Internship at a resort

[The_Disney_God]

I want to major in hotel management (most likely), and I'd like to intern in Disney.

Would I get a choice? Would they put me where ever?

 

[safetymom]

I am not sure that they do this since they have the Disney College program. On that program you can work in the resorts while living at their on campus housing at WDW. My daughter is in the program.

 

[mmouse37]

Here is a link to the Disney College Program website.

MJ

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/html_home/index-ns.html

 

[mousey]

My son was interviewed for the college program. How does it work--are they assigned to a certain area such as food service and must remain in that area the entire time? Any suggestions or tips welcome.

 

[Misti]

I was on the College Program back in '92. WOW--I just aged myself!

You interview and give your preference for three areas. However, you are not guaranteed a location. When you are given a job assignment, you stay there throughout the duration of your trip. However, they usually rotate you through different roles within that department. For example, I was in Guest Relations at Epcot. For a number of weeks, I was given responsibilities in "phones" (information and foreign language translation line), guest service desk (customer service, special ticketing), dining (the little tv's they used to have at the park to make PS), theme park tours and publicity (media events like when they debuted Aladdin and Splash Mountain).

Foreign language background, good grades, Disney knowledge and personality all dictate where you go in terms of location. It is quite a competitive program and they look for students who are eager to be with Disney in any capacity. It is a wonderful experience. And, if you excel, you are offered a postion upon grauation. The thing about Disney is that you start low and get paid little. I've seen few examples of any college graduates making a bee-line into management with Disney. Everything usually begins very entry-level, hourly pay.

Hope this helps!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Originally posted by Misti
The thing about Disney is that you start low and get paid little. I've seen few examples of any college graduates making a bee-line into management with Disney. Everything usually begins very entry-level, hourly pay.

Misti, that is the major reason why I don't want to work for Disney. I wouldn't be able to live on what they pay. I'd really love to work there, and I'm sure I'd make a GREAT cast member (GF Management? ~ maybe). Humm, wonder if they could make an "exception" for me?

BTW, do you know how much they pay (hourly wage)? I think current minimum wage is $5.15/hr, would they pay more than that?

 

[Misti]

Ah, yes, that is also the reason why many CM's leave Disney, unfortunately.

What you are paid depends on the department. Yes, exceptions are made for individuals. I would think your passion and knowledge for the GF would make you a great candidate!

 

[ilovefh]

I did the CP last fall and now I am a Campus Rep. for the College Program. They do assign you to one role and you stay in that one role the whole time. You live in company sponsored housing. I had been living in my own apartment for two years before I went, but for my roommates who had never lived on their own this was a great first start for them!! It was structured enough to give them security, but loose enough so they were in control. If you have any questions about it from a students point of view let me know!!

Elena

ps. Californiadreaming- most hourly roles start out at $6.50 full time, $6.35 part time and the college program is $6.00. There are of course exceptions....like characters. I always thought it was funny that while working breakfast at CRT I made $6.00/hr and the girl playing Cindy made double what I made!!

 

[safetymom]

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/html_home/index-ie.html

Here is the web site that explains all about the program. My daughter loves it and is going to extend in the College program.