Disney College Program Spring 2014 Tips?

IowaHawks7

IowaHawks7

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hey all! I was just accepted to participate in the Disney College Program for the Spring of 2014. I will be at Walt Disney World and will have a role of Quick Service Food and Beverage. I was just wondering if any CP Alumni out there have any tips or suggestions for the Program? Ill listen to anything. Thanks
 
C

Caitlin Clark

New Member
I did my program in Spring 2012 in Attractions.

  • My biggest tip is that the experience that you get out of the program is completely what you make it to be. Don't settle for just going to work and going home, make friends with your coworkers, explore the parks, etc. My best friends are people that I worked with on my program and we still talk all the time.
  • Make sure to get to know your managers, especially if you want to stay with the company after your program is over. I was selected as one of nine CPs to open Storybook Circus just because my managers knew who I was.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. Of your managers, coordinators, even older cast members that work with you.
  • Make it seem like you want to be there. I had some roommates who always did just the bare minimum who ended up getting termed.
  • Take classes if you can, they can be very helpful and are taught my Disney professionals. For example, my Human Resource class was taught by an actual Disney hiring manager who had worked her way up in the company, so she had lots of experience.
  • Set rules with your roommates early. So that way things cannot spiral completely out of control.
  • Keep a journal or blog so that you can always look back on those memories.
  • If you have the option to bring a car, DO IT! The CP buses are at times completely unreliable and tend to break down at the worst times. And if you work at MK you will mostly be working closing shifts and it is a stampede to the buses after everyone gets off. (Plus, you can go out to eat with your coworkers after work and not have to worry about how you will get back to the apartments.)
  • Take lots of pictures!!
  • My biggest regret is not exploring the city of Orlando a little more. So make sure you get outside of the "Disney Bubble" and really learn some of the city.
  • Know that even though hours can get crazy and exhausting, just think of how many people you are actually impacting just by doing your job. Always try to go "above and beyond" just that extra little bit, be the cast member that a family will remember once that get home. Cast members really do have an incredible impact on people even though we don't always realize it, and sometimes those families can have an impact on you as well.
Good luck in the Spring, and I am so jealous, I wish I could go back. So just remember to cherish everything and make the experience what you want it to be.
 
BeastlyKingdomme

BeastlyKingdomme

Member
BRING A CAR!!! If you don't have one, buy one!!!

Seriously though, a car is really helpful as a CP and you'll make a lot of friends ;)

The truly most important thing is to just enjoy it. I don't mean go crazy and party at VW every night and call out often. Make friends, explore, take advantage of your Disney benefits, go to your area promoted events. etc.. I have friends all over the world now from being a CP. Don't let the little things bother you. Sure you'll complain about work and probably a roommate(s), but don't let that ruin your program. I saw too many people overreact and self-terminate over basically nothing. I promise you, that to this day CP's who self-termed(one person in particular who left in June 2012) still say on Facebook how much they regret leaving at least once a week.
 

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