College Program Questions Thread, Pt 4

[Brandon8013]

Question--Looking for help!

We moved our daughter down to WDW for her DCP just a few weeks ago. She was on cloud 9 as it has been her dream to work for Disney since she was a little girl. She was even more excited to learn that she would be a character performer. So far though her experience has not been great. I know she expected insane hours, but so far she has been working 60 hour weeks and 12+ hour shifts and also made a request for a few days off and was denied all of them. Furthermore, she is very tiny (which was why she was put her particular role) and is really afraid she cannot physically handle her role much longer without doing serious damage to her body. Of course, like many kids her age, she claims "there is no one I can talk to" (even though she hasn't event tried) and has also said you either have to have a medical condition to change jobs or get injured in your role to change jobs--also claiming that your only option with the CP is self-term. I find this all hard to believe--1. There has to be CP coordinators she can speak to in addition to an onsite office of some type. 2. I also find it hard to believe that Disney would deny her moving jobs if she says she feels she cannot physically do the work and would just send her home without moving her to another position to take advantage of the cheap labor.

Any help or suggestions??

 

[SingingMom]

I'm thinking about applying for the program but have some doubts. I'm sensitive to heat and get homesick easily (I don't live in Florida). With that said, is the program still worth thinking about? Thanks.

It is very wise of you to admit your reservations up front. This is one "mom's perspective"

1. Sensitivity to the heat - Florida is HOT. Hot, as in, stifling hot. Before DD made her decision, we took a trip smack in the middle of the summer so she would be reminded of that HOT. It's so humid sometimes, you can't breathe. Add the factor of WORKING in that heat, and it will help determining if you can tolerate it.

Make certain you have a GOOD pair of sunglasses. DD was getting migraines until she purchased RayBan's and felt better. The Sun is REALLY intense.

2. Homesickness - how far will you be from home? Will family be able to visit during your DCP? How often? This is a big factor for some. We are 1100 miles away but fortunate enough to have APs and visit quite often. Holidays can be difficult on a homesick person because it's very hard to get time off - whether it's to go home for the holidays or even have company visit - because you WILL be working long hours.

3. What year are you in college? Our DD knew she wanted Disney as a career, so she did the DCP AFTER she graduated. She didn't want an unfinished degree hanging over her head. If you aren't finished with school yet and really enjoy your experience, are you ready to leave Disney to return to school?

4. This program is a tremendous opportunity and a really the dream of a lifetime. But it is WORK. It's not a "semester abroad" or a "vacation". It's HARD work, and very many times, not in a location/role you would have chosen as your first pick. Living arrangements can be difficult if you are on different work schedules than your roommates. Guests can be "less than magical". There are a LOT of "Disney rules" to follow, without argument. The perks are great, the pay is not so great.

That being said, Disney on your resume opens doors that you'd never imagine. When you see the joy of the guests, you get a little misty thinking about how beautiful this "concept" was for Mr. Walter E. Disney. You will be part of that MAGIC. DD did her DCP August 2015 and is a Full Time Cast Member, working her way up and loving "almost" every day! Good luck!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Question--Looking for help!

We moved our daughter down to WDW for her DCP just a few weeks ago. She was on cloud 9 as it has been her dream to work for Disney since she was a little girl. She was even more excited to learn that she would be a character performer. So far though her experience has not been great. I know she expected insane hours, but so far she has been working 60 hour weeks and 12+ hour shifts and also made a request for a few days off and was denied all of them. Furthermore, she is very tiny (which was why she was put her particular role) and is really afraid she cannot physically handle her role much longer without doing serious damage to her body. Of course, like many kids her age, she claims "there is no one I can talk to" (even though she hasn't event tried) and has also said you either have to have a medical condition to change jobs or get injured in your role to change jobs--also claiming that your only option with the CP is self-term. I find this all hard to believe--1. There has to be CP coordinators she can speak to in addition to an onsite office of some type. 2. I also find it hard to believe that Disney would deny her moving jobs if she says she feels she cannot physically do the work and would just send her home without moving her to another position to take advantage of the cheap labor.

Any help or suggestions??

Unfortunately, for these sorts of issues, there's really not a lot that can be done.

Hours: The motto of cast members everywhere is "We work so others can have a magical vacation". Unfortunately, especially with certain body sizes that are hard to find, this means a lot of hours. Depending on when she requested the days off, how many days she requested, and when the days are, those are all factors that could lead to the request getting deined. She can always try to give away or trade shifts. There is probably a shift swap group for her area on facebook.

Physical issues: If she is in pain, she needs to tell her leader immediately, so that it can be documented, and she can get the appropriate treatment.

Changing Roles: She signed a contract to work for a certain time period, in a certain role. If she's injured and has been documented, then there's a chance that her management may be able to help her get re-cast in a different role. But, if it's just that she's worried about future injuries, they'll see that as not fulfilling the contract, and the only option is to self-term.

 

[Michelle62538]

I have a question for anyone who knows about the length of the application process. I applied for Spring 2019 the first day the application opened and I'm still on Recieved status. Most people I have heard of who have applied said that at most it took them 24 hours to move onto their WBI. Should I not expect to get in the program? Thanks!

 

[valex]

I recently applied, and have been sick to my stomach waiting for a response. I know it’s goibg to take a while before I hear anything, but I was curious how they let you know? Will it be in an e-mail, a phone call, or just on the college program site? I’ve been rotating through all three options constantly just to see if there are any updates. If I don’t make it, will there be a formal rejection, or will I just never hear?

 

[wendow]

I have a question for anyone who knows about the length of the application process. I applied for Spring 2019 the first day the application opened and I'm still on Recieved status. Most people I have heard of who have applied said that at most it took them 24 hours to move onto their WBI. Should I not expect to get in the program? Thanks!

My dd18 applied on opening day for Spring 2019. She got her 'you are no longer being considered' email in about two weeks. Good luck to you!!

 

[wendow]

I recently applied, and have been sick to my stomach waiting for a response. I know it’s goibg to take a while before I hear anything, but I was curious how they let you know? Will it be in an e-mail, a phone call, or just on the college program site? I’ve been rotating through all three options constantly just to see if there are any updates. If I don’t make it, will there be a formal rejection, or will I just never hear?

You should receive some kind of notification by email. If you are not accepted, yes, you will receive an email telling you that you are no longer being considered. If you are able, try again! Lots of kids have to try many times. Best wishes!

 

[Momof2Singers]

I recently applied, and have been sick to my stomach waiting for a response. I know it’s goibg to take a while before I hear anything, but I was curious how they let you know? Will it be in an e-mail, a phone call, or just on the college program site? I’ve been rotating through all three options constantly just to see if there are any updates. If I don’t make it, will there be a formal rejection, or will I just never hear?

My daughter forgot to apply first day and applied on day 6 it was open and just received her rejection email today. She never got anything, her status stayed the same until today. I heard they had a record number of applications this year, so it could be those that applied after the first few days there just wasn't enough positions available. I would try not to feel discouraged, I think sometimes its a toss up, many did not get it, and as much as my daughter wanted it, she knew how difficult it is these days. Hope it all works out for you, if not, there is always next time.

 

[tinkerjo]

DS applied 2 days before the end of cutoff in October, ran through the web interview and phone interview in about a week. He is now waiting.... he wants it pretty bad

 

[tinkerjo]

I also read that all offers would be made by 11/16

 

[disneemama]

I'm sorry if this not in the right place to ask this question. (I haven't logged onto the forum much since my daughters wedding in the wedding section,several years ago) My grandson wanted to do the college program for years but decided to finished and graduate first. He just told me he was turned down for the online interview. Does anyone have any suggestions to continue and possible get thru. How soon can you reapply. He graduated in May and needs to do it as soon as possible since they only give you 6 months. He was very involved in the theater in college even though his major was Nursing. Any feed back would be much appreciated.

 

[disneemama]

You should receive some kind of notification by email. If you are not accepted, yes, you will receive an email telling you that you are no longer being considered. If you are able, try again! Lots of kids have to try many times. Best wishes!

Thanks

 

[flipflopmom]

How soon can you reapply.

If he never got to the web based interview, he can apply again in late January when the apps drop for next fall. I know he would be 6 months past graduation at that point, so he would have to re-enroll in college to be eligible to apply. Maybe an online class at a local community college?

 

[wendow]

I'm sorry if this not in the right place to ask this question. (I haven't logged onto the forum much since my daughters wedding in the wedding section,several years ago) My grandson wanted to do the college program for years but decided to finished and graduate first. He just told me he was turned down for the online interview. Does anyone have any suggestions to continue and possible get thru. How soon can you reapply. He graduated in May and needs to do it as soon as possible since they only give you 6 months. He was very involved in the theater in college even though his major was Nursing. Any feed back would be much appreciated.

I would agree with @flipflopmom. He will need to enroll in another class at college to still be eligible, and if he wants it bad enough, it's probably worth doing.

My dd18 is a nursing major as well. She app'ed for the spring and was not accepted. I'm not sure if it was her age, lack of work experience or perhaps, the nursing major isn't ideal for Disney. Either way, she will keep applying and keep applying

 

[wendow]

DS applied 2 days before the end of cutoff in October, ran through the web interview and phone interview in about a week. He is now waiting.... he wants it pretty bad

Congrats to your son for getting this far! How old is he and what has his work experience been like? And what is he majoring in?

 

[tinkerjo]

Congrats to your son for getting this far! How old is he and what has his work experience been like? And what is he majoring in?

DS is 20 and is a junior (2nd year of college but he did post secondary in high school) he is a criminal justice major. As far as work experience, he is currently an RA and has worked the past 2 summers at a local campground doing reservations and being a gate attendant. He still has not heard anything and I know there is limited roles left so I feel his chances are slim. Wish he would have thought to apply sooner!!!

 

[wendow]

DS is 20 and is a junior (2nd year of college but he did post secondary in high school) he is a criminal justice major. As far as work experience, he is currently an RA and has worked the past 2 summers at a local campground doing reservations and being a gate attendant. He still has not heard anything and I know there is limited roles left so I feel his chances are slim. Wish he would have thought to apply sooner!!!

Thanks for answering!

I think he still has a good chance. His work experience is perfect! Best wishes to him!!

 

[tinkerjo]

Thanks for answering!

I think he still has a good chance. His work experience is perfect! Best wishes to him!!

Thank you. You never know how something like this could change your life. He’s a good boy and a hard worker. We have gone to WDW every other year since he was born (14 hour drive) so he knows his way around even though they never once asked him if he had been there. I will be sure to post it if he does

 

[wendow]

Thank you. You never know how something like this could change your life. He’s a good boy and a hard worker. We have gone to WDW every other year since he was born (14 hour drive) so he knows his way around even though they never once asked him if he had been there. I will be sure to post it if he does

I'd love to know if he gets in! My dd has 'grown' up there too and dreamed of doing this program since she was 12yo. She app'ed the day they opened for the spring (she also did secondary classes while in high school but she was way too young to apply then lol). She wants this badly so she was discouraged when she was not accepted but she has so many more chances to apply. As does your ds! Some kids do have to apply many times before getting in. I do feel it could be life changing as well!

ETA: It is strange that they never ask these kids if they have been there. Kids, like mine and yours, who know their way around with their eyes closed, know pretty much all the resorts, restaurants, attractions, tips to making a guest's vacation more magical, etc are surely an asset. Yet Disney never asks. A few years ago, I met the mom of a girl who had been accepted. The girl had never been. Not to WDW or DLR. Not right or wrong that she'd never been and was doing DCP but just seems there might be some 'weight' given to those who have lots of park experience also.

 

[tinkerjo]

I totally Agree even though I’m sure from our conversations that some of the answers to his questions asked in the PI reflected that he had been there. It would definitely be easier to train them and your right about being able to make a guests vacation more magical as they know what always made it magical for them