Not ready to go...

[SecondStartotheright]

I have 2 weeks until my cp and I'm really thinking about backing out.
I've had a really rough time with this and I just don't know if I'm ready. I feel really stupid, but I cry about it all the time. I was doing okay for a while, but then my boyfriend started getting all sappy and he cries all the time, and it's making it even more difficult.

We just got back from our vacation and I had so much fun. It was a good reminder of how much I love Disney World...but I'm so scared of leaving home and not seeing my friends and family for so long.

I'm worried that I won't be able to handle it. I'm really scared too. But then sometimes I am okay with it, and feel like it's no big deal. Is anyone else having such a hard time?

This is such a great opportunity and I would hate to give it up because I was too scared or couldn't handle saying goodbye to everyone.

How much of a chance do you stand of getting to come home for a few days? Like I was hoping to make like 2 trips home for a couple days each...is that asking too much?
And do you get a set schedule? Or is it going to be different every week? And do you only get one day a week off?

 

[Joanna71985]

I have 2 weeks until my cp and I'm really thinking about backing out.
I've had a really rough time with this and I just don't know if I'm ready. I feel really stupid, but I cry about it all the time. I was doing okay for a while, but then my boyfriend started getting all sappy and he cries all the time, and it's making it even more difficult.

We just got back from our vacation and I had so much fun. It was a good reminder of how much I love Disney World...but I'm so scared of leaving home and not seeing my friends and family for so long.

I'm worried that I won't be able to handle it. I'm really scared too. But then sometimes I am okay with it, and feel like it's no big deal. Is anyone else having such a hard time?

This is such a great opportunity and I would hate to give it up because I was too scared or couldn't handle saying goodbye to everyone.

How much of a chance do you stand of getting to come home for a few days? Like I was hoping to make like 2 trips home for a couple days each...is that asking too much?
And do you get a set schedule? Or is it going to be different every week? And do you only get one day a week off?

I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way before my first CP. I had never been away from home for so long (in fact, I still live at home currently). When I first got down to FL, I was very homesick. I called home everynight. My family did come down for a visit a month into my CP, which helped. And my managers were wonderful. I was able to make it through the CP, and actually ended up extending it (and have since done 3 more CPs).

As for trips home, it depends on the time of year and the location. But if you request the days off far in advance, it sometimes helps. And if you are a hard worker, managers also are more likely to help out too. Good luck! It will all work out.

 

[CindyKansas]

Speaking from experience I will tell you GO. If you don't go 20 years from now you will regret it. Yes, it will be difficult leaving your boyfriend and family but you will have the experience of a lifetime.

DD is currently in the CP, we took her down in August and she decided in October to extend her stay so now she is staying until May. We did fly down and see her in October and last month. She is flying home for a few days at the end of this month. Her supervisors are wonderful and she has had no complaints.

Now, on another note. I am supposed to go to the CP program starting 2/2 but I think I will have to back out due to medical reasons. (I will find out for sure Jan. 22nd) If I don't go this round I will reapply for the fall session. DH said go for it, you only live once.

Good Luck on whatever you decide.

 

[SecondStartotheright]

Thank you
I don't know why this is so extremely hard. Maybe it's just because it's so close. I've been crying all morning. I'll cry and then I'll get really excited and then I'll cry some more. It's awful.
I think that my friends and family are going to come visit a lot. There should be someone down there to see me like every 3 weeks or so, so it won't be too bad. I'm just worried that I'll be working so much that I won't get to see anyone while they're there.

How much do you really end up working. I'm on this facebook group where people keep saying you work like 14 hour days and if you're lucky you get one day a week off. Is it really like that? I mean...I know it's not going to be vacation or anything...but I want to have time to relax too!

 

[Joanna71985]

Thank you
I don't know why this is so extremely hard. Maybe it's just because it's so close. I've been crying all morning. I'll cry and then I'll get really excited and then I'll cry some more. It's awful.
I think that my friends and family are going to come visit a lot. There should be someone down there to see me like every 3 weeks or so, so it won't be too bad. I'm just worried that I'll be working so much that I won't get to see anyone while they're there.

How much do you really end up working. I'm on this facebook group where people keep saying you work like 14 hour days and if you're lucky you get one day a week off. Is it really like that? I mean...I know it's not going to be vacation or anything...but I want to have time to relax too!

It depends on the location and role. Usually, for the most part, you will get 2 days off a week (except during busy time periods, when it will be 1 day off). For me, last summer I had the same schedule everyday. I worked 8 hours a day at DHS (except for 2 days when I traded shifts with my friend). So it varies for everyone.

 

[SecondStartotheright]

I'm in merchandising. From what I hear, it's pretty easy to get shifts covered in that role, and it would seem that it would be pretty flexible. I would like to have a pretty regular schedule...but I don't really mind it if I don't. I just think I'd drop dead if I had to work 14 hours a day with no days off!

I'm trying to figure out when everyone plans on visiting, so I can know when to request time off, so I can do that right away.

Ugh...I'm so depressed. I hate this. It doesn't help that I'm all mopey because vacation is over. I thought that being on vacation at Disney would help me get a little more excited about going back, but I don't feel any less scared. The only thing is that I'll be happy to be back in the sunshine...and hopefully I'll be able to visit the parks a lot, that will probably help cheer me up a bit.
Do people end up going to the parks a lot on their time off?

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm in merchandising. From what I hear, it's pretty easy to get shifts covered in that role, and it would seem that it would be pretty flexible. I would like to have a pretty regular schedule...but I don't really mind it if I don't. I just think I'd drop dead if I had to work 14 hours a day with no days off!

I'm trying to figure out when everyone plans on visiting, so I can know when to request time off, so I can do that right away.

Ugh...I'm so depressed. I hate this. It doesn't help that I'm all mopey because vacation is over. I thought that being on vacation at Disney would help me get a little more excited about going back, but I don't feel any less scared. The only thing is that I'll be happy to be back in the sunshine...and hopefully I'll be able to visit the parks a lot, that will probably help cheer me up a bit.
Do people end up going to the parks a lot on their time off?

When I did merchandise, I usually didn't work more then 8-9 hour shifts. And I worked late at night, so I could do whatever I wanted in the morning.

Yes. i always went to the parks on my days off and before/after work.

 

[SecondStartotheright]

That's good! I can't imagine not wanting to go the parks! What kind of a discount do we get on Disney park tickets through Company D? I know it varies with the season...but is it a good discount?

 

[Joanna71985]

That's good! I can't imagine not wanting to go the parks! What kind of a discount do we get on Disney park tickets through Company D? I know it varies with the season...but is it a good discount?

CMs get to go into the 4 theme parks for free.

The ticket discount is not the best. Usually it only is around 10% off.

 

[joepic]

The CP is a chance of a lifetime. My sister backed out before she went, (she applyed for Fall '08) and I think she's starting to regret it.

I'm assuming you're home for college, but just think of it as going away to college. Many kids go away to college their first semester. You won't be the only one. You'll be going away, but you'll be coming back after one semester.

Oh, and did you forget that you'll be in Disney?

Ultimately, it's your decision, but I really hope you decide to go. It's a once in a lifetime chance and I would really hate to see you miss out on the opportunity.

I told my sister that one day she's going to have to leave for college, so she might as well leave now.

If you ever need help, come back to the forums, many people have experienced what you're feeling...

Good luck!

 

[bridgetzoe]

Hey, I know how you feel. This will be my second college program, but the different between this one and my last one is I'm leaving my boyfriend during a really interesting time in both of our lives.

I'm checking in on 1/26, so if you are down and we have the same days off we should meet up and go into the parks and calm ourselves down about being away from home.

And about the working thing, it really all depends, during busier times you'll probably get scheduled more, but regular season, you'll have 2 days off and plenty of time to just chill, relax, go to the parks, and anything else.

You will have a blast, just think happy thoughts!

 

[zulemara]

being away from your comfort zones is one of the best things you can do for your personal development. Remember there are all kinds of people in the same position! That's the whole idea and it's like the poster above said, it's just like college.

If it makes you feel any better, my bf of 3 years just left for Italy today and I won't even see him until late July at the earliest, then he will be finishing school in WI while I'm still working and trying to get myself established in Orlando.

This is also my second CP. I loved my first one and I've been dying to go back ever since.

 

[SecondStartotheright]

If it makes you feel any better, my bf of 3 years just left for Italy today and I won't even see him until late July at the earliest, then he will be finishing school in WI while I'm still working and trying to get myself established in Orlando.

haha I don't know if it makes me feel better, but I appreciate that I'm not the only one going through this! I'm so sorry that you guys will be apart for so long =[ That must be really hard! Why is he going to Italy?

Hey, I know how you feel. This will be my second college program, but the different between this one and my last one is I'm leaving my boyfriend during a really interesting time in both of our lives.

I'm checking in on 1/26, so if you are down and we have the same days off we should meet up and go into the parks and calm ourselves down about being away from home.

I'm arriving that day too, I think perhaps you have an excellent idea! I've been thinking and I'm just glad I'll be able to go to the parks, I think it will help take the edge off, at least I hope it will!

 

[bonbon]

I have 2 weeks until my cp and I'm really thinking about backing out.
I've had a really rough time with this and I just don't know if I'm ready. I feel really stupid, but I cry about it all the time. I was doing okay for a while, but then my boyfriend started getting all sappy and he cries all the time, and it's making it even more difficult.

We just got back from our vacation and I had so much fun. It was a good reminder of how much I love Disney World...but I'm so scared of leaving home and not seeing my friends and family for so long.

I'm worried that I won't be able to handle it. I'm really scared too. But then sometimes I am okay with it, and feel like it's no big deal. Is anyone else having such a hard time?

This is such a great opportunity and I would hate to give it up because I was too scared or couldn't handle saying goodbye to everyone.

How much of a chance do you stand of getting to come home for a few days? Like I was hoping to make like 2 trips home for a couple days each...is that asking too much?
And do you get a set schedule? Or is it going to be different every week? And do you only get one day a week off?

My story:
I am a homebody to an extent. I go to school far enough away from home that I have space, but close enough that I can make frequent trips home on weekends. I have always had friends nearby. I liked my comfort zone.

Then I applied for the CP on a whim, and got accepted. I was super excited, and I even met a friend on facebook and we decided to room together (hi, abbie!). I flew down to Orlando (no family, first ever flight), shared a hotel room with a friend of a friend the night before, then met up with Abbie and moved into a 4 bedroom apartment in Chatham.

Then it hit me. I was alone. I didn't know any of those people. I barely knew Abbie from facebook. I went into our walk in closet and I cried for a half hour that night. I wanted to go home. I wanted my grandma. I wanted my cat to snuggle up with me. All I had was 3 suitcases. I never felt so alone before.

But my roommates and I bonded quickly. We all got along (with one exception). I made a ton of friends at my work location. Every one is in the same boat, really--far from home, out of their comfort zones. You just have to decide that you are going to make it. You can let yourself live in that homesickness or rise above it. Now, I'm homesick for Florida!

All in all, this was an experience that I wouldn't change for anything (except maybe that one night when the air conditioner broke--that night I would change haha). I have changed a lot during and since my program, all for the better. I think you should go. Break pout of your comfort zone and find another one!

And as for your boyfriend--I started seeing someone like 2 weeks before I left, but we didnt start dating officially, because I was leaving and that wasn't fair to either of us. Now that I'm back, we've been happily together. You two can make it work, or take a pause on your relationship. I've seen it work both ways. You both just need to talk it over.

 

[SecondStartotheright]

Thanks for sharing!

I got an e-mail last night about the prospect of delaying my program until the fall. I thought and prayed about it for a long time, and I think I've decided to just stick with the plan and go this time.

There are sooo many benefits to delaying. One big one is that I would be able to stay on my insurance plan...As of now I'll be going with little to no health coverage (so let's hope nothing happens!)

There were several others that all fall under that category of just being more prepared in general. Another thing was that my boyfriend could try again for the fall and maybe get in.

When I thought about it though, he might not get in, and then I'd be going alone and do this all over. Plus it would be through the holidays which would be way worse I think.

So it was really a six and a half dozen of the other kind of thing when it came down to it. No reason for me not to delay, but no real reason not to go on time either (other than insurance).

Emotionally, I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be. If I delay I'm just going to buy myself more time, and I'll end up having to go through this again, just in August rather than now.

The prospect of delaying is still really tempting, and I have one more day to change my mind (last day to enroll in classes here). But I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and go. In the worst case, I know that I can always just come home if I get too homesick...but I know I won't. I'm going to have a great time, it's just the initial letting go that's really hard.


So yeah,
thanks for all of the support, everyone. I'm just glad to have understanding people to go to! Everyone here is just all "Oh my gosh! You're going to Disney! Isn't that the coolest thing! Oh you're sooo lucky!" But they don't really think about the things that I have to sacrifice (albeit only for 5 months) to go, and that it's really kind of hard. So I'm just glad you guys are here, and understand!

 

[Joanna71985]

Don't worry, it will all work out. And we're here for you too.

 

[apainterxx44]

I feel so bad that you're feeling this way before you leave. I hope everything works out!<3

 

[Brent13]

I know how you're feeling. I was super excited about going. and the night I arrived, I checked into my hotel room, I sat down on my bed and I felt like I had made the BIGGEST mistake of my life. "what am I doing here?" "i want to go home now" is all i could think about, and i didnt sleep at all that night. but the next day when i drove into vista, and saw all the people there waiting in line, who probably all felt the same way i did the night before, i knew it was going to be just fine.

Youre not doing this alone, just remember that. Everyone is in the same boat as you, and theyre all just as nervous.

As soon as you get your apartment key and you head over and unlock your door for the first time, Its an amazing feeling. and as soon as your roommates start showing up the fun really begins. I had a blast, and so will you, so dont back out. GO!!!

 

[rachelkempf]

At the moment I'm really excited, but I'm a little scared too. I know I'm going to miss my boyfriend, and of course I dread leaving him. But I know that I want this experience.

It was really sad I was with my bf the other day and he kissed me and then I broke down in tears for like 5 minutes. He of course knew why but I know that everything will work out for the best.

I'm really excited about going to Disney, I just have to go to the Inauguration first...

And I've worked out who all of my roommates will be, and all 6 of us are going to check in and get our apt together. That is really comforting too, just knowing that you'll be with people that want to have fun with you.

 

[Joanna71985]

And I've worked out who all of my roommates will be, and all 6 of us are going to check in and get our apt together. That is really comforting too, just knowing that you'll be with people that want to have fun with you.

Just wanted to let you know- only the roomie you get through the notification system (if you do that) is guaranteed. It is likely you may all get to room together, but there is a chance you may not get to.