College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[csaribay]

Geez is it just me or does that seem like a LOT of flexibility. Seems like you have to really mess up... repediately... for them to do anything. Unless of course they are crazy easy to get.

Anybody?

Well, sort of. Think about it this way though - if you get sick and need to take a couple days off, you'll be racking up one point per day. Say you call in four days continuously for that illness; then you're owed four points and an attendance reprimand. You can have up to three reprimands for attendance, and upon issuance of the fourth, you are terminated.

The system used to be even more liberal, allowing call continuous for bouts of illness; just one point per incident. Many program cast took advantage of this old system, and it was changed to remove this in the spring 2007. Some now complain about the system, but honestly, I don't see how it's a bad thing. The system promotes accountability, and that's all. I was down there most of 2007, and had all of one attendance point (and that was two lates that were admittedly my fault).

 

[Jules76126]

Geez is it just me or does that seem like a LOT of flexibility. Seems like you have to really mess up... repediately... for them to do anything. Unless of course they are crazy easy to get.

Anybody?

Most people get points for being late. And even then its flexible. Like if your a minute late some coordinators might let it slides and other won't. It really depends. I ended up getting one attendence rep and it wasnt even a big deal. The manager was like oh you only have one? Thats great most people have atleast two by now.

If you are sick you need a doctor's note to get an excuse you cant just say you were sick. Also watch your schedule. They arent suppose to change it without telling you but they can. It happened to me once and I was late by 15 minutes. They swear they did change it but they did.

The basic thing to remember is this. Dont do anything stupid. Most of the time if you make a mistake you wont be in trouble, only if a manager sees you which could be rare or frequent depending on where you work. I also got one performance rep which was unfair and the managers know it but I was leaving in two days and was to lazy to fight it. Basically watch your points and you will be fine. You can also check how many you have on the hub.

 

[aly024]

so i have a minor question. i know that the apartments provide dishes and stuff but what kind of dishes? Like what kind of cups and plates (if they even provide them- im not sure). glass or plastic? what kind of design? i know its not that big a deal but...

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm not sure if this has been asked, but on the last day when you leave, will Disney provide transportation to the airport? Or will we have to make our own arrangements?

You will need to arrange your own transportation.

What is the deal with the "point" system? You get a point for being late to work, calling in sick, doing something stupid? I was talking to some other former CPs and they were talking about it. Also there is a limit on how many points you can get. Am I right?

Yes. You are right. Just make sure you are careful with your points, and you will be fine. I have not called in once over 4 CPs, and I hope to keep it that way.

so i have a minor question. i know that the apartments provide dishes and stuff but what kind of dishes? Like what kind of cups and plates (if they even provide them- im not sure). glass or plastic? what kind of design? i know its not that big a deal but...

They are glass.

 

[meederman]

If you do go on one of special trips Disney provides (Bush gardens, Florida mall etc) Do you have request time off for those type of things? How does that work.

 

[csaribay]

If you do go on one of special trips Disney provides (Bush gardens, Florida mall etc) Do you have request time off for those type of things? How does that work.

You'll need to request the time off.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

A PP mentioned doctors notes for being sick... How does it affect your attendance score if you have a note vs not having a note?

How often do the work schedules come out? It is a regular thing such as the first and third monday of the month?

Is there a max to how many shifts you switch during your program as long as you meet 30 hrs?

 

[csaribay]

A PP mentioned doctors notes for being sick... How does it affect your attendance score if you have a note vs not having a note?

Well, calling sick without a medical excuse is one point per shift. Participants can use a medical excuse once during their program for a continuous illness that will only be counted as one point for a number of days called in (I believe the maximum is one week). After that one time exception is used, all call-ins are worth one point.

How often do the work schedules come out? It is a regular thing such as the first and third monday of the month?

Schedules come out a week prior, typically by Wednesday. Some areas are able to post on Sunday for the following work week, but if not, they are posted by Wednesday for the following week.

Is there a max to how many shifts you switch during your program as long as you meet 30 hrs?

You can trade and give away an unlimited number of shifts. You could even give away all your shifts for an entire week if you wanted to, say if you had time off denied and you were able to work something out with Cast Members in your area. That's how I got a week off to spend with my family last May.

If you don't have enough money on your paycheck to cover rent, the balance is carried over to the following pay periods (w/o interest or penalty) until it is paid off. Housing now has the capability to accept credit cards and other forms of payment to cover back rent, if that's something that interests anyone.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

Well, calling sick without a medical excuse is one point per shift. Participants can use a medical excuse once during their program for a continuous illness that will only be counted as one point for a number of days called in (I believe the maximum is one week). After that one time exception is used, all call-ins are worth one point.

Thats neat that they give you that one time exception. So basically, use that when you've got the flu or something and you know you'll be out for more than a few days? Will they let you know all the details during the first few days of the program or is it more of an ask and tell thing?

After you use this one time dr. note exception, theres no need to get doctors notes for other missed days?

You can trade and give away an unlimited number of shifts. You could even give away all your shifts for an entire week if you wanted to, say if you had time off denied and you were able to work something out with Cast Members in your area. That's how I got a week off to spend with my family last May.

So you aren't penalized for trading out shifts? Do you need to run the shift trade by your manager or anything? Will they explain this stuff in depth at the beginning of the program as well?

Thanks Chris, youre a great help!

 

[csaribay]

Thats neat that they give you that one time exception. So basically, use that when you've got the flu or something and you know you'll be out for more than a few days? Will they let you know all the details during the first few days of the program or is it more of an ask and tell thing?

After you use this one time dr. note exception, theres no need to get doctors notes for other missed days?

It's not really promoted or even mentioned - it's something that is subject to change at any point, and you'll have to ask your leaders about it should the time come when you need to use it.

In my area, doctors notes were not needed for calling in sick normally. All we had to do is call the office voicemail and leave a message letting them know we wouldn't be able to come in (and say whether it was for personal or sick reasons).

So you aren't penalized for trading out shifts? Do you need to run the shift trade by your manager or anything? Will they explain this stuff in depth at the beginning of the program as well?

Thanks Chris, youre a great help!

The same process for requesting time off applies to trading/giving away a shift. Basically, you get the portal ID from the person you're trading the shift from, navigate your way to the Labor Self Service Center on The Hub, and request the trade there. As long as it's submitted by noon if the trade/giveaway is for the following day, and the receiving Cast Member will not incur double-time, then it's all good and should be approved.

There's some eLearning you'll go through after you arrive that explains the process in detail.

 

[abarnett]

Quick question for you all, hopefully someone will be able to help...M program begins the 11th of August but I will be flying in on the 10th. Does anyone know of a taxi company that will take me from the airport to my hotel that night then to Vista Way the next morning? Preferably one with reasonable rates? Thanks!

 

[carlwitac]

i had the same kind of question, i will be arriving the 25th of august and was wondering if i could arrive earlier, seeing how i have nothing to do here at all

 

[csaribay]

Quick question for you all, hopefully someone will be able to help...M program begins the 11th of August but I will be flying in on the 10th. Does anyone know of a taxi company that will take me from the airport to my hotel that night then to Vista Way the next morning? Preferably one with reasonable rates? Thanks!

Mears Trasnportation offers shuttles from the airport to area hotels in the LBV area (and beyond) for $19 each way, and also operates a large network of taxis that you can call upon your day of check in.

If you're going to be staying overnight at a Disney resort, keep in mind that you can book a one way trip from the airport to your resort using Disney's Magical Express service, and then take a cab to Vista Way the following day.

i had the same kind of question, i will be arriving the 25th of august and was wondering if i could arrive earlier, seeing how i have nothing to do here at all

You can contact recruiting to request to have your check in date move up, however, it is unlikely that they will change it. Further, it probably must be an arrival date offered for your program (I think you're in CS, for which the only arrival date this fall is August 25).

 

[MKandy]

Quick thing about points again:

I really want to become seasonal after my program. Does it matter if I have a point or two? I don't forsee myself racking up a lot of points, I may have one or two max. Would that be a problem? Should I not have any to become seasonal? Thanks.

 

[disasterpiece]

so I have a question for those of you who have done more than one CP (or anyone else who has an opinion about this)... do you prefer Spring or Fall? regular or advantage? and why?


i am trying to decide for sure when do apply for

 

[DisneyJersey]

Quick thing about points again:

I really want to become seasonal after my program. Does it matter if I have a point or two? I don't forsee myself racking up a lot of points, I may have one or two max. Would that be a problem? Should I not have any to become seasonal? Thanks.

as long as you don't have any reprimands, you should be just fine, even with some points on your record.

 

[impsythealmighty]

Mkandy- What they told me at my Entertainment meeting was that you can have one reprimand and, I think, three points to become seasonal, but that's not set in stone. Just try to keep the points down and you should be fine.

Disasterpiece- I'm currently a month into my first Fall Advantage program, and I think this has got to be the best one. We're here for a nice long time, we get to see all three parties (Pirate and Princess, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas), and we're here for major holidays too - though some may see that as a bad thing. I am so glad I'm here for so long, I already don't want to leave!

 

[Joanna71985]

Quick thing about points again:

I really want to become seasonal after my program. Does it matter if I have a point or two? I don't forsee myself racking up a lot of points, I may have one or two max. Would that be a problem? Should I not have any to become seasonal? Thanks.

I would be really careful with points, and you should be fine.

so I have a question for those of you who have done more than one CP (or anyone else who has an opinion about this)... do you prefer Spring or Fall? regular or advantage? and why?


i am trying to decide for sure when do apply for

I have done both. And I prefer the Fall program. I love being in FL for the major holidays.

 

[disasterpiece]

thanks for the answers! i'm leaning more towards fall (probably advantage) and you all are confirming my ideas! thanks again!

 

[Jules76126]

I did the Spring Advantage program and loved it. I was there from January until August. I did get to experience the pirates and princess party and the flower festival in Epcot. Also it was generally slower paced except for a couple of points in the year. I enjoyed being there when it was cooler and then it gradually warmed up as the year progressed. I understand wanting to experience the holidays but I have been to Disney at Christmas and would never want to work those crowds. Also considering that the Spring is less busy than the fall we had almost all time off requests granted and didnt have to work weeks upon weeks of 50+ hours. I am actually planning on going back next spring.