WDW College Program

[smilingmouse]

I'm thinking about applying to the WDW College Program, and I'm wondering if anyone knows how hard it is to be accepted? Also, what is the program like?

SmilingMouse

 

[PKK/MJK]

Definitely apply for the College Program!! This is a wonderful program!!!!!!!!!! My DD was in the CP in the summer of 2000 and again in summer of 2001 right after she graduated from college. Now she works full-time at WDW in Entertainment. She loved the CP!!!!!!!! It is a wonderful way to get your foot in the door and find out exactly how everything works at WDW. It is also an excellent addition to a resume--employers always find the Disney name intriguing. I can't tell you exactly how hard it is to get in. Fortunately, my DD did not have any problems--but she did know people who did not get picked. There are several CPers on the DIS though, so I'm sure they can tell you more about the process. Good Luck!!

 

[kissygoose]

I would deffinatley go for it. I would have given my eye teeth to have been selected for the CP. Unfortunately it is a bit difficult. I interviewed for two years and even though I made it to the final round I never got chosen. A friend of mine did however and he loved it. If you have any specific questions pm me and I'll try to give you what info I can (it's been several years since I went through the process so it may have changed). Good luck.

 

[cheshirekitty]

I always get so upset talking about this. I interviewed in the fall one year and got accepted to go in the spring. I turned it down because I wouldn't have gotten college credits and would loose my health insurance.

I interviewed that spring to go in the summer. They assured me that turning it down the semester before would not affect my chances. Unfortunately, I didn't get accepted.

I was so upset and regret it everyday!!! Your chances for going in the fall or spring semester are much higher. Most people want it for the summer.

If you have the opportunity, do it!!!

 

[angie'smom]

HI,
When Angela got accepted for a spring semester I checked with her college to make sure she was still considered to be a student at the college. So, even though she was not enrolled in any classes, she was still enrolled in the school and that was all our Blue Cross-Blue Shield health insurance needed to to know.
Harriet

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi SmilingMouse. Go for it. Those who have done it here on the DIS have great memories of it. Here is a link, (you may have to sort through it a bit) of threads that have mention of 'college program' in them. Should be some good ones in there for you. Good luck

CPCM--click here

 

[AngieBelle]

Hi! I did the college program in spring 2001. (I'm the Angela referred to in my mom's post above. hehehe) It is a very cool experience. I kept a journal while I was there. It's on my webpage if you'd like to read it- http://www.angelfire.com/musicals/bdwaybelle/

I don't think it's all that hard to be accepted if you're outgoing and enthusiastic. Cheshirekitty- I don't think the fact that you turned down your first offer was related to being rejected when you interviewed for summer. Summer is competitive! Everyone wants it so they don't have to miss school. My first interview was for summer, and I didn't make it! Spring or fall has better weather and a longer time frame anyway. They no longer offer the summer program for first timers, however, only alumni of the program.

If you have any specific questions, let me know!

 

[Grumpy92]

Another alum here. You might want to check out the alumni page at www.disneyalumni.com

Summer semester is the most competitive and it also depends on the area of interest as well. But give it a try. Make sure you go to the seminar at your college alumni are usually ask to come and talk about their experiences.

 

[Simba's Mom]

DS's career goal is specifically to be a musical entertainer at WDW. Isn't there a specific summer Entertainment internship program? Or can you apply through the regular college program? Any advice you can give would be terrific. Thanks.

 

[DocRafiki]

When I interviewed (10 yrs ago ) , they wouldn't even consider people unless they were majors in certain fields (I wasn't). We had about 200 people applying for summer and fall. Four got in for the fall; don't know how many made it for the summer. I thought it was very competitive at the time, but since then, this is the first I've even heard of anyone NOT making it. Then again, they like to hire Disney nuts, and that's the type of people I know.

BTW, Fall was fabulous for CP! Lots of people didn't want to do it because they'd be away from home for the holidays. But, in that way, fall CPers become more like a family, imo.

 

[LuvTigger]

I have a friend who is currently in the CP program, and she seems to really be enjoying herself.

She applied and interviewed twice. The first time, she was accepted, but for "food counter service" or something like that. She declined for several reasons, including the fact that she is a hotel management major, and also because she's heard that the "field" she was selected for includes food carts, and she knows a lot of people who didn't like working at those.

The second time, she was very honest about how she applied before, but that she declined because she felt it would be better for everyone involved if she was placed at a resort. They accepted her, and placed her in a resort (Poly).

If you'd like more info, feel free to PM me. I just spend a few days with her in WDW and got to learn more about the program.

 

[Micca]

Proud parent of a 2 time CP'er here. Definitely check it out.

 

[DocRafiki]

Originally posted by DocRafiki
When I interviewed (10 yrs ago ) , they wouldn't even consider people unless they were majors in certain fields (I wasn't).

oops... I meant they wouldn't even consider people for the summer. So I was accepted for fall. Still, the non-majors were given jobs like food service (me), custodial, and merchandising if you're lucky. Don't be scared off by food service or custodial. You're still working and living at Disney, which is the most important part. Personally, the outdoor food carts (ODF) were my favorite position to work. And I know lots of people who LOVED their custodial jobs. They get a lot of guest interaction and have more variety in their job (don't have to stand in one or a few spots all day).

 

[jimmybop]

GO FOR IT!!!!! it is soooo much fun. Just be really friendly, dress up a bit, and have fun during the interview... I WANNA GO BACK!!!! there are tones of websites out there with Journals and stories from college program expereinces.

Check out these two websites
http://www.disneyalumni.com
and
http://www.disneyintern.com


if you have any questions.... please please feel free to ask!!!! I'm sure all the Alumni on here will be more then happy to help!