Disney College Program for Parents Thread...

[wilkeliza]

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.

The dinning discounts for CPs are the same as regular CMs. Almost all table service is 20% off. I thought TiW was about the same discount wise.

 

[wilkeliza]

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?

Pretty sure we got the standard 20% at Hoop-dee-do.

 

[mynameisnobody]

The problem that we ran into when my oldest is that there seemed to be more blackouts on when the CM discounts could be applied.

 

[wilkeliza]

The problem that we ran into when my oldest is that there seemed to be more blackouts on when the CM discounts could be applied.

Was she trying to use one of her cards or just her Id? the only black out dates I ever experience in my 2 years with the company was on holidays where lots of people dined out so Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas and that was it.

 

[DCPmom2014]

Sorry for such a plea but I just received a phone call from my daughter who has been in the DCP Fall Advantage since May and she was just called down to Vista Way to tell her they are releasing IMMEDIATELY as they think she is suicidal and could harm herself!! She was chatting with co-workers about being diagnosed with bi-polar and does go through periods of ups and downs and had been sad lately. They told her manager this and next thing she know she was asked to pack her bags so she could go home and "get well." Needless to say, she is more distraught then I've ever heard her. This program is the best thing that has ever happened to her!!! They told her since I was flying down tomorrow anyway I could take her home!!! We have no idea what to do!!! I tried calling but nobody will take to me!!! Any one else ever heard of this? Can you recommend what she or we can do next since I'm planning on flying down tomorrow through Tuesday? TIA!!

 

[wilkeliza]

Sorry for such a plea but I just received a phone call from my daughter who has been in the DCP Fall Advantage since May and she was just called down to Vista Way to tell her they are releasing IMMEDIATELY as they think she is suicidal and could harm herself!! She was chatting with co-workers about being diagnosed with bi-polar and does go through periods of ups and downs and had been sad lately. They told her manager this and next thing she know she was asked to pack her bags so she could go home and "get well." Needless to say, she is more distraught then I've ever heard her. This program is the best thing that has ever happened to her!!! They told her since I was flying down tomorrow anyway I could take her home!!! We have no idea what to do!!! I tried calling but nobody will take to me!!! Any one else ever heard of this? Can you recommend what she or we can do next since I'm planning on flying down tomorrow through Tuesday? TIA!!

Honestly I've never heard it happen unless she said she was going to kill herself and the person has proof. My roommate on the DCP did try to commit suicide (post 2 youtube videos about it, posted on FB the next day of how she was unsuccessful and took my whole 500 count bottle of Tylenol). From my understanding it wasn't imitate from my word just me going to housing started a chain of events. She was called in to talk with a counselor and a few other people. She admitted what she had said and done and they said unfortunately self harm and the threat of self harm is against the programs rules so she was released but she would be eligible to do another term if she got a letter saying she was cleared by a psychiatrist.

 

[dismsn]

Sorry for such a plea but I just received a phone call from my daughter who has been in the DCP Fall Advantage since May and she was just called down to Vista Way to tell her they are releasing IMMEDIATELY as they think she is suicidal and could harm herself!! She was chatting with co-workers about being diagnosed with bi-polar and does go through periods of ups and downs and had been sad lately. They told her manager this and next thing she know she was asked to pack her bags so she could go home and "get well." Needless to say, she is more distraught then I've ever heard her. This program is the best thing that has ever happened to her!!! They told her since I was flying down tomorrow anyway I could take her home!!! We have no idea what to do!!! I tried calling but nobody will take to me!!! Any one else ever heard of this? Can you recommend what she or we can do next since I'm planning on flying down tomorrow through Tuesday? TIA!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. I'm glad you're going to Florida and I hope everything works out. IMO, the way they handled this is horrible. You would think they would send her to be evaluated by a doctor before doing something so drastic. Good luck!

 

[jenniy122]

Sorry for such a plea but I just received a phone call from my daughter who has been in the DCP Fall Advantage since May and she was just called down to Vista Way to tell her they are releasing IMMEDIATELY as they think she is suicidal and could harm herself!! She was chatting with co-workers about being diagnosed with bi-polar and does go through periods of ups and downs and had been sad lately. They told her manager this and next thing she know she was asked to pack her bags so she could go home and "get well." Needless to say, she is more distraught then I've ever heard her. This program is the best thing that has ever happened to her!!! They told her since I was flying down tomorrow anyway I could take her home!!! We have no idea what to do!!! I tried calling but nobody will take to me!!! Any one else ever heard of this? Can you recommend what she or we can do next since I'm planning on flying down tomorrow through Tuesday? TIA!!

I hate to say this, but perhaps this will be a learning lesson for your daughter. Never share medical (especially mental health with it's taboo in our society) information at work because you don't know who it will get to or how it will be interpreted. Disney doesn't want to take chances with mental illnesses, it's in their best interest that she's not on their property.

I'm not saying I think it's right or that they handled it properly, just that it's not uncommon sadly.

 

[wilkeliza]

I hate to say this, but perhaps this will be a learning lesson for your daughter. Never share medical (especially mental health with it's taboo in our society) information at work because you don't know who it will get to or how it will be interpreted. Disney doesn't want to take chances with mental illnesses, it's in their best interest that she's not on their property. I'm not saying I think it's right or that they handled it properly, just that it's not uncommon sadly.

Like I said early I think there is something more to the story. There were many different ranges of mental health issues on my program but none of us were told to pack our bags even if management knew. The only girl sent home was my roommate and that was after she threatened self harm with proof. I don't know what would have happened if the Facebook posts and youtube video weren't there. They can't let her go just for having bi-polar there had to be something there when they brought her in. I'm sure they talked to her and something was said that made it a liability issue.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Sorry for such a plea but I just received a phone call from my daughter who has been in the DCP Fall Advantage since May and she was just called down to Vista Way to tell her they are releasing IMMEDIATELY as they think she is suicidal and could harm herself!! She was chatting with co-workers about being diagnosed with bi-polar and does go through periods of ups and downs and had been sad lately. They told her manager this and next thing she know she was asked to pack her bags so she could go home and "get well." Needless to say, she is more distraught then I've ever heard her. This program is the best thing that has ever happened to her!!! They told her since I was flying down tomorrow anyway I could take her home!!! We have no idea what to do!!! I tried calling but nobody will take to me!!! Any one else ever heard of this? Can you recommend what she or we can do next since I'm planning on flying down tomorrow through Tuesday? TIA!!

I honestly think she is out of luck. once they term someone, it is pretty much a done deal. And honestly, I think Disney doesn't really care for cases of Mommy/Daddy trying to argue a case on their "kid's behalf". It is extremely unusual for them to reverse decisions like this.
I have to agree with the other poster who commented about not sharing your medical background. It makes it too easy for any employer to use against you. I have seen kids 'termed' from DCP for much less. If the boss says one thing, they are going to take their word over the DCP participant. Have seen it happen.
Good Luck with your daughter!

 

[DianeV]

Does anyone know if DCPs get a discount on Candlelight Processional packages?

 

[DCPmom2014]

I honestly think she is out of luck. once they term someone, it is pretty much a done deal. And honestly, I think Disney doesn't really care for cases of Mommy/Daddy trying to argue a case on their "kid's behalf". It is extremely unusual for them to reverse decisions like this.
I have to agree with the other poster who commented about not sharing your medical background. It makes it too easy for any employer to use against you. I have seen kids 'termed' from DCP for much less. If the boss says one thing, they are going to take their word over the DCP participant. Have seen it happen.
Good Luck with your daughter!

Thanks to all who responded! Yes, it is a done deal. She is out on the street! Katie shared with them how she used to cut herself when stressed but that was before she was diagnosed with bi-polar depression.

She told them several times she WAS NOT suicidal - just feeling a bit down. But this is the thing that baffles me more than anything - they put her in an apartment BY HERSELF with utentils, glasses and a million other things a kid could use to harm themselves. And she had free will to come and go as she pleased during her "two day suspension" from work. Her manager said she was calling her with the number for employee assistance that workers can used with stressed. That didn't happen. Instead they booted her.

I strongly suggest everyone watch the following video endorsed by the new president of Disney World Parks & Resorts - "It Gets Better" - Disney employees don't have to worry about being stigmatized by their differences!! And that includes mental health! I will be reaching out to him today!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCSUfFStTQE

 

[poison ivy]

DCPmom2014 - I am really sorry to hear this.
It's gotta be tough on your daughter.
I know it's hard to process and accept everything as it happened so fast.

It may be hard to see right now, but being accepted into the program and working it for the months she did, will always be viewed as a positive in her future and for the many thousands of former CP participants just like her.

How did your family manage with the trip you had planned right around all this?

 

[wilkeliza]

Sorry that it is a done deal.

I hope this isn't too negative of an experience for your DD.

We will probably never know why they let her go 100%. It could have been any way she answered one of their questions or even something else. i just hope if there was anything going on letting her go doesn't make it worse.

Did they tell her if she was on the no rehire list or if she has to do anything if she wants to come back?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Thanks to all who responded! Yes, it is a done deal. She is out on the street! Katie shared with them how she used to cut herself when stressed but that was before she was diagnosed with bi-polar depression.

She told them several times she WAS NOT suicidal - just feeling a bit down. But this is the thing that baffles me more than anything - they put her in an apartment BY HERSELF with utentils, glasses and a million other things a kid could use to harm themselves. And she had free will to come and go as she pleased during her "two day suspension" from work. Her manager said she was calling her with the number for employee assistance that workers can used with stressed. That didn't happen. Instead they booted her.

I strongly suggest everyone watch the following video endorsed by the new president of Disney World Parks & Resorts - "It Gets Better" - Disney employees don't have to worry about being stigmatized by their differences!! And that includes mental health! I will be reaching out to him today!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCSUfFStTQE

I understand your frustration and am sorry this happened to her. But unfortunately the Kids doing the CP/international program are subject to alot of additional rules, etc....that "traditional" CMs are not subject to. They are pretty much responsible for them while they are there on a program, so there are additional rules and if they feel like there is any jeopardy to her OR POTENTIALLY SOMEONE ELSE, they are going to take the more drastic course. DISNEY is all about SAFETY first and foremost. They just don't take risks.
Hopefully she was not put on the cannot be rehired status/list. And maybe she can try again in the future. Best of Luck to her!

DCPMom check you private messages. I sent you one.

 

[dawnhaze]

DCPmom2014 - Your daughter has been illegally discriminated against because of a disability. There is no other possible way to state it. I was linked to your post by a friend and I'm rather horrified. If it were me, I'd be contacting disability advocate organizations. (Me, not my mother.) It will not get her re-hired, but it may make Disney take pause at terming CPs for a mental health diagnosis in the future.

 

[stitchlovestink]

DCPmom2014 - Your daughter has been illegally discriminated against because of a disability. There is no other possible way to state it. I was linked to your post by a friend and I'm rather horrified. If it were me, I'd be contacting disability advocate organizations. (Me, not my mother.) It will not get her re-hired, but it may make Disney take pause at terming CPs for a mental health diagnosis in the future.

Florida is an employment-at-will jurisdiction. At-will employers can terminate their employees with or without cause and do not have to provide advance termination notice in most situations. Although employers can typically terminate their employees without notice or cause, federal employment laws require them to provide termination notice if they terminate a large number of employees. Furthermore, anti-discrimination employment regulations prohibit employers from firing their employees for discriminatory and retaliatory reasons. Florida employers must comply with anti-discrimination laws, advance notice requirements and last paycheck laws when terminating their employees.

She would have to meet the guidelines for being disabled to be covered by the ADA laws...
Definition Of Disability

Not everyone with a medical condition is protected by the law. In order to be protected, a person must be qualified for the job and have a disability as defined by the law.

A person can show that he or she has a disability in one of three ways:

A person may be disabled if he or she has a physical or mental condition that substantially limits a major life activity (such as walking, talking, seeing, hearing, or learning).
A person may be disabled if he or she has a history of a disability (such as cancer that is in remission).
A person may be disabled if he is believed to have a physical or mental impairment that is not transitory (lasting or expected to last six months or less) and minor (even if he does not have such an impairment).

But here is another interesting point directly from the ADAdotgov site....

Q. Can an employer consider health and safety when deciding whether to hire an applicant or retain an employee with a disability?

A.*Yes. The ADA permits employers to establish qualification standards that will exclude individuals who pose a direct threat -- i.e., a significant risk of substantial harm -- to the health or safety of the individual or of others, if that risk cannot be eliminated or reduced below the level of a direct threat by reasonable accommodation.


The United states Dept of Labor says: in order to benefit from the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act, you must disclose your disability. An employer is only required to provide work-related accommodations if you disclose your disability to the appropriate individuals. So if she didn't do that, "she's basically dead in the water."

Plus DCP participants also sign an agreement regarding housing that they can be terminated from housing as any time with or without cause.

I think there is more to this than she is sharing or maybe even aware of. But honestly the company has a legal obligation to protect her and others, fellow roommates, work associates and guests (if she has a job dealing with any). Think about if something happened to her...or others! I would be terribly angry if Disney knew there was a problem and then something happened because they didn't react. Disney is a HUGE Company. I would imagine their attorneys have them cross their T's and dot their I's.

I really am sorry this happened to her. I hope something good comes out of this for her. But she may really need to think twice about what she says/shares in the future. If I felt a fellow employee was a danger/threat to him/herself or others, I would not be able to forgive myself if something happened and I didn't report it to the appropriate parties.

Best of Luck to her!!

 

[DCPmom2014]

Thanks everyone for your responses about Katie's termination. We are moving on. No use dwelling on what happened at this point. Good life lesson! Katie is staying in Orlando and applying for other positions - very interested in universal as well as other hospitality jobs. She is starting to network.

She did not bring her car but now she will definitely need one. For those of you who have had children in FL for a while, how did you handle car insurance? Does she need Florida insurance or can she keep Ohio insurance?

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

I just wanted to wish your daughter the best of luck in what she ends up doing. I hope she gets to do what she wants to do down in Orlando, whatever that entails. I hope you will keep us informed of her triumphs so that we can continue to ecourage her in her adventure and acknowledge her successes.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thanks everyone for your responses about Katie's termination. We are moving on. No use dwelling on what happened at this point. Good life lesson! Katie is staying in Orlando and applying for other positions - very interested in universal as well as other hospitality jobs. She is starting to network. She did not bring her car but now she will definitely need one. For those of you who have had children in FL for a while, how did you handle car insurance? Does she need Florida insurance or can she keep Ohio insurance?

If she is staying and thus not going to school she will need Florida car insurance and eventually she will need to switch her driver's license to FL as well. Also if she hasn't already she should find a doctor in FL to see about her Biopolar/depression if she is on medicine for it or anything because her out of state doctor may have a hard time prescribing medicine over the long run.