Disney College Program

[kala83]

One more note and I am done:

A lot of people enjoy their CP experience, they come back several times and many of them do stay with the company.

At various times there will be interest lists and memos about Full Time positions available. Many CPers would often sign these lists. I would go corner them and the first question out of my mouth would be: "Have you graduated yet?" of course they say "No" and then something to the effect of "Well I found I really like this and I don't see how school will help."

So I will tell everyone here what I told them "GO FINISH! Get your degree, then you can come back and do whatever you want. That degree will help you get into a very succesful and professional position."

Some there took my advice, others didn't and now feel like they are at a dead end.

Don't stop your schooling to stay at Disney, or think "I can do it later" you won't. and you can't

Enjoy CP as a good stop on your College and your Career path.

Well first of all I can toally assure you that I do know that I myself do know that you are expected to work in this program. But I have been to WDW several times in my life and everyone in my family always makes mention of "don't you think it would be cool to work here" and frankly yes I do think it would be very cool. The cool thing about Disney is that its fun for both people attending and the the people that work there. Anywhere you wrok you can make it fun, you just have to look at it that way. I totally agree with the whole don't stop your shool to stay at Disney thing you are saying this is why I am planning on looking at doing the CP in my senior year at MU when or if I do end up attending so that I can do this as kind of treat to myself. Cuz I plan on doing a lot of other traveling ventures in my college career since I want to move out of the country and teach English I am looking at programs that send you out of the country doing English teaching with countires such as India and other programs like that. So I want to try and get those programs done and out of the way as well as finishing up school before I even think about taking place in the CP but still interested and certainly want to look into it at some point in time.

[echoscot]

^I am glad you took that advice well. And when you do go, look at the safety advice that Haunted Gabe also posted. Orlando is a great town and a lot of fun, but there are dangers there too like any urban area.

Your sound like you know where you want to go in life and that is excellent. Be aware, though, that Disney does have many opportunities in very similar capacites that you are interested in. During CP you won't be doing those, you will be doing the daily ops stuff at the resorts and parks, but there are departments and things that the average guest never sees or hears of. The Youth Education Series program, the Cultural Series and many others that offer travel opportunities and educational benefits as well. I know many people that have gone, Disney-related to Hong Kong, Paris and Tokyo. Then some of the instructors work with the International students who come to World Showcase and help them adjust to the US lifestyle and work on their English skills.

Anyway, best of luck.

[HauntedGabe]

What a well thought out plan. I wish you success with all those goals you have clearly set. Good for you. If you do the CP Program in your senior year you will be in the coveted 21+/over apts. and added bonus. I'm certain you will learn a great deal and have a blast as is my CP'er is. I've never heard it as a reward but you are quite right!

[echoscot]

So HauntedGabe, you gonna post a "trip report" on behalf of your CPer when he gets back, with pics and all for everyone to enjoy??????

[HauntedGabe]

Never thought of that. The CPer would never sit still long enough to post. Must believe that is why they all use Facebook, (which I stay away from, to much knowledge isn't always a good thing) I was off to see the CPer last week, lst time since Aug. Got to love the independent person the CP has become, even though has been in a dorm for several years already, CPing/Apt. Life pushed it up a notch. I have to admit (head down) I do not have a clue as to how to "post" a picture, yet I am pretty computer literate, go figure. Geez, sitting on a Board of Education, can't post a picture and speaking of too much knowledge, this day is taking a weird turn! I'll belame it on the snow storm moving in.

[joanna71985]

I can't wait til May, when hopefully I can go back down to Disney to work.

[echoscot]

^So you graduate in May and you want to return Full Time?

[joanna71985]

^So you graduate in May and you want to return Full Time?

I actually hope to be graduating next December.

But I am probably going to do the alumni program this summer, and go FT next Jan (2009).

[echoscot]

Well, good luck with that......Alumni section you get special apartments don't you?

[joanna71985]

Well, good luck with that......Alumni section you get special apartments don't you?

Last time they stayed in the Vista/Chatham apartments, so I will assume they will be there again (I wonder if the new apartment will be ready).

[echoscot]

Well, I graduate in May. I left Disney in Jan 2006 to finish my degree, which is why I got mad at others who put theirs off, knowing first hand how hard it is to go back later.

But I will be in Orlando in January for some job interviews and expect to be working there come May, so maybe I will see you...

[mini-V]

There are so many good points in this thread. Work can be fun, and it seems that many past dcp participants have enjoyed the experience. The program is meant to be a way of learning how big corporations work. I can see how some college students might get the wrong idea of the intentions of the program when they keep hearing how much fun it was. The comment about someone who didn't like wearing the costumes made me scratch my head. Obviously someone hadn't paid attention to what cms wear. A big thank you for those who posted about safety, work ethics, and job opportunities.

[pupdogwolf]

I've heard lots of people talking about a character attendant, well, what do they do? lol

[joanna71985]

I've heard lots of people talking about a character attendant, well, what do they do? lol

Character attendants assist the character(s) they are with, keep the line orderly, help guests out with taking pictures (especially if there is no PhotoPass), answer questions, stuff like that. It's a lot of fun.

[WDWHM9707]

I'm a CP at the Haunted Mansion right now. I really love working there.
As others have put before it is a rewarding experience but it is what you make of it.
A word of caution: You may get stuck with crappy roommates. My first set of roommates were pretty much using the CP as a three month party away from school. Thats probably why most of them got termed before they completed their program. On the other hand i know people who love their roommates. I would just be prepared for the worst and hopefully your roommates will be fine.