To anyone in/considering/has considered CP

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

So I have been seriously considering becoming part of the WDW College Program. I have been through the website with a fine tooth comb. A question for all those who are part or have been, as well as anybody who has considered it or is now considering it whether you chose to apply or not; what type of things factored into whether or not you chose to go. I'm looking for both the positive and the negative, no matter how big or small. I obviously have my own but I'm not going to say them to avoid the 'oh yeah, well I guess I thought about that' type of situation. I may bring mine up later but I really don't want to now. I know it is a choice for me but I ask because maybe you thought about things that I haven't.

Also, if you have done it and have any words in terms of 'I thought this would be really hard, but it really isn't that bad' or the opposite 'I hadn't worried about this but I really should have' I would really appreciate that as well.

To clarify it isn't one of those 'It looks like you've already made up your mind' type of situations because it certainly is not. It's just an extra eye opener type of question.

Thanks to all in advance!

 

[imagineerhopefull]

I was going through a lot of what you seem to be going through, waying both the pros and cons of taking parting part in the CP. I finally decided that I will be doing it, and that I'll be interviewing for the spring program (though I'm still up in the air about whether or not I want to do the spring advantage)

There was a ton of pros in my decision, mostly in that I would love to work for the company some day, specifically the imagineering department. I figured that this would be a step in the right direction, allowing me to get a foot in the door, take part in the engineering class they offer, and perhaps even be able to network. Also, I know that it isn't required for some of the professional internships, but I don't think it would hurt to have that on my application if I do decided to apply for one of those later on.

As for the cons, there were a few, but they weighed heavily on me. First, I knew that it would interupt with school, and I am already behind by a year as it is. I was also thinking of doing a co-op or another internship. There is also the matter of my gf and I. We attend schools 1,000 miles away from one another, so during the spring it wouldnt be as much an issue b/c we would hardly see one another as is, but for the summer, she would be back up in Massachusetts and I would be down in Florida.

I hope this helps you in any way and that you are able to come to a good decision that will work for you.

 

[Joanna71985]

Hey there. I am now on my 2nd CP and am loving it. I first decided to apply for the first CP after my first semester at school. I love Disney. I knew that it would look good on an application. So I applied for the CP, and got Spring 2005 with a role in merchandise. I did feel a little daunted when it was time to leave. I had never spent so much time away from home, on my own. I had never dormed at school. So this would be an entirely new experience. It turned out to be fine. I was able to live on my own. I lived with 3 other girls at Chatham. In fact, I had so much fun that I extended until August. And once I got home, I missed Disney so much that I applied for a second CP. I am now on Fall Advantage 2006 and am a character attendant this time. I am loving it so much that I am hoping to go seasonal after this CP. I would say to think hard about it. So many people leave after a few weeks because they expected it to be all fun and no work. This may be Disney, but this is a job (which I am sure you know that). So good luck, and feel free to IM me if you have any more questions.

 

[wdwgirl03]

I did feel a little daunted when it was time to leave. I had never spent so much time away from home, on my own. I had never dormed at school. So this would be an entirely new experience. It turned out to be fine. I was able to live on my own. I lived with 3 other girls at Chatham. In fact, I had so much fun that I extended until August.

That's good to hear. I would really love to do the CP before or after I student teach, but living so far from home is kind of holding me back. I mean, I go to school 10 minutes from my house, and even though I've lived on campus, I'm still able to come home a lot on weekends and stuff.

But I love Disney so much, and think the college program would be awesome!

 

[SweaterInJune]

Okay... I didn't read the other messages because I can understand what you're saying about everyone saying the same thing. I was Cast in Entertainment, as a performer, for Spring Advantage'03. Despite wanting to go so badly, I didn't. The main reason for me at that time was health insurance. I wanted to experience the full program and it would have been difficult for me obtain a few credits, let alone the 12 I needed to be full time and keep my health insurance. That was Spring of my freshman year--I still in many ways, regret it.

Now, flash forward 4 years, I am only 10 credit hours away from my degree. I have always had a love for Disney and a desire to make a career with them. I will graduate in December and as I have no other career prospects for my Theatre design degree currently, I'm hoping to be accepted to the CP this spring, work hard, and eventually, work my way to where I want to be. This is something I've wanted since I was 7 years old, so it's important. In addition, I will pursue career options in Magic, my other love.

I eventually want to continue my education with some sort of Tourism or Hospitality program and keep my "day job" in the industry, hopefully with Disney. I would love to one day use my design skills as an imagineer, but only time will tell.

Anyhow, so now you know my motivations. This spring I feel free for the 1st time in my life to be a bit impulsive. I'm free to pursue career options without the risk of losing my health insurance(I lose it the second I graduate, if not sooner because I'm not full time now); missing classes; adding semesters; or having to return when my CP is over. I can choose to extend, do another internship, go seasonal, go part time, or even go full time... I have no ties and I think that's the best way, for me, to finally do this.

The only thing that makes me a bit apprehensive is leaving my boyfriend, assuming we're still together. He has a 2 year-old daughter who lives with her mom. I could never ask him to leave her and move so far away... So, if everything goes as I hope career-wise, I don't know what will happen to us... I'm taking everything one day at a time and truly believe everything happens for a reason. I interview tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see what happens in a few weeks. Now, I'm off to read everyone else's responses...

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

I really REALLY appreciate all of the advice! Any more out there?!? Thank you to all and my best wishes go out to anyone interviewing soon, about to go, or making their decision! Good luck to you all!

 

[natty41]

I did the CP just this past spring semester and I had the greatest time of my life! But I'll admit that it did come with some initial hesitation...

I am an only child and have lived at home through college thus far so the idea of moving thousands of miles away (I'm from Wisconsin...22 hour drive! YES!) was kind of scary! I needed to change my mind-set about the whole thing, like, this was my "dorm" experience. Since I didn't "go away" to school, this was my time for that. The night before I left, I had most everything packed (haha, yeah, MOST everything...) and I went into the kitchen by my parents in tears and when they asked what was wrong, all I could come up with was "I can't believe I'm doing this." I think they were happy tears

I know that for most people, myself included, doing the CP will put you at least a semester behind in school, but the way I look at it is that you only go to college once, you're only at this point in your life once and if you don't seize this opportunity now, you might not get another chance to be a part of something so unique and magical.

Yes, it's hard work...LONG hours, 60+ hour weeks at times, etc. But remember, you're down there for the experience; not for the money, not for someone else, but for yourself. For every not so good day that happens down there that knocks you down there'll be a very good day to soon follow that will pick you right back up again.

Ok I think veered a bit...does this all make sense?

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

I did the CP just this past spring semester and I had the greatest time of my life! But I'll admit that it did come with some initial hesitation...

I am an only child and have lived at home through college thus far so the idea of moving thousands of miles away (I'm from Wisconsin...22 hour drive! YES!) was kind of scary! I needed to change my mind-set about the whole thing, like, this was my "dorm" experience. Since I didn't "go away" to school, this was my time for that. The night before I left, I had most everything packed (haha, yeah, MOST everything...) and I went into the kitchen by my parents in tears and when they asked what was wrong, all I could come up with was "I can't believe I'm doing this." I think they were happy tears

I know that for most people, myself included, doing the CP will put you at least a semester behind in school, but the way I look at it is that you only go to college once, you're only at this point in your life once and if you don't seize this opportunity now, you might not get another chance to be a part of something so unique and magical.

Yes, it's hard work...LONG hours, 60+ hour weeks at times, etc. But remember, you're down there for the experience; not for the money, not for someone else, but for yourself. For every not so good day that happens down there that knocks you down there'll be a very good day to soon follow that will pick you right back up again.

Ok I think veered a bit...does this all make sense?

It makes perfect sense! I'm glad that you brought up the moving so far away aspect because that was really one of my biggest concerns too being that we are basically the same situation (only child, school is 10 minutes away from home) except that you're in Wisconsin and I'm in NY! The missing a semester of school was also really super high on my list too so thanks for addressing that as well! All help is really appreciated from all!

Jess