Making a career...

[eadavis]

So I accepted! However, I am just thinking about the future. Ideally, I'd love to go from CP straight to PI and then to direct placement. I'd be finished with my Masters Degree by the time the CP is over in January and would love to make a permanent move to Disney. Any alums ever hear something like this going on? I'd rather have my hopes given up now than in the fall.

 

[glendalais]

So I accepted! However, I am just thinking about the future. Ideally, I'd love to go from CP straight to PI and then to direct placement. I'd be finished with my Masters Degree by the time the CP is over in January and would love to make a permanent move to Disney. Any alums ever hear something like this going on? I'd rather have my hopes given up now than in the fall.

It can happen. It has happened. But it's not guranteeed.

You just have to be in the right place at the right time, and preferably having networked with the right people, particularly if you're looking for an Office & Technical or Salaried position.

 

[pluto1979]

It absolutely can happen! I did it! NEtwork, Network, Network! Do as much cross-u as you can. You might not get a position immediately due to how things are right now but never give up hope on anything especially when it comes to disney!

I wish you the best of luck and I'm sure you have the drive and ambition as well as the knowledge and most importantly the vision to make your Dreams a Reality!

 

[eadavis]

It absolutely can happen! I did it! NEtwork, Network, Network! Do as much cross-u as you can.

Cross-U?

 

[Berlioz70]

I have a whole blog about it! I actually obtained my Masters before I started my Disney journey.

Fall 08 - CP Character Performer
Spring 09 - PI Technical Writer
May 09 - Opening Team Trainer, The Pirates League
Jan 10 - Safety Resource Assistant for Creative Entertainment

 

[glendalais]

Cross-U?

Cross-Utilization. It is the process by which Cast Members in non-Hourly/Salaried Guest Service roles (Offices, Technical, etc.) pick up shifts in the Theme Parks and Resorts to supplement exisiting Cast during peak attendance periods.

Florida-Site Cast Members also use the term to refer to any temporary assignments that a Cast Member undertakes in addition to their regular statused position. This includes things such as Cast Members teaching Traditions and other Onboarding classes, serving on committees, etc.. I have a hunch that's the usage being referred to here.

 

[heyhowdyhey]

Does anyone know if its possible to transfer or network with someone from the DLR if ur doing the wdw cp?

 

[graygables]

It can happen. It has happened. But it's not guranteeed.

You just have to be in the right place at the right time, and preferably having networked with the right people, particularly if you're looking for an Office & Technical or Salaried position.

Yep.
Jan 2009: CP
Jun 2009: Management Intern
Jan 2010: statused Duty Manager

Each person's path is unique, but the common thread is right place/right time and NETWORK.

 

[glendalais]

Does anyone know if its possible to transfer or network with someone from the DLR if ur doing the wdw cp?

It's certainly possible.

With the ongoing reorganization within Walt Disney Parks and Resorts aimed at providing a One Disney experience for our Guests and Cast Members at both the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the organizational structure has never been more suited to that kind of cross-site networking.

However, at the same time, as a Florida-Site Disney College Program Participant, you won't be running into those many California-Site Cast Members on a daily basis.

You could always apply to transfer. The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies does post all vacant positions, including those at the Disneyland Resort, on the Company's Job Board. In addition, Casting Services can also assist you if you desire to transfer into a California-Site Hourly Guest Service Position after your Program.

 

[Princess Ash]

On my way!!!

DCP - Jan 2010
PI - June 2010
Career - ???

 

[Joanna71985]

I just took my next step!
Jan 2005- May 2010: CPs 1-6
May 2010: FT Icon attractions!!

 

[VTchina]

For those of you who went straight from the CP into a PI, how early do you have to apply for the PI while you're in the CP?

 

[sneekypeeks]

I was accepted for the management internship, so mine is a little different. But the applications went up in mid January and I applied the first week. Applications were pulled down 2/25. Regular PI's were pulled down 3/25. As long as you get your app in before they bring it down, you should be fine.

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

It's been my dream since 2000 to work at WDW someday. I have to retire from teaching first, but I've often thought that working summers now that my boys are getting older (heck, THEY want to work there, too!) is a good way to get my foot in the door.

I realize that it probably doesn't happen very often, or maybe not at all. Does it? Do any of you in the "know" know if it's been done before? If it was a perfect world, I'd start working summers in 2012, then go full-time and forever a couple (a couple? ha!) years after that. Does a CM make enough money to support him/herself?

TIA,
Rose

 

[Joanna71985]

It's been my dream since 2000 to work at WDW someday. I have to retire from teaching first, but I've often thought that working summers now that my boys are getting older (heck, THEY want to work there, too!) is a good way to get my foot in the door.

I realize that it probably doesn't happen very often, or maybe not at all. Does it? Do any of you in the "know" know if it's been done before? If it was a perfect world, I'd start working summers in 2012, then go full-time and forever a couple (a couple? ha!) years after that. Does a CM make enough money to support him/herself?

TIA,
Rose

Yes, it's very possible to work just over the summer.

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

Yes, it's very possible to work just over the summer.

Great. Thanks for the heads up, Joanna. If ever I got to go full-time, would I make enough money to support myself, do you think? Would I need to get a second job?

Thanks!
Rose

 

[Oglet]

Oopsie post

 

[Oglet]

On Straight time its very difficult, Its all about learning the system on how to get you into OT as soon as possible. ie. Pickup a short shift on EHH, get bridged into it and turn a 8 hour straight time day into a 14 or 16 hour day with 6 or 8 hours at time and a half. (anything usually over 8 hours in a day for FT is time x 1.5)

Being bridged into a shift is great. If there is 2 hours or less between scheduled shifts you can be bridged. Its a nice sit down break time where your being paid until your next shift starts.

After 12am you also get a 60 cent per hour premium for each hour worked. I personally work some longer days I have 2 x 14+ hour days this week and still have my 2 days off. Id rather work a couple long days @ time x 1.5 and give a day away that is straight time.

Working a 6th day is good. Its time x 1.5 and a seventh is double time.

Depending on what department you work in will obviously plays a big part in what is up for grabs in the way of extra hours. Its all about knowing the ins and outs of your particular department and maximizing your schedule while finding a balance between time worked and time off.