Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[stagemother]

I can't find anyone who can help with this question.

My daughter has been in submission since she applied 2 weeks ago, Feb 7. If she has an amazing auditions in March and moves on, will someone from the program get her out of submission in order to get the WBI and phone interview?

I would be quite disappointed to spend all the money and time to get her to the March auditions only to find out that we are in Never-Never submission land and will never get out even with a great audition.

Please advise as to the process if auditioning while still in submission. Would especially like to someone who was in Submission and got into Disney College after Auditions.

 

[goofy4tink]

I can't find anyone who can help with this question.

My daughter has been in submission since she applied 2 weeks ago, Feb 7. If she has an amazing auditions in March and moves on, will someone from the program get her out of submission in order to get the WBI and phone interview?

I would be quite disappointed to spend all the money and time to get her to the March auditions only to find out that we are in Never-Never submission land and will never get out even with a great audition.

Please advise as to the process if auditioning while still in submission. Would especially like to someone who was in Submission and got into Disney College after Auditions.

I have a feeling that I may have just responded to you over on the FB page for DCP!!! In any event......it's soooo hard waiting, and not only for the kids. It's hard for parents too. My dd is graduating from college in May...so if she doesn't get accepted for the Fall 2016 program, she gets just one more shot at it...Spring '17. And she wants to stay at WDW and see if she can make a living there...so this is the rest of her life we're talking about here!!!
I am taking her to auditions in March...same as you. Yes, she has progressed further than your dd....she has had her phone interview (she was told of the auditions during her phone interview)...but she is still in progress...has been for a month now. My dd is afraid that they (dcp) are holding up her status until after her audition....but I doubt it. I think it's just the luck of the draw.
Sadly, dd still has to audition to be a fur character. She is too tall to be almost 90% of the face characters!! She has no issue with that. She is a 'fur character' during the summer at a Six Flags! And she loves it...and completely realizes the pros and cons of being one!!! She's too tall to be a regular performer...although she is a theatre major and has a beautiful voice and dances. But, she has mad improv skills....so those will really help in her audition. But, like you....I really hate the thought of heading to NYC to audition, spend the money and time, be emotionally drained (as only auditioning can do!!!) only to return home and find out she's NLIC the day after we get home!!!

DD has friends who only want to perform at WDW!!! She would love to, don't get me wrong. But, she would make popcorn in order to be a WDW CM! She wants to stay on and see what she might be able to do, long term, at WDW. She fully gets that being 5'10'' isn't a plus at WDW...so has come to terms with not performing there. Although, she would make a stellar villain!!!!

So, actually have no words of wisdom for you. Just know that other parents are out there, worrying right along with you. Good luck to your dd in March...and I hope she hears something before she goes to auditions!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

The other thing I will say is many of us think that the process for moving on to the WBI is very 'electronic'. There is no way that a human being is sitting there, going through thousands upon thousands of these applications! Some think, as do I, that there is a computer program that is looking for specific things in the original application. If the computer sees what it is looking for, the applicant is invited to move on to the WBI..where again, a computer algorithm is looking for specific things.
When you look at how many kids don't get accepted on their first try, but get accepted on subsequent tries, you have to assume that when DCP is looking for something specific, it boots out those applications that don't meet the specifications.
So, being 'in submission' is a whole lot better than NLIC!!!! At least you're still in the running.

 

[stagemother]

Thank you so much for your response. Our daughters are in similar graduating situation. My daughter is taking 22 hours in college in her last semester of college on having switched from a Musical Theatre Degree to a pre-med Cell & Molecular Biology track. She will be taking a year off with the thought that a Disney College experience will open other opportunities. With her exhausting load, I "helped" her with her application and didn't check off some of the jobs that I didn't think she would want, when in reality she wanted to try for everything except housekeeping. My thinking is that situation kicked her into the rock wall Submission status. However, with my daughter's 15 years of Musical Theatre experience, with strong dancing and interpretation skills, I am confident that she will rock the Audition. So I am making myself sick wondering if a Disney Recruiter will take the time to push a button to override the computers Submission decision once they see she is a magical performer and a Snow White look-a-like. Best of luck to your daughter. I am confident she will get in. Please keep me posted! And if not, Spring '17 awaits.

 

[stagemother]

The other thing I will say is many of us think that the process for moving on to the WBI is very 'electronic'. There is no way that a human being is sitting there, going through thousands upon thousands of these applications! Some think, as do I, that there is a computer program that is looking for specific things in the original application. If the computer sees what it is looking for, the applicant is invited to move on to the WBI..where again, a computer algorithm is looking for specific things.
When you look at how many kids don't get accepted on their first try, but get accepted on subsequent tries, you have to assume that when DCP is looking for something specific, it boots out those applications that don't meet the specifications.
So, being 'in submission' is a whole lot better than NLIC!!!! At least you're still in the running.

Thank you so much for your response. Our daughters are in similar graduating situation. My daughter is taking 22 hours in college in her last semester of college on having switched from a Musical Theatre Degree to a pre-med Cell & Molecular Biology track. She will be taking a year off with the thought that a Disney College experience will open other opportunities. With her exhausting load, I "helped" her with her application and didn't check off some of the jobs that I didn't think she would want, when in reality she wanted to try for everything except housekeeping. My thinking is that situation kicked her into the rock wall Submission status. However, with my daughter's 15 years of Musical Theatre experience, with strong dancing and interpretation skills, I am confident that she will rock the Audition. So I am making myself sick wondering if a Disney Recruiter will take the time to push a button to override the computers Submission decision once they see she is a magical performer and a Snow White look-a-like. Best of luck to your daughter. I am confident she will get in. Please keep me posted! And if not, Spring '17 awaits.

I have a feeling that I may have just responded to you over on the FB page for DCP!!! In any event......it's soooo hard waiting, and not only for the kids. It's hard for parents too. My dd is graduating from college in May...so if she doesn't get accepted for the Fall 2016 program, she gets just one more shot at it...Spring '17. And she wants to stay at WDW and see if she can make a living there...so this is the rest of her life we're talking about here!!!
I am taking her to auditions in March...same as you. Yes, she has progressed further than your dd....she has had her phone interview (she was told of the auditions during her phone interview)...but she is still in progress...has been for a month now. My dd is afraid that they (dcp) are holding up her status until after her audition....but I doubt it. I think it's just the luck of the draw.
Sadly, dd still has to audition to be a fur character. She is too tall to be almost 90% of the face characters!! She has no issue with that. She is a 'fur character' during the summer at a Six Flags! And she loves it...and completely realizes the pros and cons of being one!!! She's too tall to be a regular performer...although she is a theatre major and has a beautiful voice and dances. But, she has mad improv skills....so those will really help in her audition. But, like you....I really hate the thought of heading to NYC to audition, spend the money and time, be emotionally drained (as only auditioning can do!!!) only to return home and find out she's NLIC the day after we get home!!!

DD has friends who only want to perform at WDW!!! She would love to, don't get me wrong. But, she would make popcorn in order to be a WDW CM! She wants to stay on and see what she might be able to do, long term, at WDW. She fully gets that being 5'10'' isn't a plus at WDW...so has come to terms with not performing there. Although, she would make a stellar villain!!!!

So, actually have no words of wisdom for you. Just know that other parents are out there, worrying right along with you. Good luck to your dd in March...and I hope she hears something before she goes to auditions!!!

I don't think I replied correctly to your note... I think I just did a separate comment, but it was in actuality a reply to you Ms. Goofy. Anyway, Thank you again. Also, can you share when your daughter submitted her DCP application.

 

[goofy4tink]

I don't think I replied correctly to your note... I think I just did a separate comment, but it was in actuality a reply to you Ms. Goofy. Anyway, Thank you again. Also, can you share when your daughter submitted her DCP application.

Sure....she was expecting, as was I, applications to drop in early Feb. So, I was shocked to be on-line and see that they had dropped on Jan 12!! My dd was at school, doing an intersession class and a play, so hadn't been looking for the applications. I texted her, and she applied that afternoon! She got a WBI right away, and then that night, an invitation to do a phone interview. Which she did the following Tuesday...the 19th. She thought it went well. But, to date, haven't heard anything.
I'm not sure what roles she listed...I know she listed character, character attendant (both things she does during the summer, and loves) as well as a few other things. The few things she listed as having no interest in were lifeguarding, and transportation! So, she didn't limit herself too much. I'm so used to being an integral part of her life that it's been very, very hard to let go and have her handle this all. But, I guess she's got to figure it all out eventually. It will be hard to sit and wait for her to finish her audition in March. But, she's got to do it herself..auditioning isn't a new thing for her. And as I'm quite fond of saying...'Every time you audition or hit the stage, you learn something..every single time.'.
My daughter only knows that she wants to be part of the Disney team. If she has to make popcorn, she will...although it might be tough to do as she loves their popcorn!!! She knows she has to pay her dues, so to speak. She does have a friend who has already auditioned for WDW twice now..and been rejected both times. She wants to perform..and that's all. So, I'm thrilled that my dd has more realistic goals. We have a friend who has gone through the DCP, and is now working full time at WDW. Maybe not in her original chosen role, but she's making a living! That's what my dd wants to have happen.
So, good luck to you guys!!! I hope your dd makes it out of 'in submission' soon.

 

[stagemother]

Your daughter got application in on the first day!? Great job!! My daughter's went in on Feb 7th ... ))- Which was a little late besides everything else. We are learning a lot. If for any reason you daughter didn't get in to the DCP, would you ever think about just going on her own to search the Disney job board and get a job directly through the regular application system. I know the best of all worlds would be to be in the DCP, but getting a job directly could be a way in for now. Although there would be additional housing expenses, it may work. What are your thoughts on that idea??

 

[goofy4tink]

Your daughter got application in on the first day!? Great job!! My daughter's went in on Feb 7th ... ))- Which was a little late besides everything else. We are learning a lot. If for any reason you daughter didn't get in to the DCP, would you ever think about just going on her own to search the Disney job board and get a job directly through the regular application system. I know the best of all worlds would be to be in the DCP, but getting a job directly could be a way in for now. Although there would be additional housing expenses, it may work. What are your thoughts on that idea??

We've given this a lot of thought. If she isn't accepted for Fall 2016, she will work at Six Flags (in entertainment) through Halloween, so early Nov. She would apply to DCP again, in Aug, for Spring 2017. If accepted she would go down in Jan '17.
If she doesn't get accepted that time, she will just do it the old fashioned way....apply for a job and move there. She already knows some CMs and her friend will probably already be there, living and working.
So....she'll get there, by hook or by crook!!

My husband and I are close to retirement, so could very well downsize in the next few years...then possibly buy a condo here in the NE and one a bit south or west of Orlando. My son and his wife live in Tampa, so it would be great to be close to family....especially if our dd is working for Disney!!

 

[stagemother]

Where is Six Flags??? We have so many similarities ... I am close to retirement also ... and I am ready to downsize myself. Sounds like a great plan. It looks like once you get into Disney, you can go anywhere. So excited for your family. What school is your daughter graduating from??? Is she graduating with a musical theatre degree? Best wishes for success for your daughter. And please keep me posted on her Audition in NYC. My daughter will go to the Dallas Audition on March 10th .. I know that they will do great!

 

[goofy4tink]

Six Flags New England. It's in western Mass. My daughter is graduating from a pretty small school, Roger Williams University, in coastal RI. No degree in musical theatre, just theatre. Because it's small, she had been able to get lots of experience, on and off stage. She has built sets, worked in sound, as well as leads in both plays and musicals. Her best friend is at TCU in the theatre program!!
Fingers crossed for both girls. I know my dd has many auditions under her belt, as I'm sure yours does!! That will be an advantage. My dd's height is a huge disadvantage though. Always has been. Good luck to your dd....I'll be thinking of her that day!!!

 

[jsgrant5]

My daughter is going to the Seattle audition next month and is glad she got accepted for Fall DCP incase she does move forward with the audition. It is too bad if they do well at the audition but don't get in.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm so thrilled to be able to say I'm an official DCP parent now. My dd, Kate, has been accepted for Fall '16 in attractions. She is still going to the March NYC auditions but now feels like a huge weight has been lifted!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I'm so thrilled to be able to say I'm an official DCP parent now. My dd, Kate, has been accepted for Fall '16 in attractions. She is still going to the March NYC auditions but now feels like a huge weight has been lifted!

Congrats to your daughter!

My DD did FA in 2015, had an amazing time and made many wonderful friends. She loved it so much that she's going back this summer for the Alumni program.

Hoping it's an amazing experience for your DD as well.

 

[goofy4tink]

Congrats to your daughter!

My DD did FA in 2015, had an amazing time and made many wonderful friends. She loved it so much that she's going back this summer for the Alumni program.

Hoping it's an amazing experience for your DD as well.

Thanks! She had wanted this for as long as I can remember. She's already planning on extending and then trying for a permanent spot.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Thanks! She had wanted this for as long as I can remember. She's already planning on extending and then trying for a permanent spot.

It's good that she'll be done with school when she does the program. My DD wanted to extend but she would have lost her scholarship, so I'm glad she did the responsible thing and came back to finish school. As it stands now, she's making plans to go back to Orlando when she graduates from college to give things a go there.

 

[goofy4tink]

It's good that she'll be done with school when she does the program. My DD wanted to extend but she would have lost her scholarship, so I'm glad she did the responsible thing and came back to finish school. As it stands now, she's making plans to go back to Orlando when she graduates from college to give things a go there.

We're really glad she was able to do this after she graduates. All the pieces seemed to fall into place. She decided to do her study abroad as a senior vs as a junior. And we didn't want her going to Orlando to work while still in school. It would have been way too tempting to just stay there instead of going back to school. Back in high school she decided she wanted to give Disney 5 years....see where that took her. If she didn't feel she was advancing or there was a future in staying with Disney, she would reevaluate and move on. Being able to graduate, work for the summer in a theme park up here, then go to WDW in Sept and start fulfilling her dream is the perfect scenario!!!!!

 

[coinkc]

My daughter has her phone interview tonight! She is super nervous but excited!!!

 

[katelyn321]

Hi Everyone! I've been reading through the posts and would first like to say CONGRATULATIONS to all that have been accepted into the program and BEST OF LUCK to those who have applied

We live in Chicago and spend approx. 40 days a year in Disney World (over 3 or 4 trips). It is truly our magical place. I am a single mom with a very hectic work schedule with many hours. My daughter is a freshman in college and works 2 part time jobs. With our very busy schedules, we use Disney World as our time to reconnect and relax, enjoying each others company. To say we Love WDW is an understatement. My DD has been talking about the DCP since we first learned of it 9 years ago and, as it is for many others, it is her dream!!

My daughter applied the first day and was sent straight into submission status. She was discouraged, but she also knows that she has more opportunities to apply again in the future. All hope is not lost yet though. She will be going to auditions in March. Music Theatre and performing has been a huge part of her life since she was 9. She would love to be a performer of some kind but would be happy doing just about anything, as long as she can be in Disney!!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Hi Everyone! I've been reading through the posts and would first like to say CONGRATULATIONS to all that have been accepted into the program and BEST OF LUCK to those who have applied

We live in Chicago and spend approx. 40 days a year in Disney World (over 3 or 4 trips). It is truly our magical place. I am a single mom with a very hectic work schedule with many hours. My daughter is a freshman in college and works 2 part time jobs. With our very busy schedules, we use Disney World as our time to reconnect and relax, enjoying each others company. To say we Love WDW is an understatement. My DD has been talking about the DCP since we first learned of it 9 years ago and, as it is for many others, it is her dream!!

My daughter applied the first day and was sent straight into submission status. She was discouraged, but she also knows that she has more opportunities to apply again in the future. All hope is not lost yet though. She will be going to auditions in March. Music Theatre and performing has been a huge part of her life since she was 9. She would love to be a performer of some kind but would be happy doing just about anything, as long as she can be in Disney!!

My daughter did the auditions in Chicago last year (we're from Chicago too, BTW). By the time she auditioned she knew she'd been accepted into the Fall Advantage program for QSDP, but she wanted to audition anyway. She called me up after the audition and said she was sure she couldn't dance after the audition , but she was glad she gave it a try. She met a couple of girls that ended up doing Fall Advantage with her so her time wasn't wasted.

Good luck to your daughter!

 

[katelyn321]

My daughter did the auditions in Chicago last year (we're from Chicago too, BTW). By the time she auditioned she knew she'd been accepted into the Fall Advantage program for QSDP, but she wanted to audition anyway. She called me up after the audition and said she was sure she couldn't dance after the audition , but she was glad she gave it a try. She met a couple of girls that ended up doing Fall Advantage with her so her time wasn't wasted.

Good luck to your daughter!

Thank you! Did your daughter enjoy her time during Fall Advantage? Can I ask, do you know how long the auditions took in Chicago last year?