I Want to Leave DCP Early for Potential Jobs? (or not go at all??)

[Cozysaur]

Hi everyone!

I've gotten myself into a really stupid situation regarding the Disney College Program (at Disneyland), and I don't know what to do about it.

I sort of applied to the DCP on a whim. I LOVE Disneyland and always daydreamed of working there during college, but I went to school out of state and could never consider actually doing it. Well, a few months ago as I was finishing my final semester of college I knew it would be my last chance to apply so I figured what the hell, I'll apply, let's see if I even get in. And needless to say, I did!

I immediately began second-guessing myself -- I don't really want to work at Disneyland, letting people on and off of rides 8 hours a day for minimum wage. I love the Disney atmosphere, but I don't want to be stuck in it for an entire semester. My parents said they'd just pay the $800 and if I got a real job by the end of the summer I wouldn't have to go. They didn't mind paying for me so I let them...

My onboarding day is in about a week and a half and I still don't have a job. I've had interviews, done tests for studios, and have more tests on the way. Nothing is certain yet, but I could have a job in a month or so (or less! Who knows). My parents want me to go to Disneyland and leave early if something comes up. I'm worried that I won't have enough time to do my job tests if I'm doing the DCP (I'm in the animation industry and they're very time consuming). I'm assuming you can't just take a random week off whenever you need to, though if you could that might solve some problems. I'm also worried that if I leave early, Disney will continue to charge me rent for the weeks/months I'm not in Anaheim anymore.

If I go, I'll be able to visit home pretty often since my family lives in LA, so homesickness isn't a problem. I just don't want to move in, learn my new job and start making new friends if I'm going to wind up leaving in a week.

Thanks for reading this! I need some opinions from other DCP-ers, it's really hard to deal with this without talking to anyone who actually knows anything about the program (myself included).

 

[Cozysaur]

By the way I just want to add, I feel really ****ty about all of this. I wish I hadn't made my parents put down money in the first place... I don't think they'd be forcing me to go if it wasn't for the fact that they just dropped almost a grand on this program. I'm really dreading the end of August...

 

[lizzi6692]

Considering your field is animation I would go. Even if you aren't pursuing a career with Disney at the moment you never know what might come up in the future. I would assume that Disney probably keeps information on everybody that has ever worked for them and it would really suck if dropping out of the program cost you a big opportunity in the future. Plus there may be some networking opportunities that come out of the college program.
Not to mention the fact that it would be really crappy if you essentially took a spot from someone else that really wanted to go and then just blew it off.

 

[Cozysaur]

I've read that quitting only negatively affects you if you want to work at the parks again (which I don't plan on). Also, one of the jobs I'd be potentially leaving the DCP for is actually for Disney as well, haha.

I agree it's really sucky to take the place of someone who positively wanted to be there... And it's sucky to leave when the company plans on my being there, too. It's a bad situation to be in...

 

[lizzi6692]

I've read that quitting only negatively affects you if you want to work at the parks again (which I don't plan on). Also, one of the jobs I'd be potentially leaving the DCP for is actually for Disney as well, haha. I agree it's really sucky to take the place of someone who positively wanted to be there... And it's sucky to leave when the company plans on my being there, too. It's a bad situation to be in...

Especially if you are currently pursuing a job with Disney, I would go. They might only admit publicly that quitting affects your chances at getting another job in the parks but I don't believe for one second that they don't have access to that information in other sections of the company.
I think you need to just suck it up and do it.

 

[LittleMissGiggles89]

Go there and network. They offer so many great networking opportunities for CPs that are doing the program might actually help you get a job with Disney. If you find something halfway through your program then self term, but especially if you want to be in animation if would do the CP and try and connect with as many people in animation as possible.

 

[awilliams1109]

Go to Disneyland and start the Disney College Program. There are many opportunities that students can get themselves involved in. Also, there are the professional internships which are more prestigious than the dcp. Disney college program is great opportunity for anyone who is willing to put effort into networking.

But, why did you apply for Disney College Program then if you didn't want to work there? This happens every semester when people forget it's a job. I'm coming off harsh but, this happens way too often.

 

[Barry Browning]

Stay long enough to get the family the maingate pass--16 days three people each.I mean 16 x 3= 48 tickets at $100 a pop $4,800 they would be way ahead here.Since they are local its like a lifetime of visits.My son loved it and stayed a year and a half.You meet so many people it is like living in a frat house.At least four women to one male..

 

[hockeygirl14]

The networking opportunities are incredible. I would go. Disney doesnt charge you rent or anything if you decide to leave early so dont worry about that. You might get there and love it. Considering your in animation you can probably find some good people to network with. There are many opportunities for workshops and extra classes and networking etc.