WDW college program experiences

Post by **addlema** » Jan Tue 24, 2006 2:57 pm

No problem man! We needs pictures!

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » Jan Tue 24, 2006 4:14 pm

Excellent forum Lion. My son who's a senior in high school right now is thinking about doing the college program in 2 years and your forum - where we see the college program experience through your eyes is awesome! Keep the posts coming whenever you get a chance! 8)

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Jan Wed 25, 2006 12:23 am

Just got off of work. Boy it was a long night. I guess one can only appreciate Extra Magic Hours if one is a resort guest. Today instead of doing the Front Set restrooms, I did the Backset ones. The Muppets cast member restrooms I believe. It went pretty smoothly, yet slow because Commissary and Scifi were closed- there was some leakage or something.

Towards the end it got a little hectic because I had to help a fellow cast member do a "trash run"- it's when cast member go around with the banana boat(the gray trash carts) and wipe down, pull and replace trash cans. I just finished cleaning and closing my restrooms and had to pee really bad. But we help each other out

Then I meet with the manager and she asks for the restroom sheets. See, each time you visit the bathroom to clean it, you have to mark of everything you did on a sheet- pink for girls, blue for guys. I didn't know the closers have to bring the sheet to the manager(someone might have told me weeks ago, but alas!). So it's five minutes to 11, and I gotta run back to all these restrooms and grab the sheets. I'm literally running from Echo Lake all the way back to Mama Melrose and back. The manager wasn't where she said she would be, so I look in the break room, and she isn't there. So me and the girl I was helping do the trash run with, just leave the sheets there and go to clock out. We can't clock out. (there are two ways to clock out- swipe your card, and CDS). So we go back to the break room and call one of the help numbers. We get it straightened out and now Im running for the bus. It's freaking crowded and my roommate has a guest so I'm suck out here and now I'm here typing this.

A lot of the international college progammers are leaving soon. They only stay for two months, so that's a little sad. So soon the show will be run by a bunch of college program newbies. It's a scary feeling being new myself and having fellow cast member ask me about how things are run. You just gotta find your own way of doing things that fits you best. Ask a lot of questions and don't feel bad if you mess up- it happens.

ralika- you can go to http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/it ... index.html

Pictures? Maybe one day.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jan Wed 25, 2006 12:51 pm

How about we get you a camera for your hat. Then you can give us "A Day In The Life" type deally. Just make sure you turn it off when you go to the bathroom.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Jan Wed 25, 2006 2:17 pm

I always wanted to do this program but I am a junior in College now and I feel that if I were to join this program now, it will only delay my graduation from my current college.

How old are you Lion? What college did you attend? What year are you?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Jan Wed 25, 2006 11:03 pm

Lol, I like the camera on the hat thing. That would be fun. Or we could have a walkie talkie thing going on.

Today I was back on the streets- meaning I was just sweeping and doing trash runs. Everything went pretty smoothly except, but for some reason I just had no energy. I wasn't friendly or smiley as I would have liked to be today. Oh, and I had to clean a protein spill in Star Tours.

I am currently 22, and a super senior in college(San Francisco State U). If my calculations are correct, then I only have one more semester to go. Packwingfn, I understand ya. A couple of years ago I wanted to do the college program, but at the time I didn't have enough credit to be where I should have been. I also was just in the process of changing majors, so I was behind. So I just said it wasn't right for me at the time. You can do the college program even after you're finished taking classes, I believe. Then just walk across/graduate when you go back home.

One of the major reasons why I joined the program was because I was having major college burnout. This past fall semester was killer- I had projects and homework every week. I felt that just for a short time, I wanna have some fun, take a breather, then finish school. What better way to have fun(rhetorical, don't answer)? This is also my first real job- and yeah, working for Disney does look good on a resume.

It also helped to have really supportive parents. They were behind me 100%. But pretty much everyone I told did a double take when I was I was doing custodial. Then I had to explain to them why I chose it.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Jan Thu 26, 2006 12:22 am

Thank you so much. I am still cautious. I am turning 21 in May, and I just transferred from a community college to a 4-year school. I just chose a major (computer information systems) so I am still behind in all my major courses. I really wouldn't mind taking a break from school and my current job at Stop and Shop. I love disney but I wanted to know if there was any jobs in the Computer field that could benefit my major and look good on my resume.

Also, how do I find out if my school takes part in the Disney College Program. I appreciate for you answering my question Lion. I feel we are a lot a like just by reading your "journal"

P.S. I also would have chosen Custodial too. I love being independent.

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Jan Thu 26, 2006 8:54 am

This is what I dont get Lion....you've volunteered for the CP and you elected to do custodial work and they've got you cleaning toilets. You're ok with cleaning toilets? Wouldn't you rather be operating Splash mountain or working at a monorail hotel?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Jan Thu 26, 2006 11:26 am

Packwingfn- The cool thing about doing the college programming is networking. Two of my roommates already have numbers and email info for some of the top people at Disney MGM Studios. One of my roommates simply commented that the animation building used to have real animators. The trainer then told her to talk to someone, and was referred to a couple of people. Another roommate made some calls the other day to some theatre-type people; not really sure who. If you have an idea of what you want, go ahead and find connections here.

For info on the college program and which schools they recruit at, just go to the site that I linked up a few messages up.

Quickgold- The reason why I chose custodial out of all the other jobs was the independence. I get to walk around in an area so I don't get too bored from standing in one spot for hours. I would probably be miserable asking "how many?" for hours on end. Also my costume is universal so I can go anywhere in the park without getting in trouble. I get to do things at my own pace and even talk with other cast members. I also enjoy being where the people are. For two days in a row I was cleaning restrooms, and it was boring because you don't get to chat with people as much as if you were on the streets. Well I hate cleaning toilets, but it just comes with the job. Some people need to re-learn how to flush manually. Stupid automatic sensor things....

ps. Hey to all my friends at home reading my messages!

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Jan Thu 26, 2006 4:52 pm

You do get inside all of the parks for free right?

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Jan Thu 26, 2006 11:06 pm

Sounds like an adventure [and most other jobs - you get the days you hate and the days where things go as well as can be expected]. Gracias for the regular updates! Have fun with those Extra Magic Hours - clocking out that late has to be a treat, well, maybe not really all that enjoyable... Still, sounds like some variety and some interesting experiances despite biff duty!

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » Jan Fri 27, 2006 8:13 am

G2-4T wrote:Sounds like an adventure [and most other jobs - you get the days you hate and the days where things go as well as can be expected]. Gracias for the regular updates! Have fun with those Extra Magic Hours - clocking out that late has to be a treat, well, maybe not really all that enjoyable... Still, sounds like some variety and some interesting experiances despite biff duty!

You couldn't have said it better, G2. NO job is perfect - but if it's a job you're looking for for some fun and diversity on a short-term basis, what better job than to work at Disney. Even on a bad day, all you have to do is step back and look around - and realize where you are. It's gotta bring it up a notch or two.

My son (who's a senior in high school) wants to try the college program when he's a sophmore or junior in college. I'm thrilled for the opportunity for him! (And since we're DVC members, we could actually visit him once!

) What a great experience and memory for all the kids who get a chance to take part.

Hats off to Walt Disney World for providing them this opportunity.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Jan Sat 28, 2006 11:07 pm

Sup everyone!

Yesterday the park(disney-mgm) was so slow. I was just walking around my zone talking to cast members and guests. I even left my area and helped out other zones. The zone I worked is called "zone 2" - it goes from drew carey to epic, to the edge of echo lake. It only gets hectic during the parade and when epic ends but other times it's pretty dead. again, im glad im doing custodial- we can go wherever we want(pretty much).

Work is physically tiring, but pretty much emotionally satisfying...did that make sense?

Soon it's going to get really crowded because of some cheerleading thing that goes on every year at this time. So each weekend starting next weekend, the epic shows will be cancelled cuz the cheerleading shows will be in there. Yay teenagers!

People need to stop dumping their cig stubs in the sand near backlot express! it's so nasty and children play in there. Some peoples children!

So today I had the day off and hung out at Epcot. It was a pretty chill day and my friends and I had dinner at Nine Dragons- the high endish Chinese restaurant. Now i'm from the SF Bay Area, and im so spoiled when it comes to any kind of asian food. You can get the dishes served at Nine Dragons for 6-9 bux in SF and it would have more on the plate. Not that I'm complaining, the food was pretty good, but yeah I probably wouldn't want to eat there anytime soon. I at least want to try the other nations like France and Germany.

packwingfn- yeah we get to go into the parks for free with valid IDs any time we want. Unless there's something special going on.

Is it normally this cold this time of year in Florida? I know it's always cold in SF, but for some naive reason, i didn't think it got this cold ever here.

This post was really random, I'm tired so i apologize.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Jan Sun 29, 2006 4:56 pm

Yes it is normally cold in January. I dont know how cold it is there now, but on certain nights, the temperture can reach 40 degrees at least (which is nothing) compared to where I live now in Rhode Island where it is 15 degrees.

The China pavillion? Never tried it but i ALWAYS hear bad reviews on it but in your case, where your there all the time, it must be cool to at least try it and check it out

Are you going to be there in August still? Because I'm going there in August and it would be real cool to see you there.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Jan Mon 30, 2006 11:44 am

It hasn't been terribly cold where my teeth are chattering, but yeah.

Bad reviews all the time? Wow, i didn't know that. The restaurant itself was really fancy, but that's all. Maybe it's because of the service- those cast members working there look so miserable. My friend asked a cast member about one of those pastel umbrellas outside the pavillion at the little carts, and he just gave her a rude sort of reply and it got her upset.

Yesterday I had lunch at the quick service Morrocan place. I ordered the chicken platter and it was so good. All the food goes well together. My friend ordered the chicken and lamb platter, but she said the lamb was really oily and dry.

No I'm leaving in May so we'll be missing each other by a couple of months, lol.

Well yesterday I had to clean the hugest protein spill inside of Epic. But at least when I got there, someone already put Voban(woodchippy stuff) on it, and it got rid of the stench. So if you ever happen to open up a trash can, and see a orangeish bottle- that's what it is. It's kind of funny because I think the person tried to throw up inside the trash can, but missed it. It was on the top and lids and the side, and even on some of the plants.

Today I'm working from 2:30 to 11pm. It's going to be a long day, and it looks like it's going to rain. They want me in restrooms, but hopefully someone will switch with me like they did yesterday. I'd rather be on the streets sweeping and out with the cast members and guests. Remember to throw away your garbage and flush toilets!