The College Program Questions thread

[starbaby0103]

No takers on my graduate program questions? Really...any info or suggestions will be appreciated! I know I want to end up working for Disney, I'm just trying to figure out what's the best way to position myself to do that!

 

[KimAJ]

What are some of the jobs like Vacation Planner or front desk of one of the hotels etc.. like?

I have done both of these roles. I worked at the front desk at Disney Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina-- so it is very different from working in the resorts in Florida. But I enjoyed the front desk for a lot of reasons, the best being the guest contact.

I didn't enjoy being a VP as much, but I know a lot of people who really liked it. There are a lot of perks to it. I didn't enjoy the fact that I sat in the same spot for my whole shift. There wasn't a lot of variety for me. Front Desk, you stand in the same spot all day, but you have a variety of tasks.

If you have more specific questions, let me know!

Kim

 

[KimAJ]

I have not seen anything on the program that is offered in Anaheim. The majority of these threads are based on the program in Florida. Does anyone know anything on the program in california?

I want to work with the marketing and advertsiing team in Burbank when I graduate college in 2009. But I don't know whether I should wait to take the classes and enroll in the program when I am a senior, or do it as a junior. Any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!​

Hello! The Disney College Program in California is still fairly new but it does have a website: www.disneycollegeprogram.com (and select Disneyland). I would recommend doing a regular program and then trying to get into your specific field. Every year they add more "Professional" internships, which may include more marketing programs. You have a better shot at getting the PI if you complete a regular program. You can see the PIs they currently having available at www.disneycareers.com and put "internships" in keyword search.

I know that today is the last day to apply for Spring internships, so many of them have already been taken down. Take a look in a few months to see the full list but as I said, they seem to add more every year.

 

[KimAJ]

Also, I forgot to add.. there is no housing currently available in So Cal and there are currently only 2 classes being offered: Organizational Leadership & Marketing U.

But all that sort of info you can find on the webpage.

 

[MissSpooky]

I got my letter inviting me to audition today and it says "for a character performer position only". I'm a little scared because I'm not sure if face characters are included in that. I'm just getting more and more stressed as it gets closer. Anyone from CP now know if there is a difference? I hope to extend to the end of the year so I suppose I could always audition again while I'm down there.

 

[chelle la belle]

I got my letter inviting me to audition today and it says "for a character performer position only". I'm a little scared because I'm not sure if face characters are included in that. I'm just getting more and more stressed as it gets closer. Anyone from CP now know if there is a difference? I hope to extend to the end of the year so I suppose I could always audition again while I'm down there.

Hey MissSpooky, I just came back from my character performer audition in Boston, and to answer your question, yes, face characters ARE included in the audition, however, 90% of auditionees that I saw were not closely evaluated for face after their initial measurement in sock feet. I'm a little worried myself, because the audition was mixed (college program candidates, as well as full-time cast member hopefuls), and they had a cosmetologist and wig person on the site. Out of about 100 girls, I was in the first group of 4, and we were told we were being evaluated for face. After the judge examined us all very closely, she sent 2 girls down to hair and makeup, and told me, "Ok Michelle, you were easy today, you're all set!"...So I think that might be a bad thing. I wondered if wig and make up were only for the girls hoping for a full time position, since all we really do is fill in for characters as college program students!

Hope I could help
-chelle

 

[chelle la belle]

I got my letter inviting me to audition today and it says "for a character performer position only". I'm a little scared because I'm not sure if face characters are included in that. I'm just getting more and more stressed as it gets closer. Anyone from CP now know if there is a difference? I hope to extend to the end of the year so I suppose I could always audition again while I'm down there.

Hey MissSpooky, I just came back from my character performer audition in Boston, and to answer your question, yes, face characters ARE included in the audition, however, 90% of auditionees that I saw were not closely evaluated for face after their initial measurement in sock feet. I'm a little worried myself, because the audition was mixed (college program candidates, as well as full-time cast member hopefuls), and they had a cosmetologist and wig person on the site. Out of about 100 girls, I was in the first group of 4, and we were told we were being evaluated for face. After the judge examined us all very closely, she sent 2 girls down to hair and makeup, and told me, "Ok Michelle, you were easy today, you're all set!"...So I think that might be a bad thing. I wondered if wig and make up were only for the girls hoping for a full time position, since all we really do is fill in for characters as college program students!

Hope I could help
-chelle

 

[MissSpooky]

Hey MissSpooky, I just came back from my character performer audition in Boston, and to answer your question, yes, face characters ARE included in the audition, however, 90% of auditionees that I saw were not closely evaluated for face after their initial measurement in sock feet. I'm a little worried myself, because the audition was mixed (college program candidates, as well as full-time cast member hopefuls), and they had a cosmetologist and wig person on the site. Out of about 100 girls, I was in the first group of 4, and we were told we were being evaluated for face. After the judge examined us all very closely, she sent 2 girls down to hair and makeup, and told me, "Ok Michelle, you were easy today, you're all set!"...So I think that might be a bad thing. I wondered if wig and make up were only for the girls hoping for a full time position, since all we really do is fill in for characters as college program students!

Hope I could help
-chelle

Aww that kinda worries me. How was the height thing did you get any idea about what height wasn't a good match for anything? And how hard was the dance part? I have a feeling all this stress is making me breakout and that is gonna mess with my chances to get anything too. How long was the whole process in general. Sorry to slam u with a ton of questions. It's killing me that it's still 2 weeks away! Thanks!

 

[chelle la belle]

Aww that kinda worries me. How was the height thing did you get any idea about what height wasn't a good match for anything? And how hard was the dance part? I have a feeling all this stress is making me breakout and that is gonna mess with my chances to get anything too. How long was the whole process in general. Sorry to slam u with a ton of questions. It's killing me that it's still 2 weeks away! Thanks!

Well let me think, I was talking to a girl who is 23 and has done the CP before, and she said anything between 5'2 and 5'5 is prime princess height, with 5'5 being a rare height out of those four. I was measured at 5'4 and they were considering me for face, so I think that it must be a good height. The dance part, wasnt terrible, but for me it was because i have nooo dance background and I am strictly theater. I messed up with the dance a bunch but I NEVER stopped smiling which the judges could notice. I can't stress how important the smiling thing is. And make sure you wear comfy clothes, not jeans. I wore a work out type outfit and it was fine. The audiiton started at 5:00 and ended at about 7:00 for me, but like i said, I was in the first group of 4 to audition so for others it may have been longer.

 

[Stellah]

Hey guys, I've been lurking, but now I'm too excited to stay out! So, I applied and went to the Raleigh character auditions. Like they said, it was a shortish dance routine and some animation exercises. Then they called 8 girls out (4/ group) to go first. We were being concidered for princess roles. We auditioned, then three of us got to go back to get Princess Makeovers! (three from the second group came too) They told me I was a dead ringer for Ariel (pointyish chin, "happy" nose, wide eyes). The seashells were WAY too small (only run to a C cup, btw) so they put me in a gown for Legs Ariel. I got the wig and the makeup lady was awesome. After I was all done up the resemblence was UNCANNY. The other girls all went before me (because of the seashell fiasco) and they had to go read this sheet in character. There were 2 Belles, 2 pocs, 2 Jasmines, 2 Snow Whites and a Mulan (some girls were tried in a few diffrent looks). When I went in, the casting director told me I was perfect, and as long as the higher ups approved a Legs only Ariel, I would be one of the next new Princesses. It has to top my list of "Best rainy afternoons" for my whole life. Plus, my interview went fabulously last night.

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I find out next weekend if they said yes to the Legs Ariel. With the re release of the DVD, she is more popular, so they want to start sending her to more breakfasts and tea parties and the like. Those sorts of things are hard to do when you are sitting on a rock!!!

So, yes, they do take face characters for College program.

Oh, and if you know any tall, clean cut, broad shoulder, thin waist handsome guys, send them to the auditions. The costume guy (who was HILARIOUS) said they are having a hard time finding them this season.

Another fact- there are at least 15 Cinderellas at all times.

Saturday cant come fast enough!

 

[Stellah]

Oh, and about the heights- it really depends on the characters. They want "average" and even a little tall. I'm 5'7" and she said that was just the hight for legs Ariel. Littler girls do grotto, cause it doesnt really matter!

 

[adreayoung]

I was just wondering for those people who take their cars. Is it worth it to drive it down? And is there anyother way other than driving across country that people use to get it there? I know I will want my car while I'm there if I get the advantage program for sure, but driving all the way from Ca is a big thing!

We shipped my car down a few days before we left and then we took Amtrak down. After the program my mom and I drove it back to Seattle. But my car was down there when I got down there- so I was excited! I liked having my car b/c I got to get away from the roommates and do stuff on my own.

But look into Car shipping companies- sometimes it's cheaper to do that then drive it your self and having to pay for gas, food, hotel

 

[MissSpooky]

We shipped my car down a few days before we left and then we took Amtrak down. After the program my mom and I drove it back to Seattle. But my car was down there when I got down there- so I was excited! I liked having my car b/c I got to get away from the roommates and do stuff on my own.

But look into Car shipping companies- sometimes it's cheaper to do that then drive it your self and having to pay for gas, food, hotel

Thanks for the info. I've been looking into the different companies. The only problem is I don't have a date yet because I won't until after the audition. That is more of the plan I was thinking of though. I don't think I want to spend the money to drive and with the cost of everything else it might be more than the shipping would be! I just have to find a good one that isn't a small fourtune!

 

[MissSpooky]

Well let me think, I was talking to a girl who is 23 and has done the CP before, and she said anything between 5'2 and 5'5 is prime princess height, with 5'5 being a rare height out of those four. I was measured at 5'4 and they were considering me for face, so I think that it must be a good height. The dance part, wasnt terrible, but for me it was because i have nooo dance background and I am strictly theater. I messed up with the dance a bunch but I NEVER stopped smiling which the judges could notice. I can't stress how important the smiling thing is. And make sure you wear comfy clothes, not jeans. I wore a work out type outfit and it was fine. The audiiton started at 5:00 and ended at about 7:00 for me, but like i said, I was in the first group of 4 to audition so for others it may have been longer.

Well that gives me some pep because of the fact that's my height and I'm 23 too! LoL! But all good info. I have been going with the ups and downs as the audition gets closer and auditioning in Ca with a million other wanting to be 'discovered' it's a competitive business. I have also done more theatre but I have some dancing here and there. It sounds like it could either be a short night for me or a long one. I hope not too late though because I live 3 hours one way from where the audition is. If you get the character I suppose that you have to do your own make-up I doubt they'd have those make-up people there to do it for you everyday. I'm just glad to be finally getting some first hand info on the auditions thanks! Good luck!

 

[Joanna71985]

That's awsome Stellah. Good luck!

 

[MissSpooky]

Oh, and about the heights- it really depends on the characters. They want "average" and even a little tall. I'm 5'7" and she said that was just the hight for legs Ariel. Littler girls do grotto, cause it doesnt really matter!

Congrats! Well average height is something I can pull off no matter what! But I don't recall any of the ariel's legs or fins who were much taller than I am.

 

[Joanna71985]

Congrats! Well average height is something I can pull off no matter what!

That's good. How tall are you?

 

[MissSpooky]

That's good. How tall are you?

About 5'4" -5' 5" I haven't been measured lately but I'm just an inch or less shorter than my yonger sis and she's 5'6" so I guess I'm pretty average. I just hope by the time they make it out here for auditions they haven't given all the spots away. Well hi-ho off to school I go....

 

[Joanna71985]

About 5'4" -5' 5" I haven't been measured lately but I'm just an inch or less shorter than my yonger sis and she's 5'6" so I guess I'm pretty average. I just hope by the time they make it out here for auditions they haven't given all the spots away. Well hi-ho off to school I go....

Ah. I wish I was average height. I'm pretty short- about 5'2.

 

[chelle la belle]

I'm going crazy waiting for my Disney audition results

So what do you guys think...if they looked at me and 3 other girls specifically for face...and said to me, "Ok Michelle, you were easy today! You're all set!"....do I have any glimmering chance of hope at still playing some face character in the college program?? The two girls who DID get pulled down for wigs and makeup were applying for full time positions..could this have something to do with it?

I feel so depressed