So you're doing the Disney College Program..
I’ve been meaning to make a post like this for awhile. I feel like I’ve had a pretty successful program and I would highly recommend it to anyone. There are a lot of ways to go about doing your program but if you want to have a lot of fun, make lifelong friends and incredible memories, here is some advice that I have for you.
Make friends with as many people in your work area as possible. Your job isn’t going to necessarily be glamorous or fast-paced all the time. You might get bored easily or you might absolutely hate it. Having friends to talk to and to goof off with makes time go by so much faster and it makes the job that much more enjoyable. A positive work environment will make you look forward to your shifts.
Take advantage of any opportunity that will lead you to success. One of the things that I love about the college program is how much you can network and how much you can learn about the business world. Classes like “Networking 101” and “Resume building” are free to you and extremely useful. Not only do you learn how to be successful, you also make valuable connections. I am still in contact with my resume building teacher. In this world it’s all about “who you know.” So get to know people! Many of them want you to succeed. If you know you have your eye on a specific position or field through Disney that you want to get into, set up “Meet and Greets.” A lot of times, your area managers will help you do it!
Understand your place and your role in the Company and keep your eyes on the bigger picture. Look, there are some days where you will hate your job and want to smack every Guest you come in contact with. People can be rude. Like, REALLY rude. You are perfectly entitled to be upset and to vent about it. When those days come around, I like to get myself out of that funk by reading inspirational Disney stories or watching YouTube videos about families that come to a Disney park. The reason that Disney is so great is it’s attention to detail and it’s incredible guest service which is all done by us, the Cast Members! You are a part of the magic. And don’t you dare let anyone tell you that you’re not a “real Cast Member” because you’re a CP. Don’t let anyone belittle you or your efforts.
Don’t bring work home with you. Leave all of your frustrations about work AT work. The second you clock out, forget about that awful guest who yelled at you in a foreign language. You can joke about it but don’t let it all weigh down on you. This can really make or break your experience. Going out for drinks with your work friends and joking about it can really help though!
Explore as much of Florida as you can! Disney is so great and I highly recommend going to the parks as often as possible, but also check out some other great places. Getting an annual pass for Universal is a totally great investment for your CP btw. Also, check out the downtown club scene. Orlando has got some great places to visit. We’re also pretty blessed with some great shopping. If you have a car, drive out to a beach!
Do at least one runDisney race. If you’re not a huge runner like I am, do one of the 5ks! Disney races are so much fun and you get to meet lots of characters on the way. Disney really knows how to entertain. If you’re looking to do your first race, why not make it a Disney one? :)
Rules are enforced heavily and terminable offenses are pretty obvious. People get termed for a variety of reasons. Some are termed for things that were completely out of their control and it’s really unfortunate but it happens. Don’t get termed for things that are in your control. Housing is a big reason why CPs get termed. There are curfews and if you are caught in another complex past the curfew multiple times, you will get termed. If you’re under 21 and are in wellness apartments, be smart about drinking. It’s not worth getting termed over a party that went crazy. If you have a roommate who is under 21 and consistently going wild with drinking, don’t risk losing your job for them. File a report. I know it sucks being THAT person but is it worth risking getting termed for? Be smart. Make wise decisions.
You will get sick at least once and if you don’t, you’re very lucky. Your body is going through the shock of moving to a different climate so you’re bound to get sick at some point. Especially because of all the people you come in contact with every day and how often people bring their sick children to the parks. If you’re seriously ill, there is a great Centra Care doctor right near the apartment complexes. Take care of yourself and call in if you have to. If you need to call in for 3 days in a row, you need to provide a doctor’s note so that they can be merged into 1 point. If you don’t, you’ll get a reprimand.
So, recap. Make friends, make every moment count and make wise decisions. Whether you’re doing a regular program or an advantage program, you’re going to enjoy your time at the happiest place on Earth. It goes by all too quickly and at the end you want to be able to look back on your program with a smile on your face. I hope you all have great experiences working for the Company and that your experience is as magical as mine has been. Best of luck! :)
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