Orlando, pros/cons?

[kdm31091]

I'm currently almost 16 and living in Delaware. When I'm 18 (summer of 2009 to be exact) and done high school, I want to move to Orlando or a suburb. I think with a roomate we could swing the rent and living, but am I wrong?

Also is it fun working for Disney (in anyone's experience)? I really want to be a cast member. I know they make looooow wages but how are the benefits - do they make up for it?

Eager to know!

 

[DawnCt1]

I'm currently almost 16 and living in Delaware. When I'm 18 (summer of 2009 to be exact) and done high school, I want to move to Orlando or a suburb. I think with a roomate we could swing the rent and living, but am I wrong?

Also is it fun working for Disney (in anyone's experience)? I really want to be a cast member. I know they make looooow wages but how are the benefits - do they make up for it?

Eager to know!

You don't want to go to school after high school? You will have so many more options with a college education. You will be able to earn more money and have so many more choices.

 

[kdm31091]

Well I do, but it's more likely going to be a trade/community college. Most of my career ideas are hands-on, such as possibly barber or pastry chef, both of which are specialized school things.

 

[Microcell]

Isn't there a college program with Disney? I would get some college, it takes alot longer to make any kind of money. DH did it without a college education, but he feels stuck in his profession without any choices without our family suffering.

 

[kdm31091]

So disney requires college to be hired? Or you're just saying it would be good?

 

[Feralpeg]

Not to be a downer, but it is expensive to live in Orlando. Rent is high. Food is high. Unless you have a college degree or some specialized skill, you will make minimum wage working at Disney, Universal or most tourist related jobs. Many of the CMs who work at Disney are part of the college program. Even so, they must pay rent and usually end up sharing an apartment with 3 or 4 other college program CMs.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've overheard CMs talking about how they thought they'd have time to spend in the parks. In reality, they work very long hours, for minimum wage. Full time positions are hard to come by and part time CMs don't get all the benefits of full time employees (ie. health care). At certain times of year, part time CMs are asked to put in as many hours as full time people. Many CMs just came off mandatory 6 day work weeks.

While working at WDW has its perks, I'd advise you think carefully about moving here. Orlando is a great place to live, but it is just like any other big city. It has its problems and it is expensive. Working at WDW is not the same as a vacation.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Not to be a downer, but it is expensive to live in Orlando. Rent is high. Food is high. Unless you have a college degree or some specialized skill, you will make minimum wage working at Disney, Universal or most tourist related jobs. Many of the CMs who work at Disney are part of the college program. Even so, they must pay rent and usually end up sharing an apartment with 3 or 4 other college program CMs.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've overheard CMs talking about how they thought they'd have time to spend in the parks. In reality, they work very long hours, for minimum wage. Full time positions are hard to come by and part time CMs don't get all the benefits of full time employees (ie. health care). At certain times of year, part time CMs are asked to put in as many hours as full time people. Many CMs just came off mandatory 6 day work weeks.

While working at WDW has its perks, I'd advise you think carefully about moving here. Orlando is a great place to live, but it is just like any other big city. It has its problems and it is expensive. Working at WDW is not the same as a vacation.

The CMs I know personally work overtime whenever possible plus often work an outside job just to pay rent. Orlando is a pricey place to live now and many apts are going condo. Your options are pretty limited.

My advice? Go to college and apply for the college program. Then you can get a taste of things while earning your education.

 

[kdm31091]

I forgot one career I was considering: realtor. So between realtor, barber or pastry chef - my 3 major career ideas - I don't see what I would go to college for? It would be a specialized thing at a specialized place, I would think. I'm not sure that a realtor lisence means crap to Disney; ditto for a barber lisence or pastry chef certificate/degree. I really like Florida. I wish it was more affordable.

If I decide to say "forget Disney" and just do my career in another Florida city, which cities would you recommend? I'd like to avoid southern Florida (the hurricanes hit there more).

 

[AKL_Megs]

It's expensive to live, sweetie. At 16, I am sure you don't have any firsthand experience on bill paying, but it isn't easy. I had dreams like yours when I was your age... I have never let them go, and probably never will. But it's hard enough to live where I do, working full-time like I do... I can't imagine the struggle I would have down there, working two part-time jobs to make it, let alone going to school on top of that! It's really hard to get one job to be flexible with school, let alone two! And you would never make it anywhere on one part-time job, even with a roommate.

Keep your dreams alive. Find something you love, go to school for it... chances are, you can probably do it at WDW!!!

 

[kdm31091]

What are some less expensive, advisable to live in cities in Florida? Assuming my 3 major career ideas?

Also, do people with degrees earn considerably more from Disney? For example, with a degree in Hospitality Managemnent, applying at Disney, would your salary be hugely more, or just a dollar more or so?

 

[Feralpeg]

I forgot one career I was considering: realtor. So between realtor, barber or pastry chef - my 3 major career ideas - I don't see what I would go to college for? It would be a specialized thing at a specialized place, I would think. I'm not sure that a realtor lisence means crap to Disney; ditto for a barber lisence or pastry chef certificate/degree. I really like Florida. I wish it was more affordable.

If I decide to say "forget Disney" and just do my career in another Florida city, which cities would you recommend? I'd like to avoid southern Florida (the hurricanes hit there more).

Disney needs all three of the things you have mentioned! They buy and sell property all the time. No, they may not be selling WDW property, but Disney is a huge business that buys and sells land and businesses for speculation purposes.

Every resort has hair salons, and pastry chefs are needed at the resorts and in park restaurants. By the way, the Orlando Culinary Academy trains world class chefs!

If you decide to become a realtor, barber or pastry chef, do you plan on owning your own business? Having a business degree might make the difference in whether or not your business succeeds. Whether or not you decide college is the thing for you, life will be so much easier if you complete training in your chosen field before you relocate.

 

[kdm31091]

You do have a point there. I have a somewhat off topic career type question. I know realtors have no schedule, but does a pastry chef & barber both have reliable schedules? Barbers probably do, but do pastry chefs? If there's one thing I hate, it's not having a schedule and just working whenever. I like a nice schedule. I'm actually working at the local McDonald's right now. Don't love it too much, mostly because I hate their food, but at least I have a schedule - it's important to me.

The thing is, my roomate (okay, signifigant other) is 2 years older. They will be finishing up their training/college around the same time we were planning to relocate (summer '09). In other words, they would probably get a decent job to help support the rent while I was training, if I did the training/degree/whatever in Florida. Or should I bite the bullet and do all the training/degree/whatever stuff here, even though the roomate will have a degree/cert at the time I wish to move?

 

[Feralpeg]

What are some less expensive, advisable to live in cities in Florida? Assuming my 3 major career ideas?

Also, do people with degrees earn considerably more from Disney? For example, with a degree in Hospitality Managemnent, applying at Disney, would your salary be hugely more, or just a dollar more or so?

Disney tends to promote from within. In otherwords, having a degree will help, but you may have to work your way up the ladder. Many of the people in middle management positions at WDW started in the college program working in the theme parks or stores and have worked their way up to the current positions.

Several of my neighbors are in mangement positions at Disney. One started out as an entertainer/character CM. It can happen, but requires times and hard work.

 

[Feralpeg]

You do have a point there. I have a somewhat off topic career type question. I know realtors have no schedule, but does a pastry chef & barber both have reliable schedules? Barbers probably do, but do pastry chefs? If there's one thing I hate, it's not having a schedule and just working whenever. I like a nice schedule. I'm actually working at the local McDonald's right now. Don't love it too much, mostly because I hate their food, but at least I have a schedule - it's important to me.

The thing is, my roomate (okay, signifigant other) is 2 years older. They will be finishing up their training/college around the same time we were planning to relocate (summer '09). In other words, they would probably get a decent job to help support the rent while I was training, if I did the training/degree/whatever in Florida. Or should I bite the bullet and do all the training/degree/whatever stuff here, even though the roomate will have a degree/cert at the time I wish to move?

I'm sure that pastry chefs have pretty stable schedules.

The relocation timing question is a tough one. Only you can really answer that. Things can change. Relationships can change. Would you be able to support yourself if there was a change in your relationship? I am the type of person who must feel self-sufficient. I would be very uncomfortable counting on someone else. That's just me. You must decide how comfortable you feel about it. Of course, I am much older than you...it is hard for me to relate to your situation. I am impressed that you are trying to plan your future. So many people don't have a plan.

 

[kdm31091]

Thank you! I mostly want a plan because I see so many people - my own sister for instance! - who just fumble through high school and then wonder what they're gonna do. I have for years wanted to go to Florida, so I'm trying to solidify things.

Does Disney's college program include community colleges? Most of the ones I've researched have a Pastry Chef or at least Culinary Arts degree. Would the college program at Disney be able to be used with community college? Or do they only take regular, 4 year schools?

 

[Caradana]

Stay in Delaware and go to either community college or trade school. Delaware has pretty good offerings in both and extremely low taxes. If you work your buns off, you'll be done in a year. THEN, move to Florida. Trust me, you don't want to move to Florida unless you're making more money than you're spending. Don't move on a shoestring. It will put enormous stress on the relationship you have with your significant other. Money doesn't buy happiness but trust me, IT HELPS!!!

 

[Feralpeg]

Thank you! I mostly want a plan because I see so many people - my own sister for instance! - who just fumble through high school and then wonder what they're gonna do. I have for years wanted to go to Florida, so I'm trying to solidify things.

Does Disney's college program include community colleges? Most of the ones I've researched have a Pastry Chef or at least Culinary Arts degree. Would the college program at Disney be able to be used with community college? Or do they only take regular, 4 year schools?

I don't know the answer to your question. You might want to spend some time on the College Board on the DIS. They talk about the college program a lot and I'm sure they would be able to answer your questions.

 

[kdm31091]

So, if I don't do it the Disney way, what are some other Florida city options? Just curious. Thanks for the help thus far.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Go to college and then do the College program! even if you do it in your second semseter! you get college credit and have plenty of opportunitied from there! Several of my old roomies did the management program from the College Program instead of going home after the program ended and they are still there and so happy and in management in WDW!

I wish i never came home! haha!! i HATE chicago and would love to move back to Orlando!! but with all our family here and now 2 children, our dreams get set aside! so hold on to your dreams and you can make it work! just have a plan!!!!

 

[schmitty]

Goto UCF. It has a decent buisiness program and also a good hospitality program also too. And if you want you can work part time at disney. Disney people always recruit people from UCF.