Disney Classes QUESTION!!!

[Goofster18]

Ok, so I have seen some threads on here talking of taking a class at Disney. I am considering these but I have some issues. First, let me say that I will be going to those seminars and the other groups that aren't "Classes". But I know that if I take a class, I am limited to number of work hours per week and I was planning on picking up any shift possible, a few of them look kind of interesting but they aren't thrilling for me at this point, I'm not sure if I have time, they don't transfer credits and I don't know if I want to do homework and stuff over this program. Sounds like a lot but I'm sure others have thought about/like this and I am wondering, people's thoughts, ideas, suggestions. Ultimately: To take or not to take a class?
Thanks, Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[DisneyLover0526]

Ok, so I have seen some threads on here talking of taking a class at Disney. I am considering these but I have some issues. First, let me say that I will be going to those seminars and the other groups that aren't "Classes". But I know that if I take a class, I am limited to number of work hours per week and I was planning on picking up any shift possible, a few of them look kind of interesting but they aren't thrilling for me at this point, I'm not sure if I have time, they don't transfer credits and I don't know if I want to do homework and stuff over this program. Sounds like a lot but I'm sure others have thought about/like this and I am wondering, people's thoughts, ideas, suggestions. Ultimately: To take or not to take a class?
Thanks, Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

It's all up to you. I do want to pick up extra shifts if need be, but at the same time, I didn't want to fall behind with my classes and graduation. At my college, all of the classes at Disney are transferrable, so I'm going to be taking them. However, if the classes aren't transferrable for your college, and if you do want the extra work time, i say to not take the classes.

 

[kmg148]

Just keep in mind the shifts aren't in abundance during slow periods. Luckily in the Fall, you have Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years--we only had Easter. But after the last two weeks, it goes back to only having around 10 shifts that only certain people can take. QSR tend to be there, but other ones such as ride specific trained and tram drivers are things that only few people can do.

 

[kmg148]

And I have to do a lot of work for my internship with my school and took a class the first 8 weeks of the program. You have enough time to do them. I also took a Disney Exploration Series class.

 

[Goofster18]

I just figure that any time I have extra and available would be good to have in case I can snag one every once in a while, but yes, I have heard the shifts aren't usually open. I'm doing Fall Advantage, so I don't know if those are available during holidays.
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[kmg148]

The added benefit you have is both the Halloween and Christmas parties. It just really stinks if you're in a LoB that doesn't have many. FSFB RARELY has shifts. My friend has picked up one once, and that's because it worked with her schedule. I picked up my first shift today, other than that nothing has ever been compatible with my schedule.

 

[Goofster18]

I'm doing Character Attendant so even if I somehow was able to work a party, it would probably only be 1 or 2 shifts tops. I'm looking more at being able to, if I find one, jump on it rather than have to calculate my hours and not sign up for too many hours or be worried or have work interfere with classes, therefore not being able to take that shift. I have also heard that parade control is fun so I am looking into that as well!! As to classes, my major is Puppetry, so the Fine Arts seminar series thing is actually better for me than the classes, except perhaps the "Marketing You" one. I have heard that there are usually a lot of shifts in QSFB so I guess i got a great job but one without a lot of shift changing and dropping. And I only have 1 kind of costume which kind of stinks. But it's DISNEY and I'm working with the characters backstage and on, and I can talk, definitely a plus for interaction and communication and such. SUPER PUMPED!!! any other insight would be appreciated, thanks for all the comments and thoughts, fast replying!!
Have a Magical (Morning? Night? whichever you choose!!)
Goofster18

 

[kmg148]

Well, the thing about PAC is you have to be attractions trained. So unfortunately you wouldn't be able to do it.

 

[Goofster18]

Really?! I had heard around here that you could pick up a shift just playing games with the kids and such before the parade starts, then making sure people are off the streets before the parade starts. I love my role and I'll be excited to do anything, but if I can't get a shift or do anything else than I might as well get my times worth and just take a class. If my hours won't be different and I won't need the time I might as well use it well learning. It just sucks that I won't be able to do anything else, get a fuller experience, a different costume to wear every once in a while, go to a different park sometimes. I'm going to check and see if the "Marketing You" class will transfer any credits and I'll look into that one I guess. I'm already starting to hit the "reality" part of this and when people said it isn't so glorious as it is sometimes made out to be. But I'm still excited just to be at Disney, work with the characters, and get in for free!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[kmg148]

I've never seen untrained PAC (parade audience control) shifts on the hub, for the exception of the American Gardens Theatre. Fantasmic you need training, as well as for the parade at MK.

I'm not trying to ruin it for you, I just want you to be prepared for what you may see. If you really want to pick up shifts, QSR is the place to do it. During Easter, my friend picked up shifts in Liberty Square as well as other places. She went crazy. On the other hand, I avoid QSR.

 

[Goofster18]

No, I know this is actually really helpful, knowing all this in advance and understanding the program!!! What is QSR? Just so I know. I usually can figure out most of the little downsized things (I forget the word I'm looking for here...) but I don't know that one. Thanks!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[Aiden]

Has anyone taken an exploration class? How was it?

 

[kmg148]

Quick service food and beverage.

I take one now, Guest Service. It's okay, I know most of the information they "teach" though, since I've dealt with it at a job I have back home. But, it's still interesting and looks good on a resume!

 

[piratechick]

I've never seen untrained PAC (parade audience control) shifts on the hub, for the exception of the American Gardens Theatre. Fantasmic you need training, as well as for the parade at MK.

I'm not trying to ruin it for you, I just want you to be prepared for what you may see. If you really want to pick up shifts, QSR is the place to do it. During Easter, my friend picked up shifts in Liberty Square as well as other places. She went crazy. On the other hand, I avoid QSR.

I worked PAC a few times in my last program and I wasn't trained in Attractions. I was in QSFB. You don't have to be trained in Attractions to work PAC. I know in Animal Kingdom (where I worked), they pick two people from every location/role and made them do PAC. I also picked up a few shifts on the Hub for PAC and it was awesome.

 

[kmg148]

I worked PAC a few times in my last program and I wasn't trained in Attractions. I was in QSFB. You don't have to be trained in Attractions to work PAC. I know in Animal Kingdom (where I worked), they pick two people from every location/role and made them do PAC. I also picked up a few shifts on the Hub for PAC and it was awesome.

Well, every time on the hub the shifts say they require attractions training.

Just saying what I've seen...

 

[glendalais]

I worked PAC a few times in my last program and I wasn't trained in Attractions. I was in QSFB. You don't have to be trained in Attractions to work PAC. I know in Animal Kingdom (where I worked), they pick two people from every location/role and made them do PAC. I also picked up a few shifts on the Hub for PAC and it was awesome.

In early 2008, or somewhere thereabouts, WDW changed their policies regarding EHH PAC shifts. You now have to be Attractions-trained to pick up most PAC shifts on the EHH.

I believe this was done to bring WDW into compliance with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operations guidelines. No other WDP&R site allows non-Attraction Cast Members to pick up any type of Guest Control shift. Indeed, here at the DLR, with the exception of one very small portion of Fantasmic! Guest Control, it would be unfathomable to see a Food & Beverage Cast Member working any sort of Guest Control.

I would also think that it also helps improve efficiency on the parade route, as Attractions Cast Members are already trained on Guest Control techniques, while Cast Members from other Lines of Businesses are not.

No, I know this is actually really helpful, knowing all this in advance and understanding the program!!! What is QSR? Just so I know. I usually can figure out most of the little downsized things (I forget the word I'm looking for here...) but I don't know that one. Thanks!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

QSR - Quick Service Restaurants, is the section within the Food & Beverage department that manages the Counter Service, Fast Food, Buffeteria and Food Court restaurants throughout the Theme Parks and Resorts of the Walt Disney World Resort.

 

[piratechick]

In early 2008, or somewhere thereabouts, WDW changed their policies regarding EHH PAC shifts. You now have to be Attractions-trained to pick up most PAC shifts on the EHH.

I believe this was done to bring WDW into compliance with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts operations guidelines. No other WDP&R site allows non-Attraction Cast Members to pick up any type of Guest Control shift. Indeed, here at the DLR, with the exception of one very small portion of Fantasmic! Guest Control, it would be unfathomable to see a Food & Beverage Cast Member working any sort of Guest Control.

I would also think that it also helps improve efficiency on the parade route, as Attractions Cast Members are already trained on Guest Control techniques, while Cast Members from other Lines of Businesses are not.

That explains it. I worked there in Fall 2007, so I didn't know they changed it in 2008. Which sucks, because I was hoping to pick up a few PAC shifts this Fall but now I won't since I am going to be in Merchandise. Oh well, at least I was able to experience it before they changed it.

 

[DisSisters]

Has anyone taken an exploration class? How was it?

I took Exploring Guest Service and I loved it! I did not take away from getting enough hours either. It was just once a week for 2 hours. Every week a different disney leader would come talk with our class and it was very interactive. We also took a few field trips, one to the Polynesian and one to Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios was the best one, we talked with a guest relation person who gives tours to celebrities who was very interesting. Then we learned more about the HSM3 show and watched it. The best part was sitting in the control room and watching guests drop in the Tower of Terror. I thought it was really interesting.

 

[dms25]

I work at Fantasmic/PAC/HSM and also worked at Rock'n'Roller Coaster. For our PAC, we "technically" have to be trained, but if we were short, then they would pull people from QSFB or merch to do PAC. If we had new people who had never done PAC before, a manager or coordinator would pull you off to the side and explain your position, and sometimes even walk you to your position.

I also took a class while I was there for my CP. I took Marketing You. I only got elective credit for this class and it doesn't affect your schedule that much. All it did for me was guarantee one of my days off being the same every week. If you don't need the class, then I wouldn't bother.

 

[Joanna71985]

Yeah, it stinks that PAC was made attractions-trained. I used to pick up PAC shifts all the time during my first 2 CPs. So I guess there is one good thing about doing attractions on this CP (I can do PAC again).

Really?! I had heard around here that you could pick up a shift just playing games with the kids and such before the parade starts, then making sure people are off the streets before the parade starts. I love my role and I'll be excited to do anything, but if I can't get a shift or do anything else than I might as well get my times worth and just take a class. If my hours won't be different and I won't need the time I might as well use it well learning. It just sucks that I won't be able to do anything else, get a fuller experience, a different costume to wear every once in a while, go to a different park sometimes. I'm going to check and see if the "Marketing You" class will transfer any credits and I'll look into that one I guess. I'm already starting to hit the "reality" part of this and when people said it isn't so glorious as it is sometimes made out to be. But I'm still excited just to be at Disney, work with the characters, and get in for free!!
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

Even if you don't pick up shifts from the HUB (and there are lots of shifts that don't require training), there are plenty of entertainment shifts that can be picked up from the base. From picking up extra shifts, I've gotten to work the castle show (Cinderellabration, Dream Along with Mickey, and Celebrate the Seasons), Woody's Cowboy Camp (now gone), and Mickey's Backyard BBQ (among others). So that is something to consider.