Pete's Solo Show - WDWCP

[metalis4ever]

I've been busy at work so I've actually had to work So I apologize if someone already commented on this....But...

Sorry that this is wicked long, I went into rambling novella mode...

I couldn't agree with Pete more in his feelings regarding the Walt Disney World College Program. I participated in the WDWCP in Spring 1999 (Jan 26- May 24) and speaking from first hand experience it changed my entire life. I would not be as successful as I am today without the Disney College Program. I'll take that a step further I wouldn't be the person I am today without the WDWCP.

The running joke standing in line at Vista Way waiting for our apartment assignments was that WDWCP really stood for WDW Closing Person and that was even before we had our job assignments A day or two later I got my job assignment and lo and behold I worked the closing shift as a Quick Service Food and Beverage Host at All Star Sports Resort. It was insane, the first night I worked was Super Bowl Sunday and it was so busy at the grill that I didn't notice until clear down that there was a giant TV not even 50 yards away from me that had the game on all night. It remained busy the entire Spring as All Star Sports was short handed so I ended up working with mostly other College Program participants. It was in those 4 months that I acquired an unrelenting work ethic, the meaning of teamwork and above all the meaning of true Guest/Customer Service. All these skills stick with me today and have allowed me much success in my professional life.

Looking past the Professional takeaways the Personal growth was immeasurable. The Culture Shock of living with peers from all over the Country and World with different World Views was truly life changing. The interpersonal experiences opened up my immature 18 year old mind and made me see things I had never seen before. In those 4 months I can honestly say I went from a brash rebellious teenager to a responsible and driven young adult. When I came back I was a totally different person and for that I am eternally grateful.

I did get into some trouble at Vista Way but those are different stories for a different time. Good times, Good Times

12 years later I am still friends with 2 of my fellow WDWCP Alum as well as one of my former Managers. As a matter of fact one of the 2 is one of my best friends. I would probably be in contact with more if the internet and social media was in '99 what it is today.

The WDWCP laid the foundation for my entire life and more importantly was the genesis of my love for everything Disney. I honestly don't know where I would be professionally or personally without it.

As far as the "Slave Labor" sentiment goes, I can say that working for Disney was the best job that I have ever had in my life and it only paid me 5.65 an hour. For the experience I had and the knowledge I took away I would have done it for free. I never experienced any negative treatment from Part Time or Full Time Disney Cast Members, they were just happy for the help.

I also love being able to put Walt Disney World College Program and "Ducktorate Degree" on my resume, always opens up questions.

I have recommended the WDWCP to many individuals over the years and 6 out of 7 came back thanking me profusely for encouraging them to participate. Just like everything else in life you get back what you put in

Vista Way 4 Life

 

[PeterPan09]

If you want to work for Disney as a career, the College Program is practically a necessity. I have not worked with one manager or spoken to one salaried person in 18 months that did not go through the College Program or an Internship. I'm sure there still are some roles where they choose folks who have not been CP's, but I'm thinking that it's a minority.

Yes, CP's are the lowest form of life at Disney, and they do get all the lousy shifts. And there are legends of the things that go on at the housing area. Unfortunately, sometimes they get a lousy reputation from some of the CP's who come here for a vacation and don't take the job seriously.

I wish I could have been a CP in college, but I couldn't take a job then that paid so little. If you do have the opportunity and you even have a minor thought that you might want to work for Disney someday-DO IT!

 

[fall08CP]

I have some very strong feelings towards Disney as a corporation and how they treat their cast vs their guests. Did I enjoy my two programs? Absolutely. However, not a single one of my friends (probably 30+ cps alone) has received a full time job with Disney since. Most of them have college degrees and are working "seasonally" for minimum wage, no benefits, and limited hours, hoping their break is coming (3 years and counting). You are putting a heck of a lot more into the company than they are into you. I remember working one night until midnight and bring scheduled back in at 8. Oh, and it's a NINETY minute bus ride each way. Now I'm down to 5 hours sleep maximum if I don't shower or eat. Oh, and the second day I was scheduled a double, 8am-midnight. Very frustrating to say the least, if one guest rubs you the wrong way it takes everY ounce of willpower to not blow up, because youre not thinking clearly.

Disney also emphasizes that having that name on your resume is a huge plus. The job I have now was obtained by the extensive amount of community service I did in college, not Disney. Again, I've asked my friends all over the country who are in entry level jobs or job seeking, and they all say that the Disney name hasn't even gotten them an interview.

Am I anti-college program? No. But I am pro-using your brain and not drinking the Kool aid that this will launch your future career. I have seen too many people continually burned by the company to recommend them anymore. It's fun, yes, but it's still a business that puts its customers and bottom line first. If you can accept that, you'll do fine. If you think they care personally about every single cm, you've got another thing coming.

 

[kaligal]

If you don't like your job...
If you think you should be paid more...
If your benefits aren't good enough...
If you think you work too hard...
If nobody is appreciating the wonder that is you...

Quit.

Go find the job that will pay you loads of money, take care of your health, pat you on the head and tell you how amazing you are while you do less work than you do now.

Plenty of people out there who will be pleased to have the job you whine about.

 

[Krystal87]

I hardly ever post on the boards, but I have to say that I agree whole-heartedly with the original poster. My journey with the Disney corporation is not over yet (hopefully,) but I have gained so much from participating in the college program in 2009. I recently earned a management position and was chosen, as an external candidate, by a district manager over internal candidates and those with some years more experience with me partly due to her having taken some business classes through Disney University and seeing Disney on my resume resonated with her. The hours are long and hard, at times grueling, but there really is a work ethic that is learned by being a castmember. While it is a name on a piece of paper, to the right employer, it shows a lot about your character. I also met some of the best friends I could have ever imagined. We travel to see each other at least 2-3 times a year, adn I am going to be a bridesmaid in a roomie of mine's wedding next week. I hope to move on to a Professional Internship and start my career with Disney, and it truly is your best way to get your foot in the door. Every job has its pros and cons, but if you really are interested in working for the company and making dreams come true (rather than going on an extended vacation, though there are tons of fun times, too) the experience is valuable beyond measure.
And to think, of all of the internships I looked into, Disney was one of the few who offered compensation for the experience. Complaining about wages is pretty crazy.

 

[metalis4ever]

Fall08CP - I understand and appreciate where you are coming from, I guess we have had 2 totally different experiences and there is nothing wrong with that

Like I stated in my original post I participated 12 years ago, But I can proudly say that every job I have had since '99 I have earned or gotten because of the work ethic and customer service skills that I learned in the 4 months working for Disney. Even to this day I use everything I learned in every aspect of life professional and personal. For me it wasn't kool-aid for me Disney was the Turbo Coffee that woke me up to what it takes in life to succeed.

I have only had 3 jobs since 1999, 2 of which I had while still in College. For my current job which I view as my Career, I know for a fact I got because I had the WDWCP and "Ducktorate Degree" on my resume. I know this because when I was called back for my 2nd Interview they wanted me to bring a copy of my "Ducktorate Degree" The individual conducting the interview was so excited that all we talked about was Disney I do believe the Disney College Program abandoned the "Mousters" and"Ductorate Degree" shortly after 1999. But I have a copy if anyone wants to see it, I will be more than happy to post it on here.

Krystal87 I am glad that you have found success and I wish you continued success in your career and like you I hope to one day go back and work for Disney even if it's when I retire I'm a little too old at this point for a Professional Internship, I missed the boat on that one, but good luck

 

[fall08CP]

If you don't like your job...
If you think you should be paid more...
If your benefits aren't good enough...
If you think you work too hard...
If nobody is appreciating the wonder that is you...

Quit.

Go find the job that will pay you loads of money, take care of your health, pat you on the head and tell you how amazing you are while you do less work than you do now.

Plenty of people out there who will be pleased to have the job you whine about.

I'm sorry, was this directed at me? You obviously didn't read my post, I started by saying that I loves my time there. This is exactly why people don't feel welcome on this board. If the opinion is contrary to popular, they get belittled.

"Words of affirmation" fall on the very bottom of my love languages. I couldn't care less about getting recognized for what I do. I do, however, believe that a company should treat their employees like human beings and there are thousands of students that go down every year, excited to begin a career, and will no longer be with the company a year from now. I'm being REALISTIC. And you proves my point exactly- yes, there are plenty of people willing to fill those spots, which is why Disney doesn't HAVE to value their employees- they can (and do) replace them in a heartbeat. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I currently work at no wage for a non profit organization. No pay, no recognition, no benefits, but guess what-I'm happy and fulfilled, because I'm treated fairly and actually making a difference in the world. Don't assume next time

You can't call it a job when it has no benefits and is only lasts a few short months- that's an internship, a temporary assignment, and what many (though I have not used this term myself, it's the full timers saying it) slave labor. Problems don't get solved when they're ignored. If you feel the need to push this further, I'm all for healthy debate. Feel free to PM me as to not hijack this thread.

Krystal, I'd be curious to see where you are post PI (good luck on that and use your resources, it's becoming incredibly competitive!). Even my friends that have gotten into management have only been given TAs, knowing that any day they can be cut at-will. A whole group of PIs got cut after being told theyd been extended.. They got less than a week's notice to move out and find a job elsewhere.

The only time I "complained" about wages is for the people who are seasonal and Disney has no full time roles they're willing to offer. That has nothing to do with CP.

 

[kaligal]

I'm sorry, was this directed at me?

No. And you're forgiven.

"Words of affirmation" fall on the very bottom of my love languages.

I have no idea what that means. Is it from Oprah?

Anyway, that's as far as I got. It wasn't about you. Wasn't directed toward you. Wasn't even thinking of you.

 

[metalis4ever]

No. And you're forgiven.

I have no idea what that means. Is it from Oprah?

Anyway, that's as far as I got. It wasn't about you. Wasn't directed toward you. Wasn't even thinking of you.

OK now I'm confused, was your statement just a general one? Because my Original Post was nothing but positive

 

[jewjubean]

Ya'll It was me who posted the question about the college program. As he was answering it I realized that I didnt word it correctly. I am TOTALLY ok for working for disney making 7.25 a hour. I am giving up a Great job making good money to do the internship again.


Just wanted to throw that out there.

 

[metalis4ever]

Ya'll It was me who posted the question about the college program. As he was answering it I realized that I didnt word it correctly. I am TOTALLY ok for working for disney making 7.25 a hour. I am giving up a Great job making good money to do the internship again.


Just wanted to throw that out there.

Awesome!!! Have fun!!! If I was able to do so back in the day I would have participated more than once as well And 7.25!!!! I'm jealous!!!! I only made something like 5.65

Do you know what your job is going to be yet? Back in the day when I participated you didn't find out where you were working until you arrived.

 

[jewjubean]

Awesome!!! Have fun!!! If I was able to do so back in the day I would have participated more than once as well And 7.25!!!! I'm jealous!!!! I only made something like 5.65

Do you know what your job is going to be yet? Back in the day when I participated you didn't find out where you were working until you arrived.

Hey! Sorry it took me so long to reply back! I'm actually in the process of applying again! I'll keep you updated