Interesting Tidbits...

[GiggleGoddess]

Here is an interesting email that I came across on the internet and was wondering what your perspectives were on it. What do you think? Does this person tell it like it is? What category do you fit under? (Disney-Lover, Just 4 Fun, or Partier?). This article is also linked to on my blog so you can leave comments/questions on there too, thanks!!!
http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/cast_member_corner/archive/2004/04/01/1184.aspx

Also this thread can be used for posting other interesting articles, websites, or whatever that you want to get every bodies opinion on!

 

[joepic]

Where is it?

 

[GiggleGoddess]

Where is it?

It's in there now...

 

[DisneyLover0526]

WOW! I just finished reading the article! I felt that (even though the person was a Disney Lover, and some things aren't what they really seem) the person just complained too much about it. It's ok to have your opinion, but come on. They just went on and on and on complaining about this, complaining about that....It was honestly to me very annoying to read. My drama teacher (an alumni of the Disney College program) told me that the people who don't have a good experience are the ones that don't really have an "open-mind" so to speak. She told me just yesterday that there were some things that she didn't like about the program and the people she was around, but she didn't focus on that. Her goal was to be there for the tourists, and make their time in the parks a Magical Experience. I honestly feel that if they kept an open mind and didn't focus on the small little annoyances that life threw at them, they probably would have had a better time there. I also feel that probably not only him, but many others who might have had a bad experience during the program have such high standards for the Disney Company. Just because they're "DISNEY" doesn't mean that it's going to be perfect. Yes, they do have a high reputation and all, but it's ran by humans. Us as humans make mistakes, and like many jobs out there, there are many loopholes (as he mentioned). I bet that if it was a regular company, most people might not complain. Not everything is perfect in life, and I know that Disney isn't...but they try their HARDEST to, and I have to give them props for that.

OH! And just to add...I'm a DISNEY FANATIC! I love everything there is to love about Disney. I'm not naive about the things that goes on, and granted, I did have a couple bad experiences in Disney (mostly because I was sick and wasn't in the mood to be happy like everyone else)...but Disney does try its HARDEST to live up their name...and they're doing an EXCELLENT job at it!

 

[LeanneW]

I am a DISNEY LUVAAAA. LOL. But I'm also a Disney respecter. I like that they've built such an impressive Fortune 100 company on clean family fun.

 

[reborn120]

It looks like this person had high expectations (like most do) before the internship and was disappointed. I really hope this does not happen to me. I can't tell if it was the living situation that bother her more or the actual job. I think that it is important to keep in mind that this was written in reflect to a 2003 internship and that leaves room for change. However, this is not the first negative rant I have heard about the Disney College Program and believe it or not I appreciate them. It brings me back to earth when I daydream constantly about my upcoming internship. I think it is a reality check we all need. No matter how much we may LOVE Disney, that is not why we are there. You can LOVE Disney at home. We are there to 1) work and live, 2) learn, and 3) gain a valuable experience. I feel that the author of that e-mail accomplished all of that. She did her job (however miserable it was), lived in Vista Way (her choice), learned (that things aren't always what they appear), and she stated, "It has opened many conversations in interviews with employers and played a part in me getting my current job. I made some wonderful memories and experienced parts of Disney I never otherwise would have experienced." Then how did the college program not fulfill its purpose? No where in the presentation, interview, or the entire requiting process does it say that participating in the Disney College Program is going to be easy or without its problems. This being said, I keep an open mind and PRAY that I am able to withstand whatever obstacles come my way and keep a good attitude.

Thank you for sharing this link with us and starting this thread. I think this will help us keep our internships in perspective...hopefully.

By the way, I am not a "Disney-Lover" more like a Disney-admirer or appreciator but I am very serious about this internship and milking it for all it's worth.

 

[bonbon]

I really dont think this letter is applicable anymore. Its so dated. She could have 1) moved, 2) chosen wellness housing, 3) found new roommates, 4) taken classes, worked for those networking opportunities, 5) LEFT THE PROGRAM.

Honestly, so many options are open to us (now at least), that I feel her complaints are not valid. Yes, there are the party-ers, but you can move into a non-party apartment. Find a friend down there, move in with them. And as for managers not giving her networking opportunities--it sounds like she had the chance (one of 10 people trained in conventions?) and threw it away. She could have done more to network. Its not that hard. Opportunities to network are often available, she just didnt take advantage of them.

It's a dated letter, and best to be ignored by anyone considering the program.

 

[reborn120]

I really dont think this letter is applicable anymore. Its so dated. She could have 1) moved, 2) chosen wellness housing, 3) found new roommates, 4) taken classes, worked for those networking opportunities, 5) LEFT THE PROGRAM.

Honestly, so many options are open to us (now at least), that I feel her complaints are not valid. Yes, there are the party-ers, but you can move into a non-party apartment. Find a friend down there, move in with them. And as for managers not giving her networking opportunities--it sounds like she had the chance (one of 10 people trained in conventions?) and threw it away. She could have done more to network. Its not that hard. Opportunities to network are often available, she just didnt take advantage of them.

It's a dated letter, and best to be ignored by anyone considering the program.

Good point, perhaps because it is from so long ago the program has changed. Here is a YouTube video I stumbled across from my vlog viewing and such. Be warned that this is one opinion and it is anti-CP and he was in the CareerStart program.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHMofx_syKU&feature=channellink

Just adding to the conversation.

 

[MagnumXL200]

I just tried clicking, your link doesn't work.

 

[reborn120]

I just tried clicking, your link doesn't work.

Try it now.

 

[Monster_Movie]

That was ridiculous. I loved my Program. There were ups and downs, but that's part of the whole experience. How silly.

 

[Goofster18]

ok so I am definitely a Disney-Lover and worship Disney, but I think that it is important to realize that this will be different than taking a vacation. Yes you experience the Disney magic and get in free, but you are working and making the magic for others so they have a great vacation like those Cast Members who gave the experience to you. Disney is a company. Magical, yes, but for money. If I get in, will I probably get a reality check there? yes. will it be hard living on no money and working long hours? yes. will I have problems adjusting and working and with roommates and such? yes. However, this person got put in food service. He asks what is Disney about that? Well, you are at Disney. Disney is not all attractions and rainbows lol. Guests need food, cleaning, luggage people, custodial, etc. That is why there is a role checklist. Your job is to make people's days better and magical. Even in food service, you smile and deliver food promptly, "have a magical day" notice their celebration buttons if they have them, etc. It is Disney, just not the vacation you have, but I bet when on vacation food was important to keep going. Will it be hard, tiring, rough, and edgy at times? yes. Will i want to go home, be homesick, maybe hate Disney every once in a while? yes. but if you network and try your best than it is still a rewarding experience and the worse is you finished a program for your resume and got free entry to the parks. And you know that you don't want to work there. Even though it is cliche, I think that what people say about how you look at going into the program and attempting to network and do your job the best possible is true. I like these negative reports because they keep me grounded in the reality or work and business and making money, back away from just the magic part. Mostly, the negative seems to stem from people being termed by something stupid they did clearly against the rules or not knowing the foolishness they were getting into or just deciding they didn't want to try and left. So it is taken with a grain of salt.
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18
P.S. I don't know if that guy in the video tried out for performer before, but if you ever think of trying out or working again, then keeping the attendance card clean and having the right personality and work ethic is soo important. Is "dream breaker" harsh. absolutely. I do wonder if those were his words and interpretation because I just don't think that Disney Cast Members would use those terms EVER. But saying he has never hated a job more? Yea that will keep you from continuing. I've never done the program and I know that. My advice: Know the rules, the Disney Look, do your best, finish your program and then give it a year to decide if it was worth it. Resist temptation and know what's up before you get there and then you shouldn't have a problem. But Cast Members make the magic first and foremost. Experience magic? yes, but making it for vacationers (who are paying your salary) is first and foremost. So, yea that's my rant lol.

 

[glendalais]

This reminds me of a tip my Trainer gave me when I first hired in, and what I told my Trainees during the time I was a Trainer (though not exactly this way, lol):

"Don't snort the Pixie Dust too much, you'll regret it later."

The Walt Disney Company does what it does for profit, first and foremost. We might make money by making people happy and playing a central role in American and Global pop culture, but we still do it in order to make money.

As long as you remember that, you'll be fine. I've always felt it's important for new CMs, particularly CPs, many of who choose to do their internships with us because of a pre-existing attachment to Disney, to balance the fact that we create happiness and make dreams come true on the one hand, with the fact that it is a job and there are hassles associated with that on the other.

If one keeps that in mind, they will have a much better experience overall.

Just my $.02.

 

[JonnyJ18]

i have read a bunch of complains and negative feed back on the cp. Im a disney lover, i like to party and would love to be in florida so i fit into all the catagories in the original article. I feel in my opinion that the people who complain are either spoiled rotten, closed minded or babies. Your going down there to work bottom line they make that very clear. I realize that people say that they have never had a job before in their life which blows my mind, your in college at least work in the mall or on campus or something. My parents made me get a job when i was 15, so it would teach me responsibly and make me a better person. Some people are also very closed minded, they think that their views are right and everything different is bad, (the original article the girl should of asked her roomates nicely to party somewhere else and im sure they would of, she clearly didnt like drinking so she sould of just put herself in wellness) There are also people who were babied by their parents or whoever. Like i said before your at least a frosh sophmore in college so act your age and get a job. I go to school, play hockey, so i got a job at the rink we play out of, because even tho my parents dont pay for school they dont give me money either so i have to work. Its do-able and not very hard and a paycheck feels good too. You dont even need to work alot to get experience just work a few hours. In the summer i work at least 6 days sometimes 7 outside so goin down and working at disney is going to be awesome cause your working in the happiest place on earth. Another point of complaint is drinking, i like to drink and party sometimes no where near the amount i used to but i still do. I can not stand people who make fun of people who dont drink or vice versa. I have friends that drink and dont drink and its never a problem. My one roomate doesnt like drinking and if were partying to much or loud he just asks of to take it somewhere else and we do. By now you should be mature enough to do that. I just blows my mind how you could complain about being in florida working at disney and taking awsome courses. In conclusion if you dont like your roomate suck it up.. if you cant change it, If you dont like parties go wellness, and if you dont like to work or not open to working alot, decline your invitation so someone that really wants it can get in. We are all adults here people, act like it.

 

[Goofster18]

Besides the whole job thing, I totally agree with what was said above. For the most part, everyone has ways to handle things like that and if you have never had that experience and don't know how to handle it, ask a friend or someone, it's not tough. As to the whole job thing, some people were not babied but they didn't get a job as early. I only worked end of my Junior year thru senior year and the summer, and it was a very few hour a week job. It was good and experience and I learned alot, but not everyone is babied, they just might do alot at school or extracurricular or volunteer world or something. Also, at my college we are in the middle of nowhere and cannot have a car until junior year or with a certain number of credits. Also, those who get work study and finacial aid get first dibs. So some people try to get jobs, I got mine the first week so I made sure to get a job, but I know some who have had previous work and applied everywhere around here and on campus, called again and again, and just can't get anything. I understand you generalized above, I just thought it was important to point this out. But yes, I agree JonnyJ18. And yes, if yuo don't want to work or take it seriously, MOVE THE F*** OVER AND GIVE THE SPACES TO THOSE WHO WANT THEM DESPERATELY!!! (slightly aggravated over my wait, if you can't tell.....)
So with that said,
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[JonnyJ18]

Besides the whole job thing, I totally agree with what was said above. For the most part, everyone has ways to handle things like that and if you have never had that experience and don't know how to handle it, ask a friend or someone, it's not tough. As to the whole job thing, some people were not babied but they didn't get a job as early. I only worked end of my Junior year thru senior year and the summer, and it was a very few hour a week job. It was good and experience and I learned alot, but not everyone is babied, they just might do alot at school or extracurricular or volunteer world or something. Also, at my college we are in the middle of nowhere and cannot have a car until junior year or with a certain number of credits. Also, those who get work study and finacial aid get first dibs. So some people try to get jobs, I got mine the first week so I made sure to get a job, but I know some who have had previous work and applied everywhere around here and on campus, called again and again, and just can't get anything. I understand you generalized above, I just thought it was important to point this out. But yes, I agree JonnyJ18. And yes, if yuo don't want to work or take it seriously, MOVE THE F*** OVER AND GIVE THE SPACES TO THOSE WHO WANT THEM DESPERATELY!!! (slightly aggravated over my wait, if you can't tell.....)
So with that said,
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

Yeah i def generalized about jobs my bad because im lucky enough to live and go to school around cities and populated areas and its super easy to get a job and get experience(didnt mean to jump to conculsions) but all the kids that i know that dont have jobs or live at home(and dont have to for money reasons) have a real hard time in the real world i.e. working in disney. I have lived away from home since i was 18 and its harder for me now to stay at my parents house then it is living by myself( well with roomates) Anyway as you said goofster18 i am also very aggravated waiting cause i recived a pending letter a week ago so i get annoyed when i read anything negative or say they are worried about working...your not working 40 or 50 hours in a cubical your working at DISNEY

 

[graygables]

I can't comment on the living aspect since I am living offsite, but the work aspect does seem fair. I would classify myself in the top tier of Disney Love. Umpteen trips to WDW and I even went back to grad school for the sole purpose of qualifying for the PI/CP program. I'm more interested in my Mouseters Degree from my Disney Leadership class than I am in my Master's in Management.

That said, it is a job in a colossal corporation. Yes, a job where I get to see Pluto and Goofy out my "office window" every day, but still a job. Currently, I have NO leadership for the CP aspect of my program and none of the leaders seem to care. They are not helping with networking and I find the article spot-on in that regard. My leaders are focused on not losing their jobs and they don't have time for anyone else's concerns (or mid-program assessments, or dealing with issues). The CPs in my area are essentially adrift and it's not very fun right now.

What you will read in Creating Magic and what you will learn in the classes may look fantastic on paper or in theory, but may very well not even be remotely close to the practice in your area.

 

[glendalais]

That said, it is a job in a colossal corporation. Yes, a job where I get to see Pluto and Goofy out my "office window" every day, but still a job. Currently, I have NO leadership for the CP aspect of my program and none of the leaders seem to care. They are not helping with networking and I find the article spot-on in that regard. My leaders are focused on not losing their jobs and they don't have time for anyone else's concerns (or mid-program assessments, or dealing with issues). The CPs in my area are essentially adrift and it's not very fun right now.

I'm assuming they've also let the CP Cast Services Manager go as part of the layoffs/dissolution of the Cast Services Department?

Just a note here. While this is certainly a sad situation at the moment, with WDW Managers having reached the point where many of them are horrified to look at their BlackBerries for fear that it'll be the e-mail telling them to clear out their desks, it certainly isn't the norm.

The layoffs will eventually cease (even if it's because they've ran out of people to layoff ), and we will eventually return to some sense of "normalcy" within Parks & Resorts. Many Managers, as well as DLR and WDW Resort Leadership do think favourably, or at least indifferently, of the CP, and hopefully that attitude will start to resurface again after the storm has passed.

 

[Goofster18]

I agree with glendalais. At some point everything should start to level off but it is true, if you were over some (mostly teenagers) who were there for only 4-6 months and doing a job for minimum wage, as opposed to losing a job you have been banking on and holding for the past years, I totally understand that they aren't paying much attention. I have heard several stories, mostly saying that if the CPs try then people, and managers and FT seem to like them and respect them, although I have heard some managers and FT see them as ignorant, stupid, useless, annoying, lower than low, a pack-horse, moving onto their turf, etc. And technically, thinking about what you are there for and what others have gotten termed for, you are technically a Disney pack-horse and the general overview is people focus on the worst, so the view of the CP comes from the bad, usually not always the good. However, from people who have done the program and those cast members, CPs who do their work are generally respected and an integral part of the team.
Have a Magical Day!!!
Goofster18

 

[JonnyJ18]

All chit chat aside these are interships and it is also paid! Be it a very small paycheck its still a paycheck. I have done two interships before and have gotten payed nothing. So not only did I have to go to school and go to work at an intership i also needed to go to my regular job and during hockey season go to practice/games. I realize im an extreme case but Interships are supposed to pay you in experience but disney pays you in both. Regardless of the networking oppertunities you have worked for disney and is a great foot in the door. Lets do the math basically you get to work in disney live in orlando for relatively cheap and no lease(i live in NJ so its cheaper than my apt now which is outragous...not sure about prices elswhere in the county) "networking oppertunities" GET PAIDED tons of benifits FREE PARK ADMISSION college classes professional development studies and your not a prisoner if you dont like it just put your two weeks in and leave. im sure theres more but those are major stuff.