I need some encouragement about the college program/merchandise role

[SingingFlower]

I'm scheduled to arrive on June 21st and I'm extremely close to backing out. I love Disney so much, and I thought I would love to work there, but now I'm starting to worry. I start thinking what if I hate my job or what if I don't make any friends. Can anyone who had/has merchandise as their role tell me what to expect? What is a typical shift like? Do you tend to have to work several different locations? I've never had a job in merchandise. Is it stressful? Do you encounter a lot of rude guests? Also, how was the living situation? From what I've heard I'll probably be put into an apartment that is already being occupied. Has anyone else been in that situation? I'm afraid all my roommates will already be close and I'll be the outsider. Is it hard to find people to hang out with when you're not into partying? Will I be too tired from working to go out and enjoy the parks? I'm freaking out here!! I know I'm just stressing myself out, and I shouldn't worry so much. Any advice or information that might help me would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DisneyL8T]

I'm in exactly the same situation, only I'm checking in on Aug. 23rd. I'm starting to freak out and worry about the same things. I would also like to hear from someone who has done the program in merchandise. Thanks for starting this thread.

 

[Ona]

Okay, first thing guys, take a deep breath.......

I'm heading down there this Sunday (6 days eeek! ) for an international year long CP. I'm gonna have two roles; merch for 6 months, then operations for 6 months. I'm sooooo excited I can't sit still.

I also did the International Program back in 2003-2004 as a merchandise hostess in the UK Pavilion in Epcot. I absolutely loved my experience, so much so, that I am going back.

Can anyone who had/has merchandise as their role tell me what to expect? What is a typical shift like? Do you tend to have to work several different locations? I've never had a job in merchandise. Is it stressful? Do you encounter a lot of rude guests?

The shifts you work and the number of hours you'll have will depend on your work location. In the UK Pavilion, typical shifts were either 6, 8 or 10 hours. Is it stressful? Well I guess it can be, if you let it. You are however, gonna have LOTS of training. One of the first things you will do will be to take a class called Merchantainment. It doesn't matter one little bit if you've never worked in merch before. They will take you through step by step. Then, you are also gonna have 2 or 3 days of on the job training. You will be assigned a trainer in your work location and you will be stuck to them like glue for those days. I was a trainer myself. Even after those few days, your trainer will still be close by, as will other CMs and everyone is happy to help. All this training means that before you know it, you'll be super confident and there's not much that will be able to stress you out.

Do you encounter rude guests? You probably will, just like you encounter rude people in everyday life. I usually find the strategy of showering them with kindness and magic usually works.

Also, how was the living situation? From what I've heard I'll probably be put into an apartment that is already being occupied. Has anyone else been in that situation? I'm afraid all my roommates will already be close and I'll be the outsider.

You may well be placed in apt. where there are folks living already. I was. But every situation is different in this respect. You may get on with your roomies, you, may not. You may hang out with your roomies, you may not. If for some reason, you don't get on, there are ALWAYS options. I have seen a few folks who didn't like thier living situation and felt stuck. But you CAN move. Ok it'll cost $50 but hey, that's cheaper than going home. So remember, there are options. However, most folks get on well with their roomies. I loved mine (especially my canandian roomie who I miss sooooooo much ).

Is it hard to find people to hang out with when you're not into partying? Will I be too tired from working to go out and enjoy the parks?

Just be yourself. Do what YOU wanna do. But don't stay in every night. Even if it's just going out for dinner, or to the cinema. Do something. Make the most of your time. I was 22 on my first program but I dont drink. Ever. Yet I had a great time. You can still have fun even if your not the "lets get wasted" type. I'm a "Disney Dork" type myself. You will find folks like you no worries. And believe me, you're gonna have plenty of time to play in the parks.

So take a deep breath and try and focus on all the good time and amazing experiences you're soon gonna have. Of course anxiety is expected but I think excitement is mandatory.

See you down there.

Ona x

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

you all will have a blast!! take this from someone that went twice and wishes she had stayed at the end of the internship!!! you will make friends no matter what!! look at my siggie!! my roomies and our families are getting together next year for christmas in the WORLD!! it will be so fun for oyu all!! have fun!!

Ona, i love that monorail in your siggie!! where did you find it??

 

[SingingFlower]

Wow, thanks guys. I already feel a little better. I have another question. My hair is pretty long. Should I cut it before I go down there? I don't really like to pull my hair back. Do most merch places let you wear it down? The disney look guide says it can't fall over your face while working, but does that mean over the shoulders too? Okay, I think that's the only other question I have now. I'm done stressing out for the day.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

as long as you're not in food service, don't worry bout it! but the shear heat alone will make you change your mind if you are doing Merch at Animal kingdom!! it's soo hot in those stores and a roomie of mine worked there!!

Keep us posted on how you're doing while you're out there!! if ya get lonely (which you NEVER will) just come post on the DIS!!

 

[SingingFlower]

as long as you're not in food service, don't worry bout it! but the shear heat alone will make you change your mind if you are doing Merch at Animal kingdom!! it's soo hot in those stores and a roomie of mine worked there!!

Keep us posted on how you're doing while you're out there!! if ya get lonely (which you NEVER will) just come post on the DIS!!

Thanks! Yeah, I can see myself just chopping it all off once the heat starts to get to me.

 

[Joanna71985]

Hey. I did merchandise last time. I worked in Fantasyland in the MK. I liked it a lot. I almost always worked the evenings and closed. Usually I got to work around 4-6 (depending on the time MK closed) and I usually worked about 8 hours a day (35-40 hours a week). I worked in 9 different Fantasyland locations both indoors and the outside carts. You will probably encounter rude guests. I have gotten that at both merchandise and my current role. But you will meet many more memorable guests. Also, I was 19 on my last CP (turned 20 during the last few weeks), so I was in wellness. I wasn't into partying, so I was on my own a lot. I enjoyed going to the parks. So if you ever want to hang out, let me know. My aim is joanna71985. Good luck.

 

[jimmybop]

Mearch is easy and fun. And if you think it will be stressful... dont worry about it.... I worked at World of Disney last program... and if there was a place to be stressful.... that would be the place! But just go down there looking for a fun time and you will have one.

One tip though... if you are at a busy place... lines may get long... but dont worry... just take it one guest at a time and just worry about helping them. If your line gets to long... people will look for another one.

Durring my whole fall program, I only had one guest who got upset with me that was something that was beyond my control and their husband ended up comming back and asking to speak to a manager.... One of my managers spoke with them and did not say a word to them... it wasnt until a few days later (the next chance I had to speak with him) and asked him what happened, and he told me why they were upset and not to worry about it, it was outta my control.

But yea.... over all... dont stress out to much... take it easy and enjoy and you will be sure to have fun!

 

[Ona]

Glad you guys have managed to calm yourselves down a wee bit.

disneymommymichelle, I made the monorail myself. When I get bored (or stressed ) I tend to randomly design daft wee animations.

Glad you like it. Gotta' love the monorail.

Ona x