My Teacher's feedback on the DCP, I need reassurance

[Kumquatmelon]

One of the Math teacher's at my school had a daughter who did the Disney College Program and she had well, as you will read quite the negative experiance. I just need some reassurance that the Disney College Program is right for me. I am really excited to participate in the College Program I wouldn't be doing it until 2011 but I keep on researching. I am quite the Disney fanatic and I think that just staying on the property for a semester would make it for me. But, I'd like to know what other people's experiances were.
Sorry, it's a bit long.


"My daughter spent the 2nd semester of her sophomore year at Disney in Orlando. She was unhappy with her experience with the Disney College Program for these reasons.

1. The pay was not enough to cover all of her living expenses (food, gas, apt. rent).

2. The program was completely unorganized from check-in to check-out.

3. She was scheduled to work more than 40 hours a week many weeks. When she had fewer hours, she would go weeks without a single day off.

4. In order to get to work on time, if she rode the shuttle she had to get to work early or leave late based on shuttle times. It could take an hour (sometimes more) to get to work even though the Disney property where she lived was close to Disney.

5. The managers in her area were rude and would not listen to schedule requests if she or her friends had family coming to visit and wanted to spend time with them.

6. The general public expected her to speak multiple foreign languages and became irritated at her when she didn’t understand them.

7. She found out that Coca Cola had built the housing for the program and given it to Disney for the use of students in the program at no charge, yet Disney was charging.

8. Most full time Disney employees that she met were not happy with the company, but couldn’t leave because it’s a huge employer in the area.

9. She had to buy specific things that were required for her uniform rather than Disney providing it all (not told about this upfront).

10. Minimal college credit is given for being there. My daughter received 1 credit hour which was not communicated to her until after she was there. We also had to pay tuition to her university for that credit hour.



On the positive side, she did learn that she never wants to work for Disney. She also met one good friend that she still talks to regularly. She lost all respect for all things Disney and never wants to go to a Disney property again."

 

[glendalais]

5. All Scheduling Requests, particularly from College and CareerStart Participants, are just that - Requests, and will be accommodated based on Business Needs and Requirements.

6. Disney Parks do indeed welcome Guests from across the world, who speak a wide variety of languages. However, many resources are available to Cast Members in order to allow them to deliver the same Legendary Guest Service to these Guests that they do to Anglophone Guests.

7. Erm...that doesn't even deserve the dignity of a response, but no, it is not true that The Coca-Cola Company, in any way, sponsors the Disney College and International Programs.

8. It is what it is. The economy of the City of Orlando and of Central Florida is heavily impacted by The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies. However, there are certainly other jobs available.

9. With the exception of shoes and undergarments, all Cast Member Costume Pieces are provided by the Walt Disney World Resort.

 

[JonnyJ18]

your math teachers daughter sounds like a baby....those are trivial things

 

[Kumquatmelon]

Yeah, I kinda thought that same thing.
Or probably a little too stuck up and not so appricaiting of the Walt Disney Company.

 

[kmg148]

...

 

[GiAnnie]

So personally I did have a problem with most of those things on that list at one time or another. That being said, the CP was one of the best things I have done to date.

Not everyday down there is a walk in the park (no pun intended). There were days I was tired, stressed, overheated, and just fed up with everything Disney (at work AND at home). But then again I have experienced those kinds of crappy days everywhere in my life. AND these crappy days in no way over shadow all the GREAT days I did have.

This girl who did this program kind of sounds like she has some growing up to do. I mean make up your mind, do you want more hours to pay for things, or do you want less hours but have to stretch a buck a little bit more. I mean they tell you up front how much you are going to get paid. Do NOT go down there thinking you are going to strike it rich, because you will also be sorely disappointed. I basically broke even going down there, but for the experience, I didn't mind.

As for guests, you will definitely get the negative asses. After working in retail, outside of Disney before my CP, Disney guests as a whole are MUCH better than "the real world". But that doesn't mean that everyone is rainbows and butterflies. You deal with the jerks and you move on. The same could be said for managers. In my area I had 8. It is nearly impossible to guarantee that you will get along with 8 different people that are you superior. BUT again I had good, bad, and completely awesome managers. I had like two bad, ones, 3 good ones, and three awesome ones. So you love the times you work with the awesome ones, enjoy the times you have with the good ones, and just buckle down and bear the times you have to talk to the bad ones. But even still I was able to find SOMETHING about the bad ones that I could stand, or even like about them.

The trivial things like the bus and buying things for your costume you should just ignore. Yeah you have to buy SHOES to wear to work, but maybe it is just me who does not expect Disney to supply my shoes. And yeah the bus could be crowded, or run on weird schedules. But the thing is basically free. So I say sit down, shut up, and make sure you always carry a book around with you. As your program goes on you will make friends with cars, so there will be the special times where you DON'T have to ride the bus. Or better yet, bring your own car.

And now that I wrote this novel, I hope I gave you some good insight. I agree that this girls sounds childish, and just needs to grow up. I had similar issues, but none of them big enough to ruin a completely wonderful, useful, and unique experience. I took the good in with the bad, and they all made my program what it was. I wouldn't even trade the bad moments in for anything, because hey they still make good stories.

So chin up, and DO NOT let this girl ruin your dream of doing the program someday!

 

[namara87]

1. The pay was not enough to cover all of her living expenses (food, gas, apt. rent). Before you even accept a spot on the CP, you are told how much you'll be making and that you are guaranteed at least 30 hours per week, no less.

2. The program was completely unorganized from check-in to check-out. I don't even know what to say about this, I find the program runs very efficient. In some instances, trying to find assistance for a particular reason (change locations or roommate dispute for example) may take a bit more digging, but overall, I think the CP process runs pretty smooth. I really can't note any blatant disorganization?????

3. She was scheduled to work more than 40 hours a week many weeks. When she had fewer hours, she would go weeks without a single day off. Once again, all this is made clear during school presentations, during interview and on the website. This is completely dependent on the location, time of year, current employment stats.

4. In order to get to work on time, if she rode the shuttle she had to get to work early or leave late based on shuttle times. It could take an hour (sometimes more) to get to work even though the Disney property where she lived was close to Disney. It was noted in question one that she was paying for gas??? Anyway, yes, I would say it does require a little extra time to get to work via the buses...this depends on what apartment complex you're at and what direction the route is going (from complex to next complex or straight to park/resort).

5. The managers in her area were rude and would not listen to schedule requests if she or her friends had family coming to visit and wanted to spend time with them. You are never guaranteed certain days off. You can request, but if you're needed you're needed. Management/Deployment must cover their forecasts. My advice is to always request a day off as early as possible, talk to a friend in your area to see if they would be willing to switch shifts/take a shift if needed.

6. The general public expected her to speak multiple foreign languages and became irritated at her when she didn’t understand them. It's Disney World...emphasis on WORLD. Sorry, but she must have worked in the Epcot World Showcase in Germany knowing absolutely no German, to encounter irritation like this on a daily basis. In all honesty, most guests I encountered were more than happy to interact via broken English, park map usage, and gestures if I was unable to find someone around who knew their native language, that was a big part of the experience for me. I've taken years of French and only remembered bonjour, au revoir and basic direction words during my 07 CP. One of my favorite memories is standing on Main Street, when a French family came up to me to ask where Space Mountain was. It took me 5 minutes, an MK map, and a lot of giggling on both of our parts, but I was able to get them to Space with the little French I knew. They appreciated it, but I think they would have appreciated equally as much if I just directed them to guest relations for assistance.

7. She found out that Coca Cola had built the housing for the program and given it to Disney for the use of students in the program at no charge, yet Disney was charging. I'm pretty sure this is the biggest faux rumor to ever come out of the CP...that, and the one about the Vista Way hot tub


8. Most full time Disney employees that she met were not happy with the company, but couldn’t leave because it’s a huge employer in the area. I've met many-an-awesome full-timers and part-timers who have been with the company for years, and are there to make the magic and truly be part of the Disney experience. I guess some people are not cut-out to appreciate that dynamic...there is nothing wrong with that. But don't misconstrue your overall perception of WDW Cast. Remember, more than 50,000 work for WDW, not everyone will be sunshine and roses every hour of the day.

9. She had to buy specific things that were required for her uniform rather than Disney providing it all (not told about this upfront).
Ummm...shoes/hosiery if needed? What else is not provided? I certainly can't think of anything that significant. I did have a roommate who worked Speedway and had to buy some pricey steel-toe boots as they were required though.

10. Minimal college credit is given for being there. My daughter received 1 credit hour which was not communicated to her until after she was there. We also had to pay tuition to her university for that credit hour. Um, also located on the website, it is noted that education credit opportunities are through the school. That should all be arranged through the individual university, as different options are available at different schools. Disney provides some classes that are accredited if needed.

_________________________________________________________________

Note: I am basing my answers off of the WDW College Program. Land and World's CP's are worlds apart from one another.

Overall, as any satisfied Alum would say...the difference between a fun, exciting, awesome Disney College Program and a boring, depressing one, is what is put into it. Don't go in with too high of expectations...experience, see, explore, interact as much as possible

 

[Kumquatmelon]

Thank you so much everyone! This is some great advice. I've never liked math, and now I know not to trust it 100% either.

 

[graygables]

As I was reading the list, I was thinking, yeah, OK, I get that. Now, put on your big girl panties and get over it. I think it's pretty clear that the Coke-Housing rumor is an urban legend and aside from hosiery/shoes, the costume thing is bunk, but there is a grain of truth in pretty much every other one.

The pay issue is a matter of learning to live within your means. If it were just me, I wouldn't have a problem at all living on what I'm making. I live offsite and support 2 children and have only had to "borrow" some from my hubby to cover groceries. I loved Easter season, those paychecks were great!

Yes, the shuttle takes longer than driving, but it's included in your rent (no gas $$) and is no different than any other form of public transportation that operates on a schedule. Like the PP said, carry a book.

Managers are managers. They are not there to hold hands. Every area has different personalities and part of life is learning how to get along with them. One of my managers and I have had a few rough patches, but learning to navigate them has been a great learning experience. If you want time off, ask for it on the Hub. Your scheduler is the one with the control over that one, not the manager. I've learned that managers here do not necessarily have the same responsibilities as managers "out there", so it's just a matter of learning whom you really need to contact for an answer. That said, it's always good to be the CP that the managers look to when they need something. That will help you get to know them better and them you and once that rapport is established, many of them will do everything they can to help you along.

I have guests several times a week get irritated with me b/c I don't speak Spanish (or Portuguese). The name tag says, "DEUTSCH", folks (and no, that's not "Dutch" either ) I try my best and they sometimes soften. The most important word I've learned is "appriendienda" which means, "I'm learning" (or something to that effect). If you make a sincere effort, guests will usually love you for that (I also keep a notebook of important directions and commonly used phrases like "resort gift shop" and "the bathroom is around the corner").

There are many Cast Members who do not have the Disney Magic. They have a job. Like any other job, they don't value their position or see it as anything special. One of the things that keeps me going on long days or when I'm just wiped out is, "It is an honor and a privilege to be here". It is. I have taken a role that some other student was rejected for and I need to be mindful of that. "It is an honor and a privilege to be here". It really doesn't matter how anyone else sees it and if more CPs had that attitude, it would boost the morale of the full-timers tremendously.

I'm in grad school, so heck no credit for me. However, the value of this learning experience is phenomenal. I've taken a few classes and found gems of knowledge many places around property.

It sounds to me like this little chicky was spoilt, went into it to party and play, and came out having had to {gasp} work a day in her life.

I'm too old to be quoting Hannah Montana, but "life's what you make it, so let's make it ROCK". Same goes for the CP. YOUR attitude will determine YOUR outcome.

 

[dkmulder]

Just thought I'd add my two cents, even though I whole-heartedly agree with the previous posts. As you are coming to know, each individual's experiences are as diverse as the person.

1. The pay was not enough to cover all of her living expenses (food, gas, apt. rent).

I know a lot of people thought the rent was too high, but I never had a problem with it. I looked at it as about $320 a month for the apartment, all utilities and transportation. Of course, I only had three roomates and really had a great experience, so this never bothered me (I always had my own space as well with only three roomies). And the pay did cover all my expenses; I never had to ask my parents for money to get by on. I did work on Main Street though, so hours were never a problem either - and I used credit cards for a lot of souvenier purchases (not good to mix my Disney obsession with my shopping compulsion on a cp income, but that's my problem, not Disney's).

2. The program was completely unorganized from check-in to check-out.

Whatever, I don't even know what this means If there were ever a machine that ran better than Disney, I haven't heard of it yet.

3. She was scheduled to work more than 40 hours a week many weeks. When she had fewer hours, she would go weeks without a single day off.

Seriously, and she had problems paying rent (and gas money for her problem with number four) I worked in a very high volume area and the most I worked was 6 days, but only a couple of times. I could have worked more easilly, but I didn't want to.

4. In order to get to work on time, if she rode the shuttle she had to get to work early or leave late based on shuttle times. It could take an hour (sometimes more) to get to work even though the Disney property where she lived was close to Disney.

I lived at Vista and worked at MK, so this was never a problem for me; there was always a bus. Yes, the ride was long, but not horribly.

5. The managers in her area were rude and would not listen to schedule requests if she or her friends had family coming to visit and wanted to spend time with them.

Again, it always depends. I loved the managers that I had for the majority of my program, although there were a couple that I thought were kind of uptight. One in particular, I never had much to do with because several fellow cp's complained about her being too strict, and she was very particular about the way things ran when I worked with her. However, right at the end of my program they did a manager switch so most of my managers were moved to a new area and we got a lot of new ones from different areas. Well, like the last week of your program you are not supposed to call in sick because it is your last week (there are also rumors, or it could be true but I never saw it, that you will be termed if you call in on your last week). SO of course, I get really sick and trudge myself into work. I ran into her in the utilidor and she asked me what was wrong because I didn't look good, so I told her I was sick but couldn't call in. She said yes, that is the rule, but it was obvious that I was sick and they understand if you are really sick. She told me to go home because I should have been in bed, not at work. Then, she offered to drive me home so I wouldn't have to ride the buses (she gets to park her car right at the park next to Main Street, not at West Clock), so she walked with me to my work location to let my managers know I was going home. Anywho, when we got there, I asked one of the new managers if I could go home because I was really sick, and he said no - even though she came with me and told him she was going to give me a ride. So then, she pretty much put him in his place because there was no reason for him to do that and they had the shift covered and she said there was no way she was going to let him make me work in my condition (she also got me the next couple of days off, just in case). SO there was a case of a bad manager choice, and a manager that I thought was bad but was actually very wonderful.

And on a side note, as for getting time off, my family had been down the week before (Spring break peak season), and I was able to get the entire week off that they were there. The day I went in sick was actually the same day they left - I woke up in the hotel with a fever so I couldn't even see them off, they left me in the room to sleep.


6. The general public expected her to speak multiple foreign languages and became irritated at her when she didn’t understand them.

Never had a problem with this. Felt horrible though when I found a poor little boy who was lost and only spoke French; I was frightened for him just imagining what it must be like to not understand what anyone around you is saying. But, I called guest relations and they sent someone right over and in the mean time I did my best to comfort him, including hugging him. It is amazing what that costume does for guests; it does create a connection and apparantly, even thought he did not understand me and I couldn't help him find his parents, I could make him feel a tiny bit safe for a moment.

7. She found out that Coca Cola had built the housing for the program and given it to Disney for the use of students in the program at no charge, yet Disney was charging.

Just not true.

8. Most full time Disney employees that she met were not happy with the company, but couldn’t leave because it’s a huge employer in the area.

Never saw this either, but I'm sure it's true for some. I know I have been stuck in a job that I hated because the pay was incredible and I couldn't afford to leave it at the time. At the same time, others liked the job. It all depends on the person.

9. She had to buy specific things that were required for her uniform rather than Disney providing it all (not told about this upfront).

Everyone knows about the shoes upfront.

10. Minimal college credit is given for being there. My daughter received 1 credit hour which was not communicated to her until after she was there. We also had to pay tuition to her university for that credit hour.

Again, this has to do with the individual schools, not Disney. I had a nightmare with the classes I was taking through my school while I was down there, but that had absolutely nothing to do with Disney. And of course her parents had to pay the tuition for that credit hour, I think that is the custom for universities to charge per credit hour.

Sorry the post was so long, but you know how it is when someone is bashing something you love (I know you aren't personally), you have to defend it.

 

[MegaraRocks!]

I had a blast on my program! No complaints what so ever! I agree that there were days that I was upset and angry but thats everywhere and in any situation! I dont know what presentation your math teachers daughter went to, but when I went to my presentation most if not all of those complaints were explained at the presentation before I even applied!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I always tell people the more you put into the program the more you get out of it. If you go to work and come home and hate the world yeah its going to suck. But if you go to work and make the best of it and keep upbeat, go to the parks, attend housing events, take a class, go to netowkring nights, join inturmural teams, volunteer you will learn alot about yourself and have a blast!!!! Please dont let that girl destroy your dreams of going because you always more negative then good about things because unhappy people like destroying other people's happiness! The only thing that I can figure is that this womens daughter got a job she didnt like because it wasnt glamourous! The costumes are awesomely ugly and Im sure that bothered her too, but its Disney its not suppose to me glamourous its suppose to be magical


1. Disney makes sure it is enough to cover rent and such, but as for food. I dont know what this girl was eating but I had plenty enough money for food and I ate out ALOT!!!! I had money for gas as well. I even went shopping and such. I too broke even on the program, but it is not about making money they tell you that at the presentation.

2. I disagree completly! Check In as well as check out was well organized a flowed well. There is always someone to answer your questions, and if there isnt they can find someone.

3. IT IS DISNEY! They are super busy at certain parts of the year, and yeah you have to work 40 hours a week and more sometimes, but you always get at least one day off a week, there is no such thing as mandatory seven days! And you get paid ovetime for above forty hours.

4. I have never heard of it taking an hour to get to work! But if you have a car it takes a half hour at the most including walking and parking time! If you do have to take the bus, you end up making really good friends and time goes by quickly.

5. Sounds like she had alot of requests! My managers were always understanding with those of us who worked well and didnt call in or request off all the time. if you arent whiney and ridiculous they are understanding.

6. Again ITS DISNEY! It is loved all over the world, naturally there are foriegn vistors. Thats ridiculous of her to think she wouldnt encounter that. personally I found it a great chance to learn words and how to communicate with people who didnt speak english, which has proved very useful.

7. That is a rumor and not true! Even if it was the maintence, utilities, amentites, supplies, furniture, transportation... these things all cost money! The rent is not that bad considering all that is offered and that you are living in central florida. RENT IS HIGH IN FLORIDA TO START WITH!

8. No matter where you work there are going to be cranky people who dont like their job, and Disney is no diffrent. Ignore them and dont let it ruin your magic because they are just *****ing.

9. SHOES, she had to buy shoes! I have NEVER had a job that provided my shoes.

10. Every college is diffrent, but even if you didnt get credit (like I did!) The networking opportunities and experience as well as the classes there are worth the semester off. And she cant blame the Disney College program for having to pay tuition thats not their fault thats their schools. I dont have to pay full tuition at my school, I paid a small fee to remain full and keep my benifits and that was it!


This girl sounds extremly whinny and quite ridiculous!

 

[lauraebeth]

well, as a two timer for the CP, currently living offsite for my second tour of duty. people answered the complaints pretty dead on.

I can add that the housing is built by someone who, if disney ever decides not to use it as CP housing, this company can then rent it out as normal apt homes. Disney pays someone to use Chatham, patterson, & commons, and vista is the only one actually owned by disney, hence, it's the reason rent is cheapest here. . .this came from my recruiter during my time as a campus rep.

 

[zulemara]

I did my first CP aug 04-may 05, became a rep, and came back down jan 09. All I can say is everyone else has continued to hit the nail on the head.

Almost all of those things are presented to you up front. Now I realize even in the last 5 years there have been pretty big changes in the check in procedure, but even 5 years ago it was a pretty smooth process.

Bad guests...they happen everywhere. If a guests yells at me, I deal with it and as I'm stewing about it, I remember the hundreds of guests who have said "thank you" to me throughout the day. Those are the guests worth remembering.

I also feel the best way to build your desire to create the magic is to go to the parks. Pretend you're a guest in the dumbest way. Heck I even tripped over the train track on main st cuz I wasn't paying attention. Don't say you're a CM to anyone. Just act normal and slightly confused. You'll be surprised how many people are willing to help you. Take what that feels like, bottle it up, and unload it on that next guest who asks you the same question you have answered 12 times in 2 minutes.

That's how ya make the magic

 

[BabyPiglet]

Honestly, it sounds like she needs to be introduced to a little thing called 'the real world'. Not everything is all rainbows and unicorns when you become an adult.

It just seems like she wanted a vacation, not a work experience.

I've heard as long as you go down there with the right expectations, you'll be fine. It'll be hard some days, and it'll be amazing others.

 

[CursedCarolers]

Even if the Coca Cola housing thing was true...

Wifi, Telephone, property, 24 hour security, pool, etc...for the prices they charge for rent there!?

I couldn't get a quarter of that for the prices they charge here in NYC, that I can promise you. Mind you, I haven't done the program yet but I'm just saying...Getting all that would be a price FAR greater than what they're charging. It will SAVE me money if I do the program this year. haha.

 

[Climber656]

Sounds like to me that your math teacher's daughter needs to grow up and put her big girl pants on.....

On a side note, If your coming down to WDW to do a CP and are expecting it to be a 5 month vacation at Disney, DON'T COME. The CP is a JOB and treat it as such. Peek season is a tough time for everyone. I work Easter peek season just a few weeks ago and everyone i know was scheduled at least 55 hours both weeks(i had 77 and 84 myself.)

 

[BabyPiglet]

Doesn't rent add up to being about $400 a month? You can't get any kind of good apartment for that around here. Seriously, for $400 a month you'd be living with the druggies downtown.

So, I'm not about to complain about the cost of rent...

 

[kmg148]

....

 

[MaryPoppins86]

I think it's expensive because I live with 8 people. That's 82x8 per week. Which adds up to that's around $2,600 a month (just rounding). I just can't see what costs that much. But that is just my opinion.

but doesn't all that money cover a lot of things besides the rent (utilities, transportation, etc)? i'd take $82 a week if it ment it would also cover my utility bills and transportation than that $82 a week just being for the rent.

that girl seriously does need to grow up. i haven't even done the program yet these sound like minor complaints to me. my family likes to pamper me. especially when i was younger. when i turned 16 i wanted a job real badly but no one wanted me to work. insisting that they'd give me whatever cash i wanted/needed. but i like to earn things on my own and i'm turning out great because of that.

 

[kmg148]

.....