WDW college program experiences

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Mar Wed 15, 2006 5:27 pm

Aww that stinks that the cheerleaders were loud and obnoxious teens. You think that being in college, they would a little more mature.

lol drunk parents dancing? Ahhh what a sight.

Yeah expensive food at Nine Dragons? Maybe thats what i've heard, it's not worth for the value of the food your getting when you get the same food for a cheaper price back at home or somewhere else.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Mar Sat 18, 2006 1:22 pm

Sorry for the short abscence.

Anyways I'm enjoying having my own room for a while. I still have no idea on when or if I'm getting a new roommate. One of my friends wants to move in, but I'm really iffy on that idea. It would be cool, but I really like the way things are with my current roommates.

I was fuming this past monday because I was supposed to be in Streets in zone 2, which is the easiest zone to work. But when I get to work, I find that two of my co-workers called in, and I have to take their place in the restrooms. So I get to stay in zone 2 for three hours, and then move to the restrooms for the rest of the shift. The reason why I was so upset was because I had to do extra work in zone 2(where one-co worker was supposed to work, but called in), and then do restrooms. The night wasn't too bad, but still. You can never count on your co-workers, just count on yourself.

I had this past tuesday and wed off. Wed a friend and I went to Animal Kingdom to ride Everest. The wait time said 50 minutes, so we walked in. How bad could the wait be? Well since the attraction is very new, of course it's bound break down at any moment. It does, and so we're waiting. Then the announcer comes on. For some reason, the cast member who was spieling us to not worry about the "bear", couldn't get her lines straight and kept messing up. It was funny, if a bit sad. Also, she must have been putting her mouth right at the speaker, cuz it was dang loud!!Guests, including me were covering our ears because her voice was just booming at us from the speakers.

We we'rent delayed for too long, and then we got to the cast member who puts you into rows. We were obnoxious and asked for the front row. Quickly looking at his watch, the guy tells us to wait, and then a few moments later told us to go ahead to row one(yeah!!!). So we go on the ride, with the coolest seats in the house and yeah, AWESOME!

Then it was to Epcot for a quick dinner at Morocco, which my friend didn't like at all. I felt bad for making her go there, and gave her five bux for some candy from Japan.

Then we took the bus to Magic Kingdom because I really wanted to ride Thunder Mountain for some reason. But instead we did Splash Mountain, and by the time we get off, it was almost time for Wishes. So we watch the show, and then meet my roommate to sit and watch Spectromagic. I like that parade, but we need to sit in a place so Chernabog's wings open up. Also the opening floats with the clown things disturb me.

The next day a roommate and I tried Tokyo Sushi- the Japanese restaurant near Publix and Wal Greens on Vineland Ave. It's a small restaurant, and it was all right. My roommate ordered roasted eel over rice. We were both expecting a long piece of roasted eel in a sauce over a bowl of rice. What we got was narrow slices of roasted eel over rice, but in sushi form. I ordered this chicken thing with mushrooms, and it was good. I would go back there again, but would definitely order something different. In any case, it's cheaper than Disney.

After lunch, we meet up with another roommate and do some needed grocery shopping at Publix. After we set things down, we debate whether or not to go see Wishes again. I pushed them to go mostly because I didn't want to spend my last night of freedom sitting around the apt doing nothing. So we go and make it in time to ride Thunder Mountain(my fav. ride), then we do a few rounds at Frontierland Shooting Arcade, then find a good spot for Wishes. Which we did, and had a magical time. Then it ended and everyone on earth stampeded toward the exit, and that was not so magical.

Then the next day( Thursday) i go to work ON THE STREETS. For real this time. I couldn't be happier. I was in zone 1 which i haven't even touched since I began working here. Zone 1 encompasses Comissary Lane, some of Echo Lake, and pretty much the entire area in front of The Great Movie Ride. So lots and lots of popcorn and ice scream spills. But that's fine! Because I'm finally outside. Much much later that night there was a convention and I got to work it, so a few co-workers and I were treated to an up close viewing of some fireworks shot off of GMR. Then we got free Mickey Mouse ice cream bars. Those things are so good. So yeah, finally an easy day for me.

Then yesterday I had to attend this classed called Encore. It is just a follow-up to the first class we had called Traditions. This class was six hours long, but it was fun because we played games and we got to do One Man's Dream- an attraction that often gets overlooked unfortunately.

After that I change as fast as I could and meet up with a roommate at Epcot for a late lunch at San Angel Inn. I ordered the Carne Asada which was excellent and I recommend it. After lunch, we did Imagination for the first time. And yeah, I knew Figment was there, and yeah I knew they were going to sing that dreaded song. I survived. Oh, and we did Canada 360- a pretty neat film about Canada. Unfortunately the film needs to be updated with smoother footage because I got dizzy a bit and it got boring after a while. To finish the evening off, we got great spots for Illuminations.

Which brings us to today. I start work at 3:30, and work in restrooms. Therefore I have to close and get off work at 12:30am. I'm going to make lunch or some kind of meal. Laters.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Mar Sat 18, 2006 5:04 pm

Well it's great you had fun on those couple of days off. I hope you get more street days, sounds like you enjoy them.

How many times have you seen Wishes? I remember you talked about them a few times before too. My brother just finished editing his video of the wishes from DLR. The funny thing is you can see the difference between the summer version with the fireworks higher in the air and the winter ones that are much lower. I would love to go back and see the fireworks in WDW they must still be high in the sky.

I agree that the film about Canada should be updated. I didn't think you could get sick from that film. I guess it is almost like IMAX, I have gotten sick with those before.

Hope you have a good day today.

Esmeralda · Post by **Esmeralda** » Mar Mon 20, 2006 9:09 am

It must be so fun to already be at Disney World for your days off! Do you feel like you've seen it all and want to go somewhere else or is it just as fun exploring when you've been down there for awhile?

You're right about Canada, and I thought I was the only one who felt sick in that movie becuase the rest of my family was fine. It does need some updating, but it's really fun to see when you've been to the places in the film. The footage at Banff is spectacular!

SeasDiver · Post by **SeasDiver** » Mar Mon 20, 2006 9:58 am

Lion,

Do they still have the Mousester's and Ductorate degrees for College Program students attending the supplemental classes?

Regards,
Aaron

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Mar Mon 20, 2006 2:04 pm

The canada film is just good because of the Song, UPDATE the movie but please please KEEP the song!

Do you have to take a class while your down there?

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Mar Mon 20, 2006 2:40 pm

I just sent a better proposal to Professor Martin. Here is my e-mail:

Dear Professor Martin,

I am the student that is interested in the Walt Disney World College Program. Before I was mistaken, and I called this an internship. I realized that it is not an internship but more of a learning experience. This program can build my skills that include relationship building, problem solving and written and verbal communication.

I'm also interested in taking a class while I'm down there. It is called Marketing You: Personal and Career Development Strategies Course. I believe that it will help me network for future internships and job possibilities. I know that I will not get credit for the internship class that is available at Rhode Island College but I feel that the idea of still earning credits while at Walt Disney will appeal Rhode Island College. This would be an elective class as all of my credits will be taken care of before I attend the program. I would be attending the College Program during my last semester at RIC (in the spring of 2008), I would have finished all my major credits by the Fall of 2007.

During my time at Disney, I will also be working 30-40 hours a week at one of the Walt Disney World parks at a profession of my choosing. I believe the experience of working at Walt Disney World will give me the opportunity to learn skills that will be valuable for my future.

I realized that this has no direct relation to my major of Computer Information Systems but the indirect relation of working at a big company, such at Walt Disney World will look good on my resume when I start applying for jobs after graduation.

If you have any more questions about the Walt Disney World College Program, I would recommand calling this number on the following webpage:

Phone: 407-827-1243

http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/it ... grams.html

Post by **spaulo** » Mar Mon 20, 2006 4:40 pm

Lion Sleeps Tonight wrote:We were both expecting a long piece of roasted eel in a sauce over a bowl of rice. What we got was narrow slices of roasted eel over rice, but in sushi form.

In case you were curious, Lion, what you're describing is Unagi Nigiri... Unagi is eel, and Nigiri is the form of sushi with the piece of fish on top of a ball of rice, rather than in a roll (Maki sushi), or just raw fish on a platter (sashimi, not sushi, but available at most sushi restaurants)...

So if you liked the eel thing, you can order it at any sushi restaurant by asking for Unagi Nigiri... my personal favorites are Hamachi (yellow-tail tuna) Maki and sashimi, California Rolls (Maki with crab meat, avocado and cucumber) and New York Rolls (same as Cali, but shrimp instead of crab meat) and a few others.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Mar Tue 21, 2006 2:39 am

Lol, okay it's like 2:22am, and I have work in 8 hours, but I feel like typing. I just got home and was re-reading what I typed earlier. I'm so sorry for bad grammar and my really short sentences.

Right now, I feel like I'm not spending enough time at the parks. I usually work mid-afternoon to closing shifts, so any time I can, I will be at one of the four theme parks. Well maybe not Epcot, I kind of roll my eyes when someone suggests going there.

Not sure how many times I've seen Wishes. This past week I've seen it three times. And on Thursday a couple of my co-workers have the day off so we're spending it at MK. We're going to explore the park from opening till closing. It'll be awesome. I could do without Spectromagic though.

That Canada song is really catchy. I used to request it before. After I left the attraction the tune was in my head and I started singing it and i got it stuck in my roommate's head as well. It was either that song or the lame "im gonna ride the monorail song" we made up

I don't know about the degrees from DU- i can ask my roommate if you like.

You do not have to take any classes while you're down here. I'm not. I'm here to work and play in the parks. "This is my break from college. The proposal sounds good- very to the point with no fluff. Trust me, working here at WDW is a huge learning experience. This company is truly unique. I mean, the #1 reason why guests keep returning is because of the cast members.

And about the sushi. On the menu it said Unagi Donburi- but we got it Nigiri style which was a bummer. I love sushi and sashimi. Hamachi is awesome as well as the raw salmon(i dont know the japanese name). Some sushi rolls I enjoy are Philadelphia roll, Manilla roll, and the one with the soft shell crab. Dude, now I'm craving sushi, thanks Spaulo

So tonight was pretty easy because we had a mid in restrooms, so for like 4 hours i just had to check on Mama Melrose and Pizza Planet. Then later ABC Comissary and Muppets.

Tomorrow I'm supposed to be working Streets, so we'll see how that goes.

My eyes are tired and im really exhausted, nite all!

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Mar Tue 21, 2006 9:05 am

I had never read this thread cause I am so far removed from college (old enough to be your mom..lol) so I thought oh this doesn't apply to me. BUT today I thought this is a big thread, let me see what this is about. Man Lion you have blown me away, you should pursue writing a book on your experiences here!! I have so totally enjoyed this thread! I am not all the way through it cause I am cheating, I am reading at work, since no-one is in the office yet

I am going to make it a point to read this in its entirety tonight, I have so enjoyed it, I love all the behind the scenes stuff, just a "Day In The Life of Lion"

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Mar Tue 21, 2006 12:58 pm

You do not have to take any classes while you're down here. I'm not. I'm here to work and play in the parks. "This is my break from college. The proposal sounds good- very to the point with no fluff. Trust me, working here at WDW is a huge learning experience. This company is truly unique. I mean, the #1 reason why guests keep returning is because of the cast members.

I really don't wanna take a class either, it would be my last semester at school, so it would be nice to just work and not have to worry about handing in papers, I guess I just put the class in there for the proposal to make it look better. But once they allow me to do it, I'll prolly say that I believe it would be better for me to just work while I'm down there since It would be my last semester and it would lemme be more focused on my job.

Your school was OK with you just working down there? Lucky.
When you went for your interview, Did you tell them the truth about how you didnt wanna take the classes and really needed a break from college?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Mar Tue 21, 2006 10:39 pm

Today felt like the longest day ever. It was windy, it was super duper hot and super crowded. My arms, face and ears have really bad sunburn and I can still feel the heat. Always carry around sunblock while working outdoors! See, today I thought it was going to rain and be a little cooler- boy was I wrong! No rain at all, and just heat heat heat. I had to take a lot of breaks because it was so hot, and I was still tired and sore from the previous night(i worked until 1am).

I did work in Streets afterall, so that was good. I worked in Zone 1-where the Icon Hat, GMR and ABC Comissary are. Since the wind decided to be extra annoying, it made everything from popcorn, leaves, flowers, napkins, popcorn, park maps, hats, popcorn fly EVERYWHERE. It was a custodial nightmare(aside from cheerleader weekends).

Last night we saw workers putting something up right inside the planter outside of Star Tours- it was a huge billboard advertising Star Wars weekend. May 19th-June 19th I believe. It would be really fun to work that, or even better to have the day off during that time. Unfortunately I'll be back in CA by then.

Bostoncg, nice to have you on board. Glad you find my thread interesting. There's no real point to this thread- just me telling about my experience here working at WDW. I always wanted to know how it would be like working at Disney. I tend to write late at night or in the early morning when I have time, so things sound weird and random because it's mostly train of thought. Good luck reading this entire thread. Hope you have some laughs.

Well my college allows me to take one entire semester off, no questions asked. So yeah I didn't have to do anything. Hopefully that's the case. It's really a shame that your college hasn't even heard of the program. But hey, it's time they know. Wouldn't it be horrible if I came back and not be allowed to continue

I told the interviewer that I wanted to work here because I'm a huge Disney fan now, it would be my last chance to do the program, I want to give back something to the guests(me being a custodial), and I want to meet all kinds of people! Stuff like that. I told them that I would take a look at the classes while down here. Because you sign up later on believe. Oh, and there's fun classes too like karate and scuba diving. But personally, working is just enough for me. I'm so beat after I get home.

Let's face it, we are CPs- the bottom of the barrel. We often get closing shifts, so there's not a lot of time to have fun after work. Unless that is, you like to par-tay then PI is for you!

Well, it's another 10 hour shift tomorrow, and my arms are still hot from the sunburn. Night all!

Post by **addlema** » Mar Wed 22, 2006 7:49 am

Star Wars weekends is cool, but they really dont do that much.. It's not something i would go specifically for. They just have costumed guys wandering around and some star wars music playing. A few games for the kiddies too and a few celebs..

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Mar Wed 22, 2006 1:32 pm

Yeah It's my fight against the school that will REALLY make working down there so much better. I really don't wanna take classes, so now that I know that I can just pretend that I want too but avoid it, will defnitely be a must.

It's gonna be my last semester and I would have finished all of my credits, Why can't I just go down there and have fun yet work at the same time. It's the experience of being away from home, because what would I do during my last semester with all of my credits done? I guess I could look for a REAL job but I believe the Disney experience will relieve me of any stress for at least 5 months.

Maybe if the lady actually calls that number, she can have a Disney person explain to her why this is a good idea.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Mar Mon 27, 2006 3:35 pm

I just recently surfed at www.disneyalumi.com and found this

Students must have completed at least one semester of college and be at least one semester away from graduating.
Students must be currently enrolled full-time and in good academic standing.
Students must receive credit or recognition from their college or university.

Does that mean I can't take the College Program during my last semester in the Spring of 2008 (and graduate in May of 2008 from my College?)

i know ive asked this before but when i saw this, it caught my eye.