Disney Magic and the CP

[Sleeping Beauty415]

Hey this has probably been talked about a good bit, but I just had to get some opinions on it. I am a senior at PSU and thinking about doing the CP this summer. I was just wondering if working there kills the magic at all? Or if any alumni of the program have tips to make sure that doesn't happen. Thanks so much!

 

[Joanna71985]

No, I don't think that it kills the magic at all (but that's just me). In fact, I think working at Disney is great because I get to help create magic. I love seeing the backstage side of stuff, and I love my role.

 

[Sleeping Beauty415]

Thanks! Your siggy says you are a character attendant, how is that? I am really getting excited, I think I am set on going as long as I get in!

 

[Joanna71985]

Oh I love it! I think it is so much fun. I love getting to play with the characters every day.

 

[Belle62442]

I agree, being a CP is awesome!! I mean, you already know the sad truth about Mickey Mouse, so you might as well help create the dream for the kids who still believe.

 

[Tide27]

Is there a summer program? Thought there was just fall and spring, with the advantages for each.

If so, I know quite a few people that would like to try it.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Is there a summer program? Thought there was just fall and spring, with the advantages for each.

If so, I know quite a few people that would like to try it.

I think they just started the summer program last year. They only have a couple of options for roles though (custodial and quick service food and beverage I believe...).

 

[Joanna71985]

There was a summer CP for first-time CPs last summer. The only roles available were custodial and quick foods. However, I haven't heard anything happening for this summer.

 

[Sleeping Beauty415]

I went to the presentation in November just to see what I thought. When I talked to the presenter about doing the summer program she said to come back in the spring that they will start recruiting for it then. I hadn't really thought of them not offering it as an option, however I really hope they do!!

 

[Vemnox]

If you're graduating prior to the time you want to do the CP, do yourself a favor and go full/part time. You'll save yourself 12-14 hr shifts, 50+ hour weeks, get paid more, AND build seniority with the company (which is not possible on the CP). The disadvantage is you'll have to find your own housing.

 

[teh fish]

I keep thinking this about a disney cruise...

 

[oboeman]

If you're graduating prior to the time you want to do the CP, do yourself a favor and go full/part time. You'll save yourself 12-14 hr shifts, 50+ hour weeks, get paid more, AND build seniority with the company (which is not possible on the CP). The disadvantage is you'll have to find your own housing.

An alternitive to that is to do the summer only program... you will still get the 50+ hours ( I was getting around 57 or so) but if you do choose to say for the fall you can always extend your program and switch roles if you do not like your first placement.

 

[Sleeping Beauty415]

If you do skip the CP and go right into working there full or part time, what kinds of jobs are offered?

 

[TSR6]

I also would think that if you plan on going to the management level, you may be better off on doing the CP, and applying to a Professional Internship afterwards. It seems as if it's easier to go that route than it is to go through the "Management Pool" that they pull Full Time cast members from.

 

[Joanna71985]

Oh, just want to say that the summer programs (both for alumni and first-time CPs) will not be happening this summer.

 

[Evil Princess]

It didn't kill the magic for me permanently, but I will say that around Christmastime, being away from my family and working those LONG hours really upset me, and made me hate the mouse a bit.

Disney is a big, big company and Disney World is a big, big place. Management and rules are definitely not consistant within the parks or even the areas. I think if I worked under certain people, it would have killed the magic for me.

I did love it, and although I wish I was in a different area and had a different role, I would do it in a heartbeat all over again. Sure, there were days that I did NOT want to go to work, days where I longed to be a guest again. But the good far outweighed the bad.

Now that I'm gone, I miss it SO much, I have my March trip and my May trip booked already!

I had no problem going back after being a CP and still felt the magic. I'm not sure that it's the same way for everyone though.

 

[wissa05182]

Oh, just want to say that the summer programs (both for alumni and first-time CPs) will not be happening this summer.

How come?

 

[Joanna71985]

The website didn't say. It just said this:

Summer 2007
We will not be offering a summer program to non-alumni or alumni in 2007.

Alumni wishing to return to the Walt Disney World® Resort to work during their break from school are encouraged to explore Seasonal opportunities.

 

[Evil Princess]

How come?

I was told they wanted to make room for more internationals.

 

[Sleeping Beauty415]

I read that about the summer program too, it was really disappointing to me because going for the summer seemed like the perfect transition from college to the real world for me. However, I am considering doing the fall program. Before I read the post, I was already concerned with being away from my family during Christmas. I've never been away from home for that long of a time, so my boyfriend and I have gone from excited to hesitant about the program. So right now, I am still not completly sold on the program.