Its so much fun. Also if we were stocking or didn't have to be at a register, we were able to go back and watch wishes. That was my favorite part!!!

Pirates was alright, but I think I was spoiled being put in Toontown. Strollers, yeah, not fun!

 

[lovedoggies]

I am thinking about buying a moped/scooter for while I am there. Would that work? How far is it to the parks? Do you have to take a freeway? Do they have areas to park scooters? Does anyone ride scooters there?

Im a mom, and I would be so worried if my kid was riding around on a scooter with all the confused vacation drivers around. But on the other hand it might be better than always relying on the buses. Im curious too if anyone actually uses them for the CP.

 

[Fairyprincess316]

I did Fall 2005 in Merchandise and was placed in Toontown. I had an absolute blast there! The managers are awesome and really understanding, you are able to make lots of magical moments for people, and it was just a fun enviroment to work at. Only downfall was Potato Mountain! Boy, was it frustrating to clean!

I also worked at Pirates for two weeks, the costumes are not comfortable and did not fit me well at all. In fact I was told my first day there that if I wanted to come back I could wear the Adventureland costume. That costume is much more comfortable. Pirates was fun to work at but you just listen to the same song over and over again (in Toontown we could basically play any Disney music).

I was also deployed to Strollers in Magic Kingdom, which let me tell you, for the week that I was there I thought I lost 10 lbs!!! It is definitely difficult to set them up, clean them, put them out (morning shift) then clean them, stack them (closing shift). The upside to this was I worked there on the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and was able to get a really great view of the fireworks that surrounded the park.

Honestly, just go down with an open mind and you will be fine. The program is really what YOU make of it. I know some people end up hating it, but then you have the people who love it. If you go down expecting to be put in your favorite store, attraction, resort, then you may end up being disappointed and not having as good of a time. With all the thousands of places for you to be put its kind of hard to say where you will end up.

So good luck, keep an open mind, and just have a great time!

Thanks for the info it was great, im really looking forward to my experience.

Rebecca

 

[ashliejere]

I noticed in the Disneyland information they said castmembers make 9.00 an hour. I looked up WDW and they said 6.75 an hour...but were raising this price in Jan. 08. Does anyone know the pay rate in WDW?

 

[jpod523]

I noticed in the Disneyland information they said castmembers make 9.00 an hour. I looked up WDW and they said 6.75 an hour...but were raising this price in Jan. 08. Does anyone know the pay rate in WDW?

i'm not sure, but my letter said $6.79 an hour. wow...a 4 cent increase!

even though $9 an hour sounds great, compare of the cost of living near DIsneyland as opposed to the cost of living near Disney World.

 

[ashliejere]

i'm not sure, but my letter said $6.79 an hour. wow...a 4 cent increase!

even though $9 an hour sounds great, compare of the cost of living near DIsneyland as opposed to the cost of living near Disney World.

yeah, I figured that's why DL paid more. Probably bc of housing being more (they take out more money a week for housing in Cali) it ends up being the same as WDW.

When I go it'll be Jan-August....are the summer months UNBAREABLE in WDW? As I understand it Cali has decent wheather year round. Does FL get super hot? I've been to FL in the summer before...but I wasn't outside working. I was running from AC building to AC building...so I know it gets hot..but is it super bad to work in?