Working for WDW?

[Julius & Boobah]

Hi guys, :wave: hope all is well.

As I've finished University and am still undecided as to what kind of a career I would like I thought it would be awesome to work at the most magical place on earth as I used to know a girl who did the same and loved it. Also being young and without any ties I think it would be a great opertunity for me to do so.

I just wondered if anyone here had done the same on the foreign "exchange" scheme as I have a few questions and queries before I send off my application.

1) Does it take away any of the magic seeing how it's all done? Will it mean I don't ever want to return for vacation?

2) Are they a good company to work for, do they treat staff well?

3) what kind of job will I be given? Being English are they likely to just dump me in the Rose and Crown at Epcot?

4) Is accomodation provided or should I get house hunting? (and what about flights)

5) Commuting. do they have good transport for their staff to use or would I have to hire a car?

Thanks guys for helping out, I apprecaite this alot as it's a big decision to make.


6) is there a maximum/minimum I can work for them for? I was looking at 8 months to a year or so

 

[BadTigger]

1) No not at all, I love now knowing how things work, IE I worked Its tough to be a bug and found out about all the inner workings of the attraction, plus you find out cool little hints and tips and little secrets which are awsome to show off to friends.

2)Yes and No, Being a CP I was treated like dirt. Pay stinks compared to what I make in New York. Most positions max out after 5 years, meaning after 5 years you don't get anymore money. Also everything is senority, if your there long but don't work hard you get treated better then someone who busts the butt but has been there less.You are expected to work long hours, and many days. It also depends on your managment team, a had a few awesome managers, and then a few that made me days a living hell.

3) Yes, but maybe no, I encountered very fex foriegn students in other jobs outside the countries. I wouldn't rely much on this.

4)If your a CP they provide housing, but you can get your own place if you want and still be a CP.

5)FOr CP's they have a private bus. SOmetimes its a pain but for the most part not to bad, I had my own car so I didn't have to use the buss offten.

6)I think the foreign exchange program is min. 12 months max 18th.s with extentions available.

 

[Julius & Boobah]

That's awesome, thanks alot for that...


My only concern would be to have a "manager who made my day a living hell", I wouldn't want to spend any day as bad as that in a oplace I have so many happy memories.

 

[WDWKat26]

Okay here's my POV since i'm Part Time right now and I don't fully agree with what BadTigger wrote.

1. I've been going to Disney since 1991, and I still love it no matter what. Even though I live locally, if my family and I had the money we would still go and stay at one of the resorts for a week like we used to. Some things are shocking at first (i.e. Backstage, Seeing Characters without their heads etc.), but you get used to it where it becomes just an everyday occurance. It's all about creating magic for others, because if others didn't create Magic for us, we wouldn't be here! (I hope that makes sense..)

2. In my opinion, they do treat the staff pretty well. The hours at times can be greuling depending on where you work, but all around managers and your fellow Cast Members are for the most part very welcoming and friendly. Contrary to what BadTigger said, all College Program kids should know that they are NOT down in Disney to make money, being on the College Program is for the experience and to learn different things at their job. And yes, about seniority; people who have more seniority over others do get more, but what is important is getting to know your managers and others around you. Just because you don't have seniority does not mean you can't establish a good reputation in the company. My father worked at Polynesian for only 6 months, and he did such a good job he had a reccomendation put in for him to work at Guest Relations (a really good place to work in Disney). Others have been waiting in a pool for almost 2 years to get that position and my father earned it after only working for the company for 6 months. It's all about showing interest. But do remember it is a JOB, yes it's definitely going to be fun BUT like every other job you will have your bad days.

3. You get to choose your position within the company, they might suggest somewhere for you at casting, but you are more than welcome to refuse a position they might suggest (For example a girl I interviewed with had worked at McDonalds so they suggested Food and Beverage and she refused the suggestion). Why would you want to work somewhere that you wouldn't be happy? Definitely pick something that you find interesting. Also, they can't just drop someone in China at Epcot just because they are Chinese, that would be really kinda...racist I guess. I've seen a lot of the Hong Kong people working at many different places around the parks. Remember, Disney can't tell you where to work, that's why there are options and different departments

4. No, if you are a CP you have to live in CP housing. I'm not 100% sure about this, but I do believe that is the rule.

5. It usually helps to have a car, 9 out of 10 CP's really prefer having their cars with them, it saves time and you don't have to wait for the busses.

6. I'm not sure, but you can always call Disney to find out this kind of information. The Disney casting line is 407-828-1000.

Hope this helps!

 

[Julius & Boobah]

Thank you, that's awesome.

I never thought about seeing characters with their heads off thats kinda weird to think of actually