WDW college program experiences

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » May Thu 11, 2006 12:22 am

No problem at all. It only seemed like yesterday when I was getting trained and just getting used to all the zones I had to work.

Today was my last day as well as a few other CPs. It was sad walking to the break room to clock in for the last time. I was so thankful that I was put in zone 1(near the big Hat) for my shift as opposed to the restrooms. Another CP whose last day was today was put in the same zone as me, so that was nice. We kept on getting each other sad though.

Around 11am, a co-worker comes up to me and in an urgent manner, tells me to stop what I'm doing(bagging cans) and to come for a meeting in the break room. So I put my things away and walk with him to the break room, expecting a meeting with the managers. As I walk into the room, I see my co-workers eating and basically having a mini party in apprectiation for me and the other CP. It was really nice because there was free food! Free food is a must for a CP. My manager's mother made some pretty tasty pasta. I also got a card signed by other cast members. In any case, it was a nice start to my shift.

One other full-timer, who is basically awesome, bought me some Hagen Daz ice cream. BTW, his name is Sol. He's a great guy to work with, as long as you do your job. Ya either love or hate that guy. And chances are, that if you're lazy and don't do your share, you won't like him.

It was weird because each time I did something, I would think to myself, "whoa, this is the last time..." Like it was the last time I would hear the closing song, the last trash run, last protein spill, last clock-out etc...

Since today was my last day, I took a few liberties and took pictures onstage with my co-workers and other cast members. I also left my zones and wandered to other areas to chat and take pictures, while doing my work of course.

Tomorrow I'll be back to snap a few more photos with people, and to also return my costume and accessories which include my beloved and trusty blue pouch which held all my crap almost every day.

I declined the invitation to become a seasonal worker. I really don't see myself flying all the way here, finding a place to stay for a week and work, just to keep my main gate pass valid for a year. If I lived closer, then maybe I would consider it.

It's time to start packing, because I gotta be out of Chatham by 11am on Friday morning.

Esmeralda · Post by **Esmeralda** » May Thu 11, 2006 9:19 am

Lion, I've been keeping up with all that you've been doing. It's been one fabulous read, thanks for giving us all an insight into your adventure. Congratulations on your graduation, it must be bittersweet. I think it is high time you post pictures for us all to see!

Now that you're done, one last question for you. Does Disney still hold the magic for you? I know it won't be the same returning to the parks now, but will it still be magical for you or is the illusion gone?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » May Thu 11, 2006 10:32 am

There's still magic here. Even when days are bad and all I wanna do is go back to sleep, or I'm working with slackers, I still appreciate and enjoy what Disney does. On my days off, or if I have time before clocking in, I would do an attraction. Disney does go out of the way to make sure guests have a wonderful experience. They truly put guests first(cast members is another story). I've seen the magic with my own eyes- and no other place can do that.

Some things though, aren't the same. Like taking pictures with characters. Where I worked, we see characters with their heads off all the time. It gets hot in those costumes, and they sure let us know it. So that kind of magic is gone almost completely gone, however I never really liked taking pictures with characters or dining with them in the first place. But I will stop for Mickey

Another thing is now I know how Disney treats its employees. I have to keep in mind that it's a huge corporation, and money is first. Also, like with life, things happen unfairly no matter how good of a worker you are. So yeah, it's definitely not the same, and I've come out of the experience a little...jaded? But one thing is for sure, I'll be back to visit, and really I'm going to miss this place!

We have a role and a purpose. The role is the job that is given to you. But the purpose is to ensure that each person who enters your theme park experiences their most wonderful vacation...eer something cheesy like that. I believe I fulfilled both of those the best I could.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » May Thu 11, 2006 12:05 pm

Well Congrats Lion,

It's sad we won't be getting our daily dose of behind the scenes at MGM, but it's good that you are getting away from the HEAT and possible HURRICANES. It's good that you have learned a few things about the parks, and got to know some new folks. The Party sounded nice, and that you got to roam a bit while working. In fact now that you have pics can we see some here?

FlatlandMounty · Post by **FlatlandMounty** » May Thu 11, 2006 1:59 pm

nothing wrong with possible hurricanes. I'm looking forward to mine. First thing I'm going to do when I get down to Orlando is sign up for the hurricane crews. I'm from hilly west virginia, and live in Indiana for 5 years...Never once saw a tornado. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see any damage done...but how awesome would it be to see a hurricane. You see those weather reporters barely holding on while they report on a hurricane. That would be so cool.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » May Sat 13, 2006 10:10 pm

Lion I have throughly enjoyed reading about your experiences on here and will miss them. I am glad you made it through and that you can go home an see your family. I am glad that you can take good memories back home with you as well. The bad ones will fade quickly. I hope you can get some pics of your experiences & new found friends on here for us to see

Thanks for sharing with all of us!

ritchie56 · Post by **ritchie56** » May Sun 14, 2006 6:40 am

Just wanted to add another voice saying thanks to you Lion. I have really enjoyed reading your adventures the last few months and it made me appreciate the whole CP program more. I'm so glad you had a fun time there and through everything maintained your Disney spirit. I'm sure you'll remember this stuff forever--and this thread will make a great diary to reread in a couple of years!

Good luck to you in the future! We'll miss your insight into a bit of the World.

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » May Mon 15, 2006 12:02 am

hello everyone! This will probably be my last post for this thread. It was no problem at all. I mean, it was all an experience. Good and bad things happened, but that's life. I write to you from my own room in my own house in SF. Thanks for taking the time to read all my ramblings and things.

One thing I was worried about was getting attached to people, and then leaving them. I made so many cool friends and met so many cool(and not so cool) people during my adventure. It was a very sad thing to go around the park and look for people to take good-bye pictures with. I got pretty much everyone I wanted, but there are those whom I didn't get. I hope we all meet again someday.

On my very last day as a cast member, I took my parents around my workplace. They met two of my managers, and embarrased me

Oh, yeah, I got a "Great Service Fanatic" card from my manager on that day as well. These cards are given out to cast members who go the extra mile for guests or other cast members. Ever since I heard about them, I wanted one. For some reason I thought it would be the ultimate thing to get as a cast member *shrug*. One of my roommates got four of them. The one I got was for doing extra work, and basically fixing 3rd Shift's mistake during that wedding in GMR. To be honest, it makes me feel special because I heard my management never gives them out.

So yeah, it's over; I'm no longer a cast member. It was fun while it lasted. Right now I'm a bit sad, but it hasn't really hit me yet. Probably during the week it'll hit me and I'll end up calling my roommates to reminisce.

One thing is good- I get to listen to Subsonic Radio again! Yes! And about pictures? Yeah, I'll post them when I get a chance.

FlatlandMounty · Post by **FlatlandMounty** » May Mon 15, 2006 12:07 am

hey Lion, I start the program on Memorial Day...and I'm researching how to get to Vista Wat Apts for the check-in and stuff. What is Day 1 like? Are there signs telling you which building to go to? The website gives you sort of a walkthrough...but how long does it all take? What all did you do?

Then on Day 2 it says you have to fill out the I-9...do they tell you where and when to meet to do that stuff before you leave to move in on Day 1?

Can you give me a little inside into the first day?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » May Mon 15, 2006 12:52 am

It's really easy to get to Vista Way. I believe on the website, you can find the address. I think I had to google Vista Way, actually. I would give you the address, but all my stuff is still in the luggage.

Day one is check in. You go early in the morning, and follow directions and signs where you fill out a whole bunch of papers. It's probably the most boring part of your day. A good thing is that you get the Resource Guide. It has all the info about living at your apt like important rules and phone numbers(I never really read it). It also will tell you your actual apartment mailing address. On the back of the Resource Guide is a check-list of things that need to be done on the first and second days. Cast members are there every step of the way, and will tell you where to go next as they stamp things off. It's really easy, and chances are, you'll meet with other lost newbie CPs as well.

After you're done filling things out, you get your apt assignment and move all your stuff in. You either have a Welcome House at The Commons that day or the next day.

Second day is filling out I-9 stuff, which is really quick and easy. I believe the resource guide tells you what time to do things. Then you have the rest of the day to get settled in, party, sleep, or whatever. Hope that helps.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » May Tue 16, 2006 10:27 am

FlatlandMounty, now it will be your thread to use, it's like passing the tourch or Mickey Ears.

FlatlandMounty · Post by **FlatlandMounty** » May Tue 16, 2006 11:20 am

well, when I get down there, tell me what you want to know. I'm not very good at just keeping a journal.

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » May Tue 16, 2006 12:03 pm

FlatlandMounty wrote:well, when I get down there, tell me what you want to know. I'm not very good at just keeping a journal.

How about posting every couple of days (or every day would even be better

) something like: Good thing that happened today -
and
Bad thing that happened today -

Then write a short comment for each. Just an idea . . .

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » May Mon 22, 2006 8:49 pm

All right, hogging the thread for just a little longer. I said I would post images, and here's some of them....

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... hatham.jpg

This first one is obviously the sign to where I lived. Chatham square is right off of I-Drive and Little Lake Bryan.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... curity.jpg

The apartments all have 24 hour security. If you want to come in, you have to show a valid ID, whether it be as a cast-member living here, or from Vista or Commons. This is because the bus doesn't go past security, rather it stops on the street outside. A guest has to be signed in, and ID must be shown before entering as well.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... hamfog.jpg

This is the street that's perpendicular to the main road where you would drive in from security. My apt is to the left of the picture. Unfortunately it was loud all hours of the day, and many times I couldn't sleep. Someone said I would miss all the noise- I don't. This picture was taken during an early foggy morning.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... Square.jpg

Back to sunshine. This is how my building looks from a distance. Chatham is niiice.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... ngroom.jpg

Here is some interior. Our living room as seen on the day that we moved in. I would have found a picture with more life, but sadly our living room was usually this bare. Only a TV, a guitar and two small posters would be the difference. Not to say we didn't have fun in the living room

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... ninJAN.jpg

Our kitchen when we first moved in. It's very clean at this point.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... ninMAY.jpg

A few months, and a lot of EMH hours later. This is our kitchen in May. See the changes?

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... MYroom.jpg

My room. Most things furnished with products from Wal Mart. Notice one side is empty. My roommate left in mid-March. Oh well. I never did get a new roommate. How spoiled I am.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... closet.jpg

My closet. If the closet looks a little bare, then you're right. Where there's space is where my roommate used to put all their crap. My roommate had the entire top shelf and more than half the middle shelf and part of the lower rack. The entire floor was shoes(not mine). So yeah, this picture was taken the day my roommate left

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... omgbus.jpg

Look it's the bus! Whenever you see this bus(American Coach) as a guest, and think to yourself, "Who's in that bus I wonder?" The answer is "CPs!" Well CPs and a bus driver. Disney keeps changing bus lines, so don't be surprised if we're back to using Dynamic or something else. This one is the E bus, the one we take to MGM and Boardwalk(?) cast services.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... allway.jpg

Now for the workplace. I didn't take a lot of pictures of the breakroom, and things backstage, cuz well you'r not supposed to really. But this is the long hallway that's right inside of Star Tours. You know when you're in line for Star Tours, and you've just moved from outside to inside, and there's a door to the right? That door leads to cast restrooms and eventually to a breakroom(but not this one).

In the picture, our main showkeeping breakroom is where the light is coming from the right. Further down the hall is Star Tours maintenance, and even further down and to the right and few doors down is the actual Star Tours simulator rooms. Various doors will take you to different parts of the queue or just behind Star Tours Gate. Past that and out the door is the alley behind Muppets Gate. Sounds confusing? It was to me at first.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... hewall.jpg

Here's part of the breakroom: TV, chairs, couch, fridge, microwave and a whole bunch of poster and notices. It's funny cuz this is the main breakroom, but it's also the smallest one that I know of. I like to think of it as a closet.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i102/ ... /table.jpg

Another shot, this time with more bulletins; mostly with things cast members need to know about upcoming events. The table actually has food on it because it was the last day for me and another CP. My manager's mom made pasta for us, "aww".

Well that's really all the pictures I have of that. Later or tomorrow I'll post more pictures, but these ones will be a little more random than these. Sorry the pictures are so tiny

FlatlandMounty · Post by **FlatlandMounty** » May Mon 22, 2006 10:31 pm

If people want to seethe inside of the living quarters they have a 360 degree viewer on the website. go to www.wdwcollegeprogram.com then click students at the top, then click housing on the left, then on the right you can click on 360 degree...it will let you look around inside the apts.