I really need help in deciding what to do?

[princesskiki]

Hi everyone first of all

I hope this makes sense to all readers. I am currently enrolled in University after two years at a local community college. This had been my dream school since I was very young, but unfortunately after even one semester I really don't like it as I anticipated I would. This realization has seriously broken my heart in every way, but I need to get passed the fact that this was for some reason or another not meant to be part of my greater plan in life. And so it goes. I originally had intended on becoming a Psychologist but no longer maintain the same profound love for the subject as I once did. Recently I have discovered my true love and passion for travel, especially my fondness for all things Disney related. That being said, I have come to terms that I want to be a travel agent specializing in Disney travel. During my first semester at my community college I heard from a student I studied with about the Disney College Program, specifically how much he loved it and all the beneficial aspects he drew from it. Basically, he highly recommended it to myself especially since I love Disney so much. I quickly learned I couldn't participate during my first semester at college and I would have to wait until I was deeper into my studies. Well, that blatantly got pushed onto the back-burner of my life and here I am now once again entertaining those same thoughts I had years ago. One reason I never invested more of my energy into this opportunity is because of my shyness and desire to stay home. This is one reason I never even went away to school. I do realize the extent of time I would be gone in WDW if I took advantage of this offer, and have developed mixed feelings. I don't know what to do exactly. I know I should put myself out there, but so much so that I would be out of my comfort zone, so far away, upset and unhappy, doesn't sound fair or pleasing to myself. Basically my questions are, would this experience be beneficial to my anticipated career goals? Would it help me get my foot in the door at WDW and the world of Travel Agency? I don't know what to do, but would really appreciate personal experiences/stories of people who have traveled a similar path. I hope someone is still reading and can help me with all of the aforementioned topics. Thank you in advance. Also, if I was looking to participate in next year's Spring opportunity, do I wait until September to apply? Is the approaching February application only for applicants who desire to take part in the Fall program? I didn't want to be enrolled in the Fall program because I don't want to be away from home for Christmas..does anyone know if you get to go home for Christmas at all? Or no? If you were able, that would certainly change my mind. Thank you in advance. Have a Magical Disney Day.

 

[Cinderella8]

I cannot say I know much on the topic (I'm thirteen). But I understand your situation. While I'm afraid I can't really answer most of your questions on the Disney college experience, as I'm not planning on participating in it. I would guess that you would be able to go home for Christmas but I can't say so for sure.

If I had the opportunity to participate in the program I would, being able to work with Disney so much would be amazing. The only reason I personally am not looking into it is because I'm aiming to be a marine animal trainer, preferably at EPCOT's The Seas, and that would take college experience outside Florida (I'm actually already working on being admitted into a school, I've just begun to work towards a scuba degree) and the program wouldn't work.

Even though I know so little on the subject, I'd say to give it a shot and go wherever your hearts leads you. I hope you enjoy, whatever you choose

 

[Dizzy4DL]

I recommend that you search for the trip report on the DIS about the college program. It has extensive information about the program, and may answer many of your questions. It was written by a wonderful girl named Jess, and I believe it was called Disney College Program - Frump Style.

And may I say, as an adult that was a very shy teen, please put yourself out there as much as you can. I regret missing out on so much because I was shy/afraid.
Best wishes!

 

[MickeyisBeast]

I think that doing the CP would help you with your future career. Especially if you were a concierge on your program or something like that.

I'm only a senior in high school, but I do want to do the CP when I'm in college. I'm also a pretty quiet person, and I get where you're coming from with the comfort zone thing. But I do think you should take a chance, many people say the College Program is one of the best experiences of their lives.

Keep researching and getting people's opinions. Good luck.

 

[maps823]

Sorry I'm not going to be much help (I'm only 14) But I think you should take advantage of the opportunity and get your foot in the door you might want to put this on the college board too because I think some of the people on there are in the Disney college program. Good luck on what ever you decide to do!

 

[The Villianess]

While I honestly don't know a lot about the subject, I think you should at least give it a go.

But if you aren't sure if you want to do it because it's out of your comfort zone, don't worry about putting yourself out there. If this sounds like something you want to do, then I say go for it. I'm pretty quiet, but when I stepped out of my comfort zone this year, I found out that I made a bunch of new friends. And because I tried something new, I actually found out I had a lot of fun doing it! I totally get the whole comfort zone thing, but I really do encourage you to try. If you don't try anything new, then you'll never know how fun it can be.

 

[littleorangebird]

Hi there! I'm thinking of doing DCP in collage, but I'm only a high school sophomore. I know I might not be your best source but I have been looking into it for a while so I might be able to help you a little bit. If you apply in September, it for the Spring program (that starts in January) and of you apply in February, its for Fall (starts in August). If you do the Fall program, you probably do have to work on Christmas since it is the busiest day of the year for WDW.
I saw that someone mentioned it below, but I highly recommenced you read Disney College Program - Frump Style. This Trip Report really sparked interest in DCP for me. If it is really your dream to work for Disney, I say go for it and live your dream. Good Luck

P.S: Here is a DISunplugged podcast episode with the author of DCP- Frump style, Jess. She answers a lot FAQ about the program here->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_jXmkcYWII

 

[Orreed]

Hi! Many of us as you seen know a lot here, I've been researching the DCP since eighth grade and I'm a HS Junior now. But if we can't answer a question, the college board has many DCPers and they would probably know the answer.
Christmas is almost guaranteed to be worked as a CP, but you could always try to request it off earlier in the program for a better chance, you can do so through the HUB. The HUB is the online website for all Disney cast members.
Jess's Frump Style is very helpful. Some YouTubers are good, but the reality is most get busy and give up. You can really find some awesome ones, and personally I think it's the best way to learn about the program. Some of my channel suggestions are amypuddlesDCP, Angelina Mraz, kelsiedoingdisney, DisneyCPinterns, riispaceful, WDWdcpKat, and DaniWDWCP.
Probably the best video about the DCP is this documentary I linked. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7qVHh4t6-E&feature=youtube_gdata_player
A great way to stay connected is through Facebook. I highly recommended joining the group. They're seprated by Fall and Spring, sometimes get more specific by roles. The groups are also great for finding roomates.
Good Luck getting into the program and life! The others and I are here to help.

 

[johnsonmatt3]

I can't really talk much for the DCP, but I say go for it. I was looking into the same career choice but decided on Mechanical Engineering instead. You have to realize that even though you are not out in the field ( say, like a tour guide for instance), you still have to put your self out there. That is how you sell your product (travels to other places). Doing the DCP will help with that. It would give you more outgoingness (sure, let's go with that word) than you will really need. sending yourself away from home for the DCP will also help. In your field, you may be taking a lot of vacations to experience some of the destinations you are trying to sell. That's what I got for you.