Experiences in the Disney Program

[dms25]

to anyone who has already done the college program...
what are things you wish you had known prior to starting the program?

Several people told me to bring my car and also not to bring it. I had mixed feelings about it and eventually decided not to take it. I used the CP bus system. It was nice, but I really wished I would have had my own car to go where ever I wanted when I wanted, instead of planning around the bus schedule.

 

[Joanna71985]

I have a question about the discounts, too. Do they apply to the Disney cruises, as well?

Yes. I believe you need to be a CM (or CP) for 90 days before it works, though.

 

[Meg13]

Yes. I believe you need to be a CM (or CP) for 90 days before it works, though.

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

One of my favorite experiences in the program was volunteering at Give Kids the World. I highly recommend that you volunteer a few days.

And what I wish that I had known: how much Disney completely envelops your life. I've been back home for seven months, and my sentences still usually start with "Back at Disney..." Everyone I meet thinks I'm from Orlando! lol

My sentences already start like that and I'm not even in a program yet! "Oh at Disney they have this..."

Whats Give Kids the World?

 

[SiSiMonique2009]

Thanks to everyone who has posted so far! Also thanks to you all who came up with other questions to add! I'm really looking forward to going to Disney now.

 

[Monster_Movie]

It would be easier to tell you what I didn't like about my Program. I made some of my closest friends there, and I can't wait to make more this time. I worked my butt off (really, I lost a few pounds), I had an amazing time playing in the parks and at my apartment, I got to explore all over the central Florida area... what's not to love about the whole experience?!

The only regret I can really say I had about the whole situation, is not taking my car. I realized after the first week that I had to take a bus that got to MK waaaaaaaaaaaay earlier than when my shift started because the buses were super slow. Maybe that's changed. But I'm still taking my ride, just in case. It's ALWAYS safe to leave early no matter what, because Orlando traffic is lame and extremely conjested more than 90% of the time.

So, that'd be my advice: Always be ready to leave for work in plenty of time, and never ever ever think you'll get there in 15 minutes when it will take you 30. You WILL get termed if you miss work too many times, even if it is the "buses' fault."

 

[Scully12]

to anyone who has already done the college program...
what are things you wish you had known prior to starting the program?

more recipes

 

[ckrisie]

So what I'm hearing... CP is what you make of it... about your attitude and what you are expecting. and oh yea working for Disney the important part of that phrase is the little WORK because ............... its a job

 

[Goofster18]

I thought the fact that, if Walt were still here, he would probably be a little saddened at all the comercialization that has occurred. Obviously, he did start it to make money but he never handled or cared about that, that was Roy's job. he just wanted a fun place and didn't worry too much. I love Disney and all, but sometimes I look and I just think that Walt is rolling over in his grave sometimes. But by no means do I think it has strayed from his vision. I just thought about that. And yes, basically I heard the same, you are going for a job, do it as well as possible, enjoy your time there and do some other things besides Disney and know you are there to work. Experiencing Magic is also available and is always in stock so get as much as possible along with the work and other things. Don't forget to give it also, that's the way to get even more in return. (Cheesy? yes, absolutely. If you think about it, anything said in Disney, if said outside of Disney, is tacky and cheesy, what the company thrives on. Is alot of it true? ABSOLUTELY!!!! And it's wonderful to have something to be happy with and believe in, now more than ever!!!)
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[Brent13]

Be prepared for people who still think its high school. Put that many 18-21 year olds together, and OH BOY!

other than that, its going to be a blast, and it'll be over before you know it, so make sure you take advantage of everything Disney offers

 

[fall08CP]

Things I wish I knew before I went down:

• Don't worry about your rooming situation- you will spend very little time in your apartment as it is.
• Become good friends with the full timers- they have amazing connections and know so much more than you. Listen to their wisdom. They will also give you rides home if you're nice to them!
• Don't be afraid to spend money- this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. One of my favorite memories was a cast Ohana dinner. It was $30/person but so worth it.
• Go out and do something totally out of character for yourself.
• Go to every cast activity with your co-workers. You never know who will become one of your best friends.
• Always carry an umbrella during rainy season!
• Rely on your managers, they will do anything to help you. I cannot thank them enough for their support.
• You don't have to be perfect. I cried quite a bit the first few weeks after being chewed out by guests. You take things personally because you care. However, them not getting the room of their dreams or a disappointing meal is not going to cause them emotional distress. They'll get over it and realize how silly it is.
• The friends you make down there will be as close as family. Cherish them

As others have said, it is hard work. I had several shifts that were only 8 hours apart (getting off at 2am and clocking back in at 10am). The busses took an hour each way so I was lucky to get 5 hours of sleep some nights. You really have to discipline yourself and make the most of your days off.

I can't wait to go back!!

 

[SiSiMonique2009]

Things I wish I knew before I went down:

• Don't worry about your rooming situation- you will spend very little time in your apartment as it is.
• Become good friends with the full timers- they have amazing connections and know so much more than you. Listen to their wisdom. They will also give you rides home if you're nice to them!
• Don't be afraid to spend money- this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. One of my favorite memories was a cast Ohana dinner. It was $30/person but so worth it.
• Go out and do something totally out of character for yourself.
• Go to every cast activity with your co-workers. You never know who will become one of your best friends.
• Always carry an umbrella during rainy season!
• Rely on your managers, they will do anything to help you. I cannot thank them enough for their support.
• You don't have to be perfect. I cried quite a bit the first few weeks after being chewed out by guests. You take things personally because you care. However, them not getting the room of their dreams or a disappointing meal is not going to cause them emotional distress. They'll get over it and realize how silly it is.
• The friends you make down there will be as close as family. Cherish them

As others have said, it is hard work. I had several shifts that were only 8 hours apart (getting off at 2am and clocking back in at 10am). The busses took an hour each way so I was lucky to get 5 hours of sleep some nights. You really have to discipline yourself and make the most of your days off.

I can't wait to go back!!

Wow those are a lot of great tips thanks! You made it sound really great and I guess it will be that way if you go in to it with a positive atitude. I can't wait to go hopefully I won't be to tired from working to see what else the program has to offer. What was your role while you were there?

 

[bdm223]

I had an amazing time during my first program. I did not enjoy my attractions job very much, but I did get the opportunity to be a Magic Maker in Fantasyland, which made things a bit more bearable. My main friends were only there until August and I was doing Fall Advantage, so when they left, things were really hard for me. I moved into a new apartment complex and had a personal situation that I handled horribly. I ended up going home half way into my program and ended things with my work location poorly. A week after I went home, all I could think about was Disney. It's a different world and very few people in your "real life" understand everything that the College Program is about. I applied for the Spring of '08, but then had to decline because I couldn't find a subleaser for my apartment. I then applied for Spring of '09, but I did character auditions and didn't make it, and thought maybe it wasn't the right timing. I applied last Friday for Fall '09 and have my phone interview on Monday! I have finally decided what I want to do (Event Planning) and I want to do the CP again and graduate so I can move onto the Professional Internships with wedding planning.

I wish I would have known how addictive Disney was before I started the program. I wish I would have taken advantage of all the opportunities available to me during my first program. I am just so happy that I have the chance to do it again.

 

[SiSiMonique2009]

I had an amazing time during my first program. I did not enjoy my attractions job very much, but I did get the opportunity to be a Magic Maker in Fantasyland, which made things a bit more bearable. My main friends were only there until August and I was doing Fall Advantage, so when they left, things were really hard for me. I moved into a new apartment complex and had a personal situation that I handled horribly. I ended up going home half way into my program and ended things with my work location poorly. A week after I went home, all I could think about was Disney. It's a different world and very few people in your "real life" understand everything that the College Program is about. I applied for the Spring of '08, but then had to decline because I couldn't find a subleaser for my apartment. I then applied for Spring of '09, but I did character auditions and didn't make it, and thought maybe it wasn't the right timing. I applied last Friday for Fall '09 and have my phone interview on Monday! I have finally decided what I want to do (Event Planning) and I want to do the CP again and graduate so I can move onto the Professional Internships with wedding planning.

I wish I would have known how addictive Disney was before I started the program. I wish I would have taken advantage of all the opportunities available to me during my first program. I am just so happy that I have the chance to do it again.

wow I saw some one else say the same thing about Disney being addicting and how people outside of disney program dont know what it is about I'm already starting to see that now with some people, they think its just a way for me to get them free tickets. I'm glad I started this thread because everyones giving real prespectives on what they went through and I really appreciate that! Good luck with your interview and I hope to see you at Disney!

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

This is a great thread.

Are there any stories out there about some of your best times working for the mouse?

 

[Joanna71985]

This is a great thread.

Are there any stories out there about some of your best times working for the mouse?

Do you want at-work or off-work stories? I will list both.

Off-Work
*Meeting the characters (I have had so many great experiences meeting the characters). It is my favorite thing to do in the parks.

*My birthday in 2005. My friends in Cinderellabration threw me a little surprise party. They gave me a signed poster (which I have framed in my room), and I got a group picture. Then I had lunch in the castle, with my friends. It was a great day.

*Being picked as an extra for the Indiana Jones show. That was awsome!

At-Work
*Working MVMCP in Frontierland with the Countries Bears. Those parties were awsome! We got to watch the parade every night, wander around Frontierland, and dance to The Notorious Banjo Band and Bob's music.

*Working with the Power Rangers. That was a great experience. It is so fun watching people pose with the Rangers.

*Working the ENCORE and Sounds Like Summer concerts at Epcot (when I was doing custodial). Those concerts were amazing!

*Participating in a Magical Moment last summer, while at the Power Rangers (I got to pick the family).

These are just to name a few.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

*My birthday in 2005. My friends in Cinderellabration threw me a little surprise party. They gave me a signed poster (which I have framed in my room), and I got a group picture. Then I had lunch in the castle, with my friends. It was a great day.

What an incredible birthday gift! I would cry if my friends did that for me!

 

[Joanna71985]

What an incredible birthday gift! I would cry if my friends did that for me!

It was truely a wonderful experience (as I did not expect it at all).


If you're interested, I have pictures on FB.

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

It was truely a wonderful experience (as I did not expect it at all).


If you're interested, I have pictures on FB.

Ooooh yes! I'll have to look in about an hour as we're banned from FB at work, haha. I really enjoyed your pictures from your NVD trip as well. I just love the flower and garden festival. I kept making my boyfriend walk over to the computer to look at your pictures. I was like 'babe! Look at captain hook!' and he's like 'yeah yeah thats cool...' and five minutes later 'whoa! check out these giraffes!'. 'yeah, thats neat...' hahah. He's definitely not as disney obsessed as I am.

 

[Joanna71985]

Ooooh yes! I'll have to look in about an hour as we're banned from FB at work, haha. I really enjoyed your pictures from your NVD trip as well. I just love the flower and garden festival. I kept making my boyfriend walk over to the computer to look at your pictures. I was like 'babe! Look at captain hook!' and he's like 'yeah yeah thats cool...' and five minutes later 'whoa! check out these giraffes!'. 'yeah, thats neat...' hahah. He's definitely not as disney obsessed as I am.

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed them.