Getting Accepted

[disneychik21]

I am planning on appying the for Disney College Program for Spring Semester 2010. Does anybody have any tips on getting accepted into the program?

Disneychik21

 

[houseofmouse89]

i'm no help, but wanted to let you know i'm applying for spring 2010 too! what roles are you thinking about?

 

[moviekid21]

When you are filling out the application, if you want in, but don't care too much where you are put, check off as many of the roles that you wouldn't mind being in. Also include a copy of your resume. 100% of the people I met in the CP that submitted their got put somewhere that was somewhat like what they did in their previous job. I was a Doorman at a nightclub and I got put as a Door Host at PI!

 

[houseofmouse89]

say we only really have retail and nannying experience, but want to work as a character performer or in attractions....should we still include our resume? im on my school's Div. I danceline and have been dancing forever, that's also on my resume, but it's not a "job" persay...

 

[Joanna71985]

Some tips of mine are:
*apply as early as possible
*pick as many roles as possible, that you feel comfortable doing. The more roles picked, the better the chances

Good luck!

 

[moviekid21]

You're not required to include your resume. I was just suggesting it if you wanting to get into a role if you've had experience in it (retail, attractions, ticketing, etc.)
If you have a resume that highlights your performance info that's a good thing to include, but when it comes to Character Performers, you are required to go to an audtion to be considered at all.

 

[disneychik21]

I have spent the last 5 years of my life working with children and serving tables. So basically I would be comfortable doing anything with children or doing any type of customer service.

 

[jedihunny]

deleted

 

[rebeccalb10]

You should look at the regular job site but I've hear that the makeup and jewelry code is strict and that it can get you eliminated quickly from a character position.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I don't think a resume is necessary, this is actually the first time I have heard of people doing that! All my interviewers have been very thorough, and people typically get put somewhere that the person thinks they will be interestd. I said that I wanted to work attractions and my favorite character was Eeyore and I was put on the Winnie the Pooh complex in Fantasyland. Another coworker mentioned Pan was her favorite ride and that wa the ride she worked. With the online ap, I don't know if there even is a way to submit your resume if you are at a school with no live presentation.

Some of the tips I give my applicants:

-Do your research! You will likely be asked about your favorite Disney movie. Make sure that you say a Disney movie. Not every animated movie is made by Disney. Anastasia, Balto, Fern Gulley, Happy Feet, I have heard of all of these as answers to this question and none are Disney movies.

-If you go to a live presentation or an E-Presentation event, dress business causal and pay attention. The last time I had a recruiter come we had one guy sleep through the presentation, one come in halfway through, and anothe covered in tattoos with a ripped shirt and jeans on slouching in his chair. None of these guys got in.

-Practice your interviewing skills. Make sure you accentuate the positive but also be honest.

-Be realistic with yourself. I had one guy try to apply who had several MIP (minor in possession) and pot violations on his record. You will not get in if you have these kinds of violations on your record. Alcohol is the number one reason people get termed from the program and they are not going to hire somebody with a known problem.

-As others have stated, check off as many roles as you can. You can tell them what you prefer, but showing that you are willing to accept whatever they give you will greatly increase your chances.

Somebody asked about performing: You don't need any experience to be a performer, although it helps. Particularly if you are in a competitive height range. I used to be a competitive dancer, something that made the audition much easier for me. I worked with many people with no dance or performing background. I don't think they even factor it in. I know when I did my first audition there was little to nothing said about my dance background. There were people with more experience than I had who did not get in. What matters is how well you do in the audition and if they are in need of people in your height range.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

You should look at the regular job site but I've hear that the makeup and jewelry code is strict and that it can get you eliminated quickly from a character position.

I'm curious what you mean by this? You mean if you show up decked out in jewelry and heavy make up it will decrease your chances? I've never heard that specifically but I'm sure if you are in a competitive height range and they think you will not adhere to the Disney Look it could make it harder.

I remember when I had to re-audition in Chicago (if you are gone for six months you have to re-audition. The great thing? My parades approvals were good for a year so even though I had to re-audition, I didn't have to be reapproved for parades and my first day back was my old parade role.) some guy was really confused and came dressed up as Jack Sparrow. He looked really good but couldn't dance worth a lick. He was not hired, but we all got a chuckle out of it, and he was very good natured about the whole thing.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Thinking about your comment about children: If you apply for attractions, I would not be surprised if you ended up in Fantasyland as that is where all the family rides are. My "resume" was pretty heavy with childcare type positions so I'm sure that played a role in my placement.

Or you could be a seater, it might be fun to do a character dining location. Of course, they probably won't let you serve tables. At one point they did allow a few CPs to be servers, but that was a very temporary basis when they were having trouble filling the positions.

If you like working with kids/guest service, this really is a perfect internship. Make sure you stress that as those are great qualities in a CP where you will see lots of kids and of course be expected to provide great guest service!

 

[ZiPaD3doDAH]

Thanks for the tips! I hope to audition in fall 2010 as well.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

If you have any dance groups on your campus, join them. It will help you tremendously, particularly if you are in a more competitive height range. Most of the routines I have done are show choiry/jazzy type routines, although it varies. I believe I have seen one more classical oriented routine, but that seemed to be the exception.

If you have dance sneakers, wear them. It will help you with the turns (they most likely will not allow you take off your shoes). I would wear athletic shorts and properly fitting top (not too tight, but not so loose that it hides your figure). Pull your hair back. If you wear make up, wear natural looking make up. Don't wear any dangly jewelry as it might interfere with your routine or become distracting.

Some people may show up in leotards and other more "dancy" gear. Supposedly that can actually hurt you. That was the rumor that went around entertainment. I don't know if it's true or not, but truly, leotards and dance clothes are unnecessary.