WDW college program experiences

PeterB · Post by **PeterB** » Apr Thu 24, 2008 11:28 am

Being a rep can be a lot of fun it just depends on who your other reps are

This season was difficult as one presentation was canceled due to our campus closing for weather so I had to redo everything.

You should apply for campus rep...you get to keep your CM status and discounts!

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Apr Thu 24, 2008 5:20 pm

I wanted to be a campus rep after I finished my program, but had no time for it.

Just curious, what do you tell prospective students about working?

My reps, when talking about work neglected to mention the closing shifts and the dirt pay and the probability that you'll be working over 50hrs a week. That you'll be working just as hard, if not harder than the full-timers.

I guess I'm saying that things were candy-coated in layers.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Apr Fri 25, 2008 3:52 pm

Being the unofficial campus rep, I gave her all the dirty details and didn't candy coat anything. Though I told her that I couldnt give her all the details of her role since she is a character performer which is a totally different role than mine. I think she should do fine with the advice that I gave her.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Aug Wed 20, 2008 4:31 pm

I figured I would bump this post up...Wondering if there are any Fall 08 CPs that would like to share their experiences. I would love to hear all about them

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » Aug Wed 20, 2008 4:39 pm

Hi All - I have a quick question for anyone who's recently done the College Program at Walt Disney World. My son is applying for Spring '09 and the presentation at his school isn't until mid-November. If it takes 2-3 weeks to hear a response - that puts you at end of November, beginning of December. If hired, you start early January. That doesn't sound like much time to do take care of lose ends before you'd have to leave. Is this normal?

There is another presentation at another school nearby that is in September, do you suggest he go to that one instead?

Thanks!

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Aug Wed 20, 2008 5:22 pm

Basically what Packwingfn said. If you go to another campus, talk to someone there, they will setup an interview and chances are you'll be hearing back probably within a week or two.

I would suggest your son finding out what the procedure is for taking a semester/quarter off for students. During the presentation they'll tell you about taking classes for credit and such.

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » Aug Wed 20, 2008 5:32 pm

Is it a problem to attend a presentation at another campus when they'll be having one later at your campus? I think he'd rather go to the earlier presentation in Mid- September than wait until Mid-November. If he would find out in about 2 weeks from the phone interview, that would mean he'd have an extra 2 months to get everything ready.

This fall will be his last semester at this college (Junior College). Instead of transferring mid-semester to where he'll finish his degree, he figured it would be the perfect time to do the WDW College Program. That's why an earlier presentation and job answer would be better. Before he would leave in January, he'd have to apply and register for classes at the other University before he left.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Aug Thu 21, 2008 4:36 pm

I dont think it matters what presentation you attend, as long as you attend a presentation. For me, I didnt have a presentation available at my school and the closest one would have been an hour away so I would have attended that one with no problem but I did the E-Presentation instead.

Yeah it will take about 2 weeks to find out if you will be accepted or not. Soooo what roles is he going to apply for??

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » Aug Thu 21, 2008 4:49 pm

He said he wanted to #1-lifeguard, #2- merchandise. When he spoke to other CP's this summer, they said they were always in the need of lifeguards.

Does anyone know how late at night the lifeguards work in the Spring?

Lion Sleeps Tonight · Post by **Lion Sleeps Tonight** » Aug Thu 21, 2008 10:37 pm

Depends. I would say most lifeguards work until early evening at the water parks, and until 10 or so at the resorts. There's a good chance that he will be deployed to which location needs him at a given time. And if it rains, you still get paid for showing up to work.

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Oct Thu 02, 2008 6:49 pm

I need some opinions...

Should I do another College Program after I graduate and work in a different role?
orrrr rely on picking up seasonal shifts at WSC and take my chances at casting for full-time options avaialble?

I plan on graduating May 2009.

lovesdisney44 · Post by **lovesdisney44** » Oct Thu 02, 2008 7:06 pm

Lion Sleeps Tonight wrote:Depends. I would say most lifeguards work until early evening at the water parks, and until 10 or so at the resorts. There's a good chance that he will be deployed to which location needs him at a given time. And if it rains, you still get paid for showing up to work.

Just an update. He got his acceptance packet a week and 4 days after he had his phone interview. We were pleasantly surprised. He did get his wish - he was accepted as a lifeguard.

When you say it rains, and they still get paid for showing up, they don't get to go home, correct? They have to stay and do something else until the rain stops - ??

Post by **js3901** » Oct Thu 02, 2008 7:14 pm

well, I would weigh the benefits and drawbacks to the options you've chosen. choosing to do the CP again under a different role will gain you some more experience in the parks, which can better your chances for a full time position. You'll also probably be put up in the dorms again. just hoping to get seasonal work, and waiting for a FT job to open may not be the best option as you could be waiting for a long time. I'm not sure how Disney treats those positions (if they offer them internally first and if no one wants it within a certain amount of time, it's offered to the general public), but if they do offer them internally first, you may not get anything...

packwingfn · Post by **packwingfn** » Oct Fri 03, 2008 12:42 am

Yeah I have weighed the benefits and the drawbacks to myself and my friends. I just would like to hear other people's opinions. Now I know people say CPs..its very hard to save money...but it would be my 2nd CP and knowing that I would live here after the CP finished would help me avoid the temptation of spending cash that I shouldnt or wouldnt spend on my first CP.

At least I would have a secure house situation for 5 months....and it would give me time to find a place to live with a roomie unless I decide to room with my roomie from thr first CP which may be an option come january 2010.

Soarin08 · Post by **Soarin08** » Nov Sun 16, 2008 10:04 pm

I just got accepted for Quick Service Food and Beverage as of 1/21/09. I can't wait!! I'm so excited!!!