The Official Spring 2007 CP

[MCB719]

On the classes what do you actually do in the hospitality class, I was thinking of that one or the Experiential class, I was looking at them on the website and none of them really sound fun and interesting to me except for those two, and what exactly is the Disney practicum course. My parents are still deciding about me doing this. They are worry that I wouldn’t like this and that I would be stuck for 4 months working and doing the same thing every day. They also think that not having a car there is a drawback. How are the busses there. Also here is another question although I don’t think really think it makes any sense or what I am trying to ask, but here goes, I am a senior and graduating in May and this will be considered my internship I need for next semester, my graduation will be on May 5, and they say they will let you out early if you need to but when does the program usually end and how does that usually work.

 

[Joanna71985]

On the classes what do you actually do in the hospitality class, I was thinking of that one or the Experiential class, I was looking at them on the website and none of them really sound fun and interesting to me except for those two, and what exactly is the Disney practicum course. My parents are still deciding about me doing this. They are worry that I wouldn’t like this and that I would be stuck for 4 months working and doing the same thing every day. They also think that not having a car there is a drawback. How are the busses there. Also here is another question although I don’t think really think it makes any sense or what I am trying to ask, but here goes, I am a senior and graduating in May and this will be considered my internship I need for next semester, my graduation will be on May 5, and they say they will let you out early if you need to but when does the program usually end and how does that usually work.

The hospitality management class is based on the hospitality side of Disney. You examine dining and resorts and that kind of stuff. And the Experiential Learning class is fun. I would recommend that class. As for cars, I have not had my car for either CP. The buses are not too bad. They get you to where you need to get to. And for May, the end dates vary, but if you need to leave for school you should be fine.

 

[MCB719]

Here are a couple more questions, before I make a decision especially something like this I have to know how everything works. How much money do you really earn, and how many hours a week, do you really work. I have heard that you really don’t make that much money. How many days off do you get, in the packet it sounds like you work on the weekends and your weekdays you will be off, does that mean every week day or just 1 or 2 days. Do you dress up every day, I know you dress up for your classes, but I was confused if it was all the time and what should you dress when you get there for the first day. In the quick service jobs, what kind of places do they work in are they nice restaurants or one of the outdoors cart. I was thinking of the hospitality class, but is it easy and did you have fun in that class.

 

[Joanna71985]

Here are a couple more questions, before I make a decision especially something like this I have to know how everything works. How much money do you really earn, and how many hours a week, do you really work. I have heard that you really don’t make that much money. How many days off do you get, in the packet it sounds like you work on the weekends and your weekdays you will be off, does that mean every week day or just 1 or 2 days. Do you dress up every day, I know you dress up for your classes, but I was confused if it was all the time and what should you dress when you get there for the first day. In the quick service jobs, what kind of places do they work in are they nice restaurants or one of the outdoors cart. I was thinking of the hospitality class, but is it easy and did you have fun in that class.

For money it all depends on you. If you are able to save and not spend unwisely, you can actually bring home some money. Last CP I was able to bring home about $1500, and I brought tons of souvernirs. On this CP, I think I will probably be almost doubling that. So yes, you can make some money. And as for hours, you are guaranteed at least 30. I usually work about 45+ per week. Also, you can pick up extra hours for more money. That can be fun. And days off depend. I get different days off every week. Some CPs get the same days off every week (especially if they are taking a class(es). Depending on the time of year, you either get 1 or 2 days off a week. You do not have to dress up every day. I only got dressed up for class, and even then it was not that "dressy". Just khaki pants and a nice shirt. For check-in, they recommend casual dress. Quick service is not the nice resturants. Quick service is the snack areas and the counter-service resturants. I enjoyed the hospitality class. My teacher was very nice. Since my major is commercial recreation and tourism, it went along with my major very well.

 

[MCB719]

For right now here are some last questions I am just curious of. Are there churches near the place and where are the apartments located at, I mean how far are they from Disney World, and how far is it from walking and by bus. What stores are near the apartments and can you walk to them or does the bus take you there. By the way how is the vista way complex. I also want to know how you become a full time employer for Disney world, I hoping that once I graduate I can work there full time, and are you put at the same job or somewhere else. Since my role is in the quick service kitchen is it the same thing as the quick-service only does that mean I will also work at one of the counter service or snacks section. By the way thank you Joanna for answering my questions.

 

[catm]

Hi everyone! I just had my interview for the spring. It went pretty good so hopefully i'll get in. Did anyone else have a double interview where there were two people being interviewed at the same time? It was kind of uncomfortable... well i hope everyone gets in!

 

[MissSpooky]

Hi everyone! I just had my interview for the spring. It went pretty good so hopefully i'll get in. Did anyone else have a double interview where there were two people being interviewed at the same time? It was kind of uncomfortable... well i hope everyone gets in!

Well I'm glad I didn't have one of those. I'm always afraid of not getting noticed if I don't speak up the most in those. Hopefully you'll hear something soon!

 

[Joanna71985]

For right now here are some last questions I am just curious of. Are there churches near the place and where are the apartments located at, I mean how far are they from Disney World, and how far is it from walking and by bus. What stores are near the apartments and can you walk to them or does the bus take you there. By the way how is the vista way complex. I also want to know how you become a full time employer for Disney world, I hoping that once I graduate I can work there full time, and are you put at the same job or somewhere else. Since my role is in the quick service kitchen is it the same thing as the quick-service only does that mean I will also work at one of the counter service or snacks section. By the way thank you Joanna for answering my questions.

There is a church near Chatham. It is a catholic church, and within walking distance. There is a Walmart and Publix on the bus route, and there is a Walgreens, Wendys, and Chick FilA within walking distance of Vista. In terms of Vista vs Chatham, I would go with Chatham. It is just personal preference, but I think the apartments there are nicer. I believe that if you want to go FT after the CP, just talk to the managers. And you are welcome.

 

[catm]

Does anyone know how financial aid would work? I'm worried if I get in i'll have to start paying my loan from last semester right away...

 

[teh fish]

you are still enrolled in school, so you don't have to pay just yet.

To keep my financial aid and my insurance, I enrolled in 12 hours of online courses to keep my full-time status.

 

[catm]

were you able to keep up with all of the work still? Was the online program through your school?

 

[teh fish]

were you able to keep up with all of the work still? Was the online program through your school?

I got "B"s in all my classes. Kinda hard to pay attention when you're in Florida with an unlimited pass to Disney World. My school does Distant Education and I was able to get proctors for tests at the College Program office at Vista Way.

 

[DisHornFan]

Hey guys. I am a little sad to be writing now, unfortunately I will not be able to do the CP next spring as I had planned . When I talked to my advisor yesterday to ask him what I should register for (in order to make sure I didn't get dropped from school and have my loans kick in, etc) he told me that my college doesn't offer any credit at all. He said if I went it would basically be like I am taking a semester off school, I would not be enrolled in the university and I would have to apply to get back in for the fall semester. I'm not very happy as I have had 3 separate advising appointments with him over the past year and a half and at every one I told him I wanted to do this internship and not ONCE did he mention that I would lose my status as a student. So now after planning my entire school year around this, I am back to the drawing board. I am now hoping I can work Spring '08 into my schedule. Thanks for y'alls help with my questions and such. I hope everyone has a great time next Spring!

 

[KimAJ]

Aww!! I'm sorry to hear that! Hopefully we'll see you next year!!

 

[MissSpooky]

Hey guys. I am a little sad to be writing now, unfortunately I will not be able to do the CP next spring as I had planned . When I talked to my advisor yesterday to ask him what I should register for (in order to make sure I didn't get dropped from school and have my loans kick in, etc) he told me that my college doesn't offer any credit at all. He said if I went it would basically be like I am taking a semester off school, I would not be enrolled in the university and I would have to apply to get back in for the fall semester. I'm not very happy as I have had 3 separate advising appointments with him over the past year and a half and at every one I told him I wanted to do this internship and not ONCE did he mention that I would lose my status as a student. So now after planning my entire school year around this, I am back to the drawing board. I am now hoping I can work Spring '08 into my schedule. Thanks for y'alls help with my questions and such. I hope everyone has a great time next Spring!

That's something I'm a little worried about since over a year ago when I decided to try and do this all the counciler people looked at me like I was crazy and had no idea what I was talking about. Then I see the person they all sent me to and she asked me why the heck I would want to do this. Flat out with the more colorful term too. I think I'm going to make an appointment with the instructional dean ASAP.

 

[KimAJ]

That's crazy. There are SO many benefits to this program!!

Send them here

What is your major?? I can find a benefit for YOU

from the website:

During their tenure on the Disney College Program, participants will have the opportunity to develop transferable skills, including Guest service, problem solving, service recovery, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, attention to detail, time management, personal empowerment, self-confidence, responsibility and cultural sensitivity.

Although participants may not pursue a career in the hospitality, entertainment or service industries, they will have the opportunity to learn skills that will be valuable to them in any of their future endeavors and the opportunity to make professional connections with leaders from a variety of disciplines through numerous networking events.

Each day, our participants will take their classroom and personal experiences out into our one-of-a kind, 47-square-mile "learning laboratory" called the Walt Disney World® Resort. This experiential-learning opportunity will provide an unparalleled enhancement to a participant's academic and professional career!

 

[MissSpooky]

That's crazy. There are SO many benefits to this program!!

Send them here

What is your major?? I can find a benefit for YOU

from the website:

During their tenure on the Disney College Program, participants will have the opportunity to develop transferable skills, including Guest service, problem solving, service recovery, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, attention to detail, time management, personal empowerment, self-confidence, responsibility and cultural sensitivity.

Although participants may not pursue a career in the hospitality, entertainment or service industries, they will have the opportunity to learn skills that will be valuable to them in any of their future endeavors and the opportunity to make professional connections with leaders from a variety of disciplines through numerous networking events.

Each day, our participants will take their classroom and personal experiences out into our one-of-a kind, 47-square-mile "learning laboratory" called the Walt Disney World® Resort. This experiential-learning opportunity will provide an unparalleled enhancement to a participant's academic and professional career!

I will for sure send my counciler there and give it to whoever I talk to. My g'ma has been in education for over 20 years running long distance for a private university and now working for the university of california she thinks the programs looks great and she's gonna help me fight and get the credit and everything I deserve out of it. Without her here telling what to point out (pretty obvious stuff) to my college I would be nowhere. The classes are accredited and everything by the major accredited board of america. Anyway, I hate to see someone not going because of their school cause it's what I;m fighting for right now. That's my 2 cents....

 

[SoonerKate]

If you can't get credit from your university, you might consider programs like those at UNC Greensboro or Central Michigan University. I know people who have maintained enrollment as a full time student through both these programs; one of them actually received more credit through the transfer process from the program at UNC Greensboro than she would have obtained directly from our university.

 

[DisHornFan]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am just unlucky enough to be in one of the colleges at my university that does not offer credit. The liberal arts college here has no problem offering credit, but I am a kinesiology major in the college of education. My advisor said that they don't offer anything "because it is nothing related to Kinesiology." I see his point, I just wish he would have mentioned it a year and a half ago, before I planned everything, instead of telling me 2 months before I leave. He said even if I took correspondence courses through my university I would still lose my status as a student because they weren't "in residence." I still have to call Disney and decline ..... I'm dreading that call.

 

[MissSpooky]

If you can't get credit from your university, you might consider programs like those at UNC Greensboro or Central Michigan University. I know people who have maintained enrollment as a full time student through both these programs; one of them actually received more credit through the transfer process from the program at UNC Greensboro than she would have obtained directly from our university.

To go through another school like Cen. Michigan don't you have to pay quite a high tuition rate though just to have a transcript when you can get credit direct through ACE? I'm a little confused. I looked at Cen. Michigan's site and it looks like it would be a lot of money to get a full-time credit of 12 credits/units. If it doesn't cost it would be one thing but if all they are going to do is offer credit then it doesn't seem to make much sense. I wish there was a disney liason for all of this that knows the ins and outs. Once you get in the program is there someone that helps you will all the classes/school aspect?