College Program Vs. Regular CM

[Mission: SPACE]

Hi there!

Well, here's a little background info about me...


Right now, I'm a senior in high school in Sarasota, FL, about 1 1/2 hours away from Orlando. At the moment I'm seriously considering going to the University of Central Florida (UCF), and plan on working at WDW.

My question is, if I plan on doing this, would I be best to work in the College Program, or just join on as a regular CM??? I know some people on here have gone to UCF and worked at WDW... what are your opinions on this???


Any ideas or info is greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

 

[kal1484]

Depends on what experience you want. If you want to live with fellow cast members, do the CP.
Also, the WDWCP won't earn you the same credits as the university, plus, it may be harder to schedule with the university.

 

[Mission: SPACE]

It doesn't really matter to me whether or not I'm living with fellow Cast Members... I'd actually like to work at WDW for my entire time in college, so that's why I think I'd probably be better off just starting as a normal CM.

 

[Quentin Disney]

I'm going to UCF and working at WDW right now. Went through the same dillemma as you. If you're going to go CP, you will pretty much work full-time hours as there is little flexibility. As for part-time, you only need to have at least two days of FULL avalibility (this is for merchandise, other roles may vary). Other than that, they are very flexible.

I wish more UCF people worked in my area...I'm the only one.

 

[AriBelle23]

I loved your mission: space quote. that was funny ...Personally, i think being a full time (or part time, or even seasonal) cast member is better than the CP. I think the CP has a lot of rules and guidelines to follow and is way more strict than being a regular CM. I have had so many friends who wanted to work for Disney and the only wya they could do it was through the WDWCP and most of them had an awful expirence (food service and show keeping) and would not recomend even working there at all. So I don;t know what to tell you. Perosnally, if you are that close, i would just be a regualr CM. That is what I am doing in the spring. I hope this helped a little?

Crystal

 

[kal1484]

Good Points....I don't even have to think about this dilema. I have to do the WDWCP because I live in Michigan, and out-of-state college is too much. You may want to go to UCF and see if you can find some other students that are working there and taking classes. Good luck with either!

 

[Defend10]

I'm currenty laking classes at UCF and just got hired at Disney. If you're going to UCF, no doubt about it, be a regular CM. From what I can tell (somebody correct me if I'm wrong ) CP is generally not local. It involves taking classes on the Disney property and living there, neither of which you want to do if you have a full time student status at UCF.

Hope this helps!

Matthew

 

[kal1484]

Originally posted by Defend10
I'm currenty laking classes at UCF and just got hired at Disney. If you're going to UCF, no doubt about it, be a regular CM. From what I can tell (somebody correct me if I'm wrong ) CP is generally not local. It involves taking classes on the Disney property and living there, neither of which you want to do if you have a full time student status at UCF.

Hope this helps!

Matthew

You are correct about the classes, and the living there. YAY for it!

It would be VERY hard to still retain full student status at UCF, yet they will give you some credits for the program. I have never actually heard of someone being full time student and being a CP...The purpose of the CP is to give people a "college" like envirment.

 

[Defend10]

Originally posted by wdwprincess03
You are correct about the classes, and the living there. YAY for it!

It would be VERY hard to still retain full student status at UCF, yet they will give you some credits for the program. I have never actually heard of someone being full time student and being a CP...The purpose of the CP is to give people a "college" like envirment.

Pretty much exactly what I thought, and nobody wants to lose their full time college student status. If you're not a full time student, you can no longer be claimed as a dependant, for instance, on your parents insurance. This may (not 100% sure) even stand for taxes, too.

I'm sure that living there is absolutely fabulous, but I love living at UCF too. Still in Orlando, and still working at Disney, kinda the best of both worlds! Either way, I'm sure that anyone working in CP or as a CM will have a great time!

-Matthew

 

[kal1484]

Originally posted by Defend10
If you're not a full time student, you can no longer be claimed as a dependant, for instance, on your parents insurance. This may (not 100% sure) even stand for taxes, too.


-Matthew

Don't remind me....we still have to look into this for when I go :-/

 

[AriBelle23]

Actually that is the only reason why I never went on the WDWCP...we couldn't afford health insurance otherwise...it's super expensive for our age! But I still heard from so many people that being a regualr CM is so much better than a CP...but like it was stated before, if you truly have it in your heart to be there, anything will be wonderful!

 

[Mission: SPACE]

Thank you all for these wonderful responses!!! I'll be going over to UCF sometime in the next few months to take a tour, and maybe I'll get the chance to talk to someone who works as a regular CM and goes to UCF... I think you guys have made me decide!

I really didn't think the CP would work going to UCF anyway. Personally I'd like to work in Attractions, or possibly Entertainment (as a costumed character).

If anybody has any personal opinions on what they think is a good department to be in and wouldn't mind giving me any info, anything would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks again to you all!!!

 

[Defend10]

Originally posted by Mission: SPACE
Thank you all for these wonderful responses!!! I'll be going over to UCF sometime in the next few months to take a tour, and maybe I'll get the chance to talk to someone who works as a regular CM and goes to UCF... I think you guys have made me decide!

I really didn't think the CP would work going to UCF anyway. Personally I'd like to work in Attractions, or possibly Entertainment (as a costumed character).

If anybody has any personal opinions on what they think is a good department to be in and wouldn't mind giving me any info, anything would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks again to you all!!!

Glad to help. If you need anything else, now or down the line during a UCF visit or otherwise, either PM or use AIM Defend10. I'm online alot an willing to help

-Matthew

 

[Mission: SPACE]

Thanks Matthew!!! I'll be sure to let you know if I need anything... I really appreciate it.

My AIM s/n is Tabordude716, if for any reason you want/need to reach me...

Thanks again!

 

[AriBelle23]

First of all, how tall are you? I am sure you know the height requirements of costume characters. Currently it is 4'8" to 5' and 6'-6'3". They are recruiting for seasonal character costume performers (I am pretty sure that is what you want...unless you wanted part-time.) Right now the only character positions for part time are character parade performers, and the full time characters are face character look alikes. So if that is what you want to do and you fit the height requirements and what not, then I REALLY REALLY suggest being a regular seasonal or even part time CM because very rarely do they give entertainment positions to people on the WDWCP. Most people I know who did the college program were in jobs like showkeeping, outdoor food service, and Fantasyland attractions. 3 of them worked at Tower. (actually still do), and one of them was a GMR tour guide. But most were in the food service, so I really do highly suggest being a regular CM for what you want to do. I am not sure if you have the WDW Job line phone number, but they are constantly updating that because they say positions change day to day...so in case you don't have it, it is 407-828-1000, the open call audition number is 407-390-5598, and the regular scheduled audition number is 407-397-3299. You may already have these, but just in case, and for anyone else who may need them, there you have it! GOODLUCK and keep us posted!

 

[bamboo7]

If you have the choice, i would certainly go with being a regular cm. the pay is slightly better, everything is more flexible, and you get your foot in the seniority ladder.

 

[Mission: SPACE]

AriBelle23,

Thanks for all the info! I knew the Job Line number, but not the other two... I'll keep those just in case :animwink: . I'm around 5 ft. 10 in., so I'm pretty sure there are some characters I can do... If I did go Entertainment, it would most likely be part time... I'll probably do part time no matter what I do, but I'm still kind of stuck on that one... I guess I'll have to wait and see what my class schedule is like...

As far as filling out an application... Assuming I just want to do Attractions or something that I don't have to audition for, when do you think would be a good time to start filling out applications? I'll probably start August 2004, because my birthday isn't until July 16, and I know my mom won't let me move out before then ...

Thanks again for your help!

 

[elyse_splash]

Hey, I am currently a CP working in attractions. I got lucky and got Splash Mountain, my favorite ride at Disney. A few of the part-time people I work with, however, also go to UCF. They work maybe 2 to 3 days a week and Disney works around their school schedule, whereas CPS are pretty muc full-time (pulling sometimes 40-70 hour weeks). If you're going to UCF, definately do part-time status instead of CP (unless you wanna take a semester away from UCF to live in the CP apartments and work full-time). Also, if you're part-time you have more flexibility in your job assignment. In response to somebody else's post, CPs are just assigned theirs (most do work food & beverage, ticket sales, merchandise, or Fantasyland attractions cuz they're the easiest). I do know quite a few however, like myself, who got more complicated ride systems (like Splash, Thunder, Coaster, Test Track, etc.) or jobs such in entertainment (either as a character or character greeter) It really depends.

Hope that helps. E-mail me if you have any other questions elysemj@ptd.net