Disney College Program

[CaptainShortty]

With the college program your degree has little to nothing to do with where you work. You will be working either in Attractions, Merchandise, Character Attendent, Lifeguard/Recreation, Housekeeping, Concierge, Custodial, Transportation, or Costuming. I may have forgotten a role but I think those are the major ones. You work at the parks or a hotel. A corporate internship would be the PI's and MI's that come after your college program. However, there may be classes that are great for your major. Some classes (such as the one I"m in) are only for students in specific majors and have great opportunities to network.

There are 19 different roles you can have on the college program. Here's the list (btw...sorry for the double post).

Attractions, Custodial, Hopper, Photopass Photographer, Main Entrance Operations, Transportation, Bell Services Dispatch/Greeter, Concierge, Hospitality (Front Desk), Housekeeping, Full Service Food and Beverage, Quick Service Food and Beverage, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Hostess, Merchandise, Vacation Planner, Lifeguard, Recreation, Character Attendant, Character Performer (Audition Required) and Costuming.

Your role will not necessarily have to do with your major although some do. Either way, you'll learn a lot about guest service and dealing with people no matter what role you're in which can be applied to just about any major.

 

[Vii]

How does the college program work out if you're still in school till May-ish and it starts March/April? And can you attend school regularly if you're in the college program? I want to do the program but I have no interest in taking classes at Disney as they have nothing to do with my major.

Thanks everyone!

 

[wilkeliza]

How does the college program work out if you're still in school till May-ish and it starts March/April? And can you attend school regularly if you're in the college program? I want to do the program but I have no interest in taking classes at Disney as they have nothing to do with my major.

Thanks everyone!

You give up a semester unless your college allows E-learning.

If you take e-learning you aren't going to get any extra off time or anything so you'll be balancing a 40 hour a week job plus your online classes. To my knowledge no one goes to a regular college while attending even those who are from Orlando still take e-learning courses because of the hours Disney requires from their CPs. So if you don't want to give up a semester of school you will have to see if you school offers online courses.

 

[wilkeliza]

I was thinking about doing the professional development one for engineering!

I'll see what I can find out for you. THe professional development ones don't start until October but I've heard they are the best because you meet with people form that department every day. I'm doing the show production version of it.

 

[gamaradiation2]

As a College Program Alumni (Hospitality - Spring 2010), former Campus Rep and current Management Intern I would highly recommend you apply for the program. It is an incredible opportunity and will teach you a lot about not only how to work and deal with people, but a lot about yourself. I learned more than I could have ever imagined, had the best time, met friends from around the world and created the greatest memories that I will keep for as long as I live. My decision to apply and accept my spot in the college program was truly a decision that changed my life forever.

That being said, I highly recommend you do NOT do the program as a freshman. Spend your first year at school getting accustomed to college life. It's important to have a base wherever you go to school, find your friends, your new activities, etc. before you venture down here. I've found that many freshman who do the program don't get nearly as much out of the program as those that have waited until their sophomore or junior or senior year. In addition, check with your school; some have limits on what years you can go to get any credit (or keep your student status).

If you have any questions about the program, please don't hesitate to message me personally. I'd be more than happy to help you out! =)

Since you've been accepted into the program, I was wondering your opinion on this. I have my phone interview this coming Friday and I've been practicing some questions. I've been working on my response to "Why do you want to do the CP?" and when I timed it my response was about 4 and a half minutes. I'm going to revise some of it and try to shorten it, but what do you think a good length for it would be? I'm not going to read off from a piece of paper, but I just have general bullet points to remind me of what I want to say.

 

[Vii]

You give up a semester unless your college allows E-learning.

If you take e-learning you aren't going to get any extra off time or anything so you'll be balancing a 40 hour a week job plus your online classes. To my knowledge no one goes to a regular college while attending even those who are from Orlando still take e-learning courses because of the hours Disney requires from their CPs. So if you don't want to give up a semester of school you will have to see if you school offers online courses.

Ah :/ As much as I love Disney, I'm *unable* to give up a semester of college for it I just changed my major and I'm trying to play "catch-up" at the moment. Did some research.. didn't find much about their health service administration department, assuming they have one since it's listed in one of the job areas. I just want a part-time job there, to be honest.

 

[wilkeliza]

Ah :/ As much as I love Disney, I'm *unable* to give up a semester of college for it I just changed my major and I'm trying to play "catch-up" at the moment. Did some research.. didn't find much about their health service administration department, assuming they have one since it's listed in one of the job areas. I just want a part-time job there, to be honest.

Yeah if you want a part time job and live close enough you best bet is to apply for part time or seasonal. The only thing that sucks is you don't get the same networking opportunities through the classes but if you utilize Disney University and the cast only seminars you can meet just as many people.

 

[Vii]

Yeah if you want a part time job and live close enough you best bet is to apply for part time or seasonal. The only thing that sucks is you don't get the same networking opportunities through the classes but if you utilize Disney University and the cast only seminars you can meet just as many people.

I applied a month ago and still haven't heard anything back. Today I got an email from them and I was SO excited for a second, then I opened the email and it said:

"Thank you for your recent employment application with theWalt Disney World® Resort. If employment opportunities match your interests and qualifications, we will contact you.
During this time, it is unnecessary to submit additional applications, as your application will remain active for at least six months"

What a tease, like seriously!!!

I wanna work at the bibbidi bobbidi boutique soo bad.

 

[wilkeliza]

I applied a month ago and still haven't heard anything back. Today I got an email from them and I was SO excited for a second, then I opened the email and it said:

"Thank you for your recent employment application with theWalt Disney World® Resort. If employment opportunities match your interests and qualifications, we will contact you.
During this time, it is unnecessary to submit additional applications, as your application will remain active for at least six months"

What a tease, like seriously!!!

I wanna work at the bibbidi bobbidi boutique soo bad.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is pretty competitive. I would say take whatever they offer (or apply for more than one positions) because at your 6 month mark you can ask for a transfer to a different area. They keep telling us to make the best of our for now roles while we work towards our forever roles.

 

[CaptainShortty]

Since you've been accepted into the program, I was wondering your opinion on this. I have my phone interview this coming Friday and I've been practicing some questions. I've been working on my response to "Why do you want to do the CP?" and when I timed it my response was about 4 and a half minutes. I'm going to revise some of it and try to shorten it, but what do you think a good length for it would be? I'm not going to read off from a piece of paper, but I just have general bullet points to remind me of what I want to say.

Not to sound harsh but that's wayyyyy to long. I would keep your answers to under a minute unless the question really warrants longer. The question, "why Disney?" is really to find out why you want to work for Disney over another competing company. Answer the question they are asking in the quickest and most efficient way possible while still letting your personality shine through. Good Luck! Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[gamaradiation2]

Not to sound harsh but that's wayyyyy to long. I would keep your answers to under a minute unless the question really warrants longer. The question, "why Disney?" is really to find out why you want to work for Disney over another competing company. Answer the question they are asking in the quickest and most efficient way possible while still letting your personality shine through. Good Luck! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Thanks for the tips. No worries about being harsh.. that's what practicing the questions and asking advice is for so I can improve. My problem is I'm an English major so I like to write and go into detail so sometimes I run on a bit. But I've reworked my response to only about two minutes (taking into account that I'm thinking and wording things on the spot) so I should be good. I'm focusing mainly on professional aspects and why the program itself will benefit my career - networking, future jobs with Disney, etc. I'm not really mentioning the parks at all or how much I love Disney since last time I did that and got denied lol.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thanks for the tips. No worries about being harsh.. that's what practicing the questions and asking advice is for so I can improve. My problem is I'm an English major so I like to write and go into detail so sometimes I run on a bit. But I've reworked my response to only about two minutes (taking into account that I'm thinking and wording things on the spot) so I should be good. I'm focusing mainly on professional aspects and why the program itself will benefit my career - networking, future jobs with Disney, etc. I'm not really mentioning the parks at all or how much I love Disney since last time I did that and got denied lol.

Give them a short full answer. I believe I said because the I love the parks and Disney and I want a future career with the company because it's focus on qulity work and guest comes first approach. Nothing to fancy just my respect for the company model and love of all things Disney.

Just wondering what was your answer to which roles you are interested in? How many did you say you are willing to work vs. how many you said you have no interest in?

 

[gamaradiation2]

Give them a short full answer. I believe I said because the I love the parks and Disney and I want a future career with the company because it's focus on qulity work and guest comes first approach. Nothing to fancy just my respect for the company model and love of all things Disney.

Just wondering what was your answer to which roles you are interested in? How many did you say you are willing to work vs. how many you said you have no interest in?

I put at least moderate interest on almost every role. I'm really not concerned about which role I get but I'm most interested in attractions, custodial, greeter, and costuming. I think the only one I put no interest is lifeguard. I figure when I tell them that I can say something about the parks, guest service, etc.

To me working at the parks is only one part of the program, and you can work at the parks without doing it so I want to put emphasis on the things exclusive to CP like the classes, seminars, etc. But the interview process different for everyone and people have different goals and reasons for the CP so who knows.

 

[Vii]

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is pretty competitive. I would say take whatever they offer (or apply for more than one positions) because at your 6 month mark you can ask for a transfer to a different area. They keep telling us to make the best of our for now roles while we work towards our forever roles.

Trust me, I tried applying for more than one position but they wouldn't let me, hence the email I got, hahaha. I'm pretty much willing to do anything, maybe except for custodial work.. Do you get tips at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?

 

[CaptainShortty]

Thanks for the tips. No worries about being harsh.. that's what practicing the questions and asking advice is for so I can improve. My problem is I'm an English major so I like to write and go into detail so sometimes I run on a bit. But I've reworked my response to only about two minutes (taking into account that I'm thinking and wording things on the spot) so I should be good. I'm focusing mainly on professional aspects and why the program itself will benefit my career - networking, future jobs with Disney, etc. I'm not really mentioning the parks at all or how much I love Disney since last time I did that and got denied lol.

No problem! Also, just as another tip, make sure that you include something about how the company will benefit from YOU. Make sure you make it about what you'll gain and what they'll gain as well. In the end Disney wants to benefit themselves so keep that in mind!

 

[wilkeliza]

Trust me, I tried applying for more than one position but they wouldn't let me, hence the email I got, hahaha. I'm pretty much willing to do anything, maybe except for custodial work.. Do you get tips at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?

I don't think you can get tips at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The only people to my knowledge who can receive tips are wait staff at table service restaurants and mousekeeping. The rest of us are specifically told not to ever accept tips. I believe Bibbidi is a merchandise role and therefore they can't receive tips. I could be wrong though.

 

[Vii]

I don't think you can get tips at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The only people to my knowledge who can receive tips are wait staff at table service restaurants and mousekeeping. The rest of us are specifically told not to ever accept tips. I believe Bibbidi is a merchandise role and therefore they can't receive tips. I could be wrong though.

So I did some researching and turns out, they DO receive tips!! Well, on this one website, I saw a lady asking if customers should tip at BBB and one of the cast members said they can but they put it in some tipping jar and at the end of the week you get however much depending on the amount of hours you worked!

 

[wilkeliza]

So I did some researching and turns out, they DO receive tips!! Well, on this one website, I saw a lady asking if customers should tip at BBB and one of the cast members said they can but they put it in some tipping jar and at the end of the week you get however much depending on the amount of hours you worked!

On the college program you can't accept tips for any position outside of mousekeeping. They are very strict on it. I'll ask my friend who works BBB for you soon to see if it is different but I know we sign contracts saying we will not accept tips.

 

[Vii]

On the college program you can't accept tips for any position outside of mousekeeping. They are very strict on it. I'll ask my friend who works BBB for you soon to see if it is different but I know we sign contracts saying we will not accept tips.

Ok, thanks for answering all my questions! =]

 

[gamaradiation2]

Just finished my phone interview... something crazy: I looked at my phone and the last time I got a call from Disney was exactly a year ago today. Also I applied exactly a year after last year as well. Weird. The interview was about 27 minutes vs 18 minutes this time. Perhaps that will bode a little better but it's probably insignificant. We'll see in 2 weeks, though.