Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[chinarider]

Hi, my daughter is currently at Epcot but, does not research much information.... She is coming home after this semester in January. Do her benefits extend for any period of time after her departure or are they just thru her last day or work? Thank you

 

[wilkeliza]

Hi, my daughter is currently at Epcot but, does not research much information.... She is coming home after this semester in January. Do her benefits extend for any period of time after her departure or are they just thru her last day or work? Thank you

Her benefits will stop at 11:59pm the last day of her program.

 

[Dizzyworld]

Anything over 40 is overtime.

What they get is experience with a Fortune 500 company. During the course of the program there are amazing classes and seminars that one can go to. They do resume workshops, "selling yourself" workshops on how to interview and dress for jobs. It also teaches the value of hard work. Most of the students who have gone have never worked a day in their lives or paid their own bills. On the DCP you pay rent and utilities and work. It teaches these skills in the relatively safe environment that is Disney.

You also make wonderful connections and if you finish you get to put something on your resume that holds a lot of weight.i came home and was able to get a management position at Starbucks and then less than a year later am now a salaried employee at a tech company. Every interviewer told me the DCP and the fact I worked for Disney is what set me apart from the 1,000 other applicants they received.

To be quite frank most college age kids wouldn't get much else in today's job market.

These are some of the things my DH says to me. She has a job, but she needs to grow.

It's all about the experience. It's priceless. My dd loved it. I was so worried before she went and so happy she did this especially since she does not go away to school.

It costs us a ton of money and she worked very hard but it was all worth it!

Good luck to her

My DD also decided to live at home for college. (We live 10 min. away from the college. Plus we couldn't see paying another mortage payment when she does live that close to college.) One reason we think this program would be good for her is to have that experience of living with other kids beside camps. Although she has no porblem going away with other families. And there are some skills that can't be taught.

She is determined to go to DCP. She says if she doesn't get in this time she'll try again.

Could you give me some ideas of the extra expensives or needs for money?

Thanks.

 

[wilkeliza]

These are some of the things my DH says to me. She has a job, but she needs to grow. My DD also decided to live at home for college. (We live 10 min. away from the college. Plus we couldn't see paying another mortage payment when she does live that close to college.) One reason we think this program would be good for her is to have that experience of living with other kids beside camps. Although she has no porblem going away with other families. And there are some skills that can't be taught. She is determined to go to DCP. She says if she doesn't get in this time she'll try again. Could you give me some ideas of the extra expensives or needs for money? Thanks.

For the regular day to day your daughter shouldn't need any extra money. She will be avle to afford rent, food and a tiny bit of fun off of each pay check.

However if you want her to be able to do whatever she wants they 1,000 to 3,000 is fine. I soent about 1,500 in unecessaries across my program including a tv, espresso machine, vaccum, Halloween Horror Night, a runDisney event and 2 Mickey's Not So Scary parties.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Hello Everyone.....my DD has had her phone interview recently. My DD is excited, and has her fingers crossed. My DH is excited for her. I have mixed feelings about all of this. Help me understand what these students get out of this program. It looks like cheap labor for Disney where these young people are working like crazy doing entry level jobs with some a little fun thrown in there too. Since this is a college program, I take it they can be made to work 40+ hours for minimum wage and no overtime pay? Do they have any rights/protection? What am I missing? Please help me see the big picture.
Thanks.

Truth be told, you are somewhat correct in the fact that it is cheap labor for Disney. But they do get the experience of being out on their own in a somewhat controlled environment. Few poisitions get 40 hours a week. They are considered full time at 32 hours. Even during the busy seasons, very few kids will get more than 40 hours. Disney doesn't like to pay OT. If they want to give away or pick up a shift, they have to watch giving it to someone that will put them over 40. And likewise, if they want to pick up a shift, they have to make sure it won't put them in OT.
Yes, it can be a resume builder but around here, I have seen kids come home and take months to find a job. The big thing is learning not to talk all Disney in your interviews. Other companies aren't interested in the Disney way and being compared to Disney. When they hire someone, they want their jobs done their way....not to hear "well Disney does it like this...".
They get out of it what they put into it. I know a kid whose parents where so controlling at home, when the kid went they partied all the time....drinking 5 out of 7 nights. If they are 21 or older and in nonwellness housing, alcohol use is totally permissible. Some kids go planning on seeing how many different people they can "hook up" with. It really boils down to what your Kid wants to get out of the program. They can get as much or as little as they decide.

It's all about the experience. It's priceless. My dd loved it. I was so worried before she went and so happy she did this especially since she does not go away to school.

It costs us a ton of money and she worked very hard but it was all worth it!

Good luck to her

I think it can be a wonderful experience. There are lots of things about living in the real world that they get to learn and experience. But it isn't all fairy tales and pixie dust.

These are some of the things my DH says to me. She has a job, but she needs to grow.

My DD also decided to live at home for college. (We live 10 min. away from the college. Plus we couldn't see paying another mortage payment when she does live that close to college.) One reason we think this program would be good for her is to have that experience of living with other kids beside camps. Although she has no porblem going away with other families. And there are some skills that can't be taught.

She is determined to go to DCP. She says if she doesn't get in this time she'll try again.

Could you give me some ideas of the extra expensives or needs for money?

Thanks.

In 2013, the deposit to reserve their spot (if accepted) was $300. That supposedly covers their apt rent since it'll be a few weeks before they get their first check. The first week is basically a bust work wise because they are moving in, going to housing meetings, and hopefully they get into "Traditions" quickly so they can start their work place assignment.
If they work their assigned hours, they really shouldn't need extra money. But if they have a car, they may have a harder time. Well I guess that depends on who is paying their car insurance bill....my kids have their own cars titled and insured in their names. They are not on our policy. They pay their own insurance bills. So it will be a little tougher for my daughter since her car insurance is about $125/month. But she plans on having $ set aside in her account to help her with that.
It also depends on what you want them to gain. DD had a friend who did the program and over the course of her 6/7 month program, her parents gave her between $4,000 & 5,000 To spend! She ate out all the time, better than the parents at home! To talk to her, she learned how to party and basically it was a 6 month Disney vacation with some work hours thrown in here and there.
So maybe sit down with yours and write out what it is you'd like for her to get out of the program....such as cooking her own meals, doing her own grocery shopping, doing her own laundry, learning a financial budget, learning even more about budgeting time...and balancing work w/ other activities. Along with learning to work in different environments and with different people.
My DD learned fluent Spanish very quickly because at her first work assignment, hardly anyone spoke English. There are positives to the program but there are downsides too. DD had one manager who hated CP's because he felt as soon as you got them trained well, it was time for them to leave and get a new set. He was very difficult to work for. Again, just realize it isn't all fairy tales and pixie dust. But she did gain some great experiences.
GOOD LUCK to your DD!!!

 

[mccreel]

My son has been there for 2 month's and absolutely loves it. Pay is minimum wage, sometimes some positions a little bit more, but is completely unskilled labor meaning you do not have a college degree to do the job. So considering that the pay is pretty good. He did not get a lot of hours in September because it slowed down but he is getting more since it is starting to pick back up. Classes are available that is geared toward what they are taking in college, but from Disney angle like you studying to work only for Disney. Some weeks he has more money than others, which is good, he is learning to live on a budget. He said the other day he had no idea how much razor blades and other things cost so he is learning to be picky in purchasing. The time he has spent at the parks with the friends he made is something he will never forget. It really has not cost us anything except the 300 deposit that covers the first couple weeks rent and some living money until he started getting his paycheck. He does not have a car payment but he pays his own car and renters insurance. He is already thinking about extending through spring. So, yes, things can be tight, but I personally think that is a good thing so they have to control their money and not get into compulsive spending which can be a death spiral. So for our family it is well worth it. But each family is different.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

My son is there now for Fall 2014. He also has lived at home while going to college. This program was a safe way for him to experience being 'on his own'. The initial fee was $400. Since he has only lived at home, we did have the expense of bedding, a cheap vacuum cleaner (they can rent these but we heard they don't work very well and the one I bought him was only $35), a modem, etc. We also had the cost of getting him down there which included getting his car completely serviced to make the long drive. We drove down with him and spent a week relaxing around the pool in case he needed anything. We have only added $250 to his account in the two months he has been there. Part of that was because he works in the water park and they drastically cut hours a few times. He is learning to take care of himself and to budget. These are hard to learn when you live at home. It has been invaluable for him.

He has good days and bad day just like anything else. But, he is getting to do something that not everyone gets to do and lean at the same time.

 

[stitchlovestink]

My son has been there for 2 month's and absolutely loves it. Pay is minimum wage, sometimes some positions a little bit more, but is completely unskilled labor meaning you do not have a college degree to do the job. So considering that the pay is pretty good. He did not get a lot of hours in September because it slowed down but he is getting more since it is starting to pick back up. Classes are available that is geared toward what they are taking in college, but from Disney angle like you studying to work only for Disney. Some weeks he has more money than others, which is good, he is learning to live on a budget. He said the other day he had no idea how much razor blades and other things cost so he is learning to be picky in purchasing. The time he has spent at the parks with the friends he made is something he will never forget. It really has not cost us anything except the 300 deposit that covers the first couple weeks rent and some living money until he started getting his paycheck. He does not have a car payment but he pays his own car and renters insurance. He is already thinking about extending through spring. So, yes, things can be tight, but I personally think that is a good thing so they have to control their money and not get into compulsive spending which can be a death spiral. So for our family it is well worth it. But each family is different.

I think that is a very accurate account! Having to buy toilet paper and cleaning products (not just laundry detergent either), they get an idea of how many other things are needed and how costly it can be having your own place. It can be a very eye opening experience.
IMHO, giving lots of extra spending money is counterproductive if you want them to learn some type of budgeting or financial independence.
It is hard for them to truly comprehend living expenses, if mom & dad give them a big padding to fall back on. They become accustomed to a lifestyle that chances are, many are not going to be able to maintain after college...unless they are debt free and get a great paying job. A lot of college graduates are barely able to find jobs at all. It's still a tough job market.

 

[mccreel]

I think that is a very accurate account! Having to buy toilet paper and cleaning products (not just laundry detergent either), they get an idea of how many other things are needed and how costly it can be having your own place. It can be a very eye opening experience.
IMHO, giving lots of extra spending money is counterproductive if you want them to learn some type of budgeting or financial independence.
It is hard for them to truly comprehend living expenses, if mom & dad give them a big padding to fall back on. They become accustomed to a lifestyle that chances are, many are not going to be able to maintain after college...unless they are debt free and get a great paying job. A lot of college graduates are barely able to find jobs at all. It's still a tough job market.

To be honest, it is kind of funny to hear him when he discovers how expensive things are. He loves going to Red Robin. We go sometimes but not all the time cause we don't like paying a lot for a burger, even a very good burger. He went to one once to pay on his own and he has not been back. He said, "It is so expensive" Yep.. And on the same trip with the razor blades, he did have to buy detergent and softener, shampoo, etc. Again with the surprise on how expensive things are. We just laugh and say, Yes, Yes it is....

 

[mccreel]

My son is there now for Fall 2014. He also has lived at home while going to college. This program was a safe way for him to experience being 'on his own'. The initial fee was $400. Since he has only lived at home, we did have the expense of bedding, a cheap vacuum cleaner (they can rent these but we heard they don't work very well and the one I bought him was only $35), a modem, etc. We also had the cost of getting him down there which included getting his car completely serviced to make the long drive. We drove down with him and spent a week relaxing around the pool in case he needed anything. We have only added $250 to his account in the two months he has been there. Part of that was because he works in the water park and they drastically cut hours a few times. He is learning to take care of himself and to budget. These are hard to learn when you live at home. It has been invaluable for him.

He has good days and bad day just like anything else. But, he is getting to do something that not everyone gets to do and lean at the same time.

Our fee was just 300, maybe different fees for different areas? Anyway, it was time for his car to be serviced so that really was not an extra at the time, we drove down and stayed at a cheaper off site hotel for less than 50 a night for 2 nights, there was not a whole lot on food, we ate pretty cheep, so in total to get him started it was probably between 600 and 700. Now that is by no means cheep and I know not everyone can do that, but that is the last we have spent on him since then. I told him I was glad we were able to do that for him, I know when I was growing up, if they had this there would have been no way I could have gone. We were pretty poor. So it's nice to be able to do this for him.

 

[DianeV]

As far as amount of hours it depends on where you are working and your role I think. My daughter is there doing Merchandise at AKV and has been scheduled 40+ hours each week. She has been trying to give a shift a week away for a shorter one as hers have been 8-9 hour shifts a lot. She also doesn't get paid for her breaks though

 

[wilkeliza]

As far as amount of hours it depends on where you are working and your role I think. My daughter is there doing Merchandise at AKV and has been scheduled 40+ hours each week. She has been trying to give a shift a week away for a shorter one as hers have been 8-9 hour shifts a lot. She also doesn't get paid for her breaks though

Oh the break situation is where a lot of people are confused and think they are getting over time but don't. Disney can schedule you up to 42.5 hours (5 8.5 hour shifts) or more dependong on location and not pay over time because you are only workong 40 paid hours. Anything over 40 paid hours is over time. It is pretty much the way companies with unpaid breaks work.

You are correct hotels and Magic Kingdom typically get the most hours and Animal Kingdom and Water Parks get the least.

 

[stitchlovestink]

As far as amount of hours it depends on where you are working and your role I think. My daughter is there doing Merchandise at AKV and has been scheduled 40+ hours each week. She has been trying to give a shift a week away for a shorter one as hers have been 8-9 hour shifts a lot. She also doesn't get paid for her breaks though

Your daughter must be a great employee as we know someone who was on the Spring advantage '14 program working Merchandise at one of the stores in AKL and she never got that many hours.
My DD worked at Saratoga Springs resort, Treehouse Villas, and Old Key West. She was deployed to AKL temporarily. Then she was deployed to the Contemporary & BLT where she actually transferred to them. She also was deployed to Boardwalk and Beach Club. Of all those resorts, she never got over 40 hours and often only got 32. And then if they weren't busy, she would get the ER, which is without pay and she didn't get a choice since she lacked seniority. Regular FT CMs are last to get ERs unless they want the ER (and usually they don't.) So some weeks she would only have in the high 20's for hours. Those were tougher weeks.

 

[DianeV]

That would be nice if that's why! Seriously though she likes it there and has gotten two 4 keys cards (I think that's what they are called) when you are praised for something you did at work.

she has given some shifts away and picked up other places to check out which is nice too.

I agree with the previous poster in that yes she can get scheduled 42 hours but after her unpaid breaks its under 40 for sure. The bummer is that if she gives a shift away and wants to pick up one somewhere else that also puts her over 40 hours scheduled they wont allow it. (well she did just get one to go through for half hour over) but usually they wont.

She hasn't been deployed anywhere else either and she has been there since Aug. 18th

Your daughter must be a great employee as we know someone who was on the Spring advantage '14 program working Merchandise at one of the stores in AKL and she never got that many hours.
My DD worked at Saratoga Springs resort, Treehouse Villas, and Old Key West. She was deployed to AKL temporarily. Then she was deployed to the Contemporary & BLT where she actually transferred to them. She also was deployed to Boardwalk and Beach Club. Of all those resorts, she never got over 40 hours and often only got 32. And then if they weren't busy, she would get the ER, which is without pay and she didn't get a choice since she lacked seniority. Regular FT CMs are last to get ERs unless they want the ER (and usually they don't.) So some weeks she would only have in the high 20's for hours. Those were tougher weeks.

 

[::Snow_White::]

While I didn't feel like I got a ton of professional experience out of the program other than the actual work environment and customer service(ie, I didn't have time to go to the professional seminars and whatnot), I got a heck of a lot of personal experience than I don't think I could've gotten anywhere else. For me it was about living on my own, paying for absolutely everything, and being able to manage my own life while being submersed in this crazy, hectic, work environment. I live at home too in college and while I pay bills for my cell phone, insurance, and bought my own car I was forced to learn how to deal with rent, paying for all my own food, and toiletries.

Money was not a problem for me, I have a Part Time job at home, so I saved and brought around $3000 with me, I spent about $1800 of that. I ate out all the time and bought a ton of merchandise and drove my own car. You certainly can survive on what they pay you but I was there to have a good time and planned accordingly.

My CP was the first time I've ever lived with roommates and I had 5 different ones, 2 girls from Australia. I learned a lot about how to manage a household and split responsibilities. It wasn't easy but it certainly wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. 4 years ago I'd have probably passed out at the thought of living with 5 other girls. I loved it.

As for work, it is cheap labor, but it's probably the best cheap labor around. You learn SO MUCH on how to handle responsibilities, problems, how to work under managers and with a ton of coworkers. You're out in the elements so you learn how to deal with all kinds of situations. Customer service was probably the number 1, Disney is at the top when it comes to helping guests, something that helped me tremendously back at my job at home. You learn to be kind even when you don't want to be, and there is no job like it. You have to give 110% all the time because someone is always watching you. I did all kinds of jobs in merchandise including dealing with food and it was amazing how thankful I am for the experience. It is tough work, guests made me cry, coworkers made me cry, managers made me cry but they also made me smile, laugh, and love everything about it. There's a lot of experience to be had on the CP.

As for the best thing, I made lifelong friends. I still talk to all my roommates and I made 3 of my very best friends there who I talk to every single day after we left January 1st of this year. One of my friends and I are meeting for a vacation in DL next month and I'm going to visit one at her home in May and one at Disney in Feb. I don't know what I'd do right now without them.

6 months is a short amount of your life to dedicate to something so fun and fulfilling.

 

[stitchlovestink]

That would be nice if that's why! Seriously though she likes it there and has gotten two 4 keys cards (I think that's what they are called) when you are praised for something you did at work.

she has given some shifts away and picked up other places to check out which is nice too.

I agree with the previous poster in that yes she can get scheduled 42 hours but after her unpaid breaks its under 40 for sure. The bummer is that if she gives a shift away and wants to pick up one somewhere else that also puts her over 40 hours scheduled they wont allow it. (well she did just get one to go through for half hour over) but usually they wont.

She hasn't been deployed anywhere else either and she has been there since Aug. 18th

They don't/can't (not sure of exact reason) deploy CP's until they have been at their work location for 3 months. And many never end up getting deployed. Some do, but not all.
Congratulations on the Fanatic cards. We know alot of kids who never get one. DD got 4...two from mgrs and 2 from guests. From what I was told by my friends who are in management there, they are all important but ones from bosses have a little more weight. Tell her keep up the great work!

 

[reesecup]

Our dd just pulled up to check possible openings for our upcoming stays. She can get the Fort Wilderness Cabins for a good rate. I'm thinking we would enjoy this especially if we rent a golf cart for easier and faster travel to the buses. Plus, we have the boat ride over to MK.

Has anyone stayed in these before? What are your thoughts?

Of course my ds said we should just get a tent….I said, No, I want my own bath and a bed. lol

But our kids love that easy going type vacation (they like the nice resorts too) and I think they would have a great time decorating the cart and all of that stuff. Also does anyone know if she would be able to get a discount on the cart? Thanks ….you guys are really the best. I always get my answers and advice here

 

[mynameisnobody]

Our dd just pulled up to check possible openings for our upcoming stays. She can get the Fort Wilderness Cabins for a good rate. I'm thinking we would enjoy this especially if we rent a golf cart for easier and faster travel to the buses. Plus, we have the boat ride over to MK.

Has anyone stayed in these before? What are your thoughts?

Of course my ds said we should just get a tent….I said, No, I want my own bath and a bed. lol

But our kids love that easy going type vacation (they like the nice resorts too) and I think they would have a great time decorating the cart and all of that stuff. Also does anyone know if she would be able to get a discount on the cart? Thanks ….you guys are really the best. I always get my answers and advice here

We love the cabins. We love Ft Wilderness in general but I no longer have my travel trailer so the cabins it is. The only downside to the Fort is lack of dining options. I really like the serenity at the Fort. The cabins are really nice cause they have a full kitchen. The bedroom has a double bed plus bunk beds and there is a murphy bed in the living room. Renting a cart is a plus for getting to and from places in the fort and it's also great to just drive around seeing the sights. We stayed in the cabins twice while my oldest daughter was in the DCP in spring 2013. I'm sure we'll be there a couple times while my youngest DD is there this coming spring.

 

[reesecup]

We love the cabins. We love Ft Wilderness in general but I no longer have my travel trailer so the cabins it is. The only downside to the Fort is lack of dining options. I really like the serenity at the Fort. The cabins are really nice cause they have a full kitchen. The bedroom has a double bed plus bunk beds and there is a murphy bed in the living room. Renting a cart is a plus for getting to and from places in the fort and it's also great to just drive around seeing the sights. We stayed in the cabins twice while my oldest daughter was in the DCP in spring 2013. I'm sure we'll be there a couple times while my youngest DD is there this coming spring.

Thanks Mike. I really think we would enjoy it. Do the CP's get discounts on the rentals such as the golf cart? And do they on the Hoop-dee-doo?

 

[mynameisnobody]

Thanks Mike. I really think we would enjoy it. Do the CP's get discounts on the rentals such as the golf cart? And do they on the Hoop-dee-doo?

No discounts on cart rentals. Dining discounts for the CPs are limited. Your best bet would be Tables in Wonderland if you are an annual passholder. I bought APs when my oldest DD was there and made good use of TiW. The only issue I see there is I noticed TiW are adding more blackout dates to the program for certain restaurants. Usually the TiW discount for Hoop is for the early shows and I don't think the CPs get a discount at all.