The College Program Questions thread

[MissSpooky]

Tacks, but do not use staples or the sticky tacky stuff.

I just keep meaing to say I love your badge graphic!

 

[Joanna71985]

I just keep meaing to say I love your badge graphic!

Thanks!

 

[I'mAPirateSavvy?]

I'm new to this forum and was wondering, if anyone is doing the spring program? I'm leaving on January 6th....I'm real nervous about check in. Is it really hectic, or am I just worrying too much?

Also - I'm flying from Pittsburgh. Any suggestions as to what I should make sure to pack (eh...like toilet paper?) or something essential I may forget? (*insert funny stories here* haha)

 

[Salukfan]

I'm leaving from Pittsburgh too! I arrive on the 15th and I'm semi-frantic about the packing thing too. But I always worry too much.

 

[FalseHopeRemains]

ill be there on the leaving ohio on the 16th from cleveland. im in transportation what about y0ou guys?



FalseHopeRemains

 

[MarinaAndCharlie]

Hey everyone,

I dont know if these questions have been answered yet, and if they have, feel free to direct me to them. thanks.

In this college program, can you be a princess or is that for a more experienced applicant (ie: someone who has been through the program once before)? If you can be a princess, and you go for an audition, what sort of thing do you do. Do you come prepared with a monologue or do they give you a cold reading to do or what? Also, in order to be a princess, do you need to be a theatre major? Thanks so much. Any details you could provide would be wonderful!

 

[MissSpooky]

I figure what a good place to ask one of the questions I don't recall seeing answered anywhere...

How many tv channels are there? Not that I'm planning on watching a ton of tv but I may take along my tivo or something and watch in my few moments of downtime. I love project runway but have a feeling they won't have bravto.

 

[kdm31091]

Can you be in community college and apply for the College Program or does it only work for 4 year colleges?

 

[arielll]

nope you can be in community college - i am and im leaving on the 15th!

 

[ohana626]

I have a few questions...
1) Are there closet in the bedrooms at Vista Way or Chatham? I've been looking at the pictures of the two apartments on Disney's website, but I can't really tell.
2) Is there a place to put a desktop computer and a television? Anybody improvise?
3) Does anyone know if there are BP/Amoco gas stations in the general area? I know there are Hess stations on Disney property, but what other stations are nearby?

 

[josh_e_washie]

does anyone here know what type of interaction CP's have with PI's (professional interns). I'm a PI for the spring and I'd love to know where you all are so we can all hang out and have fun on weekends/time off. :-D

 

[I'mAPirateSavvy?]

I'm leaving from Pittsburgh too! I arrive on the 15th and I'm semi-frantic about the packing thing too. But I always worry too much.

Yay Pittsburgh! haha we should meet up sometime!

 

[SamRoc]

I was wondering if you could be in a conservatory program like AMDA or AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts) and still apply and be accepted for the Disney college program, or is it for 2 and 4 year colleges only? thanks.

 

[Disabelle]

ok i really would like someone to settle this whole Pleasure Island is only for ppl 21+ from now on...is this a horrible rumor or is this crap actually true?

also, on the college program website it says that they don't know if there's going to be a summer only program....ummm not cool. i only have time in my school schedule to do the summer...i did it last summer and it was the best 3 months ever! i met the most amazing people and while wrapping turkey legs and taking out trash was not so fun, it really wasn't so bad...

am i freaking out about nothing? thanks for any answers you guys have...

-katie-

how cute is this smiley?!

 

[wissa05182]

Could someone please tell me a little more about the different roles? I guess I am interested in operations since I have worked at an "amusement park" in that area there, but I hear a lot of great things about all the other options. I'd love to hear some pro's/con's!

 

[wissa05182]

okay, another question!

I know the answer to this one already, but I am trying to persuade my friends and I need a lot of help.

Why is the WDW CP better than studying abroad?

 

[Joanna71985]

ok i really would like someone to settle this whole Pleasure Island is only for ppl 21+ from now on...is this a horrible rumor or is this crap actually true?

also, on the college program website it says that they don't know if there's going to be a summer only program....ummm not cool. i only have time in my school schedule to do the summer...i did it last summer and it was the best 3 months ever! i met the most amazing people and while wrapping turkey legs and taking out trash was not so fun, it really wasn't so bad...

am i freaking out about nothing? thanks for any answers you guys have...

-katie-

how cute is this smiley?!

Unfortunately, the PI "rumor" is true. Now the clubs (or majority) are 21+. And I believe the Summer Alumni program will happen (even though it is not on the website yet), but that is just me.

 

[Joanna71985]

Could someone please tell me a little more about the different roles? I guess I am interested in operations since I have worked at an "amusement park" in that area there, but I hear a lot of great things about all the other options. I'd love to hear some pro's/con's!

Roles
The following roles are available as part of the Disney College Program at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The descriptions below provide an overview of the responsibilities included in each role. It is important to note that each role may include, but is not limited to, the descriptions below.
All roles may include prolonged exposure to outside elements, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions.


Onstage Roles
Bell Services/Dispatch
The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prior experience in a resort setting are important qualities for individuals in a Bell Services or Dispatch position. Cast Members in this role may assign deliveries, as well as handle Guests’ luggage and phone requests. Good organization, communication and leadership skills are required for directing bellmen, as it pertains to luggage and vehicle deliveries.

Responsibilities may include: greet Guests; handle and store luggage, which requires heavy lifting (including overhead lifting) and taking luggage off buses, vans and cars; tagging luggage to ensure great Guest service, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors.

Character Attendant
Character Attendant Cast Members provide Guests with information about the Walt Disney World Resort. This could include show schedules, attraction information, Character set locations and set times. Individuals must exhibit a positive, friendly, helpful attitude to Guests. This is a global role, and Cast Members may work in multiple locations across the Walt Disney World Resort, including all four theme parks and any of our resorts.

Responsibilities may include: maintaining show quality and Character integrity; directing Guests on taking appropriate photographs; providing audience control; set up and removal of stanchions, ropes and poles; retrieving and arranging strollers; standing for extended periods; working outdoors; and maintaining cleanliness and order in your work location.

Custodial
The Walt Disney World Resort is known for its "world-class" cleanliness, and Custodial Cast Members are responsible for making this happen. These Cast Members will encounter a high level of Guest contact and will work independently.

Responsibilities may include: emptying waste cans, cleaning restrooms, bussing tables, sweeping and mopping, working with cleaning chemicals, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, driving pargo carts, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning pool decks and providing Guest information.

Full Service Food and Beverage
Organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once are important qualities to have as a Full-Service Food and Beverage Cast Member. This role involves prolonged standing and walking. Cast Members may work as a seating host/hostess in various restaurants across property.
Full-Service Food and Beverage is a non-tipped role.

Responsibilities may include: greeting and seating Guests, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, cash handling, rolling silverware, folding napkins and keeping the work area clean and stocked.

Hopper
Cast Members in this role may experience more than one working environment. These Cast Members will rotate to different locations within the same line of business, or they may be able to experience more than one role at the
Walt Disney World Resort. Independence, flexibility and a willingness to work with different teams and leaders are important skills to have in this role.

Hopper Cast Members may be working in any one of the roles explained in this list and should have selected all of the following opportunities on the Role Checklist:

Quick-Service Food and Beverage
Merchandise
Operations
Custodial
Recreation
Transportation
Full Service Food and Beverage.
Responsibilities may include: working in multiple locations across the Walt Disney World Resort, including all four theme parks, two water parks,
Downtown Disney® area, Disney's Wide World of Sports® complex and any of our resorts. Some areas may require heavy lifting, bending, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors.

Hospitality
Individuals in this role must be willing to work in all of the following areas but might only work in one:

Front Desk
Guest Services
Luggage Services
Dispatch
Phone Room
Hospitality Cast Members may experience many different facets of the Front Office operation. This role involves the usage of a computer-based system, working in an environment with a high level of Guest interaction, resolving challenging Guest situations and handling large sums of money.

Responsibilities may include: checking Guests in and out of resorts, processing payments, assisting Guests with itinerary planning and ticket sales, tagging and delivering luggage, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, answering Guest phone calls and providing information to Guests.

Housekeeping
Housekeeping Cast Members will be responsible for cleaning Guest rooms, while adding "special touches" to create a lasting impression. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently are important skills to have in this role. Housekeeping Cast Members will endure physically challenging work, including repetitive bending, while cleaning multiple Guest rooms every day. Individuals in this role will work primarily daytime shifts and have limited Guest contact.

Responsibilities may include: heavy lifting, standing for extended periods, working with cleaning chemicals, repetitive bending and pulling, making beds, emptying trashcans, cleaning Guest bathrooms, replenishing linens, pushing large carts, dusting and vacuuming.

Lifeguard
Maintaining Guests' safety is our No.1 expectation. Lifeguards must have strong swimming skills. They will endure physically challenging work and prolonged exposure to outside elements. During off-peak seasons, Lifeguards may assist other operating areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Responsibilities may include: monitoring the safety of our Guests as they swim, providing limited emergency medical attention, keeping pool areas clean, providing Guest information, and standing for extended periods. Lifeguard Cast Members must be evaluated and certified at the Walt Disney World Resort. In the event that an individual does not pass the requirement of the below swim test, he/she will be given an opportunity to pursue other vacant positions.

Lifeguard Swim Test
Make an appointment for a local swim test; swim 200 yards freestyle or breaststroke; retrieve a 10-pound brick from the deepest section of the pool (minimum 8-feet in depth); tread water with hands out of the water for two minutes. Have instructor validate skills and complete form. This form is available on this Web site to those extended invitations to participate on the program as a lifeguard.

Merchandise
Critical thinking and the ability to perform multiple tasks are important qualities to have in a Merchandise role. Cast Members may work in large, high-volume areas or individually on outdoor carts. Individuals in this role should be comfortable handling large sums of money.

Responsibilities may include: operating a point-of-sale system (cash register), cash handling, stocking shelves, preparation of food/candy, package delivery, stroller rental, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, heavy lifting, pushing and pulling, light cleaning, selling of alcohol and tobacco and providing information to Guests.

Operations
Operations Cast Members will be placed in one of the following areas:

Attractions:
working at any one of the "rides," theater shows or Disney's FASTPASS® locations


Parking:
greeting all Guests who arrive by vehicle working mainly outside or at the Toll Plaza


Park Greeter:
greeting all Guests who enter the park and validating their tickets.


Ticket Operations: selling various ticket media and validating Guest tickets at entry points
Responsibilities may include: loading and unloading Guests, operating sophisticated ride systems, memorizing and delivering lengthy narrations to large groups, staffing Toll Plaza areas, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, cash handling, operating a motorized vehicle, operating turnstile areas, obtaining knowledge about Walt Disney World Resort ticket media, light cleaning and assisting with audience control.
A valid driver's license is required for certain Operations roles.

Quick-Service Food and Beverage
High volume and Guest contact are key parts of this role. Cast Members in Quick-Service Food and Beverage will work independently or as part of a large team in either indoor or outdoor locations.

Responsibilities may include: taking orders, operating a point-of sale system (cash register), cash handling, filling food and beverage orders, dispensing and selling alcohol, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, heavy lifting, pushing and pulling, emptying waste cans, general cleaning with chemicals and food preparation.

Recreation
Cast Members in this role may work in various areas including, without limitation, resorts, towel rentals, watercraft rental, marina operations, ticket sales, arcades, children's activities and slide operations. There are additional certification requirements for some roles. Due to the nature of this role, individuals may experience prolonged exposure to outside weather elements and should have strong swimming skills. During off-peak seasons, Recreation Cast Members may assist other operating areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Responsibilities may include: keeping recreation areas clean, maintaining safety standards, assisting Guests, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors.

Resort Hopper
Resort Hopper Cast Members will work in any one of our many resorts across the Walt Disney World Resort. In this role, Cast Members will split their time between Housekeeping and Hospitality.Both Hospitality and Housekeeping roles should be selected on the Role Checklist to be considered for this role. Strong understandings of a resort environment, as well as the ability to be flexible and work independently, are important skills to have in this role.

Responsibilities may include: heavy lifting, standing for extended periods, working outdoors, working with cleaning chemicals, repetitive bending and pulling, making beds, emptying trashcans, cleaning Guest bathrooms, replenishing linens, pushing large carts, dusting and vacuuming, checking Guests in and out of resorts, processing payments, assisting Guests with itinerary planning and ticket sales, handling large sums of money, tagging and delivering luggage, answering Guest phone calls and providing information to Guests.

Transportation
Transportation Cast Members will have the opportunity to work in one of the numerous areas that take Guests to and from the resorts and theme parks. These Cast Members may staff our Monorail and/or watercraft operating areas and will encounter a high level of Guest contact. Due to the nature of this role, individuals may experience prolonged exposure to outside weather elements and should have swimming skills.

Responsibilities may include: driving vehicles, delivering narrations during trips, loading and unloading Guests, assisting with audience control, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors.
A valid driver's license is required for this role.

Vacation Planner
Vacation Planner Cast Members help begin the magic for our Guests by performing ticket sales. This role involves working well under pressure and dealing with a high volume of sales and transactions. Strong awareness of the Walt Disney World Resort and its ticket media, as well as the ability to handle challenging Guest situations are important skills to possess as a Vacation Planner.

Responsibilities may include: selling Walt Disney World Resort ticket media, learning computer-based ticketing systems, assisting Guests with itinerary planning and providing them information, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors.

Backstage Roles
Costuming
Costuming Cast Members could work at any one of our many Wardrobe departments throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, issuing costumes to fellow Cast Members. These individuals are often the first person Cast Members interact with before they start their shift. Cast Members in this role may be required to travel to work at any one of the Costuming destinations on or off property. This role can be physically demanding and requires heavy lifting and bending. This is a backstage role with minimal Guest interaction.

Responsibilities may include: overhead reaching, bending and lifting, standing for extended periods, moving heavy costumes from location to location, issuing costumes to fellow Cast Members, operating basic laundry equipment, checking garments, transporting locker bags and some light laundry.

Quick-Service Restaurant-Kitchen Only
Cast Members in this role will gain entry-level experience in the growing culinary industry. This is a high-volume and fast-paced role, and individuals may work independently or as part of a larger team. This is a backstage role with minimal Guest contact.

Responsibilities may include: preparing and assembling basic food items in quick-service locations, cleaning, stocking, standing for extended periods, working with basic kitchen equipment, reading and following basic recipes.

 

[wissa05182]

Any input on roles from personal experience? How about your best moment and worst? What are the best and worst "costumes"?

 

[Joanna71985]

Any input on roles from personal experience? How about your best moment and worst? What are the best and worst "costumes"?

I have done merchandise and entertainment. Merchandise was nice, but not for me. I absolutely love my current role. The good parts about it is getting to play with the characters, interacting with guests, and just having fun. The bad part is when guests get abusive and can be pretty mean. And here are all the costumes I have worn:
Character attendant- Black bottoms and a white/yellow shirt with Mickey designs on it.

Fantasyland merch- green bottoms and a white shirt with a flower design

Main Street Ops- Navy blue bottoms, white shirt, navy blue vest

Main Street merch- tan shirt, plaid skirt

Liberty Square merch- long, HEAVY pink dress

HM- Green dress with black stripes

Adventureland merch- purple top and bottoms (feels just like PJs)

Squeeze/Glow merch- white top with light blue stripes, white knee-length bottoms, and knee socks (bad if it rains)

Pirates merch- tan top, brown bottoms, and extremely warm

Tomorrowland ops- Gray top and bottom

Frontierland ops- Plaid top (in purple) and brown bottoms

MGM PAC/Fantasmic- Turquoise top and black bottoms