1. If you have a car, bring it. Relying on the bus to go anywhere is annoying and takes a lot longer than it would for you to just drive there.
2. Remember that you are here to work, so yes sometimes you will work long hours, late at night, or early in the morning. The people that complain about having to "work" are usually the ones who have never had a real job before, and think they are just here to goof around. On my last program I usually worked until 12am or 2am if it was extra magic hours. But my roommates who worked at the same park only worked until 9:45pm or 10;15pm. It just depends on your role. If you work at Magic Kingdom, depending on your role you might work until 5am!
3. Go to the parks! Take advantage of all the discounts and free admissions you get. Also it will help you get to know the resort better and you can help guests easier. No matter what role you are in, guests will always ask you about attractions, where to eat, directions, etc. It helps to know!
4.Make the most of your work location. If you don't get to work in one of the parks, don't worry you can still have a great time working at a resort. There are perks to every location.
5. Go to CP events like grocery bingo, and block parties. They are fun and there is usually free food and prizes
6. Follow all the rules. And there are a lot of them. Don't put yourself in a situation where you can get fired, or kicked out of housing.
7. Make friends with other CPs from your location, hang out with them outside of work. Going to Denny's or Steak and Shake after a late night shift is one of my best memories.
8. If you work outside, its going to be hot. The costumes are mostly polyester, you will probably sweat a lot and need to replace costumes frequently.
9. Ask your managers if they know anyone you can network with. My major is Advertising/Public Relations. My first program I did Front Desk. My manager had a friend who did internal communications, and she helped set up a time for me to meet with her and talk about her position.
10. Bring your lunch to work and learn how to cook. You will save money, buying lunch at the cast cafeteria everyday can really add up.
11. Pick up shifts at other locations, it will give you a chance to meet new people, learn new things and work somewhere new!
12. Take education classes. I took Human Resource Management and Creativity and Innovation. Both have helped me in my field. I also took a discovery series on guest service, where we learned about a different line of business each week.
13. Take advantage of cast events. Like behind the scenes tours, I did one of the Haunted Mansion. Sometimes they do cast only previews of new rides, attractions, parades, and fireworks. If you get a chance to do those things take them!
I am planning to do the college program spring 2013. Just wanted some of your thoughts on the College Program in general, tips, what's good, what's bad, and some of your favorite memories from there
