Working at Disney

[Andy B]

My son is 17 and having to make the decision for next year about going straight to Uni. or having a gap year.

Has anyone worked in the US for Disney in their gap year or otherwise and how do you get details regarding applications.

 

[UKDEB]

CarolynU's son worked at the UK Pavilion in Epcot a few years back. Here's the link to the Disney's International Programs.

 

[gavvy]

I did a year at EPCOT on the international programme.

Contact Yummyjobs.com for details of how to apply- it takes around 8-12 months from applying to getting out there- sometimes longer!

 

[UKDEB]

The Disney Look. This makes for fascinating reading. I particularly like the bit about body alteration or modification - the mind boggles!

Apologies, gavvy - I'd forgotten that you'd been a CM there. I think we may have one or two other members who've done so, too.

 

[Andy B]

I did a year at EPCOT on the international programme.

Contact Yummyjobs.com for details of how to apply- it takes around 8-12 months from applying to getting out there- sometimes longer!

At what stage did you go between study years, after A levels?

 

[Chilly]

The Disney Look. This makes for fascinating reading. I particularly like the bit about body alteration or modification - the mind boggles!

They talk about all that on the KTTKT.

 

[Andy B]

They talk about all that on the KTTKT.

KTTKT?

 

[Chilly]

KTTKT?

Keys to the Kingdom Tour. They talk about what CMs have to do such as the two finger point and a lot of other stuff mentioned on the website Deb posted a link to.

 

[castanea1985]

I did a year at EPCOT on the international programme.

Contact Yummyjobs.com for details of how to apply- it takes around 8-12 months from applying to getting out there- sometimes longer!

How did you go on driving? I know they can drive at that age, but as a young visitor its hard to hire a car, without costing the earth.
Just wondered how you got on for a year??

Thanks

Tracy

 

[natalielongstaff]

The Disney Look. This makes for fascinating reading. I particularly like the bit about body alteration or modification - the mind boggles!

this bit made me smile !

Because of the close contact participants will have with Guests and fellow Cast Members, the use of an antiperspirant or deodorant is required.

 

[I Love Tigger]

Our DD is thinking of doing this for a gap year after she graduates next year, she decided if she went before Uni she wouldn't want to go back to studying

 

[gavvy]

At what stage did you go between study years, after A levels?

I went after my degree, and was age 26, so one of the more older ones! if your 18-21 would think hard about doing the programme, the Legal age for drinking is of course 21 and it is very very hard for a 18-20 year old to not drink in what is mostly a party atmosphere.

If you are caught with a drink in your hand or with drink in your room and your underage, your sacked- on the spot and send home the next day its very strict.

I saw a few unfortunate incidents like someone of age handing a 19 year old a drink to hold while she went to the toilet in PI- they were both sacked.

Its something to consider before applying. I would personally wait until your 21.

 

[gavvy]

The disney look is rather funny when you read through it, its not as strict as its written though, you basically have to be neat clean shaven and no visable tattoos, it was not that hard to keep too!

 

[gavvy]

How did you go on driving? I know they can drive at that age, but as a young visitor its hard to hire a car, without costing the earth.
Just wondered how you got on for a year??

Thanks

Tracy

There were a few that bought cars- bangers handed down from other CMs on the programme basically, but the insurance was really expensive and you have to buy the plates get a Fl licence etc, and a permit to park it on the accomidation site, all this was a major hassle.

I did not bother, but hired a car as and when I needed it, Disney put on buses to EPCOT for work and to wal mart for shopping, the accomadation you live in is behind the premium outlet mall and I became rather accustomed to the food mall there!

There is a load of information on WDWIP.com worth having a look if your interested in going.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

I'm going this year for 1 year working at Epcot. Try looking at this website http://www.wdwip.com/ as it has all the information about the programs and has a great discussion board for applicants. He will need to apply through www.yummyjobs.com

 

[topsy]

Our DD is thinking of doing this for a gap year after she graduates next year, she decided if she went before Uni she wouldn't want to go back to studying

That was exactly my thinking! I have been accepted to go out there on December 2nd, after my graduation in October.

I have a blog related to my Disney experiences, so far have obviously only been able to write about the application process but you are more than welcome to look at it if you would like to. It's a private blog so I need to invite you via email, if you're at all interested, please feel free to PM me!