WDW College Internship...

[xfkirsten]

Originally Posted by lildisneyfan

how did you sign for it ? i live like 4 hours away from disney so it would be so awesome ( congrats on getting it )

You can go to www.wdwcollegeprogram.com and there are links to the presentation dates/locations, or I believe you can now do online presentations as well. Definitely worth a look!

Originally Posted by emma15677

I wish I could have an internship like that..but I'm from Australia!

Ah, they do do international students for the International Program at Epcot... unfortunately, you have to be from one of the countries represented in the World Showcase, and Australia isn't one of them.

Originally Posted by Sesshomaru-sama

Congratulations on being accepted to Walt Disney World College. I wish you well.
Question though: what is it that they teach in there? I haven't heard about it until recently.

Sincerely, a brother of a half-demon,
Sesshomaru-sama

What they "teach" isn't really a whole lot, IMHO. When I did the program, what I got out of it more than anything was general life and work skills - customer service, living on my own, living in a roommate situation, etc. They do have classes you can take, but they're optional. I took the ExpEARiential Learning one, but I didn't really feel like I learned much from it. I can't even tell you what topics were discussed (although, in my defense, that was nearly five years ago).

[WelcomeFoolishMortals999]

Originally Posted by ChanChilla

I was accepted! YAYERS!

I'm in the spring semester, leaving in a couple of weeks for Orlando. This is just way too cool. Get to work at disney and go to school there... Eeeeeeee!

Anyone else in this program?

Awesome. I can't wait till college. Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to be in the program.. but my goals are big, and I'm not sure it would be in my best interest success-wise to be in the college program at WDW or DLR (if I choose to go to a California college)

[Big Disney Fan]

In 2003, my sister worked at WDW via the College Program. She worked in the food department of the Studios (namely, the Ranch Market near two of her favorite rides there, Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (she LOVES Aerosmith)). It was here that she met her new husband, who worked at the Magic Kingdom at the ice cream parlor at the end of Main Street.

Anyway, my sister created a website about her experience there: http://www.geocities.com/phatbottmdgirl/.

As part of her site, she has created a list of truths of what to REALLY expect from the CP, warning that it's not all it's cracked up to be:

1. You are there to work, not anything else
2. Guarantee that you will work on all holidays
3. There will be many days where you will be asked to work 11 hours or more
4. While it is up to the manager as to whether they will give you food that will get thrown out anyway, don't anticipate that they will allow it. Speaking from personal experience, more often than not, they would rather see you throw away somewhere between 20 and 150 turkey legs than see you and your fellow Cast Members have one.
5. If you call in sick the day after a free PI night, they look up if you went there the night before.
6. In addition, if you call in sick and go to a park, they can tell that too.
7. You will be guaranteed to have most of the closing shifts; CP doesn't just stand for College Program, it also stands for Closing Person or Company Peon
8. You will often be asked to work 6-day weeks. Your one day off may be the day you have to spend in class, if you take one
9. You will often be given the worst, dirtiest jobs
10. At the Presentation, they tell you about all the malls and other attractions in the area. If you are automotively challenged, don't count on seeing any of these things. In addition, unless you are motivated enough, don't count on finding time to go on one of your potentially two days off.
11. If you work at Magic Kingdom, start praying! If you are working on Main Street, forget it! Prayers won't help you now. Count on, not only staying till the park closes at 1 am for almost-daily after hours parties during holiday and summer seasons, but also for the 40-60 minutes in which Main Street stays open with the rest of the park, and add an hour for closing after that!
12. Unless you have class, you are game to work; you may even be scheduled to work on your class day
13. There is a weekly list of people who they can call on their days off to come in to work if they need it. Hope you don't get on this list during Thanksgiving/New Year's week and end up having to work 7 days in a row.
14. You will meet the dumbest people in your life here; people who will ask questions so innane, you'll wonder if they are for real.
15. You will be forced to wear a uniform so ugly, so fruity, and so horribly conceived you wouldn't even want to wear them trick-or-treating, let alone to your job on a daily basis.

And she also mentions something about what is known as the Disney Point. What the Disney Point means is, "a point with the index and middle finger, versus just the index finger (also used commonly by flight attendants when pointing out all six exits). Supposedly, this is because in some cultures pointing with just one finger is rude. In addition, as it was explained by a guy acting just like Jack McFarland from Will and Grace, it reminds one of when their mothers used to wag their fingers at them when they were bad. In reality, once they get you into the habit of doing it, it is hard to break; in situations outside Disney, one often uses the ever-annoying Disney Point. Cast Members often talk of their own version of the Disney Point that has only one of the two fingers and the one is not the index finger."

Now, how 'bout some of your opinions, eh?

[xfkirsten]

I was there 2002-2003, and my experience was a bit different, but I was there in the post-9/11 slump. I worked in MK Merchandise (Adv/Pirates/Glow) at first, and usually got 35-ish hours a week. You could usually find more hours through the shift hotline, but it was clearly optional. I think the most I was ever scheduled was 50-55, and that was only once or twice. When I transferred into Entertainment in Jan 03, it was REALLY hard times for hours. I got 30/week, and only because they were contractually obligated to give me that many. Picking up shifts was nearly impossible in my height range. So I had a lot of free time.

That being said, she's absolutely right about the other conditions. You are there to do their grunt work, and be happy about it. If you don't like that, don't do the program, plain and simple. The chance to spend time in the parks is a side bonus, and you work that around THEIR schedule and rules. If you think the program will be any different than that, you're in for a huge disappointment.

And yes, the Disney point sticks with you. It's been over four years since I left, and I still do it. I worked at SeaWorld afterwards, and my managers there noted right off the bat that I automatically did that - and they applauded me for it. It's a good habit to keep - you'd be amazed how many employers recognize it.

[queenofleon]

i hope to be doing the program in a year or so. I'm graduating from high school in May and my art teacher's daughter did it and loved it. So she was telling me i should go for it. Her daughter said it didnt kinda stink for a little bit but it got better and the experience was worth it

[disneyapeelizzle]

I can tell you that EVERYONE has a completely different experience. I just returned in August from my internship and had the most memorable time of my life. I worked as a housekeeper for 2 and a half months and then was transferred to front desk at Pop Century...LOVED IT! Best job ever, guest are always excited to be there, and I've made the best friends of my life.

I suppose one can have a negative view on things but hey, my best friend started out in Pinocchios Village house (this january) cleaning up after people (and he wasn't fond of it at first), then he landed a sweet side internship as an assistant to the person who does the artwork for magic kingdom...and this month he took over her job (mind you, he's only 20 years old)! Its full of millions of opportunities...its just up to people to take them and make something of themselves!

I suppose if you want a mediocre internship you could show up, work, and go one like that for 6 months...however, we didn't. We took advantage of EVERY opportunity we had and had no time for complaining.

I'm currently a campus rep for my school and LOVE talking about our time there. If anyone has any other questions, feel free to ask! However be warned...I did have a GREAT internship and experience so..you'll be getting THAT view of it.

[Katie M]

I can't wait 'till i'm old enough to do it. I've been wanting to ever since I found out about it! I even applied for the Disney College Program E-Newsletter. No Idea where I'm going to college yet, but I can't wait!

[Lostboyfan]

I think I'm going try to get into the Disney College Program after my second year of college.

Robby the Lost Boy

[echoscot]

I never worked CP, but I worked there for 25 years as a regular Cast Member first in Characters then as a Stage Manager and Stage Tech. I can tell you that if you are in CP, they are right, you will be filling the left over shifts that others don't want. That being said, it is exactly what you make of it. If you are on CP you are young and energetic, and doing those shifts trains you in self-discipline and principles of work ethic. If you show promise you move up from there quickly.

I can give you a case in point. True story. I know of an individual who started at Disney in the CP. He was placed in Custodial Services, sometimes called Show Keepers. He was in the Custodial whites and worked hard. Didn't always enjoy it but was a good CM and was responsible and motivated. He eventually moved to Studio Tour Attractions on the Great Movie Ride as a Full Time Cast Member. Then he moved up from there. When I met Trent Brya, I was a Stage Tech at the Indiana Jones Show at the Studios and Trent was one of our Indy's. By the time I left the company in 2006 to go back to school, Trent was one of the Directors and precision drivers for Lights, Motors Action. He has also gotten some side acting jobs.

The CP will teach you about life and friendships. It is hard work, even in characters. I know because I helped facilitate the transition of Characters to becoming part of the College Program. And you will take away what you put into it.

Enjoy it. You will make great friendships, like the young lady in Housekeeping told you. And you will always have grunt shifts at every job, might as well be at a place you enjoy, where there are some great side benefits.

It is not a party you are going to, you are going to work. If you do a great job, you can make friends with the FT CMs and they can help you get around if you don't have a car.

ENJOY IT!!!! But be prepared to WORK.

[disneyapeelizzle]

Originally Posted by echoscot

I never worked CP, but I worked there for 25 years as a regular Cast Member first in Characters then as a Stage Manager and Stage Tech. I can tell you that if you are in CP, they are right, you will be filling the left over shifts that others don't want. That being said, it is exactly what you make of it. If you are on CP you are young and energetic, and doing those shifts trains you in self-discipline and principles of work ethic. If you show promise you move up from there quickly.

I can give you a case in point. True story. I know of an individual who started at Disney in the CP. He was placed in Custodial Services, sometimes called Show Keepers. He was in the Custodial whites and worked hard. Didn't always enjoy it but was a good CM and was responsible and motivated. He eventually moved to Studio Tour Attractions on the Great Movie Ride as a Full Time Cast Member. Then he moved up from there. When I met Trent Brya, I was a Stage Tech at the Indiana Jones Show at the Studios and Trent was one of our Indy's. By the time I left the company in 2006 to go back to school, Trent was one of the Directors and precision drivers for Lights, Motors Action. He has also gotten some side acting jobs.

The CP will teach you about life and friendships. It is hard work, even in characters. I know because I helped facilitate the transition of Characters to becoming part of the College Program. And you will take away what you put into it.

Enjoy it. You will make great friendships, like the young lady in Housekeeping told you. And you will always have grunt shifts at every job, might as well be at a place you enjoy, where there are some great side benefits.

It is not a party you are going to, you are going to work. If you do a great job, you can make friends with the FT CMs and they can help you get around if you don't have a car.

ENJOY IT!!!! But be prepared to WORK.

Amen! Part of the fun is definitely networking and making friends with the full time people! I've got my connections and when I graduate...I've got my 4 letters of recommendations in the bag and can probably work in resorts or even in the parks!

"Its what you make of it"

Thats why it was named best place to launch your career! Keyword...LAUNCH...the rest is up to you!

[echoscot]

Well if you do get back there and get to AK, my youngest sister Molly moved there when I moved to Texas for School. She is now working on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. You can look her up. She is a coordinator for that section of the park.

[Big Disney Fan]

On my sister's website, after she mentions the truths I mentioned earlier in this thread here (post #18), she mentions a bunch of phrases the Cast Members would probably say (these are mentioned in bold) and what they really really mean by said phrases (not bolded):

I'm sorry, we don't serve those here.
Can't you read the menu?!

Sure, I can give you directions.
Why don't you have a guidemap?!

Thank you, have a nice day!
Let's keep the line moving, people!

Yes, we can have them make that special.
Why do you have to make this more complicated than it should be?

We'll tell someone right away that they're out of straws.
That's not my job right now.

Don't worry, I can replace that for you for free.
I don't care. Doesn't come out of my paycheck!

The iced tea is unsweetened, is that alright?
Don't comeback here complaining and make me replace your drink.

We'll get more turkey legs/hot dogs/beer in about 15 minutes.
How should I know when we are getting more?

The park closes at...
The park isn't closing soon enough!

Yes, we've been really busy today.
So many people, so little time! I want to commit suicide!

We don't accept tips.
I'd be happy to relieve you of any extra funds.

I know, it's expensive...
What did you expect?! This is Walt Disney World!!!

Do you want to go to Pleasure Island tonight?
There's absolutely nothing better to do than get buzzed.

I like that ride/park...
I like that ride/park because I don't work there.

Having fun?
I'm not having fun.

I'm sorry, only one beer per ID.
This is not my lame policy.

I think you can buy those over there.
Maybe you can buy those over there, I don't know!

The show starts at 7:00.
Can't you go read the sign over there for yourself?!

It hasn't been very busy today.
Today has been incredibly boring!

I'm working on it.
Someone else may or may not be working on it.

I'm sorry, we're not open yet.
You're not allowed to bug me until the time on that sign.

I'm sorry, we're closed.
HA-HA! I don't have to deal with you!
or...
Go back to your hotel already!!

Can I take your picture?
Give me something to break up the monotony of this stupid job!

Yes, I work here.
No, I don't work here. In my spare time, I like to dress up in this horrible getup and clean off tables I didn't mess up.

Hold on, I'll get someone over here who speaks Spanish.
Learn to speak English before you get to this country!

[echoscot]

While it is important to stress the realities of the job, it is also important to keep a positive outlook for those who are entering the program. We should try not to prejudice their views or color them too negatively before they have even left for the airport.

Let them develop their own views and attitudes.

So can we please keep this thread on a positive note?

[disneyapeelizzle]

I agree with echoscot...

there's a phrase you forgot to mention

"Preserve the magic"

[Big Disney Fan]

Originally Posted by disneyapeelizzle

I agree with echoscot...

there's a phrase you forgot to mention

"Preserve the magic"

You know, a couple more things before we move to a more positive note (I wasn't trying to be negative, by the way; everyone's entitled to an opinion, that's all): it's funny, but I don't think my sister mentions that phrase anywhere in her website.

And if it's any comfort to you, on another forum of which I am a member, I mention my sister's website in a thread about the CP and the response was that the CP was actually what people made of it. Some people liked it; some didn't. I guess my sister was part of the "didn't-like-it" crowd.

Okay, I'm finished. You can do the CP if you want. Don't think neither me nor my sister are trying to discourage you.