spring 2009

[Joanna71985]

Thank you Joanna. One more question (so sorry), I see on the website that now they are accepting Spring 09 - I knew this, but they also mention a Fall program, doing interviews in Spring Semester. This means that they will announce when they are taking apps for the Fall semester?? When is this usually announced? This is another option I can discuss with my son.

Again, thanks

Yes, there is a Fall program (runs Aug-Jan) and a Fall Advantage program (runs May-Jan). Disney should start applying for the Fall sessions Jan-Feb 2009.

 

[_frazzle]

I finished my interview with Wendy around 9pm EST. She was SO NICE! I'm hoping I did okay, I kinda stuttered a bit because of my nerves. We talked about a lot of things though (how I volunteered at the humane society, etc.) so I think I have a good shot. She told me I'll hear back in about 2-3 weeks. Please wish me luck!

 

[Joanna71985]

I finished my interview with Wendy around 9pm EST. She was SO NICE! I'm hoping I did okay, I kinda stuttered a bit because of my nerves. We talked about a lot of things though (how I volunteered at the humane society, etc.) so I think I have a good shot. She told me I'll hear back in about 2-3 weeks. Please wish me luck!

Good luck!!

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Do they ask about volunteer work during the interview?

I'm not sure how that's relevant. Maybe the frequent human interaction?

 

[kroberts]

Do they ask about volunteer work during the interview?

I'm not sure how that's relevant. Maybe the frequent human interaction?

I think it's generally if you have less job experience, that way they have an idea what your interests/strengths are anyway. I have extensive volunteer work under my belt, but it didn't come up because we discussed the jobs I've held instead.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

I think it's generally if you have less job experience, that way they have an idea what your interests/strengths are anyway. I have extensive volunteer work under my belt, but it didn't come up because we discussed the jobs I've held instead.

That makes sense. I have very little job experience so I suppose the volunteer work might come up. I hope my job experience doesn't effect the outcome too much

 

[Jules76126]

Had my interview today. Didnt go as well as i hoped. In the first five minutes I was told that i had a restricted rehire status and that made me flustered because i had no idea why that happened. She said it was mainly if you self-termed which i didnt. So the whole time i was thinking about that. I feel like i did well but there were a lot of questions more than last time. I guess ill know in like 2 weeks. I really hope whatever i did wasnt big enough to keep me from being accepted

 

[Joanna71985]

That makes sense. I have very little job experience so I suppose the volunteer work might come up. I hope my job experience doesn't effect the outcome too much

It shouldn't. I never had a job before my first CP.

 

[DisneyTampa]

Do they contact my school to verify my status, or do I need to mail in something to prove my status?

 

[epfootballcutie04]

I just got back from faxing my application and role checklist. I had my interview with Ronda who was beyond nice. While I was still nervous she definitely calmed me down a bit. I think the interview went well, I told her a lot about my last trip to Disney World and how much fun I had, she then asked me questions about my current job in retail and how much I liked it. From there she asked questions from my role check list, with attractions I received the famous "Space Mountain Question" I felt my answer was a kind of a generic answer but she seemed pleased with it. She then asked about the character attendant role, she asked if I had an issues with having to be assertive in that role, I said didn't have any. She then asked a few more questions about attractions (would you have any issues with memorizing a script) to which I replied: "No I wouldn't, I already have most of the Great Movie Ride memorized because I've been on it so many times" She laughed. Merchandise was kind of funny, she felt I had enough experience so I didn't get asked anything about it haha. With full service food and beverage she only really asked why I had chosen it, I explained that it was something different that I would love to do and felt it would be a new challenge, she seemed pleased with that one as well. The final role question was the infamous quick service question, I said if it were the only way in I'd take it but it wouldn't be anything I'd do otherwise. So all and all I felt it went well, interesting side note apparently they aren't requiring us to mail our applications this year, just fax. So I ran right out after the interview and faxed my checklist and app. It's supposed to be 2-3 weeks for a reply. Hopefully I get accepted!!!!!

Ronda's awesome, isn't she? I had her too and she totally calmed me down! glad to hear your interview went well!!!

 

[epfootballcutie04]

Do they contact my school to verify my status, or do I need to mail in something to prove my status?

from my understanding, they contact your school. you dont nned to send them anything other than your faxed application and role check list.

I was so worried about my school not verifying the information but someone else on here assured me that there are ways involving your social security # that disney can check your status if the school wont give out that information.

 

[shastatikipunch]

from my understanding, they contact your school. you dont nned to send them anything other than your faxed application and role check list.

I was so worried about my school not verifying the information but someone else on here assured me that there are ways involving your social security # that disney can check your status if the school wont give out that information.

If you want to be absolutely sure just call your school's career services department and say it's alright to release your information to potential employers, but you should be set. All Disney is asking for is for the school to acknowledge you as a student who meets the school's requirements, so it's not like they're asking for transcripts or anything (which would require you to release that info to them).

 

[MissRiss89]

I have my interview tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 with Ignatz. I don't think I've ever been more worried and nervous for anything in my entire life. I've wanted this since the beginning of high school (and I'm now a sophomore) and just knowing that what I've always waited for is on the line tomorrow is making me panic. Everyone is telling me to calm down, and I'll do fine, but I'm a mess right now.

Congrats to all of you who have had your interviews! It sounds like you all did so well!

 

[shastatikipunch]

I have my interview tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 with Ignatz. I don't think I've ever been more worried and nervous for anything in my entire life. I've wanted this since the beginning of high school (and I'm now a sophomore) and just knowing that what I've always waited for is on the line tomorrow is making me panic. Everyone is telling me to calm down, and I'll do fine, but I'm a mess right now.

Congrats to all of you who have had your interviews! It sounds like you all did so well!

It's not as bad as you think, the interviewers I found to be very personable and that definitely helped me relax a little bit. The questions are pretty general just try and stay positive with your answers and you'll do fine. Good luck!!!

 

[SweaterInJune]

Heh, I know I will have that problem come May (since I will be staying on in FL once my CP ends).

I know! I have about a month at home when my contract ends in Germany and that month is filled with the holidays. Then I'm moving to FL directly after Christmas, so I don't know how I'm going to manage to sort through my life in that time. I have to though. I have too much stuff. Hello, Ebay! I also don't know if I can take my things directly (will I have an apartment to move into already or staying at a friends until a roommate can be found). I'm already stressing out about it!

I'll be happy to finally meet you in May!

another question from this college kids mom

Also, is there anyone out there that's done the CP that can explain what it's like, what to expect? I think he's thinking there's more to it than the work and classes. I think he's hesitating because he doesn't know what to expect. I don't want to push him, but he's the kind of kid that needs an initial push, and I don't want him to pass up a great opportunity.

It's different for everyone, but basically it's just like going moving down there to take a full-time job in whichever area interests you for a set amount of time. The classes are optional. I didn't take one as I had just graduated when I did my program, and I regret this... Credit or not, it was a missed opportunity for me. If he has any specific questions or concerns, I would be more than happy to discuss the program with him...

Does he need a push to get going each day, or just when trying something new? There won't be anyone to make sure he gets moving everyday--just like any job! ;-) I had a friend who was not a self-started and he, after months with a VERY lenient manager, was finally terminated. Somehow they had let him extend his program...nobody understood it. He wouldn't go into work, would oversleep, etc. He wanted to live at Disney and get the perks, but not work for them. He worked in parking and I can understand someone not wanting to do that, but you have to make your job exciting. Everything can lose its spark in time...but there is always some way to keep things exciting.

I feel like i'm going to love my experience so much that i'm going to end up staying there forever XD

You just might... I remember a server at '50s Primetime telling a friend and I a few weeks into our programs, "You guys work here don't you? Oh yeah,...I see it in your eyes. You two are are 'Lifers'! You may leave for a bit, but you'll be back..." Then she told us her CP story... If you love it, it's infectious...in a good way

Anyhow, she was right! My friend is seasonal goes back several times a year and I'm preparing to move back...

Had my interview today. Didnt go as well as i hoped. In the first five minutes I was told that i had a restricted rehire status and that made me flustered because i had no idea why that happened. She said it was mainly if you self-termed which i didnt. So the whole time i was thinking about that. I feel like i did well but there were a lot of questions more than last time. I guess ill know in like 2 weeks. I really hope whatever i did wasnt big enough to keep me from being accepted

I would get to the bottom of why there is a restricted rehire on your record! That's important... Did you graduate? Honestly though, I think you should call someone about it. That's very strange... Good luck!

 

[meghaz]

I filled out my application 2 days ago, but I've been holding off on scheduling my interview because I'm not really sure what roles I want to sign up for. My top choice is attractions, but I'd prefer not to do a spieling role. My voice doesn't carry very well and I tend to get stage fright when speaking in front of people. I'm not nervous otherwise; I can talk to people just fine and I love to perform, I just get nervous giving speeches and things like that. Anyway, do you think that would hinder my chances of getting into attractions? I mean, I know there are plenty of non-spieling roles, I just hate to say anything negative in the interview, you know?

My second choice was character attendant, but after some thinking, I'm not really sure I'm assertive (read: loud) enough for something like that. My other choices are recreation, merchandise, or hospitality. And I know they'll ask about QSFB because I've had restaurant experience, and I'd be fine doing that as a last resort, but I'm not going to list it in my preferences because I'd rather do the more unique roles, of course.

Okay, I'm really babbling now. A little advice, please?

 

[SweaterInJune]

Just tell them that! I know plenty of people who wanted attractions, but asked specifically to be non-spieling. It's not a big deal... This is why they ask if you would be able to memorize and present a script. They like for you to know what best suits you...

Odds are, if you schedule your interview now, you will have a few days before it to help sort out your thoughts and which roles you want most. If you don't have a preference of order for your other role choices by then, you can tell them that--just know that you may get any of them. Odds are that as long as you make a good impression during your interview, this early, you will get your first choice (as long as they deem you suitable).

Good luck...now, go schedule that interview!

 

[kroberts]

I filled out my application 2 days ago, but I've been holding off on scheduling my interview because I'm not really sure what roles I want to sign up for. My top choice is attractions, but I'd prefer not to do a spieling role. My voice doesn't carry very well and I tend to get stage fright when speaking in front of people. I'm not nervous otherwise; I can talk to people just fine and I love to perform, I just get nervous giving speeches and things like that. Anyway, do you think that would hinder my chances of getting into attractions? I mean, I know there are plenty of non-spieling roles, I just hate to say anything negative in the interview, you know?

My second choice was character attendant, but after some thinking, I'm not really sure I'm assertive (read: loud) enough for something like that. My other choices are recreation, merchandise, or hospitality. And I know they'll ask about QSFB because I've had restaurant experience, and I'd be fine doing that as a last resort, but I'm not going to list it in my preferences because I'd rather do the more unique roles, of course.

Okay, I'm really babbling now. A little advice, please?

I really wouldn't worry about being uncomfortable with a spieling role. They understand that not everyone is into public speaking (in fact, the very idea makes most people shiver in their boots), and if you're otherwise qualified, I doubt it would keep you from a role in attractions. Try and be specific about what rides you want--if you're clearly indicating rides where you'd likely have a non-spieling role, they'll probably pick up on it without you having to outright say it.

And if you really don't want to do QSFB, just plain tell them that. You don't want to get down there and end up being miserable because you weren't assertive enough. Think carefully about each role (if you're a list-maker try making some pro/con lists for the roles you're interested in) before checking, because even if you don't tell them it's a top choice, it's a definite possibility that you'll be placed in that role.

Remember that you're applying early and have a great chance to be placed where you want. I would go ahead and schedule the interview, since you probably won't get an appointment till the end of the week at this point. You don't want to put it off too long, because you'll end up making yourself more nervous. The interviewers are really nice and as long as you're honest, everything will be fine. Best of luck with your decision! (and sorry if any of that sounded patronizing--text isn't great for showing empathy )

 

[shastatikipunch]

I just called Disney to make sure they received my faxed application and role checklist, they said the person who works the fax was out right now but they took my number and said they'd call me back. They're so nice there, I'm really hoping my fax made it there correctly.

 

[Joanna71985]

I know! I have about a month at home when my contract ends in Germany and that month is filled with the holidays. Then I'm moving to FL directly after Christmas, so I don't know how I'm going to manage to sort through my life in that time. I have to though. I have too much stuff. Hello, Ebay! I also don't know if I can take my things directly (will I have an apartment to move into already or staying at a friends until a roommate can be found). I'm already stressing out about it!

I'll be happy to finally meet you in May!

Ditto!