DLR v. WDW CP?

[GoldfishPond]

Hey!

So I really want to do the Disney College Program but I'm torn about which coast to head to. While the CP in WDW is larger and there are more parks/resorts I would love to live in California for a period of time. DLR holds a special place in my heart, it's classic and I like some of it better than WDW. However, I want to get a chance to possibly meet Imagineers and get the most out of the Network of workers in the park? Are the parks pretty much even when it comes to the level and number of people you'll meet? Isn't the Imagineering headquarters in California? Would it be better for me to head out there?

Give me your opinions! Thanks!

 

[YesIStillLoveDisney]

One thing that my recruiter has told me is that DL is really good for networking. Since there are only like 300 people in the program they can provide more opportunities. Also since Disney headquarters are out there, there is more of a chance to network with other positions as opposed to Florida where it is mostly park and resort managers.

 

[teamlouise]

I'm hearing (and probably about to be experiencing) the same things that YesIStillLoveDisney is saying -- DLR is better for networking and you're close to all the corporate Disney stuff.

So far, our college program coordinators have been really enthusiastic about helping us to set up interviews and make connections with anyone in any department we're interested in. We're encouraged to go visit the animation studios in Burbank and they're arranging for higher-up speakers and things for us in addition to the regular Leadership Speaker series, etc.

 

[glendalais]

The thing to remember about DLR is that the whole "I did the CP once, so I know how you feel" vibe that you find among leadership in Florida doesn't really exist out there.

Because it's such a small programme comparatively, not to mention one that was somewhat forced on DLR by Florida, most Managers, Working Leads, etc. have never done it and are only somewhat familiar with it (basically, what they need to know to get their jobs done).

The story you hear here at WDW of CPs going to PIs and then becoming Managers or other high officials isn't as common at DLR. Yes, it may be easier to network because of the size difference, but when considering people for promotions, no real preference is given to DCP Participants over those who have been regularly employed with the Company.

 

[skiingfast]

Why don't you you go to Florida because the program provides more of the college experience? I know a gal who is currently there(WDW), while from CA and familiar with DLR. When it came down to it, it was cheaper to go to WDW.

Remember that WDI is in Glendale. And while they are in DCA working on the large project there. You may have no contact with them if you are stationed in Frontierland. The same could be said for WDW, I remember talking with some CMs many years ago, specifically one sticks out. She didn't expect to be handing out pool towels.

 

[GoldfishPond]

Thanks for the advice guys! I hadn't even thought of the fact that SoCA is more expensive than Orlando.

Does anyone know/what is your perception of the number of people who go from CP to PI or Full Time position? Are there more opportunities at one park versus the other?

Also, a general CP question, if you are stationed somewhere (let's say handing out towels) but you do really well can you "move up" to do something else (let's say Customer Service desk at a hotel or park)?

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks for the advice guys! I hadn't even thought of the fact that SoCA is more expensive than Orlando.

Does anyone know/what is your perception of the number of people who go from CP to PI or Full Time position? Are there more opportunities at one park versus the other?

Also, a general CP question, if you are stationed somewhere (let's say handing out towels) but you do really well can you "move up" to do something else (let's say Customer Service desk at a hotel or park)?

I would guess chances are better at WDW of moving up because there is a larger job pool. As far as moving up in the CP, yes if you get an extension you could apply to be in a different spot or you come back again next year and move up.

 

[Anna's_Order]

One thing that my recruiter has told me is that DL is really good for networking. Since there are only like 300 people in the program they can provide more opportunities. Also since Disney headquarters are out there, there is more of a chance to network with other positions as opposed to Florida where it is mostly park and resort managers.

ONLY 300 people in the Disney Land program? That's ridiculously competitive! They must get at least 10,000 applicants semesterly!

I bet every elligible part-time college bloke in a hundred thousand miles of Disneyland applies!

I've always wanted to do the Anaheim program myself. I really need to network in LA...

But I may have to resign to the Disney World one now that I know this

 

[GoldfishPond]

So, another follow up question...

I know usually when you are in the College Program you have to take classes, do you still have to take classes if you have just graduated? Not that I don't want to take the classes but I would rather be learning about the business while working.

 

[coorsie]

You are given the option to partcipate in academic classes, but aren't required to take them. You must do job-related training, but you can opt not to take the academic classes.

 

[GoldfishPond]

You are given the option to partcipate in academic classes, but aren't required to take them. You must do job-related training, but you can opt not to take the academic classes.

Which classes would you recommend?

 

[ifoceanscollide]

and FYI- at DLR, we are required to take at least one of the Disney offered classes but they are things like listening to various Walt Disney higher-ups, VP's, etc speak, and "The Business of Show Business"....stuff like that.

 

[ifoceanscollide]

Remember that WDI is in Glendale. And while they are in DCA working on the large project there. You may have no contact with them if you are stationed in Frontierland.

Um...that's not really how the networking works. We take classes TAUGHT by those executives and higher-ups. That's how we network and make connections. I would hope that no one would just wander over to the construction areas in hopes of meeting an Imagineer, lol.