Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[PrincessKsMom]

Thanks Jules! She knows she wants to work in one of the hotels, as that's where she'd like to work after college. She also mentioned there's a new tour guide position, but they are very, very limited. She was an ambassador in high school (2400 students) and is also an ambassador at her college (9000 students) so she's used to giving guided tours, etc. But she knows that it's unlikely she would get it, but still wants to try. She is also working at a national chain restaurant at the moment as a hostess, but occasionally buses tables, takes drink orders, etc. so she's open to that as well. Really just about any job but would be thrilled to get something in the hotels. I'll tell her to keep an eye out for the application dates, as I'm sure she already is. And we'll keep our fingers crossed that she gets accepted.

Her school also mentioned that there are classes available while at Disney that would get her credit since her major is HTMS. They are the only major on campus who will get credits while at DCP. Can anyone share their experience of taking a class or two while working at the DCP? What they thought of the classes, etc.?

 

[tiggersmyguy]

PrincessKsMom, my daughter did Spring Advantage 2014, her sophomore year of college. She was a hospitality management major. She also was interested in working at a resort front desk, she was offered quick service food, not even one of her choices! She grumbled about it but accepted. Biggest shocker, she enjoyed it and also discovered that food and beverage was more interesting than she ever imagined. Since graduating in December (a semester early thanks to taking ap classes, a few summer classes and a Disney class) she has worked as a front desk supervisor at a hotel but is now a food & bev supervisor at a hotel. It still amazes me that the job she least wanted at Disney helped her find something she really enjoys.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

PrincessKsMom, my daughter did Spring Advantage 2014, her sophomore year of college. She was a hospitality management major. She also was interested in working at a resort front desk, she was offered quick service food, not even one of her choices! She grumbled about it but accepted. Biggest shocker, she enjoyed it and also discovered that food and beverage was more interesting than she ever imagined. Since graduating in December (a semester early thanks to taking ap classes, a few summer classes and a Disney class) she has worked as a front desk supervisor at a hotel but is now a food & bev supervisor at a hotel. It still amazes me that the job she least wanted at Disney helped her find something she really enjoys.

Thank you for sharing your daughter's experience. I'm happy to hear she had such a wonderful experience and found her passion while at DCP. I'm sure my daughter will take anything they offer. Lol. It is all about the experience of working for Disney!

 

[Jules76126]

Thanks Jules! She knows she wants to work in one of the hotels, as that's where she'd like to work after college. She also mentioned there's a new tour guide position, but they are very, very limited. She was an ambassador in high school (2400 students) and is also an ambassador at her college (9000 students) so she's used to giving guided tours, etc. But she knows that it's unlikely she would get it, but still wants to try. She is also working at a national chain restaurant at the moment as a hostess, but occasionally buses tables, takes drink orders, etc. so she's open to that as well. Really just about any job but would be thrilled to get something in the hotels. I'll tell her to keep an eye out for the application dates, as I'm sure she already is. And we'll keep our fingers crossed that she gets accepted.

Her school also mentioned that there are classes available while at Disney that would get her credit since her major is HTMS. They are the only major on campus who will get credits while at DCP. Can anyone share their experience of taking a class or two while working at the DCP? What they thought of the classes, etc.?

Interesting that they now have a tour guide role. I am sure that is a very popular request. They seem to be adding more and more positions each year. My first CP you could not be a photopass photographer, but by my next one you could. Just because a role is difficult to get, doesn't mean it's impossible. Sounds like this program is quite popular at her school. I woudl see if she could talk to someone who has done the program recently and get their perspective. I found that very helpful. The other thing is, less college kids work in the hotel front desk or those hard to get roles. Most of my friends I made while at work so it was great to work at places that had a lot of college kids. It became one big friendly environment and we really bonded. I am getting married later this year and some of my CP friends from my first program (which was 9 years ago) are coming to my wedding so you really do make lifelong friendships.

I did not take any classes while I did the programs (I was a History Major so wasn't going to help me) but I know plenty of people who did. Each class was one day a week for I think two hours and you were allowed to take 2 classes max. I don't think it was too difficult. Most of my friends were not spending hours doing homework or projects. Those that took the classes really enjoyed them. You are guaranteed to have the day off for your class as well so no issues there. I am not sure if she plans to do Spring or Spring Advantage.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thanks Jules! You've been extremely helpful. And congrats on your upcoming wedding!!!

She is part of the Disney College club at school and they are being mentored by others who have done the program in the past. I believe she indicated the tour guide position was new this past year. She has an eye on doing the college program (spring this coming school year or fall of senior year) and would possibly like to do the program again after graduation. I didn't realize there as a "spring" and "spring advantage" so I Googled it. She would definitely need the program that supplies the housing. (DCP website only mentioned Spring and Spring Advantage for California and said the only real difference was housing.) I'm sure she would make many wonderful friends through housing. She's not sure she wants to take classes and participate in the program. She's afraid it may be too much, so I'm just trying to gather info. I've been a long-time DISer but have been away for quite a while. But I knew the perfect place to come for info. We've also been watching some of the youtube videos of phone interviews trying to get a feel for it all.

 

[Jules76126]

Wonderful that she has some resources at school! The Orlando program supplies housing to all CPs so no worries there. She is guaranteed to get a spot. The only difference between normal Spring/Fall programs and the advantage programs is the length. Spring runs early Jan to May and advantage runs late January to Mid August. I was there January 22 to August 17. Fall advantage is June to December and Fall is August to December. I can understand the school work issue. I did the program spring of my sophomore year and then the semester after I graduated. Both great programs. Definitely come back and update us once she is accepted and knows her role. Love to know where she gets placed. Working at Disney is a wonderful experience. Besides living in abroad it was one of my favorite things i've done.

 

[tiggersmyguy]

PrincessKsMom, I don't think taking a class is that much of an issue while on the cp. My daughter had weeks when she worked overtime and she had no problem with getting her class work done. As for the housing, just be aware that they do charge rent, can't remember how much it was exactly. She will also have roommates, my daughter had anywhere from 3-4 roommates in the 2 bedroom unit depending on length of program. She is still in close contact with 1 of the roommates (2 of them were real problems, sadly) and she made many friends from literally all over the world at work.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I spoke with DD last night. She laughed and said she was aware of everything that was mentioned here. I should know better. She is a planner and is all about the details. LOL. She said the only Disney class available that she can take is related to H.R., I believe. She said that's why she's been avoiding taking that one at school so it's still an option for her at Disney. She was glad to hear that others had taken classes while doing DCP and it didn't pose a problem.

Tiggersmyguy - right now she has apartment-style housing on campus. Two bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom with 3 other roommates, so I'm sure the housing won't be a problem. And we did know there would be a charge which is directly taken from her paycheck. I guess I'm more nervous about all of this than she is. She seems to have it all under control. The only thing she has no control over is whether her application is accepted/if she gets a phone interview/if she gets selected. That is up to the fates.

 

[tiggersmyguy]

I think your DD and mine are cut from the same cloth, those words of "I know all this Mom" are still echoing in my ears! I do believe the HR class is the one my daughter took at Disney, she had no problem getting credit for it at school. My daughter also was used to roommates at school, usually 3-5 in any given year. At Disney, 2 of her roommates had never lived away from home. They expected "other" people to pick up after them and had no idea how to wash a dish or bathroom for that matter. That was her only problem with roommates, still talks a few times a week to the one that knew what living with other people means.

 

[brandaid]

My daughter will be in the DCP for the fall semester. We're going to go down and visit her in October. Should we buy park tickets, or will she be able to bring us in?

 

[SureAsLiz]

My daughter will be in the DCP for the fall semester. We're going to go down and visit her in October. Should we buy park tickets, or will she be able to bring us in?

This depends on your party size, how many days you will be there, and how many hours she will have worked.
There is a new system in which CPs earn guest entry after working so many hours. Hopefully someone can explain it as the system changed after I left, so I'm not 100% sure how it works now.

If she isn't able to get you in on her guest passes, then she will be able to purchase discounted tickets (10% off generally) for you

 

[Just Peachy]

My daughter will be in the DCP for the fall semester. We're going to go down and visit her in October. Should we buy park tickets, or will she be able to bring us in?

I'll be doing the same thing with my son this November. In checking into the latest rules with tickets, I found that members of the DCP get 3-one-day-park-hopper-passes for the first 150 hours worked and then another 3 after 300 hours worked and a remaining 3 after 600 hours of work for a total of 9 tickets within a calendar year. These tickets are not effected by the standard main gate block-out dates. But, they are blocked out on the same dates that the DCP is blocked out for "employee self-admission". (I think that this means that more block out times impact the tickets.)

Our family will be at the parks for 4 days, so I plan to buy three-day passes and assume that my son will be able to get us in for the 4th day.

 

[SureAsLiz]

These tickets are not effected by the standard main gate block-out dates. But, they are blocked out on the same dates that the DCP is blocked out for "employee self-admission". (I think that this means that more block out times impact the tickets.)

This is partly true [though I believe it ends with the same result that you are thinking of]

There are 3 types of blockouts:
Employee Self-Admission
Main Entrance Pass (Spouse and Guest)
One-Day Park Hopper Guest Ticket (for Temporary/Recurring Cast guest tickets) [this is what DCP earns]

Employee self-admission pretty much only happens during Christmas/New Years Week. There will be random days sometimes (Last year included 7/4 at MK, and Wine and Dine Half at Epcot). On these days, CMs are not able to enter the park without a paid (or comp) ticket.

Main Entrance Pass (Spouse and Guest) is for regular employee guest passes, and is the most common. But the number of days have been drastically reduced this year compared to last

One-Day PH seems to have fewer restrictions than the regular guest passes, and will probably line up with self-admission blockouts. But since the passes are new this year, there's little precedent as to what will be blocked out for them.

 

[dizagain]

DD is there now.....the new hopper passes temporary CM' s (like CP' s are) earn are great! Like mentioned above, they earn 3 at each milestone-150, 300 and 600 hours worked. They also receive one guest hopper about two weeks after arrival, or at least they did for Spring, SA and FA this year.

They can be used any time Cast Members are allowed in the parks using their own main gate pass......this means pretty much almost all of the time. There have been no blockout dates for them so far this year and I would guess there won't be until a few days at MK around the Christmas holidays.

It's important to know that there is a blockout date calendar for cast members and their guest passes. There are lots of blockout dates ( MK especially) but generally those are for the full and part time CM' s. You have to read carefully. Many CP' s and their families do not understand this and lose out on using their passes.

We have enjoyed the perks our CP' s have earned!

 

[mobish]

I have a helpful for hint for those CPs with a car. My daughter did 2 programs, a PI then worked in Celebration for 2 years. If you need a reliable mechanic go to Pep Boys in Celebration. They take good care of cast members, their prices are fair and they are honest about the work that is needed and NOT needed. Always did the right thing for my daughter.

 

[Merryweather11]

DD is there now.....the new hopper passes temporary CM' s (like CP' s are) earn are great! Like mentioned above, they earn 3 at each milestone-150, 300 and 600 hours worked. They also receive one guest hopper about two weeks after arrival, or at least they did for Spring, SA and FA this year.

They can be used any time Cast Members are allowed in the parks using their own main gate pass......this means pretty much almost all of the time. There have been no blockout dates for them so far this year and I would guess there won't be until a few days at MK around the Christmas holidays.

Hi There, I was wondering if you knew if the CP has to be with you when guests use the new hopper passes. I thought I read somewhere that they had to scan their ID and then the guest scans their pass--but I haven't been able to confirm that anywhere. Curious if the CP has to be at work how the guest will get into the park. My daughter is heading out in early September to start the program and I'm trying to figure out how things work.

 

[goofy4tink]

Hi There, I was wondering if you knew if the CP has to be with you when guests use the new hopper passes. I thought I read somewhere that they had to scan their ID and then the guest scans their pass--but I haven't been able to confirm that anywhere. Curious if the CP has to be at work how the guest will get into the park. My daughter is heading out in early September to start the program and I'm trying to figure out how things work.

I'm not 100% sure. Your dd will get more info...you've got 150 work hours to figure it out!!
My dd starts on Sept 6, when does yours start?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Hi There, I was wondering if you knew if the CP has to be with you when guests use the new hopper passes. I thought I read somewhere that they had to scan their ID and then the guest scans their pass--but I haven't been able to confirm that anywhere. Curious if the CP has to be at work how the guest will get into the park. My daughter is heading out in early September to start the program and I'm trying to figure out how things work.

Yes, the CP has to be there to get the guest in. The CP must scan their main gate first and then scan the Chip and dale pass for each guest. Each guest will attach a "finger scan" to their pass as it is a park hopper. The CM does not need to be present for park hopping but you should remember which finger you used because they can't reset them and if there is a problem then they may require the CM to show up with their main gate. CMs aren't required to stay with immediate family, but technically they aren't supposed to leave anyone else they get into the parks on their chip and dale passes unattended.
And as far as getting into the park if the CM is working, well they have to be there to get you in, so you will have to go around their work schedule. And they can't call out of work and then use their main gate or blue ID. That is grounds for immediate termination.

 

[dizagain]

Yes, the CP has to be there to get the guest in. The CP must scan their main gate first and then scan the Chip and dale pass for each guest. Each guest will attach a "finger scan" to their pass as it is a park hopper. The CM does not need to be present for park hopping but you should remember which finger you used because they can't reset them and if there is a problem then they may require the CM to show up with their main gate. CMs aren't required to stay with immediate family, but technically they aren't supposed to leave anyone else they get into the parks on their chip and dale passes unattended.
And as far as getting into the park if the CM is working, well they have to be there to get you in, so you will have to go around their work schedule. And they can't call out of work and then use their main gate or blue ID. That is grounds for immediate termination.

Yes, the CM does have to be there. Another thing to note is that the passes can be linked to your MDE and you can make the FP' s yourself at 60 days out with a resort reservation. Many people don't know or believe this. My DD took pictures of the numbers on the passes for me and I added them to MDE- worked perfectly!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Yes, the CM does have to be there. Another thing to note is that the passes can be linked to your MDE and you can make the FP' s yourself at 60 days out with a resort reservation. Many people don't know or believe this. My DD took pictures of the numbers on the passes for me and I added them to MDE- worked perfectly!

Your really not supposed to link them to your MDE. They are supposed to be linked to the CM's MDE because additional days will be loaded onto those same cards and once they have been linked, they cannot be unlinked. They are told to link them to their accounts and not to let others put them on their own MDE. I was there and heard the instructions with my own 2 ears.