Spring/Spring Advantage 2011 :)

[chexie]

So what's everyone doing to pass the time lately?

 

[peaceheart]

So what's everyone doing to pass the time lately?

working, trying to pick up extra shifts so i can afford everything I want in the program if I get in!, I've made a WDWCP notebook so i can write all my information I need down in it, Ive been hanging out with my friend who's done the program before and shes been telling me all about it ! ahh!, I'm also attempting to plan part of a wedding because my friends getting married in less than a month and I'm the maid of honor, AND I'm getting ready for a summer camp im doing next month its a church camp for abused and neglected children, and i'm also somewhat mentally preparing for the fall semseter. Thinking about and talking about Disney takes up most of my time though. its probably not healthy lmao! We all dont even know if we're accepted yet!! Scary, huh?

 

[Anna's_Order]

So what's everyone doing to pass the time lately?

I have been vacationing from work to avoid getting overtime and risking suspension.

I've been looking for a second job, shopping, doing laundry, trying to pick up a cheap bike to save me some of my long bus trip, and preparing for all the work that soon comes with being 18.

(Memo to other working almost-18 year olds: If you go into Bank of America and say "I'm almost 18 and I'd like to look into how to open my first credit account, they will pounce on you like hyenas on wilderbeasts. You will know no peace)

 

[Pure_Imagination]

Hey all! I just wanted to pop in and say that I'm pretty sure they sent an e-mail last year telling us the applications wouldn't be out until September- and there they were August...24th, or so?

The biggest tip on making sure you get in is to apply EARLY. Like the moment the applications get out. Of course people still get in around October or so, but if you're really, really wanting to do this make sure you apply ASAP. The early bird catches the worm!

(of course this isn't going to automatically mean you're in, but it's one of the best things you can do to make sure you have a great shot at getting in!)

The other thing you can do is prepare, prepare, prepare for the interview! It's not that bad, but still you want to make sure you know the basics. Like why you'd want to do the CP, why you're interested in Disney, where you could possibly see yourself working in Disney in the future. Think of worst case scenario issues with the job and how you'd deal with those. If you don't have any work experience, don't always judge by what experience you think you know, like with school, because with the work force is different. Think like you would think were you the person interviewing.

Good luck!

 

[khancock]

but it's one of the best things you can do to make sure you have a great shot at getting in!

And it is also one of the best things you can do to have a great shot of landing a pending status since many more people will interview after you. If you don't knock your interview out of the park, you'll have to wait.

I don't agree with the thinking that timing of when you apply has any influence on the interviewer's final decision. It comes down to if you make it through the Gallup profile and how well you actually do during the telephone interview.

Just because you apply day 1 doesn't make you a better applicant for a position. Applying the last day doesn't make you a worse applicant.

If anyone really thinks that the interviewer is going to say "Oh my! You applied the first day, so I'm going to give you a job", please take a few moments and look through some old threads on here and other message boards at the number of people who applied then and were shocked that they didn't make it in or had to wait a few months because they were pended.

I'm not saying it is bad to apply earlier in the season just to get it out of the way. My point is that it isn't going to play a part on actually getting into the program or not.

 

[Pure_Imagination]

My point is this- thousands, possibly tens of thousands of people are going to apply. What's a real easy way to sort through those applications? First come first serve. Of course if you apply later and do a great interview like everyone else there's a good chance you can still get in, but spaces in the program will fill up fast. Just like if you're one of the first to apply and fail the web interview or do a terrible phone interview you won't get in. Like I said no, it's not going to be a very sure-fire way to get in, but it definitely does not hurt to apply early. I'd rather apply when the recruiting stage is new, fresh, and exciting again rather than a few months into it after interviewers have done thousands of these interviews and there are fewer spots available.

Plus the trend usually goes that the last to apply gets the lesser chance when it comes to getting a favorable role. Meaning a lot of people end up having to choose between quick-service or nothing. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I just know a lot of people wouldn't want to have to make that choice. I just wouldn't procrastinate just because you can. Applying early is always one of the big tips I've always heard about the CP

 

[Neverland_gal]

I am definitely applying early as to avoid the more desirable roles filling up! (I mean someone has to get one of the good roles, so I at least want to be in the running! )

I am so glad they changed the rules and let you get accepted in a second choice before auditioning for a character! I have wanted to be a character and share the magic with others ever since I was 7. I flat out face planted in front of EVERYONE at Ariel's Grotto in WDW as my family was waiting in line to meet Ariel (even Ariel saw it happen). When I went to meet her she told me that the rocks in her grotto were just so darn slippery and she falls on them all the time. Why, just yesterday she slipped on a rock and fell right over the railing into the water (the water that used to be part of the 20 thousand leagues under the sea ride). This made me feel SO much better and happy about sharing something with Ariel.

This memory has stayed with me the past 13 years and has instilled in me the desire to "pay it forward" and give that special feeling to other children visiting WDW!!

 

[Joanna71985]

Can everyone respond with how much each job pays, or what jobs pay you DO know? and how many hours they usually get, if you know that. thank you! <3

The hours will depend on role, as well as location

you've done the program before? if i check off several things that i would not enjoy, but would rather do than NOTHING-- will they let me have one of my top choices if i explain my situation? How have you found that working for others? thanks again! <3

This is me personally (and also what I told the students at my school when I was a campus rep), but I told them that if there was a role they weren't comfortable with, to not pick it (as you could potentially end up with that role). You don't want to be unhappy for 5-7 months.

I Know that I want character performer to be my first choice, character attendent second and I am debating what to put third. I was thinking about merchandise but I have a couple of questions. Where would I be most likely to work? In a store or at an outdoor cart? In the parks or in a resort shop?

Thanks for your help!

When I worked in merchandise, in my area we had both shops and carts. So we would rotate around and work at both kinds. There were days where I almost worked at every location (we had 3 carts, 2 outdoor shops, and 4 shops).

 

[mikelo]

I'd sure love to do custodial...I used to do custodial when I worked on the Air Force Base...

That'd be one of my top picks, next to food service, since I like working in Fast Food the best.

I'd do any role, even attractions and stuff if I HAD to, but I hope I can convince the recruiter I'd be best in fast food or cleaning.

Custodial is actually the role with the most guest interaction. I was surprised at first when I heard that but it actually made a lot of sense when I thought about it. You roam the parks, cleaning as you go, and answer questions, hand out maps, give directions, etc. I can't imagine how many times a custodian will be asked where the bathroom is. I'd also be willing to bet that quick service comes on par as far as guest interaction goes. Cosmic Ray's in the Magic Kingdom used to be the busiest restaurant on the planet up until the opened a 3 story mega McDonald's in Japan (which I'm sure you know about).

Anyway, it looks like you have a hard working attitude, and that you could certainly do the job that is asked of you. Your work experience is testament to that. I also remember reading on another thread that you're looking more into Disneyland than Disney World? I know it's not an issue for you but just fyi Disneyland has much more limited hours, so I doubt you'll have very many "late" shifts. California Adventures usually closes around 10:00pm, even in the summer, and Disneyland closes at 12:00. Hope that helps!

 

[Golden_Eagle426]

If all goes well, I'll be applying for Spring 2011!!

 

[FoxwithEars]

Sorry I am a newbie but what is the most popular role people apply for?

 

[Jefpier]

Anyone for PI ?

 

[Anna's_Order]

Custodial is actually the role with the most guest interaction. I was surprised at first when I heard that but it actually made a lot of sense when I thought about it. You roam the parks, cleaning as you go, and answer questions, hand out maps, give directions, etc. I can't imagine how many times a custodian will be asked where the bathroom is. I'd also be willing to bet that quick service comes on par as far as guest interaction goes. Cosmic Ray's in the Magic Kingdom used to be the busiest restaurant on the planet up until the opened a 3 story mega McDonald's in Japan (which I'm sure you know about).

Anyway, it looks like you have a hard working attitude, and that you could certainly do the job that is asked of you. Your work experience is testament to that. I also remember reading on another thread that you're looking more into Disneyland than Disney World? I know it's not an issue for you but just fyi Disneyland has much more limited hours, so I doubt you'll have very many "late" shifts. California Adventures usually closes around 10:00pm, even in the summer, and Disneyland closes at 12:00. Hope that helps!

Thanks, so much! You're the first comrade to give me some helpful info on these boards. I'm afraid the others write my concerns and stuff off as negativity.

Anyways, thanks for responding to my post.

 

[psherman42]

What kind of photography experience do we need for photopass? That's not my first choice of role but I am thinking of putting it down on my checklist. And is 7 roles enough to put down? Right now I have attractions, merchandise, character attendant, QSFB, FSFB, photopass, and vacation planner. I might add Main entrance operations but I don't know yet. I really don't want to have to drive the trams. lmao.

 

[illini4princess]

It looks like you have a good amount down. And more important than the amount, you have some roles like QSFB/FSFB/merchandise/attractions which Disney nees a lot of people to fill. I think you'd be set, but one more couldn't hurt

 

[bellaDisneydncr]

What kind of photography experience do we need for photopass? That's not my first choice of role but I am thinking of putting it down on my checklist. And is 7 roles enough to put down? Right now I have attractions, merchandise, character attendant, QSFB, FSFB, photopass, and vacation planner. I might add Main entrance operations but I don't know yet. I really don't want to have to drive the trams. lmao.

I heard once that they would rather have people they could train in their style than someone who is more experienced and has their own style of photography. So, if that is the case, then you don't have to have too much. But I'm really not sure if that's the case... Marina (marinahendrix on the boards) was a Photopass Photog. She would be able to give you the best answer

 

[psherman42]

I heard once that they would rather have people they could train in their style than someone who is more experienced and has their own style of photography. So, if that is the case, then you don't have to have too much. But I'm really not sure if that's the case... Marina (marinahendrix on the boards) was a Photopass Photog. She would be able to give you the best answer

Oh ok thanks. Because Photopass Photgrapher is something I'd definitely be interested in but my camera isn't exactly high tech and the only experience I've had with a camera similar to what they probably use was a digital photography class I took my senior year of high school.

 

[chexie]

What kind of photography experience do we need for photopass? That's not my first choice of role but I am thinking of putting it down on my checklist. And is 7 roles enough to put down? Right now I have attractions, merchandise, character attendant, QSFB, FSFB, photopass, and vacation planner. I might add Main entrance operations but I don't know yet. I really don't want to have to drive the trams. lmao.

For me i'm going to tell them about my Yearbook experience (I did yearbook for 3 years in high school), we worked with a variety of different cameras and we had to lug around all or equipment at sports games, dances, other events.
I guess tell them if you've done something like yearbook or even high school newspaper/ tv group.

 

[Joanna71985]

Sorry I am a newbie but what is the most popular role people apply for?

Some include attractions, BBB, entertainment, and photopass.

 

[chexie]

Anyone see Sorcerer's Apprentice?

i saw it on friday and i loved it <3