College Program Questions Thread, Pt 3

[Scully12]

I have a question on dress clothes as to how much to take and what kind. For a guy how many times would we be required to wear like a tie I know you probably would have to in triditions but not sure how often we would at other times.

Also do we have to dress up if we are taking classes? If so how dressed up is it? Like would jeans and a nice button down shirt work?

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/disneylook/males_noncost.html

That lists everything you'll need to know about what to wear. If you aren't taking classes you'll only need dress clothes about twice. If you are taking classes you'll need them for every class unless you want to wear your work costume to class. You could just take one nice pair of pants and a few shirts and be fine.

You can not wear jeans though.

 

[Berlioz70]

Hmm. Some mixed advice there. I had heard about the hiring freeze but I'm kinda hoping that it might let up before the crazy Summer Vacation rush. Despite the freeze though, I know 2 people that have been hired there within the last year, one in characters because of her height and the other was a CP before. Gah! Planning life is confusing sometimes... Well, at least I'm grateful that I have both options. I would probably do the CP in spring '10 though because I don't want to miss another great season of Gator football.

Thanks for your advice though!

Yes, for all extensive purposes there is currently a "freeze." The truth... because of the poor economy people are staying at their jobs at Disney, whereas usually there is high turnover. They are not hiring less people, just no one is leaving so there are no openings. When someone does leave, the open position first goes to a current FT, PT, CT then CP. If no one currently employed wants the position then it goes to a "new" cast member. Most waitlists to get into the company are 6+ months, but they can't give you an exact length because it all depends on how fast people leave.

We are hiring characters 5' and lower, we are also looking for Princesses and fairies. This changes all the time, so if you are considering employment for this summer then you'll want to check back again once it gets closer to a audition date. If you pass the audition they'll want you to be available ASAP, so wait until May to audition.

If you are interested in another park job for this summer, then I would visit Casting now and get your name on the list! You can sit on the waitlist for two positions (ie. QSFB and Front Desk).

 

[gatorlexi08]

Yes, for all extensive purposes there is currently a "freeze." The truth... because of the poor economy people are staying at their jobs at Disney, whereas usually there is high turnover. They are not hiring less people, just no one is leaving so there are no openings. When someone does leave, the open position first goes to a current FT, PT, CT then CP. If no one currently employed wants the position then it goes to a "new" cast member. Most waitlists to get into the company are 6+ months, but they can't give you an exact length because it all depends on how fast people leave.

We are hiring characters 5' and lower, we are also looking for Princesses and fairies. This changes all the time, so if you are considering employment for this summer then you'll want to check back again once it gets closer to a audition date. If you pass the audition they'll want you to be available ASAP, so wait until May to audition.

If you are interested in another park job for this summer, then I would visit Casting now and get your name on the list! You can sit on the waitlist for two positions (ie. QSFB and Front Desk).

Great info thanks alot! Do you know what the height requirement for the Princesses are? (Aurora and Cinderella specifically?)

 

[Berlioz70]

Great info thanks alot! Do you know what the height requirement for the Princesses are? (Aurora and Cinderella specifically?)

Face is interesting, they have general guidelines, but some characters range 5-6 inches - they are really looking at face, not always height. I think the general height for princesses is 5'4-5'7, but I'm not sure. Fairies seem to be 5-5'3ish for Tink, an 5'3-5'6ish for the others.

I'm not positive about the heights because face is no longer included in our height charts - they really very a lot.

 

[chrisb26]

I have a question about getting people into the park. How soon after you get there do you get the Main Entrence Pass? I know we get our work ID and can get in the park like the 2nd day right? But is it that quick for the other pass as well? I wanted to get my mom in before she went back home but in an email I got today from the DCP people it said it was mailed to you like a week after your first shift is that true?

 

[InventorsDaughter]

No. You have to have a work ID to get the resort discount, when you check in to the resort.

Oh pants. Oh well, back to the drawing board on that one then!

As always, thanks Joanna!

 

[Berlioz70]

I have a question about getting people into the park. How soon after you get there do you get the Main Entrence Pass? I know we get our work ID and can get in the park like the 2nd day right? But is it that quick for the other pass as well? I wanted to get my mom in before she went back home but in an email I got today from the DCP people it said it was mailed to you like a week after your first shift is that true?

This may have changed (as per the e-mail you received), but for the Fall 2008 program we received our Main Entrance pass during check-in (I can't remember if it was day 1 or 2), but you can't use your Main Gate until you get your ID, which you get at Traditions - which is typically Day 3.

Oh pants. Oh well, back to the drawing board on that one then!

As always, thanks Joanna!

You can always go seasonal or become a campus rep in order to stay with the company and have a current ID.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

This may have changed (as per the e-mail you received), but for the Fall 2008 program we received our Main Entrance pass during check-in (I can't remember if it was day 1 or 2), but you can't use your Main Gate until you get your ID, which you get at Traditions - which is typically Day 3.

Whats the difference between a Main Entrance pass and a Main Gate pass?

 

[khancock]

but in an email I got today from the DCP people it said it was mailed to you like a week after your first shift is that true?

If you got an email from the College Recruiting offices and it said that it would be mailed to you, then I would venture to say that it is accurate information.

Lots of little things change from program to program, so this could be one of those little changes that impacts new CPs that differs from what we older alumni experienced.

 

[khancock]

Whats the difference between a Main Entrance pass and a Main Gate pass?

They are the same thing. I think "Main Entrance" is what the terminology is now and "Main Gate" is what was used in the past.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Alright, so I have three questions which may or may not have been asked in previous threads, but I keep forgetting them, so I just want to get them all out now.

1- Everyone talks about applying early, but don't you turn in your application at that presentation you attend? So is it better to watch the E-presentation as soon as it comes out, and then apply? Or is it better to go to the presentations at your (or a nearby) school and apply? I personally think I may come across better in a real interview, which I've read is still possible, but unlikely, at presentations, whereas e-presentations are all phone. I just want to try to get the best pick of roles, and I'm not sure exactly how applying works.

2- As we all know, every girl wants to be a Disney princess, and I'm no exception, I suppose. Although I'd even be cool with a stepsister. Haha. Anywayyyy... how do auditions work? Do they happen after moving down? Or do you have to come down early and audition? And do they pull people for face characters instantly, or after the audition? And I doubt that any CP would ever be allowed to be Tinkerbell, right? Performing a death-defying stunt every night doesn't seem like something they'd like CPs doing. Even if she is on Cinderella's laundry line. I will audition, with no high hopes, because just getting in would be a dream for me, and all roles have costumes, most of which are pretty cool anyway.

3- Do you need to be able to sing for any roles (besides the musical stage shows)? That is my one major failing. I can't sing very well. My boyfriend has been professionally trained, and keeps saying he'll teach me, but I'm embarrassed to let him hear my awful voice.

Oh, and one more.. what is a campus rep?


Thank you guys so much in advance.... I'm getting really excited just waiting for the applications to go up!

 

[jusTine87]

Lets see if I can help...

1- I personally will be doing the E-presentation. You can get your application in faster, and hopefully it will be processed when there are more roles available. You can attend a presentation on campus, which I would recommend, anyway.

2- You have to audition before you are accepted into the Entertainment role. Soon after they post the applications, they will release an audition schedule. They're held all over the country. If I'm not mistaken, they pull for face at larger auditions, and you won't usually know until you're there. If you fail the audition, then they can let you into another role, but depending on how late you auditioned, there may be fewer choices.

3- I don't believe you need to be able to sing for any CP roles. All the stage shows (Beauty and the Beast, Nemo, ect.) Are equity roles and professional actors.

A campus rep is someone that promotes the DCP on your campus. They have completed the program, and they advertise and help out prospective participant.

 

[Joanna71985]

Whats the difference between a Main Entrance pass and a Main Gate pass?

I'm pretty sure it's the same thing.

Alright, so I have three questions which may or may not have been asked in previous threads, but I keep forgetting them, so I just want to get them all out now.

1- Everyone talks about applying early, but don't you turn in your application at that presentation you attend? So is it better to watch the E-presentation as soon as it comes out, and then apply? Or is it better to go to the presentations at your (or a nearby) school and apply? I personally think I may come across better in a real interview, which I've read is still possible, but unlikely, at presentations, whereas e-presentations are all phone. I just want to try to get the best pick of roles, and I'm not sure exactly how applying works.

2- As we all know, every girl wants to be a Disney princess, and I'm no exception, I suppose. Although I'd even be cool with a stepsister. Haha. Anywayyyy... how do auditions work? Do they happen after moving down? Or do you have to come down early and audition? And do they pull people for face characters instantly, or after the audition? And I doubt that any CP would ever be allowed to be Tinkerbell, right? Performing a death-defying stunt every night doesn't seem like something they'd like CPs doing. Even if she is on Cinderella's laundry line. I will audition, with no high hopes, because just getting in would be a dream for me, and all roles have costumes, most of which are pretty cool anyway.

3- Do you need to be able to sing for any roles (besides the musical stage shows)? That is my one major failing. I can't sing very well. My boyfriend has been professionally trained, and keeps saying he'll teach me, but I'm embarrassed to let him hear my awful voice.

Oh, and one more.. what is a campus rep?


Thank you guys so much in advance.... I'm getting really excited just waiting for the applications to go up!

1. It really is up to you. I will be doing the online presentation, because my school's presentations are too late in the season. I really want to apply early this time, because I don't want to take a chance of the roles I want filling up.

2. You audition before going down to FL. There are several auditions around the US that you can go to.

Also, Tink in Wishes will not be a CP (I believe she falls into Equity).

3. Nope. Singing falls under Equity. CPs aren't in Equity.

4. Campus Reps help promote the CP at their campus. It is a lot of fun.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Thank you very much to both Joanna and Justine...

So I guess there's good and bad parts to being in Equity, huh? Alas. Oh well. Lots of other awesome things to do. I think for my first (but hopefully not last) CP, I'll just shoot for one of the non-Entertainment roles. If I ever try again, I'll try for one. But right now I just want to go, and if I limit my chances like Entertainment might, and then I don't get in, I'll be kicking myself all throughout Fall semester.

...I love the little emotion smilies. So much.

 

[Berlioz70]

Whats the difference between a Main Entrance pass and a Main Gate pass?

It's the same - Main Entrance is what the physical card reads... Main Gate is the "slang" we use when referring to it.

I personally think I may come across better in a real interview, which I've read is still possible, but unlikely, at presentations, whereas e-presentations are all phone.

You are right - I've been to two presentations and did phone interviews both times. The face-to-face interviews are becoming less and less common because we have seperate people (not the recruiters) who do the interviews.

And I doubt that any CP would ever be allowed to be Tinkerbell, right? Performing a death-defying stunt every night doesn't seem like something they'd like CPs doing.

Tink is a stunt performer - but it does fall under character performer. You have to go through a seperate stunt audition - Tink's involves pull ups (for arm strength) and height tests. They just changed the weight requirement for her, so the former girls are now working characters - I've heard lots of stories!!

 

[chrisb26]

If you got an email from the College Recruiting offices and it said that it would be mailed to you, then I would venture to say that it is accurate information.

Lots of little things change from program to program, so this could be one of those little changes that impacts new CPs that differs from what we older alumni experienced.

okay thanks,

Can anybody that has started their CP already confirm this is how they are doing it? I would like to know if I'll be able to get my mom in before we get there if possible if not I guess we'll find out when I get there

 

[ZeroToHero]

1. It really is up to you. I will be doing the online presentation, because my school's presentations are too late in the season. I really want to apply early this time, because I don't want to take a chance of the roles I want filling up.

Is there any benefit to doing the live presentation over the E-presentation? I know they have people who "watch" you to see if you're sleeping and stuff, or talking with people instead of listening attentively. Does that only hurt you, or could it help you if you're really paying attention?

I get paranoid that I'm going to miss some giant factoid that everyone else knows about and that's going to ruin me.

...I really just want the applications to go up so that I can get it done and stop freaking out.

Do we need recommendations from people? I have to get some for a thing in July anyway, so I might as well ask them to save whatever they write so they can alter it for the Mouse.

 

[Joanna71985]

Is there any benefit to doing the live presentation over the E-presentation? I know they have people who "watch" you to see if you're sleeping and stuff, or talking with people instead of listening attentively. Does that only hurt you, or could it help you if you're really paying attention?

I get paranoid that I'm going to miss some giant factoid that everyone else knows about and that's going to ruin me.

...I really just want the applications to go up so that I can get it done and stop freaking out.

Do we need recommendations from people? I have to get some for a thing in July anyway, so I might as well ask them to save whatever they write so they can alter it for the Mouse.

Not really. You can be accepted either way. Depending on when the school presentation is, I would do the online presentation. The same info is given at both.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Thank you so much for all your help! You're one of the only things that's keeping me sane right now...
my DB is saying "if you go, we'll be a miserable five instead of a happy six!" (he counts the dog)
my DS asked me when I was leaving.
my DM has already started planning the 4 times she's coming down (wasting my possible friends passes all on her greedy little self)
my DF has not said anything except "make sure you're still covered under insurance!"
my DBF went from saying "You know, a lot can happen in five months" to realizing what I thought he meant by that, and quickly said "No, no, no! I mean I'm going to miss you! It's a long time!!!!"

....Men. Oh well.
I'm excited for whatever happens.

 

[Berlioz70]

Is there any benefit to doing the live presentation over the E-presentation?

The advantage is that you will have alumni at the presentation and you can interact with them and your recruiter to ask questions and get information. However, since you're on DIS, you can get the answer to most of your questions here anyway!

Do we need recommendations from people?

Nope! CareerStart needs recommendations - but not us!