...will be applying for the CP this Fall to participate in the Jan-May Internship.
The Fall 2009 recruiting season is over, so if you have not already applied then the next available season for the CP would be spring 2010.
From what I can clearly see on this site Disney appears to be at a hiring freeze. I'm still currently in college don't have a degree yet and was wondering what my chances are of working the CP.
We are not on a full out freeze, but yes, jobs are hard to find. We are seeking out housekeepers right now, and 3rd shift custodial. However, the freeze does not affect CPs and you do not need a degree to do the CP or to get a regular hourly job with the company.
What are the chances of Disney hiring a CP student after the CP is over?
It depends on your role; housekeeping, food, and custodial are typically easier to get as FT, whereas Entertainment and Attractions have HUGE waitlists.
I was told I could extend the CP for 1 year if I wanted to. Is this true?
Correct. You can do any student programs for a consecutive year. That can be a year long CP, a year long PI, or a combination of both. You can also break up time between CPs and PIs to equal more than a year, it just can't be consecutive past a year.
What positions have the best development at your knowledge?
It depends on what you want. If you want the chance to learn a lot about management then any operations job is great for that, including attractions, park entrance, transportation, merch, food, etc. However, I would not recommend Entertainment for Management.
If you are looking for training experience then I'd go for something that has fewer cast members that they'll utilize CMs as trainers, costuming and foods are both good here.
The best development opportunities for me actually came from the CP courses. I did not receive credit for the classes, but still glad I did them because I learned a lot.
This is a great place to ask questions - feel free to read the abundant information in the multitude of threads and post any other questions you have!