College Program Questions Thread, Pt 3

[kateymcg]

Saying one complex is like this and another is like that is something that I think is completely ridiculous. A complex does not dictate how someone acts. The population of each complex significantly changes every 5-7 months. And they don't assign apartments based on people's social desires.

If you want a party atmosphere, you can find it in any of the complexes. If you want a more laid back atmosphere, you can find that too. It is all about who you choose to surround yourself with, not which complex your are assigned.

I know that this is true, but I have still heard on numerous occasions that Vista is indeed worse because it's in worse shape and because of all the partying. I'm not into that at all. What are the other complexes and which of them is better for what I'm looking for? (less partying)

 

[glendalais]

I'm currently signed up to do custodial for the spring advantage 2010 session. Who would I contact and how to request a location?

You would need to contact Walt Disney Parks and Resorts College Recruiting and ask them to notate it on your record.

If you are doing a program at the Disneyland Resort in California, call (800) 722-2930. If you are doing a program at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, call (407) 828-1000.

 

[kateymcg]

I missed the regular audition for performance roles because I was actually vacationing at Disney World. My friend (who is also doing DCP) was told by someone that when you arrive at DCP, there hold some open auditions for people who were originally cut and for those who didn't get an opportunity to audition during the normal time period. Is this true? Has anyone else heard of this happening? If so, are there any special measures I need to take in order to do this?

 

[glendalais]

I missed the regular audition for performance roles because I was actually vacationing at Disney World. My friend (who is also doing DCP) was told by someone that when you arrive at DCP, there hold some open auditions for people who were originally cut and for those who didn't get an opportunity to audition during the normal time period. Is this true? Has anyone else heard of this happening? If so, are there any special measures I need to take in order to do this?

Generally no. While special accomodations may be made at times to accomodate labour needs and unforseen circumstances, College & International Program Participants are generally not eligible for Hourly Transfer into other roles.

The Walt Disney World Resort does hold End-of-Season auditions for their Participants who would like to extend their Program Contracts into another season as a Character Performer, as well as those interested in pursuing General Employment as a Character Performer, however, these generally occur at the end of their Program terms, not the beginning.

 

[whirlwindofwit]

Hey all, newbie here! I was referred to this board by someone who said you could all help with my questions for the program. I'm a senior in college now looking to do this program for spring 2010. I haven't applied yet (!!) but am planning on it this week. I've wanted to do this program since high school so the fact I actually have the guts to do it now is exciting.

In any case, if you could give me some advice? That'd be wonderful!

1. Originally I wanted to do the program at Florida because I'm from MA but go to school in NH. I have family there and it's on the same coast. Been there multiples of times, did Disney Magic Music Days there, etc. However, I have some opportunities that I could also seek out in California. I guess I want to know what the pro/cons are to each park? Which have you done? Have any of you done both? What did you like best?

2. Depending on which I apply for (FL/CA), can I apply for (FL/CA) as a back up? Say I apply for California, can I also tell them that I am flexible to go to Florida too? I mean, for me, either one is fine but I just don't want to get boxed in and not know whether or not I could take advantage of another opportunity.

3. I'm nervous/scared! I really hope it goes well and the interview goes well but it's just a completely new experience for me. I haven't had much work experience but I've had tons of leadership experience. I've also never had an internship before. Were you guys scared/nervous? My biggest thing is I'm afraid to screw up as it is Disney and I've loved the company and its concepts since I was little. How did you conquer your fears?

4. Since I decided to do this on a whim, how do I let my school know? My class registration is coming up as well as tuition payment. Should I take care of these things as normal and then deal with it if/when I get accepted?

Thanks all!

 

[kateymcg]

4. Since I decided to do this on a whim, how do I let my school know? My class registration is coming up as well as tuition payment. Should I take care of these things as normal and then deal with it if/when I get accepted?

Thanks all!

I personally love Disney World much more than Disney Land. There's so much more to do!

I would let my school know my plans asap so that they can help you set things up properly instead of having to go back and fix things later. I'm doing the Spring Advantage 2010- maybe I'll see you there!

 

[kateymcg]

How easy/difficult is it to get overtime? And what's the policy? How much money do you make for overtime? I read somewhere that they're really easy going about offering overtime but I wanted to double check with those who knew first hand!

 

[kateymcg]

Hello all! I'm starting my first program in January, doing the Spring Advantage program. Anyone else doing the same session?

Anyways... I've started a blog to document my experiences with the program. If any of you have thoughts to share, they would be most appreciated. Also, if you could spread the word, it would be fabulous. I'm trying to provide more information on the program than what I got- I always felt like I had no clue what to do or what was going on, so hopefully the blog helps anyone with questions about the program!

disneycollegeprogramblog.blogspot.com

 

[glendalais]

1. Originally I wanted to do the program at Florida because I'm from MA but go to school in NH. I have family there and it's on the same coast. Been there multiples of times, did Disney Magic Music Days there, etc. However, I have some opportunities that I could also seek out in California. I guess I want to know what the pro/cons are to each park? Which have you done? Have any of you done both? What did you like best?

2. Depending on which I apply for (FL/CA), can I apply for (FL/CA) as a back up? Say I apply for California, can I also tell them that I am flexible to go to Florida too? I mean, for me, either one is fine but I just don't want to get boxed in and not know whether or not I could take advantage of another opportunity.

Having worked at both resorts, I enjoy both equally. You make much more in California, and get to know people a little bit more since it's much more close knit. At the same time, you have to pay Union dues and the cost of living is higher. In Florida, cost of living is lower, but you still make less overall. There is a lot to do here, though.

You can apply for College & International Programs at both resorts at the same time, there should be no issues with that.

How easy/difficult is it to get overtime? And what's the policy? How much money do you make for overtime? I read somewhere that they're really easy going about offering overtime but I wanted to double check with those who knew first hand!

At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, overtime for College & International Program Participants is paid as follows:

• 1.5 times base rate for all hours worked over 8 hours in a day, and 40 hours in a week.
• 2 times base rate for all hours worked over 14 hours in a day

Generally, overtime is permitted for all Cast Members. Doubletime, however, is frowned upon.

At the Disneyland Resort in California, overtime for College & International Program Participants is paid according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement in place in each Cast Member's Line of Business. In all cases, though, it meets the State of California's Industrial Relations laws on the matter, which are as follows:

• 1.5 times base rate for all hours worked over 8 hours in a day, 40 hours in a week, and for the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of work in a week.
• 2 times base rate for all hours worked over 12 hours in a day, and over 8 hours for the 7th consecutive day of work in a week.

Generally, overtime of any sort is frowned upon in California.

 

[M.I.C.]

i keep getting mixed reviews off of this (obviously not from this site) but couple of things, realistically...

How are the networking abilities? I'm a business major looking to network obviously while down there so how realistic is it that I will actually make some good business connections in doing this and how many people that come out of this actually end up being able to get jobs with the company after college? Any advice?

 

[whirlwindofwit]

You can apply for College & International Programs at both resorts at the same time, there should be no issues with that.

Do I indicate this when I go through the application process or do I go through the application process two times? Thank you! Also; since you said you've been to both resorts, a major pull for me is that I have had zero experiences with the Californian one. Since you make more money, is it easier to pay the cost of living? I saw the differences in prices but I also have the option to live with a friend who lives not that far away from Anaheim. Would it be cheaper to stay with her in the long run rather than go in the complexes or do you think the complexes are worth it and would offer a better experience?

 

[glendalais]

Do I indicate this when I go through the application process or do I go through the application process two times? Thank you! Also; since you said you've been to both resorts, a major pull for me is that I have had zero experiences with the Californian one. Since you make more money, is it easier to pay the cost of living? I saw the differences in prices but I also have the option to live with a friend who lives not that far away from Anaheim. Would it be cheaper to stay with her in the long run rather than go in the complexes or do you think the complexes are worth it and would offer a better experience?

You would need to apply to each program seperately. You can visit http://www.disneycollegeprogram.com/ to access both applications, though.

The Cost of Living in California is much higher, but you still have a little bit easier time making ends meet on Disney wages than would be the case in Florida.

As to the Housing Situation, any option other than staying in Disney Housing is preferable. Those complexes are so out of the price range of any Hourly Cast Member that it's not funny.

 

[Nellyd87]

As to the Housing Situation, any option other than staying in Disney Housing is preferable. Those complexes are so out of the price range of any Hourly Cast Member that it's not funny.

I have gotten that impression....but I was just offered a DLR CP role and was told housing was about $130 a week. Isn't that only about $10 more than chattam apts at WDW?

 

[glendalais]

I have gotten that impression....but I was just offered a DLR CP role and was told housing was about $130 a week. Isn't that only about $10 more than chattam apts at WDW?

Actually, if I remember correctly, it's about $50 more/week than the average cost of C&IP Housing (excluding The Commons complex, as Cultural Representatives are paid FT wages, and have their rent adjusted accordingly) here in Florida.

When I left DLR, CPs were paying about $800 a month (can't remember if it was per person or per unit). If it's now averaging $130 a week, that means the Company has finally came to it's senses and is partially subsidizing it like they do here.

It still doesn't change the fact that it's completely possible to find much more reasonably-priced housing that's just as near to the Resort as the Disney-Operated complexes. Probably not as luxurious, but still plenty comfortable.

 

[whirlwindofwit]

The Cost of Living in California is much higher, but you still have a little bit easier time making ends meet on Disney wages than would be the case in Florida.

As to the Housing Situation, any option other than staying in Disney Housing is preferable. Those complexes are so out of the price range of any Hourly Cast Member that it's not funny.

Haha, yeah, I saw that we needed to pay a $200 security fee, $536 upfront for the first month alone and then it's about $130-50 a week after that. I was like, "There goes half my paycheck." I mean, I don't mind that much because it looks like the housing is really nice, but at the same time compared to FL that was a big pull in the opposite direction. Now since I won't have a car since I'm traveling from out of state, I'm guessing there would be public transit I could rely on?

 

[Pure_Imagination]

^ At least the Florida program has bus transportation that's free to everyone in the CP. I'm not sure about CA.

 

[Tigerlily724]

^ At least the Florida program has bus transportation that's free to everyone in the CP. I'm not sure about CA.

The California program gives their participants a bus pass to use.

 

[Toffy]

And not to mention in CA you can ride your bike or walk to work

 

[kateymcg]

Does anyone know what the average shift for a custodial cast member would be? What type of hours to they work? Early/late/middle of the day? What hours do they normally work?

 

[Nellyd87]

Just fyi- if you take the bus at the DLR CP, they pay you $1 each day you ride and I've heard $2 if you bike. This is before taxes though.