The College Program Questions thread

[Navarra81]

I made a last minute decision to put costuming on my role check list, I'm a little nervous that I'll be alone doing laundry all day but at least I'll have air conditioning.

Oh my... That's a hard decision to make. Air conditioning in Florida or a more intense working role? If you could get guaranteed a fun position, then I'd move, personally, but if not, think of it this way: you got the easy job!

 

[DSNYGRL_JKS2006]

I don't think I'll be able to get out of it. The only roles available when I interviewed were QSFB & Custodial my recruiter had to talk to a bunch of people just to allow me into the program.

aawww if thats the case, then yeah just see what you can do when your down there, I know when I applied it was: QSFB, Custodial and lifeguarding.

but yeah i mean its not that the job is bad, it just might be boring, but think you wont have LATE LATE nights because costuming is only open to a certain hour, its not a 24/7 operation almost like my job, plus the EMH i had to do, extra magic hours. but yeah! dont sweat it, ull be fine!

 

[DisneyDarling89]

Oh my... That's a hard decision to make. Air conditioning in Florida or a more intense working role? If you could get guaranteed a fun position, then I'd move, personally, but if not, think of it this way: you got the easy job!

I would work a more intense role if I had the chance but that's what disney offered, I'm just trying to look at the bright side.

 

[Navarra81]

I would work a more intense role if I had the chance but that's what disney offered, I'm just trying to look at the bright side.

That's a great idea. In fact, you'll probably meet lots of people that are in the same mindset you're in!

It was great talking to you both! Maybe I'll see you down there! I'm off to sleep for now, but I'll be back on again periodically. I'd love to hear from you both!

 

[DSNYGRL_JKS2006]

That's a great idea. In fact, you'll probably meet lots of people that are in the same mindset you're in!

It was great talking to you both! Maybe I'll see you down there! I'm off to sleep for now, but I'll be back on again periodically. I'd love to hear from you both!

aww you 2 ! sounds good, if u want come on and message me, or AIM me and let me know where ur work location is and when i'm in that area when i'm down on vacation (August 31-Septemer 11, 2007) i'll see if u r there! most CP's are identified by the wonderful red ribbon that says "earning my ears" LOL unless they dont have them doing that anymore!

 

[Joanna71985]

I know that these have been answered, but here is my take.

Hey!!! Sounds like you've had some great experiences! I am about to do the CP this fall, and have a couple questions...

1. Do you have any advice on packing? Things to definitely bring, things you wouldn't normally thing of but want later, things you don't need, etc...
2. I'd like to be in Chatham, if possible...any suggestions?
3. Do you have any words of wisdom (just general ones...)?

For things to bring I would bring a router, a tv, warm weather clothes (it does, and can, get cold in the winter), and if you get cold easily a blanket for the bed (which is nice if roomies are AC-crazy). For Chatham I would just arrive at check-in early and request it. That's what I have done all 3 times and I have gotten it all 3 times. For words of wisdom, go down with an open mind, and have fun!

This really isn't that important, but I was just wondering how the costuming worked. Are you issued a uniform at the beginning and you use that one for the entire time? And if so are you responsible for cleaning it? Because I have had some major laundry dissasters in the past!
Thanks in advance,
Pirate Stitch

Most roles are issued up to 5 costumes (character performers and attendants don't get to) that you can take home. And if they get dirty you can return them to costuming, or you can wash it yourself.

What about breaks? Do you have to take them at a certain time so that someone can cover you? And is there a designated break room to sit and eat?

You will be be given a break by a breaker. And most areas have break rooms, or break areas.

Do most CPs bring lunch/dinner or buy it?

I would highly suggest bringing lunch, as it can get expensive buying every single day. Plus, after awhile the food there gets boring.

First off, I just wanted to say THANK YOU again for answering my millions of questions!! And second, how do you clock in and out for your shifts? Is there a certain check in point you have to go to?

You will either be using a wallclock or the CDS.

 

[Adamm]

i would love to work at Disney in my gap year but seems as i'm not in a university/college in the USA will I be unable to do this?

Thanks for your help.

 

[disneychickforever]

Disney has the International Program, you could always try for that one

 

[Adamm]

Disney has the International Program, you could always try for that one

thanks for this, didn't realise it was just a google search away.

 

[disneychickforever]

thanks for this, didn't realise it was just a google search away.

Anytime hope you decided to join up

 

[hnbaird]

Hey! I will be arriving Aug 13 in Orlando with my best friend as a Character Attendant.

I am extremely excited... I was just wondering if anyone here has done this role and knows a little more info about it than what they give on the program website or in my packet

Also... my eventual goal is to be a Character Performer! Does anybody think this role would somehow help me out so that I would be pretty knowledgeable about Character Performing by the time December auditions come around? Entertainment is what I really want to do, and I am hoping that working WITH the characters will prepare me for doing what is my dream second semester!

Anything about either of these two topics or relating to them at all would be excellent!

Thanks everyone Have a great day!

 

[Joanna71985]

Hey! I will be arriving Aug 13 in Orlando with my best friend as a Character Attendant.

I am extremely excited... I was just wondering if anyone here has done this role and knows a little more info about it than what they give on the program website or in my packet

Also... my eventual goal is to be a Character Performer! Does anybody think this role would somehow help me out so that I would be pretty knowledgeable about Character Performing by the time December auditions come around? Entertainment is what I really want to do, and I am hoping that working WITH the characters will prepare me for doing what is my dream second semester!

Anything about either of these two topics or relating to them at all would be excellent!

Thanks everyone Have a great day!

Ah, character attendants. I did that for my CP last year, and am still currently trained (in fact, am on break for a shift right now). It is sooooo much fun. I loved getting to work at all 4 parks (and you do). I loved getting to hang out with the characters. As for performing, I think being an attendant does help. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[hnbaird]

Oh, thanks so much for the response. I'm so glad I'll be getting to work in all the parks and not just staying put for my whole time down there.

One question though... will I have one character that I always work with, or will I switch depending on the day or whatever? Do they start you out with a less popular character and hope that you get better at your job so you could work your way up? Just wondering exactly what to expect.

Thanks for your info. I appreciate it a ton. :-D

 

[Joanna71985]

Oh, thanks so much for the response. I'm so glad I'll be getting to work in all the parks and not just staying put for my whole time down there.

One question though... will I have one character that I always work with, or will I switch depending on the day or whatever? Do they start you out with a less popular character and hope that you get better at your job so you could work your way up? Just wondering exactly what to expect.

Thanks for your info. I appreciate it a ton. :-D

No. You will work with anyone and everyone. And you might not work with just characters. There is also a chance of working shows, such as Dream Along with Mickey (which is what I worked today, and tomorrow as well), Woody's Cowboy Camp, Adventure Continues, ect. And you could be scheduled to work with any character, regardless of popularity. My first day was with Kenai and Koda at AK. And no problem.

 

[OCMACMMonica]

ok its probably been answered already, but can CP's be hired in the entertainment dept? or do they strictly keep you in the attractions, food, stores, ODV, custodial? ooo and another question, when do you think would be the best session to go? fall or spring?

thanks!

 

[er3465]

ok its probably been answered already, but can CP's be hired in the entertainment dept? or do they strictly keep you in the attractions, food, stores, ODV, custodial? ooo and another question, when do you think would be the best session to go? fall or spring?

thanks!

Yes you can be hired for entertainment, with an audition though and there are several locations around the country. I was there in the spring and had an amazing time, I think the season you want to go is really just personal prefrence. I would love to go back again in the fall though to be there for Christmas time. So either fall or spring, I don't think you can have a bad time.

 

[Joanna71985]

ok its probably been answered already, but can CP's be hired in the entertainment dept? or do they strictly keep you in the attractions, food, stores, ODV, custodial? ooo and another question, when do you think would be the best session to go? fall or spring?

thanks!

Oh they most certainly can be. I was a character attendant, and had lots of CP friends as attendants and performers. Also, I have done both sessions (Spring 2005, and Fall Advantage 2006) and I have to say I prefer Fall. It's so nice being down in Disney for all the holidays.

 

[khancock]

ok its probably been answered already, but can CP's be hired in the entertainment dept?

Not to be a smartass, but usually very basic questions can be answered by visiting the official site rather than trying to search through 100's of message board posts.

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/students/role_descr/entertainment.html

 

[OCMACMMonica]

well last time i check it wasn't an option...and i'd rather find out from people who've done it than the web site... they aren't always up to date with what is actually going on...

 

[khancock]

well last time i check it wasn't an option...and i'd rather find out from people who've done it than the web site... they aren't always up to date with what is actually going on...

I don't know when the last time you checked the site was, but Entertainment has been an option for the Spring, Spring Advantage, Fall, and Fall Advantage programs for years. I'm not so sure about the quarter programs. It hasn't been an option for Summer (mainly because SUmmer is rarely an option).

The site is updated about every month from what I can tell. If you look at the entertainment page now, they even list out the cities where the auditions will be and say that the rest of the info will be up there later.

Like I said, I didn't want to come across as being short with you, but the official site will always provide the most up to date info. With the number of people they have to hire, they can't afford to let it go.

disneyauditions.com is anopther place for audition info.