College Program.. What made you decide to do it?

[mickeyonasticky]

I've had the idea of applying for the College Program for a few years now.. There's something holding me back, though.. And I don't really know what it is.

Maybe it's the fact that I've lived in one city my whole life (and attend college in said city) and am scared of moving so far away for a semester.

Maybe it's that I worry it won't be what I've built up in my mind and the magic will be ruined for me, forever.

Maybe it's that I worry I'll screw up somehow and be kicked out.

Maybe it's that I'm scared of not even being accepted in the first place.

I haven't really looked much into applying for the Program, other than reading a thread here and there, or briefly looking at the official DCP site.

I'm just kind of... apprehensive? I don't know.

I've been to WDW five times with my family, since age 12 (and a sixth trip is in the works). I know that it won't be at all like a vacation, which is partially why I worry that the magic will be gone, and it'll be like visiting work on my time off.

I just kind of want to start a thread to (maybe) alleviate some of my fears, or to realize that maybe I'm just not cut out for it.

Also, as the title of this thread suggests, why did you decide to do the Program? What fears do/did you have?

Comfort me

Thanks,
mickeyonasticky

 

[GraceysGirl]

I've been going to Disney for years. My more recent trips are 2006, 2007, 3 times in 2009, and just this past June. I LOVE Disney. Obviously. There are a couple of reasons I decided to do the program.

1. I want to live at Disney and be able to go whenever I want
2. It will look amazing on my resume
3. Everything I have heard about it has been postive.

I think if you haven't ever moved away from home this is a great chance for you to spread your wings a bit. If you hate it you can always quit. I'd start by doing some more research. Read the other tread you posted on. There is a lot of great info there. It's a great first step. There is still time to apply so I'd do some research, if your still unsure apply and then just see what happens.

 

[mickeyonasticky]

Thanks so much for the reply, Graceysgirl :]

I've looked through the Spring / Spring Advantage 2011 thread, and it sounds absolutely fantastic.

I also just finished watching the E-Presentation..

The only thing left to do is apply.

Why am I so nervous? lol

P.S. I noticed most people on that thread are doing Spring Advantage.. Other than spending more time in the Program, are there any other benefits/perks/reasons to do Spring Advantage rather than just the Spring Program?

 

[katemonster2508]

I was a CP in Spring 2008 and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. I decided to do it because I wanted something different in my life. I loved Disney and wanted the opportunity to experience the magic up close everyday. I recommend the program to anyone, but know that it is a LOT of work. CPs generally get the late night shifts and are in a lot of the less than glamorous jobs. There will be times where you will work 6 days a week. But, you also get to make the magic, which is totally worth it.

"Advantage" programs don't have any real advantage to traditional programs besides the fact that you are guaranteed to work longer. Spring is Jan-Aug, Summer is May/June- Dec. I wasn't advantage, but stayed on seasonally. I had a lot of friends who extended their spring program to a spring advantage and some of them even had the chance to change roles in May, which is kind of cool. From what I understand the program is getting a lot more applications these days so that may not be an option.

Also, if you think that you might want to work with Disney sometime in the future, the College Program is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. That's just my two cents. Good luck making a decision!!!

 

[mickeyonasticky]

Thanks so much, katemonster2508. I think I'll apply for just the Spring Program. I totally want to make the magic for everyone.. I think that's a main part of working for Disney :]

 

[DisneyFirefly]

I was a CP in 2004 and then on the alumni program in 2008.

I first applied because I was walking past my school's information desk at the student union and saw this bright yellow card. I picked it up, did some research on what it was about (the program), and went to the informational session. I'd never been to Disney before I was a CP. I ended up doing it because I needed a break from school and my family and the CP was the perfect way to do it. In doing the CP, though, I found a company that I'm dying to go back to work for. I did the alumni program because I was trying to move back to Orlando, and that gave me opportunity and means. The economy fell apart and my hours got cut (I'd gone seasonal after the end of the program, as they didn't have full-time available), and then I lost my job after being late one too many times because of the Lynx bus system. I fully intend to go back to work for them in a few years.

 

[GraceysGirl]

P.S. I noticed most people on that thread are doing Spring Advantage.. Other than spending more time in the Program, are there any other benefits/perks/reasons to do Spring Advantage rather than just the Spring Program?

I don't think there are any real perks but if you do spring you can apply to extend through the summer.

 

[Frizzbird]

I feel like I have said this 5 million times before (hopefully not here lol) but the 7 months I spent working for Disney were the best 7 months of my life. I did the spring program and went seasonal and stayed over the summer.

I'm sure the idea of moving away from the only place you have ever lived is scary but if you are going to spread you wings and fly what better place to do it than at Disney. The CP offers a degree of protection too so your not just jumping out into the real world. It is a lot of fun but you have to know going into that you are there to work. And most likely you will be doing a lot of work. But your work will probably be fun.

On the note of scared of not being accepted I wasn't accepted the first time I applied. I think it had something to do with the fact that I chose to audition to be a Performer and you weren't guaranteed a spot at that time. So a late audition and not passing meant not so good odds for me. I was upset but I applied again for the next semester and I got in. I am actually glad I didn't get in the first time because it gave me an opportunity to get to know people going the semester I went.

Don't worry about the magic getting ruined. I found that it gave me a different perspective on the magic and it kinda even enhanced it for me. I have turned into a Disney Sap. I go on the Disney Memories website (the one for the new promotion) and read memories and get all teary eyed. I don't think I would have done that before my program.

I would also suggest reading some blogs and watching some vlogs. There are some really good ones out there. My friend Marina did one and I think hers is both really informative and fun. http://marinawdwcp.blogspot.com/ The blogs and vlogs will give you the real perspective on the cp. and they are kinda fun too.

Hope my book of an answer helps!

 

[Joanna71985]

I did my first CP (out of 6) in Jan 2005. I was undeclared at the time, and I needed a break. The CP helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life, and pick my major in school. I owe a lot to the CP.

 

[mickeyonasticky]

I did my first CP (out of 6) in Jan 2005. I was undeclared at the time, and I needed a break. The CP helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life, and pick my major in school. I owe a lot to the CP.

Ohmygosh, I noticed your signature says you worked in Fantasyland Merchandise... That is my absolute dream. :]]]

 

[Joanna71985]

Ohmygosh, I noticed your signature says you worked in Fantasyland Merchandise... That is my absolute dream. :]]]

It was a lot of fun. I loved getting to see Wishes every night

 

[InPerfectClouds]

I was Magic Kingdom Custodial Fall of '09. I did it because... well... I've known I wanted to work for Disney for as long as I can remember. I've been getting Vacation Planning DVDs since they were VHS tapes, as soon as I learned how to say/spell my address.

My family was worried I had some high expectation of it because I had only physically been to Disney World once when I was 9 ((after years of torturing my parents)). But I insisted they were wrong, and when I went back in March of '09, 5 months before my program started, and before I had even applied, I knew the magic was still there.

I had heard about the College Program in the 8th grade, from my summer camp counselor who told me she was going to do it. So I've literally been on the mailing list for about 8 years now. After that March trip, I knew I wanted to go ahead and get on board as soon as possible. I had filled out the application every year, but never really had the guts to follow through and go to the presentations/interviews.

So yeah, kind of a long love story about why I decided to. I knew I'd end up there forever at some point ((and hopefully when I go back for Spring '11, that will be the case)).

 

[Salukfan]

I decided to do it for a couple of reasons. First, I've been a huge Disney nerd for years and years, and the chance to be surrounded by Disney stuff and within the company seemed too good to be true. I had never been to a Disney park before my first CP, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Second, I had some friends who had done the CP and they had amazing experiences.

To be honest, though, I don't think I would have had the courage to go down on CP if I didn't have friends who would be down there too. I had met these friends online (on Disney forums, actually), and knowing that I'd at least know *someone* eased my fears. Did I really have anything to worry about? No. The program is very warm and inviting, especially when you first start out. Things are laid out clearly and I felt comfortable right away.

I owe so, so much of my life to Disney in general, and the CP is part of that. I met my closest friends this way; I wouldn't give it up for the world.

 

[julayla]

I haven't done the program yet, but I fully intend to. It scares me too. I've got plenty of worries and questions in my mind. But I know that I'll regret it FAR MORE it if I don't at least try. If there's a good chance you'll regret not taking advantage of some lost opportunity years down the road... you're better off taking the plunge.

Moving to another place far from your friends and family can be hard. Very hard. And scary. That much I can say from experience. But stepping out of your comfort zone and taking those risks is worth it in the long run. And in this case, just remember: It's only temporary. Plus, you don't have to worry about transportation, furnishings (mostly), getting a job, etc. Disney takes care of most of the details you'd have to worry about if you were just moving on your own to another city or state. Compared to other options, it's a more safe and secure way to test your wings.

 

[Kels]

I decided to do the college program because I moved to Florida and I only hear good things about it. I heard about it in 2009 when I met my boyfriend and he was doing it. He told me about it and had me look into it but it wasn't something I was interested in doing at that point in my life. Fast forward to a year later we're living 10 minutes from Animal Kingdom and going to Disney World all the time. I just randomly decided to do it one day when I realized how amazing of an experience it could be.
Meeting people from all over the world, learning better customer service skills, being a part of the magic I've seen at Disney (Like today I was standing in line for the monorail at the Contemporary after seeing Hallowishes and a cast member walked up to a young boy with a birthday button on and handed him a phone with Goofy on the other end to wish him a happy birthday. That kid had a huge smile on his face and even small things like that make a really big difference for a kid.), and my dream job is a job I can have fun doing.

 

[Sorahana]

Well since my mom's friend's son started working at Disney years ago after doing a CP and graduating, they were trying to talk me into doing it (lol). My uncle also told me to do it because he wants to retire there and drive the buses).

I looked into it and decided to do it. I did my 1st program at Expedition Everest and a 2nd summer alumni program at Test Track. I would love to go back <3. It's such a good experience.