WDW college program experiences

Post by **addlema** » Feb Wed 22, 2006 12:55 pm

How far away from the parks is your dorm and is it on disney property? Owned by Disney?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Feb Thu 23, 2006 2:06 am

It's usually a good thing to be prepared. Right now I have my name and "happiest celebration on earth" on the nametag, which is actually pretty cool and unique. On the border it says "California", "Paris", "Tokyo" and "Hong Kong" and of course Cinderella's castle is on it.

I go to San Francisco State University, and I usually get two days off in a row like yesterday and today. For custodials, you either start early in the morning(opener) or in the afternoon till closing(closer). If you "open" the area in the morning, chances are you have the afternoon and night to play. If you have to "close" then you have the morning and early afternoon to play. But of course there are the "mids" that come around 11 and leave around 5.

The other night I had time to play after work even though I got off around 8pm. Me and a co-worker went to MK for dinner, a few rides and Spectromagic. That's because the parks close later now. The 11pm Spectromagic was cool because the crowd was relatively small.

And of course on my days off I try and go to at least one theme park. Like today we went to DAK for Everest, then hopped to the Studios for lunch and some shows then finally ended with funnel cake at Epcot. It's one the coolest things in the world to be able to hop around like that. And if you can't do something there's always next time...which means like tomorrow or next week.

Chatham and The Commons are right next to each other in Little Lake Bryan which is off of Vineland Ave and International Drive I believe. Vista Way is right off of 535? Not too sure since I never pay attention to street signs on the bus. And I have no idea where the Treehouse Apts are. But all the properties are about 20-30 minutes from WDW by bus, and about 15 by car. They are owned by Disney and have 24/7 security. Although I hear that some homeless girl got onto property and has been asking for money. We saw a couple of security guards by Mickeys Retreat with flashlights tonight.

Also tonight one of the buildings fire alarms went off. It was the one diagonally across from us. We thought it was just a fire drill until one my roommates went outside to look and said, "hey I can smell it." A few minutes later we see the security guards coming out of the building and a firetruck arrived. Not sure what happened, but I don't think it was major since everything quieted down pretty quickly after that.

I'm sure all of you care, but I tried Pizza Planet for the first time. I always walk in to clean the restrooms and spot guests eating the food(or feeding birds) and it looks good. It was good, but yeah I have to be in the mood for pizza. It's good with ranch though.

Well it's 2am. Nite all.

Post by **addlema** » Feb Thu 23, 2006 7:04 am

I never really cared for the Pizza at WDW. I think thats an area it lacks.. Granted being from a big 10 college town we have a ton of different pizza chains and some smaller mom and pop places that just make the best pizza in the world. (Pizza Express and Avers to name a few).

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Feb Thu 23, 2006 9:14 am

addlema wrote:I never really cared for the Pizza at WDW. I think thats an area it lacks.. Granted being from a big 10 college town we have a ton of different pizza chains and some smaller mom and pop places that just make the best pizza in the world. (Pizza Express and Avers to name a few).

I agree but the pizza at Pizza Planet at MGM is a notch above what you find elsewhere on property. They use fresh ingredients and I think it's worth checking out.

Post by **addlema** » Feb Thu 23, 2006 10:27 am

We ate their on our honeymoon for lunch one day and used a wish for it.. Didn't do much for me.. Granted that was in 2001. Maybe its gotten better?

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Feb Fri 24, 2006 10:52 am

addlema wrote:We ate their on our honeymoon for lunch one day and used a wish for it.. Didn't do much for me.. Granted that was in 2001. Maybe its gotten better?

Like you said, pizza at WDW leaves something to be desired but the ingredients at pizza planet are indeed very fresh (I recommend the veggie pizza) so that says something. I wouldn't list Pizza Planet as a must-do but it isn't bad either.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Feb Fri 24, 2006 10:32 pm

I didn't even know they had pizza anywhere else at WDW. I just wanted to try Pizza Planet because I'm always nearby the restaurant. I wouldn't put that place as a must-do either.

So the other night I was chatting with a roommate, waiting for our laundry to dry. We were sitting outside the laundry room on the sidewalk. Soon one of those little security carts comes along and parks right in front of us. One guys asks us if we seen a girl dressed all ragged wearing an orange hat. We say no, and ask what's up. It turns out some junkie girl got into Chatham and has been asking for money and or drugs about a week ago. This makes sense because as I was walking home the other day from Publix I noticed some people with flashlights searching in a field near Mickey's Retreat. Weird times.

On a totally different note -Last night my roommate and I ate at Le Cellier at Epcot. It was on a whim because we just wanted a nice sit-down restaurant after doing really nothing all day long. Actually we wanted San Angel Inn at Mexico, but it was all booked. Most things were booked(note to self: make reservations at least 2 days in advance), and we ended up in Canada.

I ordered the 7oz Filet Mignon, with the bbq sauce and mashed potatoes. I also got a Ice Wine Martini- which was good, if a little too sweet. My roommate ordered the Le Cellier Mushroon Filet Mignon atop a small layer of risotto. To accompany it, my roommate also got a glass of Jackson-Triggs Merlot, Okanagan 03'. If it sounds like I have the menu with me, I do. The food was really delicious, and everything went well together. But it's not like we know anything about cuts of meat. For dessert I got the creme brulee- so so good.

One thing to note is the bread you get as an appetizer. Besides the usual bread, you get fresh pretzel bread. It was straight out of the oven, and it was the best pretzel anything I've ever had...better than the sweet cream cheese pretzel at MK, maybe.

Oh and today was the first day I experienced a fellow co-worker really upset. He was angry because after the rain, no one assigned to work in the same area as he was in, helped out with wiping off the benches, pushing standing water etc...He was going off on how we was alone doing all the work for an hour, with no one else in sight.

Here's a little story of exaggeration. The other day I'm doing restrooms and I'm almost done with my shift. I just had one more restroom to check and then I was out of there. So as I'm walking to said restroom, a co-worker, who's doing Sweep looks a little upset and asks me if I was doing Front Set restrooms, I replied yes. So he tells me that the guest restroom near the ABC Theatre is all messed up and I should check it. I replied that I was on the way there. So I go there, and the closer who is about to take over for me sees me, and doesn't even acknowledge me, just giving me the cold shoulder. So I walk into the closet with all the supplies and see two other co-workers inside talking. One asks me if I was doing Front Set, and I said yes, and then he tells me the closer is all mad because I wasn't doing my job. So I get a little upset because I know I was in that same restroom not even too long ago. So I go in and take a look, prepared to face the after effects of people tornadoes. There's hardly any mess! Granted it was a little messy, but for the love of Goofy, I've seen much much worse. So I walk back to the closet and tell the two co-workers that it doesn't even look bad, and that that one closer was so exaggerating. The guy tells me not to worry about it and just forget it because it's not worth getting upset about. I'm like "whatever, I don't care". I clean as much as I can and leave, a little miffed about the whole non-ordeal. It's like one minute someone is all nice to you, but then the next they'll bite your head off if they could.

Long story short- people get upset at the stupidest things and drama is just a part of daily life- at home and at work. If you do your job correctly, and you know you do, then more power to you. Don't let other co-workers get to you. Also people need to get over themselves.

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Feb Fri 24, 2006 11:49 pm

You're making me hungry talking about World Showcase resturaunts.

They're all excellent!
Nice work moral. Words to live by.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Feb Sat 25, 2006 1:11 am

I swear my advisor doesn't want me to go the Disney College Program. I keep on trying to work my schedule so I can finish all my classes by Fall 2007 and he keeps saying that not all classes are available in the Summer and you can't take these 2 classes together and what not. Its bad, I hate it. Then I had a conversation with a classmate yesterday and he told me that he heard bad stories about the Disney Program but I told him that I've heard GOOD stories as well (mentioning about a buddy from online lol) has a journal going and it makes me really want to do it.

I enjoyed your comment about going to AK then MGM then Epcot all in one day. I've always wanted to do that but I would never had the time in a week's vacation. With 5 months straight there, it would be cool to have the time to do that. I liked how you told me that you have 2 days off, That's defnitely plenty of time to relax AND also enjoy the parks. Does free admission include water parks & pleasure island as well?

What I always wanted to do was check out all the hotels. I recommand that one day you should take the buses around and visit all the different hotels. Maybe it's just me because I'm a nerd.

I'm still deterimined to continue my plan even if noone else wants me too. You are my motivator, Lion!

keep the stories up and keep the information rolling that they couldn't explain on the Program Website. I appreciae it.

Pizza Planet? Good stuff, I eat there every trip.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Feb Sat 25, 2006 2:54 pm

Did you get to choose to be a custodian? And were you able to choose MGM, maybe not the particular zone but at least which park?

Tinkerbell2004 · Post by **Tinkerbell2004** » Feb Sat 25, 2006 4:05 pm

Hey Lion! i just wanted to say hello. i actually just finished my College Program and i am now back at school as a Campus rep! I miss it so much i can't wait go back down to visit! Anyway have fun on your program it will one of the best experiences of your life!

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Feb Sun 26, 2006 12:14 am

Hey Tinkerbell2004! Congrats on finishing your College Program. It sounds like you had a blast! What was your role? And what did you enjoy or hate the most? Campus rep sounds like something i'd want to do when i get back. Already this is one of the best experiences ever.

Bad stories? Well yeah, I hear them all the time about working for Disney and staying in the apts. But I think you have to just make the situation better for yourself. People leave all the time. A co-worker of mine really hates his living situation, and is going to move to another apt. complex. Also one roommate of my friends, just got moved because she did a no-no. Not too sure of the details but one night something happened, and the next day she moved. It's really up to you what you want to give and take from the program.

My actual roommate came here with high expectations and is currently miserable at their current role. So miserable that they might leave next month. I'm a little bittersweet about that.

But if you're not happy here, and there's nothing you can do to make it better, then leave- don't waste your time being miserable.

To be honest, I was a bit nervous about having a real first job, meeting new people, etc... but things for the most part turned out pretty well. Right now, three of my roommates are currently the coolest people in the world. We have so much fun together, and go through the bad and the good together. I have a lot to be thankful for. I don't really have a point to this, so I'm going to move on.

Not too sure about the water parks, but my roommate said it's half price. Pleasure Island is free for CM(CPs)Mon-Thurs. I totally understand you about relaxing at the parks after work. Since I'm on my feet all day long, I sometimes find myself sitting on one of the benches in the Showcase just relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere...of course, after that I eat like a pig and go on rides with a co-worker/roommate/friend.

You do technically choose your role. The application just said to mark all the roles you are interested in, and then whoever makes a final decision. My first choice was custodial, and obviously I got it. I asked my interviewer where I might work. Since my major is radio and television, she said perhaps the Studios or Magic Kingdom. So they try and put your major into consideration...loosely.

Also I explained why I wanted custodial to my interviewer- it was something cheesy like giving back to the guests and something with heavy guest interaction. Oh, and my other choice was character attendent. I really think that saying what kind of interaction I wanted, my personal Disney experiences, how I wanted to meet new people and my major sorted me out to Showkeeping at Disney MGM.

As to where I got to live...I actually was lucky and had the choice of Chatham or Vista Way. Most people just get assigned where to live.

I'm so glad that I'm here at the Studios, it doesn't get crazy(too crazy) busy like MK, and we get trash carts to push around with supplies. I don't think MK puts liner in their trash cans either. Well I'm not too sure, so next time I'll just 'pop' open a trash can and look in.

Well I hear the dancers are back again. But this time they're at the Wide World of Sports. Today there was some dancing going on in New York St. I believe. I just heard the music and saw it briefly.

Anyways i think my roommate is already asleep, so I can go in and not be kept awake by the stupid cell phone. Tomorrow I work from 1-8pm, so I'm a regular closer. Nite all.

Tinkerbell2004 · Post by **Tinkerbell2004** » Feb Sun 26, 2006 3:35 pm

I was in Hospitality so i worked at the All Star Resorts. i loved the people i worked with and sometimes the guests. You will always have those crazy guests who get on your nerves and others who just make your day. I had a little boy call me one night and ask me if he could speak with mickey. so i told him that mickey was working and i asked if i could take a message and he was like yes, will you please let him know that i called and he gave me his name. it was so cute!

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Feb Sun 26, 2006 4:49 pm

Hey Lion I just got back from DLR and they had a Cheerleader competion too. So I can relate. I had a heck of a time getting around the parks because of them. If you think the Brazilians with the flags is bad try have 50 preteens screaming GOOFY when it is Pluto, how do people get them mixed up. We had many of the Cheerleaders staying at our hotel so be glad you didn't have to go back to that after a day in the parks with them. I will never look at a cheerleader the same way again.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Feb Sun 26, 2006 10:33 pm

Aww things like that are awesome. It totally makes your day, especially when things aren't going your way.

So yeah cheerleaders....shudders. Where was the competition held? At the Hyperion? When the dancers were here, it was all flashy colors and bobby pins...and miserable cast members. Dr. Ravenscroft, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. After a long day of having fun in the parks, you just want to relax and have it quiet. At least you didn't have to come into contact with them for hours on end...at least I hope not.

I really miss Disneyland. The other day I happened to meet some people from the Bay Area, and we were talking about the differences between our ToT and the one in WDW. I want to see Remember at least one more time. And I still haven't been on the Monster's Inc ride.

Today me and my restroom partner got chewed out by our closing manager. She said we didn't visit the Shed(the one across from BLX) restroom for two hours. I told her we did, but then Epic ended and streams of people came in, and we had to leave. There's no point in staying around if you can't get anything done. She replied that the restrooms are a mess and that we need to get there right away. So we get there and find two other cast members doing our job. When people do my job for me because I can't, it's one of the worst feelings. I totally hate it and feel useless and embarrased. The person who was doing my last restroom said it was all right, but I've seen that same cast member complain about other co-workers not doing their jobs.

So yeah, the last part of my day was a downer. My partner and I were totally out of it after work. Oh well, it was just one of those days.

Tomorrow I attend this 4 hour "continued training" session for CPs at the Learning Center at the Studios. I'm not too sure what it's about, but my co-workers tell me it's pretty fun. They even got to ride Rockin Rollercoaster. Then after that it's a quick 4 hour tour doing Sweeps. Finally a day in the streets. I might even get a lanyard for pin trading.

Speaking of pin trading; people can be so inconsiderate. One of my roommates told me that a little kid just pulled on their lanyard without saying anything. Also don't just stare- ask to see them.