WDW CP: To apply or not to apply?

[TimNRA757]

I'm seriously considering applying for the college program at WDW. I'm graduating this fall and I thought it was too late for me but from what every other CP told me and what I found on their website I'm still eligible!

College Seniors may apply for the program and participate immediately after graduation, but must be enrolled in school at the time of their interview.

So is being CP really worth it? Every single CP I have talked to said it really is and they seem genuine though when they're in costume I wouldn't expect much less. I was intending to go for a full time position (bus driver) after graduation but now I'm reconsidering. I've thought about just commuting but I hear living at CP housing is half the experience which would mean going back to having a roommate which is fine with me.

Anyway to all the current and former CP's I'm relying on your input here . From what I understand most CP's end up coming back with a full time position anyway.

All the details, both good and bad are welcome. If there's something you're afraid to say here feel free to PM it to me. Thanks in advanced.

 

[Biff215]

I loved my experience, but that was way back in 2000. I was a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach and received some credits while I was there. I was only in my second year of college, so our situations are obviously different. I'm not sure I would have participated after graduating, but only because I was eager to start a career (and that didn't involve Disney). Since you are considering that, the CP may not be a bad idea to get your foot in the door.

While I would recommend the program to anyone to consider, it really is a personal decision on whether or not it is worthwhile. You don't make much money and there's a chance you will end up in a role that you would consider less than desirable. The experience is all what you make of it, however, so good luck with your decision!

 

[TimNRA757]

I loved my experience, but that was way back in 2000. I was a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach and received some credits while I was there. I was only in my second year of college, so our situations are obviously different. I'm not sure I would have participated after graduating, but only because I was eager to start a career (and that didn't involve Disney). Since you are considering that, the CP may not be a bad idea to get your foot in the door.

While I would recommend the program to anyone to consider, it really is a personal decision on whether or not it is worthwhile. You don't make much money and there's a chance you will end up in a role that you would consider less than desirable. The experience is all what you make of it, however, so good luck with your decision!

Well first, money isn't an issue considering that my field in aviation we have people flying regional jets making less than 20K a year so it's pretty depressing. Of course there's flying light twins with cargo and odd jobs like that but there's no opportunity there to go further, so for now aviation is just a really expensive hobby and hopefully you can make some money there, maybe for gas? At this point I'm pretty sold on either TWDC or the government for a career, if the aviation field ever picked up to a livable wage then maybe.

Anyway I figure CP would be nice to do while looking at other options. Plus it'll probably give me more of a real college experience than the school I go to has (whiny kids who haven't ever worked or anything for a day in their life and think the world revolves around them). I figure at least on the CP everybody would have some degree of a good work ethic? I would hope so anyway.

 

[MattyFresh]

I can give you a little perspective on the other side of it. I applied and went through the interviews and was given the opportunity to embark on this program. But I let a couple of people talk me out of it, and withdrew my name from the process. At first it didn't bother me much, but each year that passes, I kick myself harder and harder for letting someone else talk me out of it.

I think you should apply and go through the process, you can still remove yourself if you change your mind. But if you think you might want to do it, don't miss out on the chance!!

 

[Tinkrbell]

If you're looking for a full time position with Disney, the College Program is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. I've done the program once before & I'm going back next month for another program. I feel that it is definitely worth doing, even if you're just looking to get Disney on your resume.

If you do choose to do the program, it is not required that you live in Disney housing, but they prefer that you do. To get out of it, you have to meet certain requirements. I know you have to have reliable transportation to & from work. Most of the CPs I know that didn't live in the complexes were married to/ living with someone who wasn't doing the program (I know some married couples that have lived in the complexes), had pets they didn't have someone to leave them with back home, etc. I suggest living in the complexes because they are so cheap. All utilities, cable, & internet are included in the rent, which ranges from $77-$97 per week, which is taken directly out of your pay check. If you don't spend alot on extra stuff, it's possible to save quite a bit by living in the apartments. You also have the option to take the bus if you don't have a car, don't feel like driving, are having car trouble, etc.

I was undecided about my major before I started my last program. In the year since my program ended, I have looked into majoring in theatrical costume design & I've also looked at hospitality. I have finally chosen a hospitality & hotel management program. I worked in costuming during my last program & will be again this time, but I chose the hospitality route because it's a little easier for me to get a job outside of Disney in a hotel than it is to get a job working in theatre costuming.

 

[TimNRA757]

If you're looking for a full time position with Disney, the College Program is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. I've done the program once before & I'm going back next month for another program. I feel that it is definitely worth doing, even if you're just looking to get Disney on your resume.

If you do choose to do the program, it is not required that you live in Disney housing, but they prefer that you do. To get out of it, you have to meet certain requirements. I know you have to have reliable transportation to & from work. Most of the CPs I know that didn't live in the complexes were married to/ living with someone who wasn't doing the program (I know some married couples that have lived in the complexes), had pets they didn't have someone to leave them with back home, etc. I suggest living in the complexes because they are so cheap. All utilities, cable, & internet are included in the rent, which ranges from $77-$97 per week, which is taken directly out of your pay check. If you don't spend alot on extra stuff, it's possible to save quite a bit by living in the apartments. You also have the option to take the bus if you don't have a car, don't feel like driving, are having car trouble, etc.

I was undecided about my major before I started my last program. In the year since my program ended, I have looked into majoring in theatrical costume design & I've also looked at hospitality. I have finally chosen a hospitality & hotel management program. I worked in costuming during my last program & will be again this time, but I chose the hospitality route because it's a little easier for me to get a job outside of Disney in a hotel than it is to get a job working in theatre costuming.

Thanks. On a side note, If I was smarter I would have majored in Hospitality, almost did but was pretty set with going with what I have.

I live about an hour away from WDW, 2 hours if I4 is doing what it does best (slow down) so I'm thinking I'd live in their housing. The other option was to maybe possibly look into a pretty decent apartment near downtown.

One question I have to ask and it sounds crazy to some but I'm a serious car nut. I take care of my baby, wax and wash her regularly etc. Is parking ok at the Disney complexes? I know it's guarded which is excellent but what about the spaces? Are the wide enough so I wouldn't have to cringe about the dreaded scratch? That would rip my heart out. I know parking at the parks can be something else at times but I usually park where nobody is around and where they won't be parking for that day.

Another good question is what about food? Do you have the opportunity to cook on your own or how does that work?

 

[TheBeatles]

Thanks. On a side note, If I was smarter I would have majored in Hospitality, almost did but was pretty set with going with what I have.

I live about an hour away from WDW, 2 hours if I4 is doing what it does best (slow down) so I'm thinking I'd live in their housing. The other option was to maybe possibly look into a pretty decent apartment near downtown.

One question I have to ask and it sounds crazy to some but I'm a serious car nut. I take care of my baby, wax and wash her regularly etc. Is parking ok at the Disney complexes? I know it's guarded which is excellent but what about the spaces? Are the wide enough so I wouldn't have to cringe about the dreaded scratch? That would rip my heart out. I know parking at the parks can be something else at times but I usually park where nobody is around and where they won't be parking for that day.

Another good question is what about food? Do you have the opportunity to cook on your own or how does that work?

Parking is 100% safe and there are enough spaces to where you could park with nobody else around the car.

You buy and cook your own food.

I'm currently on my 2nd CP, so feel free to PM me with questions.

 

[mp2bill]

Do it!

 

[Snoballego]

WDW College Program is much different than my experience ten years ago. Previously, the Summer only programs held some of the most talented and motivated young professionals in the country. The current WDWCP seems like a 6+ month haven for Junior College and Community College kids that want a few months away from living with their parents.

With a degree in hand, I'd work every angle to get any type of full time job with Disney. I'd apply for everything on disneycareers.com. Being a full time employee will allow you to transfer around much quicker - with the College Program you need to uphold your original contract even if the perfect opportunity presents itself.

You are not going to be among any peers... Check out disneycareers.com and see if anything catches your eye. I can help with a cover letter/resume.

 

[joanna71985]

I think the CP is worth it. I did 6 CPs, and loved each one. I loved it so much, I went fulltime after my last program ended in May. I had many great experiences, and highly recommend the CP to everyone.

 

[TimNRA757]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm definitely applying, to put it simple, last night after EPCOT closed I was talking to some CP Custodial staff and they love it. In fact, they even recommended doing custodial which I find hard to believe but everyone just loves doing whatever it is they do. And I know they were being flat out honest because, well there weren't any guest around and we were joking around using some 'less than magical' language so I'm going to be careful with what I say here, I know somewhere someone is going to say they should be reported even though there was absolutely nobody else around. I personally wouldn't have taken that chance.