College Program Questions Thread, Pt 3

[khancock]

Can anyone give them a call tomorrow and ask just to make sure I'm getting a straight answer?

I wouldn't suggest calling. You won't have any tangible documentation of the answer. You'll need it if you get conflicting information along the way.

It has been my experience that you often call 5 times, ask the same question to 5 different people and get 5 different answers. When you have something in writing, there isn't room to argue that you weren't told something or you misunderstood.

What I would do is email WDW (wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com) and also DLR (dlr.college.recruiting@disney.com).

You should get the same answer.

But if you don't, then you should forward each of them the answer that the other provided and ask them to get a definitive answer.

If they both say that you can (first try or after several), then you have that documented. If you run into someone further in the process, like during your interview, that says "no", then you have the documentation that says that you are OK.

With that said, my opinion is that you really should pick which program you want to apply for and leave it at that. Outside of the name and basic "living, learning, and earning" concept, they are very, very different (costs, classes, housing, transportation - DLR doesn't have it, available positions, etc.) They paint the picture that the only difference is that one is in CA and one is in FL, but there are more differences than just location. A lot more.

 

[kel89]

Has anyone done the program as a freshman? What was that experience like for you?

I've been thinking about applying for Spring 2010 (I've got a couple of days yet to decide...) but part of me wonders if it might be kind of weird to do the program so early on.

To complicate matters, my school doesn't start until September 16! That's a long way away - I'd probably be all applied before even meeting and discussing it with my advisor.

Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated!

I havent done a CP but im thinking of applying for Spring 2010. I agree I'd wait and enjoy your first year of college and get everything figured out with and advisor. Im going into my third year and I wish I would have tried to go when i was a sophmore, it would have been easier for me to make up classes in the summer semester, when I had a larger group of classes to take, and less major-specific ones.

 

[ashliejere]

Hey guys. Quick question...during an interview when they ask do you have any questions..what do most people as there? I never know what to ask, so I always say no. I was reading a thread about interview questions and one tip said to make sure you ask questions when they ask you for them. Do most people ask anything important there? I'm usually really good in interviews but I've always wondered what people ask there.

 

[atmtcprincess]

In our presentation we were told it wasn't allowed. You just had to pick one. I heard it's much harder to get into the DLR program, though. Disney Land is smaller than WDW.

See I was told the direct opposite at my presentation... actually, they said they were going to try and combine the programs either this semester or next so that when you have your interview, you can be applying for both resorts at the same time. Doesn't look like it's gonna happen for Spring 2010, but who knows...

I wouldn't suggest calling. You won't have any tangible documentation of the answer. You'll need it if you get conflicting information along the way.

It has been my experience that you often call 5 times, ask the same question to 5 different people and get 5 different answers. When you have something in writing, there isn't room to argue that you weren't told something or you misunderstood.

What I would do is email WDW (wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com) and also DLR (dlr.college.recruiting@disney.com).

You should get the same answer.

But if you don't, then you should forward each of them the answer that the other provided and ask them to get a definitive answer.

If they both say that you can (first try or after several), then you have that documented. If you run into someone further in the process, like during your interview, that says "no", then you have the documentation that says that you are OK.

With that said, my opinion is that you really should pick which program you want to apply for and leave it at that. Outside of the name and basic "living, learning, and earning" concept, they are very, very different (costs, classes, housing, transportation - DLR doesn't have it, available positions, etc.) They paint the picture that the only difference is that one is in CA and one is in FL, but there are more differences than just location. A lot more.

I've done a lot of looking into both programs and I have found that they are very different. I like aspects of both programs and it really is a draw for me. I was starting to think I should just apply for one program and be on the safe side since something like you mentioned can happen. Ultimately, I'll probably just apply for one program.

Thanks for the advice though

 

[DisneyAngie]

I can't speak directly towards the CP interview, as I've never interviewed for that, but I've heard that you should always go into an interview with at least one question, in case they ask if you have any. Apparently it looks like you're not really interested if you don't have ANY questions. This isn't the time to ask about pay, or vacation time, or anything that might make you seem like less of a good candidate (or more of a selfish one). If there's something you're wondering about, this is a good time to ask. A good strategy is, if you don't have a question, ask one you already know the answer to. Just don't ask something really obvious that they would expect you to have figured out on your own, or something that is covered on the CP program's web site (once you think you know what you're going to ask, maybe check the site to make sure it's not on there). Now, being on this board, you probably know a little more about the program than the average applicant would, so you have a slight edge. You could always ask when you should expect to hear back from them. Other topics might include if you had a specific question regarding the "Disney look," how easy it is to incorporate the Disney classes into your work schedule, that sort of thing. This shows that you've given the position some serious thought, and are really interested.

 

[NicoleRose]

I'm also going to be a Freshman this year and was planning to apply for Spring 2010 but I'm going into college with 15 college hours so thats pretty much a semester so I didnt think i'd be putting myself too far behind by doing the program so early.

Do you think i'd really be at the much of a disadvantage? Originally, I wanted to do the Career start program but I dont turn 18 until aug 31 so i was too young for that by a couple weeks so this was my next best option. I've been looking forward to doing CP for over the past year, now i'm even more nervous after those responses to the other freshman question haha

 

[MKandy]

Do you think i'd really be at the much of a disadvantage? Originally, I wanted to do the Career start program but I dont turn 18 until aug 31 so i was too young for that by a couple weeks so this was my next best option. I've been looking forward to doing CP for over the past year, now i'm even more nervous after those responses to the other freshman question haha

You have a slight advantage. If you have had a chance to sit down with an advisor and talk to him/her about it, then I would say go ahead and apply. However, if you haven't, I would wait until then. I don't think doing the CP would put you behind or at a "disadvantage." I just think that it would be better to talk to someone from your school first just to make sure everything is ok. As I've said before, Disney World will always be there and you'll have plenty of time to do the CP.

Have a magical day.

 

[NicoleRose]

You have a slight advantage. If you have had a chance to sit down with an advisor and talk to him/her about it, then I would say go ahead and apply. However, if you haven't, I would wait until then. I don't think doing the CP would put you behind or at a "disadvantage." I just think that it would be better to talk to someone from your school first just to make sure everything is ok. As I've said before, Disney World will always be there and you'll have plenty of time to do the CP.

Have a magical day.

alright, thanks for the advice

 

[bellebookworm9]

I've only read the first 17 pages of this thread and this question may have been answered somewhere already. What does PI stand for? I cannot for the life of me figure it out!

 

[FatMan2k3]

Typically Professional Internship (a companion to the CP), could also be Pleasure Island, but I doubt it in the context of this thread.

 

[bellebookworm9]

Thanks, I was thinking Pleasure Island but I also realized that didn't make much sense!

 

[CMHopeful!]

I would apply earlier rather than later. I applied late this year and did get in, but not without my share of nerve-wracking nights and stress-filled days! It took a full month for me to get my offer and I got my 2nd choice, mostly b/c of my experience and b/c my first choice was full . You have 2 weeks after receiving it to accept, then another 2 weeks to pay your program fee, so it could easily be 8 weeks after your interview before you have to make a final decision. Some students waited much longer than I did. To be honest, if the economy keeps going the way it is, I think the CP is going to be V-E-R-Y popular, more than ever, so the early bird may have a better chance at the worm.

I don't recall the application being any different than a standard work app. Name, social, previous employers, etc. Pretty standard stuff.

Is there a season that is easier to get into than another...I think I heard fall is much easier than summer to get into because summer is more popular due to scheduling??? And what is the program fee? (I'm nervous I won't have money to fly home! Hahaha not that staying in FL would be a problem! ) Lol

 

[khancock]

Is there a season that is easier to get into than another...I think I heard fall is much easier than summer to get into because summer is more popular due to scheduling???

I've never been able to find hard data on this, but if I was to guess based on what I do know, I'd say either of the Advantage programs would be easier. since they span the summer, more people may be inclined to do either the spring or fall so that they could return to school over the summer to "catch up".

As for summer, they really haven't had a summer program in a very long time. they sometimes allow alumni to come back over the summer, but don't open it up to first timers.

And what is the program fee? (I'm nervous I won't have money to fly home!

$100 right now
http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/students/housing/housing_costs.html

 

[coorsie]

So I've spent the last two days reading the last 80 pages of this, and I have one question that I don't think was really covered. Transportation-wise, do the CP busses/vans go everywhere (hotels and all) you'd possibly be needed? And would you be able to use the regular Disney busses if for instance you just wanted to go from a hotel to a park? Would you have to be out of uniform?

I'm sure there are more questions floating around in my head somewhere, but I'll get to them eventually I'm sure. Also, I know it was briefly covered, but if anyone's out there doing Hospitality as their role this fall, care to share some of your experience?

 

[graygables]

So I've spent the last two days reading the last 80 pages of this, and I have one question that I don't think was really covered. Transportation-wise, do the CP busses/vans go everywhere (hotels and all) you'd possibly be needed? And would you be able to use the regular Disney busses if for instance you just wanted to go from a hotel to a park? Would you have to be out of uniform?

I'm sure there are more questions floating around in my head somewhere, but I'll get to them eventually I'm sure. Also, I know it was briefly covered, but if anyone's out there doing Hospitality as their role this fall, care to share some of your experience?

Yes, there is plenty of transportation to get you to your work location as well as costuming, WalMart, local malls, as well as special day trips to other places. There are also the new friends you will make with vehicles whom you can hit up for a ride somewhere.

As far as using the Disney bus to hop from resort to park or vice versa, yes, you have to be out of costume. I lived at AKL for the first month of my program (DVC points!) and worked at AK, so a few times, I took advantage of the bus to get "home". If I was wearing the stock costume which was tan shorts, I could get away with just changing shirts, or if it was cool, putting a sweatshirt on to cover my shirt.

 

[Pure_Imagination]

I couldn't help but to look at the CareerStart applications and application process. I noticed that they have to fax in their applications and do a web interview. Is this only for CareerStart? I thought everything for the college program was done online now? Also, is the web interview new or has that always been a part of CareerStart?

 

[MaryPoppins86]

I couldn't help but to look at the CareerStart applications and application process. I noticed that they have to fax in their applications and do a web interview. Is this only for CareerStart? I thought everything for the college program was done online now? Also, is the web interview new or has that always been a part of CareerStart?

unlike the college program, people applying for careerstart to have to fax in their application and letter of recommendation.

 

[khancock]

Also, is the web interview new or has that always been a part of CareerStart?

That is a new step for WDW.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that WDW CP people will be doing that too.

 

[coorsie]

Yes, there is plenty of transportation to get you to your work location as well as costuming, WalMart, local malls, as well as special day trips to other places. There are also the new friends you will make with vehicles whom you can hit up for a ride somewhere.

thanks for that reply!! and i have to say, i've been reading through some of these blogs that people posted and i'm really enjoying reading yours!

 

[glendalais]

Also, is the web interview new or has that always been a part of CareerStart?

That is a new step for WDW.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that WDW CP people will be doing that too.

The Web-Based Interview has been part of the hiring process for all applicants (both General Employment and Student Programmes) at the Disneyland Resort in California for qutie some time.

As I understand it, as we at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts move towards providing a "One Disney" experience for our Guests and Cast Members at both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort through integration and streamlining of our Domestic Operations and Procedures, this process will be eventually introduced for all applicants, both General Employment and College and International Programme at the Walt Disney World Resort.