WDW college program...do it or not?!?

[CowGirlJessie]

For the last few months I've been thinking a lot about doing the WDW college program and spend a semester working down in Disney World. I really want to do this, but sometimes I get my doubts about it. Did any of you do this program, or know of anyone who did it? I'd really like to know what kind of job you had while working there, if you liked it, do you recommend it, etc. I've got until about October to decide if I would like to do this or not. I really would like everyone's insight and stories about their working experiences down in WDW. Thanks a lot everyone!!!

 

[DisJosh]

Check out the Employment forum there's pleanty of inoformation there.

And there are quite a few former and current CPers who visit this board so I'm sure they'll respond to this.

I'm also thinking about participating in the program this year. I've come to the conclusion though that for me, staying and concentrating on my classes is the right thing for me to do. After all w/o school and good grades I'll never get that job I want with WDI.

I think when it comes time for the seminar and a chance to apply and really asess the whole situation and how it will effect me in school is when I will make the decision though. So who knows maybe we'll be co-workers at WDW some day.

 

[FanofDinsey1981]

do it! no matter what daddy says! haha.

and that way, your dear sister and future brother in law can come visit you once a month from boring illinois.

 

[vicanne18]

Do it, definitely! I'm going down there through the college program next month, and I'm so excited. Applying was one of the smartest things I've ever done. Remember, if you apply and get accepted, you can always turn down the offer if you change your mind, so it doesn't hurt to try. But I'd say go for it! When I applied I wasn't sure if I was going to go or not either, but everything worked out for the best.
Good luck!

 

[DisneyCP2000]

Doing the college program is really fun. You'll meet friends from all over the states. And if you work at Epcot...all over the world. Although it may seem like you'll be working at some boring job flipping burgers or sweeping garbage, It is so much more! You'll be picking up plenty of transferrable skills. Communication, team work, ethics, decision making, business skill and exploring things you never knew about yourself. I really got to say that the CP really changed things for me. I originally thought I could never make it on my own for 4 months. I was so wrong! I learned to cook (a first for me), met people from all over the world, and experenced networking in a company. And most of all, better communcation skills (patience especially!!!).

 

[FutureCEO]

When should you do the WDWCP? Like sophomore year or something

 

[vicanne18]

FutureCEO-
I just finished my freshmen year in college, and I'm taking the fall semester of this year to do the CP. I guess it depends on the school you're going to and how you feel about the whole deal, but you're eligible for the CP after completing one full college year. Preference probably just differs from prson to person.

 

[FanofDinsey1981]

ok so how long does it last, and how much do you get paid? when do you start, end etc? I am really seriously concidering this!

 

[TURKEY]

Originally posted by FanofDinsey1981
ok so how long does it last, and how much do you get paid? when do you start, end etc? I am really seriously concidering this!

There are 4 programs with 2 different lengths:


Spring - Arrive mid-late January, Depart early-mid May.
Spring Advantage - Arrive mid-late Jan., Depart early-mid August.
Fall - Arrive mid-late Aug., Depart early-mid January.
Fall Advantage - Arrive mid-late May, Depart early-mid January.


If you want to go in the Spring, then you apply and interview in the Fall. If you want to go in the Fall, you apply in the Spring.


You get paid $6.00 an hour. You are guaranteed at least 30 hours a week, not given over 45, but you can pick up overtime.

 

[MGMBoy]

I think you should try it. I''m an alumni from Spring 2000 and have been a Campus Rep. since. I'm just waiting for the perfect time to go back down on an Advnaced Internship.

 

[bdhowell]

DO IT!!!!!!!! IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST TIMES IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!

 

[jimmybop]

DO IT!!
I just went to the meeting and the interview just for the fun of it, not thinkig i would get accept because i was only a freshmen... but... i got accepted and couldnt turn it down.... it was one of the best 4 months of my 19 years on this earth...
go do it!

 

[WDWPrnces02]

I recently went to WDW (may to be exact), auditioned for a singer/actor full time member. Being really nervous and having ideas flowin through my brain, I diddn't do so well. But I thought I'll go back home, take some college classes (voice,dance,theatre) and give program a try.

This time i'll be ready.

 

[Scar Junior]

I am going to be a freshman at the University of Minnesota and I'm applying for the program this year. I hope to go into Entertainment Law and I love Disney so this will hopefully get my foot in the door there. I hope if all goes well to be a campus recruiter at the U of M as well.

Eventhough I'm only going to be in my 2nd semester of my Freshman year I'm still going to do it. I feel like I kind of need to live in a place like Florida and work for Disney for a few months. I am going to go down (if i get accepted) in the spring rogram (Jan-May).

I am extremely interested in doing something where I could be a face character. I have been told dozens of times in the past few years how much the Aladdins in WDW and DL look like me. So I am thinking about Aladdin or the Prince from Cinderella.

What do you think? I know I have to audition for this stuff and that is no problem. I have an extensive acting background and am a natural born entertainer so I would meet the interpersonal and credential requirements.

 

[TURKEY]

Scar,

I think that you might live close enough to one of the few entertainment auditions to actually do it. This spring their were only 4 (one was in Puerto Rico).

If not, you would have to wait until Florida to audition. It seems that auditions are always mid-late part of the CP semester. In order to really do characters, you might have to extend your program another semester.

I didn't know if you knew this or not, just trying to give you a heads up and let you think about it.

 

[Scar Junior]

Originally posted by turkey leg boy
Scar,

I think that you might live close enough to one of the few entertainment auditions to actually do it. This spring their were only 4 (one was in Puerto Rico).

If not, you would have to wait until Florida to audition. It seems that auditions are always mid-late part of the CP semester. In order to really do characters, you might have to extend your program another semester.

I didn't know if you knew this or not, just trying to give you a heads up and let you think about it.

Thanks, my sister and another close friend of mine are Campus Recruiters for the University of Minnesota. I really hope i get the chance to audition. I have a few questions if anybody could answer them:

1. Do i need to get headshots or anything? Would it help?

2. If I were to be a face character I would need long hair (i think). So should I keep growing my hair out eventhough it wouldn't look to good at that time? Hopefully they have wigs!?

Thanks

 

[Scar Junior]

I called the auditons hotline today and they said it was in chicago (for midwest) and they wont release the dates of the auitions until then.