It's that time of year again! I've had a few PMs and a seen a few posts with questions regarding the college program. Here are a few tips I have for those who are just starting their program, or will start one soon. I will add more later, but this is what I've got for now. Enjoy! :wave:
Other alumni: Feel free to add your thoughts
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Drinking...If you're under 21 (aka in a wellness apartment) do NOT under any circumstances, do NOT have alcohol in your apartment. If your roommates have a bottle hidden in their locker, you too are responisble for it. Thus, Day 1 make everyone know that no one can have alcohol. Not even if a friend mixes a drink in their room and brings it over... you are responsible for ANYTHING in your room.
If you are 21 do NOT under any circumstances, do NOT let those under 21 drink in your room. They can be in your room while you drink, but security pops up from times to time - sometimes for BS reasons - and it's not worth getting kicked out because your friend let their 20 year old boy/girl friend have a beer. Again, you're responsible for anything that goes on in your room.
...and Driving
If you can bring a car, do. There were numerous times that people I know (and myself) were late for work due to taking the CP busses. Getting groceries and clothes shopping is much better when you don't have to wait for the CP busses. Same thing with banking. Additionally, it allows for more fun. You can head out to the beach on a whim (as we did one night to catch the sunrise). The only bad part about having a car is that some people will ask you for favors. It often seems that it's the same people asking over and over again.
Packing
This might be a little late for some of you who are already down there..... but PACK LIGHTLY. This is easier for guys I think than girls due to the high cost of women's products. But pack only what you need. The first day most people head out with their roommates to Walmart (yuck) to get essentials and things to decorate the apartment. Not only is this a great way to bond with your roommates, but it's the time when you will be happy you packed lightly. Anything you will need should be bought that night. Personally, I brought two suitcases...mostly full of clothes. Alarmclock, hair stuff, Crest whitestrips, bedding, even socks await you at Waltmart (yuck).
Business Attire
In reality, this is subjective. Disney wants you to look good. They ask that you wear business attire to all classes and official events. If you're a girl, I can't really help you here because I'm not sure what you should wear -- though I prefer you all wear skirts. :animwink: For the guys, I suggest you wear a shirt, tie and a corresponding color of pants and shoes. And for the love of God, please wear a decent belt.
The reason I say this is because others only know you as what you show them. First impressions last forever and only take 3 seconds. Really, you don't NEED to wear a tie. But why wouldn't you? Granted, most times a suit is overkill, it's better to dress too nice than be the worst dressed in the room. In the apartment or when you're off-the-clock, dress how you want. In fact, dress how you want to Traditions and Orientation classes.....But if you want others to take you seriously, then dress accordingly when you are at official functions. At Fortune 100 companies, you are what you show them.
Security
Just a quick word. Become friends with the security at the apts. They are not to be distrusted. They are paid to help you. They are usually very funny and have seen it all before. So if you have a question, they can be of service to you. Once, I left without my ID.... but luckily I was friends with a guard and he was on duty when I came back. I told him I didn't have it and he said "that's cool. just remember it next time." If you do become friends with them and it's Christmas, or Easter or whatever... get them a little gift. It will make their day. There is the occasional jackass security guard, but for the mostpart... they are good people.
Guests
Don't mess with the guest policy. I know plenty of people who got away with having people stay overnight who didn't belong. I know CPs who were terminated, only to stay at their friends places for a few days... Sure, most people get away with it, but I also know people who got terminated for allowing these people to stay late. It's not worth it. If someone screwed up and got terminated... that's their deal. It's not worth you getting in trouble to help them out with a place to stay. Additionally, if you date a non-CP... then stay at their place for the night. You can't get terminated for that. Don't have them stay at your place.
Unless things have changed... the guests must show a photo ID and sign-in. Their IDs are then photocopied. This may seem a bit extreme, but crime in the Orlando area does occur and it's for your protection. They can park at the apartments for free, but they have to be gone when the time comes. Additionally, they cannot use the CP bussing system.
Position
On Day 2 you should find out your exact position - unless you have a connection to find out sooner. At first, many don't like what they are given. I know two very "girly" girls who were both placed in custodial roles. They cried about it, called their moms, etc., but they ended up loving it. Don't look too much into your position until you go through Traditions, your park's Orientation and finish training. I know people who were excited to work at two attractions in Frontierland..... until they actually did it. What you think you'll like may not be what you will actually like.
Keep in mind, You can't change your job. However, you might be able to cross-train at another neighbor attraction/position. You can always pick up hours by calling in and finding whats available. Become friends with your superiors (if possible) and opportunities will open up.
Taking off...
... for a reason like a wedding is possible. For example, if your sibling is getting married in late April, you should let you managers know (without being too specific) when you're training that you need to go home for a few days. When the time is right, you will put in an official request. They will probably try to make it your typical 2 days off and then try to grant you more if needed. It also depends on crowds. Holiday times are not going to happen, but like late April when the crowds are low... you have a shot to get what you want. If it doesn't look like you will be able to get it, ask others to fill in your shift.
Remember, contractually you are scheduled a minimum 30 hours each week---that doesn't mean you HAVE to work 30 hours, just that you have to be scheduled 30. When my parents and ex-girlfriend visited, I gave several shifts to Part Time and Seasonal employees. Those two weeks, I probably worked about 13-15 hours each. Management doesn't love this, but it is technically allowed.
Emergency situations, such as a funeral, are unfamiliar to me. I know plenty of people who left for a week or less. You should try to switch your shift ASAP, but you should also immediately talk with a manager and someone at the housing/CP headquarters. If you're in a class, let the teacher know via e-mail.
Other alumni: Feel free to add your thoughts
---------------
Drinking...If you're under 21 (aka in a wellness apartment) do NOT under any circumstances, do NOT have alcohol in your apartment. If your roommates have a bottle hidden in their locker, you too are responisble for it. Thus, Day 1 make everyone know that no one can have alcohol. Not even if a friend mixes a drink in their room and brings it over... you are responsible for ANYTHING in your room.
If you are 21 do NOT under any circumstances, do NOT let those under 21 drink in your room. They can be in your room while you drink, but security pops up from times to time - sometimes for BS reasons - and it's not worth getting kicked out because your friend let their 20 year old boy/girl friend have a beer. Again, you're responsible for anything that goes on in your room.
...and Driving
If you can bring a car, do. There were numerous times that people I know (and myself) were late for work due to taking the CP busses. Getting groceries and clothes shopping is much better when you don't have to wait for the CP busses. Same thing with banking. Additionally, it allows for more fun. You can head out to the beach on a whim (as we did one night to catch the sunrise). The only bad part about having a car is that some people will ask you for favors. It often seems that it's the same people asking over and over again.
Packing
This might be a little late for some of you who are already down there..... but PACK LIGHTLY. This is easier for guys I think than girls due to the high cost of women's products. But pack only what you need. The first day most people head out with their roommates to Walmart (yuck) to get essentials and things to decorate the apartment. Not only is this a great way to bond with your roommates, but it's the time when you will be happy you packed lightly. Anything you will need should be bought that night. Personally, I brought two suitcases...mostly full of clothes. Alarmclock, hair stuff, Crest whitestrips, bedding, even socks await you at Waltmart (yuck).
Business Attire
In reality, this is subjective. Disney wants you to look good. They ask that you wear business attire to all classes and official events. If you're a girl, I can't really help you here because I'm not sure what you should wear -- though I prefer you all wear skirts. :animwink: For the guys, I suggest you wear a shirt, tie and a corresponding color of pants and shoes. And for the love of God, please wear a decent belt.
The reason I say this is because others only know you as what you show them. First impressions last forever and only take 3 seconds. Really, you don't NEED to wear a tie. But why wouldn't you? Granted, most times a suit is overkill, it's better to dress too nice than be the worst dressed in the room. In the apartment or when you're off-the-clock, dress how you want. In fact, dress how you want to Traditions and Orientation classes.....But if you want others to take you seriously, then dress accordingly when you are at official functions. At Fortune 100 companies, you are what you show them.
Security
Just a quick word. Become friends with the security at the apts. They are not to be distrusted. They are paid to help you. They are usually very funny and have seen it all before. So if you have a question, they can be of service to you. Once, I left without my ID.... but luckily I was friends with a guard and he was on duty when I came back. I told him I didn't have it and he said "that's cool. just remember it next time." If you do become friends with them and it's Christmas, or Easter or whatever... get them a little gift. It will make their day. There is the occasional jackass security guard, but for the mostpart... they are good people.
Guests
Don't mess with the guest policy. I know plenty of people who got away with having people stay overnight who didn't belong. I know CPs who were terminated, only to stay at their friends places for a few days... Sure, most people get away with it, but I also know people who got terminated for allowing these people to stay late. It's not worth it. If someone screwed up and got terminated... that's their deal. It's not worth you getting in trouble to help them out with a place to stay. Additionally, if you date a non-CP... then stay at their place for the night. You can't get terminated for that. Don't have them stay at your place.
Unless things have changed... the guests must show a photo ID and sign-in. Their IDs are then photocopied. This may seem a bit extreme, but crime in the Orlando area does occur and it's for your protection. They can park at the apartments for free, but they have to be gone when the time comes. Additionally, they cannot use the CP bussing system.
Position
On Day 2 you should find out your exact position - unless you have a connection to find out sooner. At first, many don't like what they are given. I know two very "girly" girls who were both placed in custodial roles. They cried about it, called their moms, etc., but they ended up loving it. Don't look too much into your position until you go through Traditions, your park's Orientation and finish training. I know people who were excited to work at two attractions in Frontierland..... until they actually did it. What you think you'll like may not be what you will actually like.
Keep in mind, You can't change your job. However, you might be able to cross-train at another neighbor attraction/position. You can always pick up hours by calling in and finding whats available. Become friends with your superiors (if possible) and opportunities will open up.
Taking off...
... for a reason like a wedding is possible. For example, if your sibling is getting married in late April, you should let you managers know (without being too specific) when you're training that you need to go home for a few days. When the time is right, you will put in an official request. They will probably try to make it your typical 2 days off and then try to grant you more if needed. It also depends on crowds. Holiday times are not going to happen, but like late April when the crowds are low... you have a shot to get what you want. If it doesn't look like you will be able to get it, ask others to fill in your shift.
Remember, contractually you are scheduled a minimum 30 hours each week---that doesn't mean you HAVE to work 30 hours, just that you have to be scheduled 30. When my parents and ex-girlfriend visited, I gave several shifts to Part Time and Seasonal employees. Those two weeks, I probably worked about 13-15 hours each. Management doesn't love this, but it is technically allowed.
Emergency situations, such as a funeral, are unfamiliar to me. I know plenty of people who left for a week or less. You should try to switch your shift ASAP, but you should also immediately talk with a manager and someone at the housing/CP headquarters. If you're in a class, let the teacher know via e-mail.
