College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[Seewhatimesdone]

Okay i'm a little worried about not having a car while i'm down there. How early do I have to get up to get to the buses so that i'm at work on time? I REALLY don't want to be late. And if i'm working overtime I might not get off work until midnight; will there be a bus to take me home? Also, how can I get groceries? Is there a grocery store within walking distance of the apartments?

Also, my mom would like to come visit me while i'm on the program. I have a few more questions few questions, sorry XD How much of a discount can I get on disney hotels? We'd like to try staying at the Polynesian but it's pretty pricey so i'm thinking it may finally be a possibility on the program. Also, I know I can get weekends off on the off season but I was hoping to be able to spend 4 or 5 days with my mom. Is there anyway that I can get a few extra days off? Thanks and sorry for all the questions

 

[Joanna71985]

Okay i'm a little worried about not having a car while i'm down there. How early do I have to get up to get to the buses so that i'm at work on time? I REALLY don't want to be late. And if i'm working overtime I might not get off work until midnight; will there be a bus to take me home? Also, how can I get groceries? Is there a grocery store within walking distance of the apartments?

Also, my mom would like to come visit me while i'm on the program. I have a few more questions few questions, sorry XD How much of a discount can I get on disney hotels? We'd like to try staying at the Polynesian but it's pretty pricey so i'm thinking it may finally be a possibility on the program. Also, I know I can get weekends off on the off season but I was hoping to be able to spend 4 or 5 days with my mom. Is there anyway that I can get a few extra days off? Thanks and sorry for all the questions

I recommend leaving at least an hour before your shift starts. And not just midnight- CPs can work til all hours of the night. I didn't get off til almost 4am for 4th of July at Casey's. There should be buses at all places though, no matter how late. They may not run as often, though. As for groceries, there is a Walgreens right across the street from Vista, and there is a Publix near Chatham. It's about a 15+ minute walk, though.

For resort discounts, you can get up to 50% off (I have even heard 60% at times), but you have to stay in the resort as well to get it that high. If you don't stay in the resort, it is up to 40% off. Also, there is no guarantee you would get that many days off (as it is 2 days off per week). You can try requesting them off, but there is no guarantee.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I recommend leaving at least an hour before your shift starts. And not just midnight- CPs can work til all hours of the night. I didn't get off til almost 4am for 4th of July at Casey's. There should be buses at all places though, no matter how late. They may not run as often, though. As for groceries, there is a Walgreens right across the street from Vista, and there is a Publix near Chatham. It's about a 15+ minute walk, though.

For resort discounts, you can get up to 50% off (I have even heard 60% at times), but you have to stay in the resort as well to get it that high. If you don't stay in the resort, it is up to 40% off. Also, there is no guarantee you would get that many days off (as it is 2 days off per week). You can try requesting them off, but there is no guarantee.

Thanks for all the help! I thought I had heard of some people reworking their shifts to get extra days off and what not. I wouldn't really know how to go about doing that. But I would like to see my family sometime. I'd be willing to work a few weeks straight if it meant I could get four days off in a row.

 

[Ellagirl]

Normally if you put a request in far enought in advance for the days you want off they will give them to u as long as it is not a popular holiday or something. I was never denied time off when i requested it like a month to 2 months in advance. And most of the time you can find someone to give it to.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I'm pretty sure it would be the off season. Like May or October. It's good to know that I can work something out

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Hmm I was planning on flying out because i'm in San Diego but since i'm planning on being there for a year i'm seriously considering driving. It'll take forever though

 

[Joanna71985]

Hmm I was planning on flying out because i'm in San Diego but since i'm planning on being there for a year i'm seriously considering driving. It'll take forever though

Don't worry, I know people who drove over from the West Coast.

 

[deadtoaster2]

Hmm I was planning on flying out because i'm in San Diego but since i'm planning on being there for a year i'm seriously considering driving. It'll take forever though

Oh my gosh that will take forever.

Did you consider doing the Disneyland program or did you just really want to go to WDW? I have nothing against your decision, it just seems kinda funny is all.

 

[shastatikipunch]

Oh my gosh that will take forever.

Did you consider doing the Disneyland program or did you just really want to go to WDW? I have nothing against your decision, it just seems kinda funny is all.

Don't you have to provide your own living for the Disneyland one?

 

[deadtoaster2]

Don't you have to provide your own living for the Disneyland one?

Nope, they have 2 housing complexes that are pretty close to the park. And they have transportation to and from work as well for those who don't have a car.

 

[Joanna71985]

Don't you have to provide your own living for the Disneyland one?

There is housing, but it is very limited. I believe it only houses around 200 people. I am considering applying for the DL program next year.

 

[deadtoaster2]

There is housing, but it is very limited. I believe it only houses around 200 people. I am considering applying for the DL program next year.

Ouch, didnt realize it was that small. Guess its a good thing I will be applying early then.

 

[Joanna71985]

Ouch, didnt realize it was that small. Guess its a good thing I will be applying early then.

It's because most people who do the DL CP live nearby, and can supply their own housing (or live close enough that they can drive).

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Oh my gosh that will take forever.

Did you consider doing the Disneyland program or did you just really want to go to WDW? I have nothing against your decision, it just seems kinda funny is all.

I've deen to Disneyland a thousand times and while it's fun, it's just so small. If i'm going to be working for Disney for a year I want to do it in Florida where I can experience everything. The WDW program just has more perks. I'm still not decided on the car though. That's a lot of driving and gas!

 

[Joanna71985]

I've deen to Disneyland a thousand times and while it's fun, it's just so small. If i'm going to be working for Disney for a year I want to do it in Florida where I can experience everything. The WDW program just has more perks. I'm still not decided on the car though. That's a lot of driving and gas!

Trust me, you can get by without a car on the CP. I have been without one for all 4 of my programs. However, if you are planning on doing extra things outside WDW, it really does make life so much easier. I would have loved to have had a car down in FL.

 

[qnzbabi91]

I am totally new to this thread..and I am just wondering how old do you have to be to even be considered for one of the college programs?? If you are an incoming college freshmen can you apply for the summer before college offically starts or do you have to wait until the next summer?

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I am totally new to this thread..and I am just wondering how old do you have to be to even be considered for one of the college programs?? If you are an incoming college freshmen can you apply for the summer before college offically starts or do you have to wait until the next summer?

You have ot be at least 18 and have one completed semester by the time the program starts. You have to have done the program for the spring or the fall (so be an alumni) to be allowed to just apply for the summer.

For example, i've applied for the Spring 09 program and i'm currently in my first semester of college. By the time the program starts i'll have done one semester. Then, when my program is done i'll be considered an alumni and I can apply for just summer sessions later on. I'm doing Spring Advantage though which goes all the way through summer and then i'm extended into the fall session so i'll be there all year.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Joanna i'm having anxiety over the transportation!! I mean, if the busses are reliable and will get me to and from my job without making me late than i'll just do that but if they're really not that great than I don't see what other option I have! I have a car but it will be at least a five day drive and that's a lot of miles and gas! I just don't know if it's worth it. Although, I am going to be down there all year and having a car would be really nice. Maybe I should just lease a car while i'm down there XD My car is really old and i've been thinking of getting rid of it anyways...

 

[Joanna71985]

I am totally new to this thread..and I am just wondering how old do you have to be to even be considered for one of the college programs?? If you are an incoming college freshmen can you apply for the summer before college offically starts or do you have to wait until the next summer?

Welcome!! The requirements to do the CP are be at least 18 years old, and have done at least one semester in college. I did my first CP after my first semester (I was 19 years old).

Joanna i'm having anxiety over the transportation!! I mean, if the busses are reliable and will get me to and from my job without making me late than i'll just do that but if they're really not that great than I don't see what other option I have! I have a car but it will be at least a five day drive and that's a lot of miles and gas! I just don't know if it's worth it. Although, I am going to be down there all year and having a car would be really nice. Maybe I should just lease a car while i'm down there XD My car is really old and i've been thinking of getting rid of it anyways...

The buses are fine for the most part, but they can be a pain once in awhile. They do get you to where you want to go, but they can be late (and I even had a couple of times where the bus never showed at all). This is why I highly recommend leaving for work quite early.

 

[futreWDI]

I believe that the buses are for the most part reliable if you know how to use them. Just plan your travel time into your day. If your shift starts at 11:00 am and one bus gets you there at 10:45 and the other gets you there at 10:15, take the earlier one. Bring a book to read or something to do OR dont wear your costume to work and change into it when you get there. I usually did this because I kept my costumes in my locker.

you will also meet friends in your work area and you be able to carpool.