Will the Program Burn Me Out of Disney??

[radiohost]

I have whats called the disney spirit... I look foward to going to Disney World,, and get all hyped up before i leave,,, been this way since i was a kid... But im afraid that by doing this program i may not get excited anymore when i come down. I definatley dont want this to happen, but on the other hand i feel this program was made for me. Anyone know what im talking about and could someone offer tips on ways to keep the disney "spirit" for years to come... Thanks and have a happy new year,,, Radiohost

 

[ICP06]

Y'know, I had the exact same worry.

I seriously considered dropping out of the application process because of this...

But after reading people on many many message boards, podcasts, websites etc. talk about how much fun they had on the program and how much they loved it, I decided that it was definately for me.

I also thought that seeing backstage areas would ruin the magic for me. Then I realised I'd seen pictures of backstage online (and still found the place magical) and had seen Norway's Maelstrom ride with the lights on (which made the ride even more incredible because I knew how it was done-and I had the chance to get out of my boat and walk through the attraction). That dropped that worry out of the sky pretty fast!

As for how to keep the Disney spirit, I can offer only one tip there...

Create magic.

Be one of those cast members that will have people leaving them with smiles. Be what Walt wanted his cast to be. Create memories. Create happiness. Be precisely what one should think of when one thinks of being a cast member.

That's what I'm intending to do!
ICP06

 

[Magicmyway]

Hey All!

Good Question and Response. I was worried too but ever since I received my information on going to the program I have been doing everything Disney. I look for the shows on the travel channel --at christmas, there was even a special on the food network. I know it may sound silly but I love Disney! I think that being a cast member would make you love Disney more because you get a whole new perspective. Besides, Walt Disney said "I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place–a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it." It's going to be great creating and being a part of the magic that each of us have loved for years!
Have no worries. I'm sure that you will always love Disney!

 

[mousermerf]

Just try to a find a place that's suited for you.

Don't work at your favorite attraction - you'll never want to hear it's music again

Don't work at your favorite restaurant - you'll never want to smell the food again.

I know with the program you don't get much say, but try to find an area that you'll appreciate but you haven't already "Gotten really into" as you'll be forced to know more about any area you work than you ever really wanted to know.

If you end up somewhere doing something you really dislike, try to get moved around. If you preform well, they typically start letting you work wherever you want as long as the position is open. I knew CP's who went into Guest Relations, backstage PR/HR areas, etc. because they really worked for it and did well in their assigned area.

 

[Magicmyway]

Hey mousermerf... quick question. so when you get down there in the career start and college program, do they let you pick your area or at least ask where you'd like to be?

 

[mousermerf]

Kind of but not really - what I remember is that people got to pick their area, like merchandise sales, operations, or entertainment, but then were assigned based on need.

Merch pretty much puts you in a store, but with operations you could be parking, attractions, or custodial. Lots of folks griped over that, so it may have changed.

I figure if anything, talking to the recruiter and really wanting something and being vocal about it is the way to go. I know through the regular casting channels, you just apply for an area and get assigned too, but you can ask for something specific as well.

 

[Magicmyway]

Alright. I was just wondering. Thanks for the input! I appreciate it!

 

[Wilt Dasney]

If you're that excited about the program, do it.

Honestly, it might make visiting Disney later on a little underwhelming, but that's not guaranteed. I know plenty of people who have worked there for years and still get just as excited over Disney as they ever did.

Honestly, I have lost some of my enthusiasm for visiting since I did the program, but I can't be sure that the program itself did that, and regardless, I wouldn't go back and change doing the program if I could. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance and I got memories that will stay with me forever. Go for it, if you can.

 

[jacksnightmare]

I don't think that doing the program will make you lose your excitment for Disney World. My girlfriend did the program and the program had the opposite effect on her. She gets more and more and more excited to visit each time we plan a trip. Good luck with the program!

 

[WDWKat26]

Honestly, I thought at first I would totally lose the Disney spirit. But, I really still have it. So I do miss the feeling of being a "real" guest sometimes, but I love my job and what I do. I have been with the company for well over a year now, and let me tell you I still get excited to see the characters, and go walking down Main St. and doing all the things I used to do as a guest. As long as you have it, I honestly don't believe it can "burn out".

 

[sar1980sweetie]

Being a CP is a great experience!

You will love the college program, and if you already love Disney and keep an open mind it will not burn you out for the future. I did the program in 2002 and I've been back (as a guest) quite a few times since. I can tell you that most CP's have a great experience if they go down there with the following expectations:
you will NOT make any money, in fact be sure to bring some (I suggest about $500) with you to get you started down there... rent, food, and "costume" costs (specific colored socks, shoes, etc) that they do not tell you about before you come down will kill you if you don't come prepared
be there for the Disney experience, not the party experience, Disney is very strict with their rules about calling in, coming in late, etc and I know many CP's who were terminated early because they were there for the "party" experience and work "got in their way"- but don't worry there is plenty of time for fun too!
You are there to make and experience magic- keep an open mind no matter what you do down there, I worked "merchantainment" (merchandise) at DAK and loved it, and my best friend did custodial at EPCOT and had a great time. I will tell you though, you are only guaranteed the type of job you will be doing not the location, so keep an open mind, its surprising how great some of the jobs are! Also, some of the best experiences happen when you are making the day for the guests, Disney really empowers its cast members to make the experience magical for guests, and many of them will be an experience you will remember, even life or career changing (one was for me)
Disney is more addicting then you will ever know till you experience it as a cast member- most CP's end up working in the Disney company after the internship is done, in fact my manager and many other people I worked with were past CP's and when I finish up my teaching degree I plan on moving back down to central FL to teach and work for WDW seasonally.
Not everything is Disney 24/7- you still have to deal with $$, roommates (that was one of the things I actually hated about the program), getting around (bring a car if you can, I missed mine), and you know, life.

I still get excited at the thought of going back to WDW, you just have more reasons to go back, not just to vacation, but to visit friends, coworkers, and the magic! Let me know if you want more info about the experience, or if you have any specific questions you think I can help answer to make your experience with the College Program great! :wave:

 

[radiohost]

sar1980sweetie
To say you made my day by that comment would be an understatement. Thank you very much and yes, if I have any questions ill be sure to send them your way. Take care, Radiohost