College Program

*I*Luv*Disney* · 05-11-2003

Hi

maybe some of you know i am from britain
im hoping that when i turn 18 i can apply for the WDW international college program, i was wondering has anyone done this or has anyone in their family done the college program and what does it consist of (with people opinions of it)

ben:)

KarenWDWCP · 05-12-2003

Hi Ben!
I did the WDW College Program back in Spring 2000 and it was the best time of my life! You should definitely do it if you have the chance! However, I know that the program is different for the international students so the whole process of applying is also different. There is a great website disneyalumni.com that offers a lot of info from other alumni - that might help you out! Good luck!

Karen:D

*I*Luv*Disney* · 05-18-2003

Thanks! I'm 5 years away from applying though :( but its been my life's ambition to work there, i went when i was 6 years old then, 10 years old then when i was 12 last year.

My fave time was when i was 10 coz we stayed for 3 weeks :)

i wanna go back :(

ben

fanatic720 · 05-18-2003

What types of things can u study in the disney college program?

KarenWDWCP · 05-19-2003

They have changed the College Program a lot since I did it 3 years ago. When I did it everyone had to take 8 business seminars over the course of the program - they were all based on things like Brand Recognition, Guest Satisfaction and Cast Excellence. Now I think the classes are an optional part of the program and you can take a variety of courses mostly relating to different aspects of business. The main part of the program is the "Earning" portion though where you work in one of the parks or resorts in a specific role. That is where you spend the bulk of your time.

Karen

tragic312 · 06-01-2003

reading your post karen, i'm lead to believe that the internship is mostly business. I would love to do the internship but i have no interest in business. is that the only study program or is there more?

KarenWDWCP · 06-02-2003

Hi Tragic,

The learning part of the program is geared mostly to people interested in business. HOWEVER, I have no interest in business either (I was a history major in college) and still had an amazing time. I think the way the program is designed now you can skip out on all the seminars all together and just do the earning/living portion. At the time I was there, there were also opportunities for shadowing management, etc. There is something for everyone in the program, in my opinion.

Karen

tragic312 · 06-02-2003

thanks for the tip karen. i appreciate it.

KarenWDWCP · 06-02-2003

Anytime - I love talking about my experience on the College Program so feel free to ask any questions you may have!

Karen

qltingrl · 06-14-2003

Karen,

Did a Disney Rep come to your college or did you make the initial contact? DS is very interested in doing this program and talks to every CM he sees to find out if they are in the College Program? Could you tell me what you think are the positive aspects as well as the drawbacks of the program as you see it? Thanks for any info you can provide.

KarenWDWCP · 06-16-2003

qltingrl,

I found about about the college program through an annoucement in my college's career development newsletter. There was not a presentation at my school but there was a presentation at a school in my area so I went there. Your son can go to www.wdwcollegeprogram.com to see the schedule of presentations and find the one closest to him. The presentations are a lot of fun and a lot of information and the College Program Recruiters are generally very hones about the whole Program. They usually have two presentations per school year at each school they visit. At the fall presentation they interview for the spring program and at the spring presentation they interview for the fall.

I absolutely LOVED my college program experience. The best things for me were the living experience - I had great roommates and we had a lot of fun together. Just being able to be in Disney World for four months straight with free access to the parks was also AMAZING. I did the College Program about 6 months after my mother had been diagnosed with both lung and thryroid cancer and I had taken care of her for the whole summer previously. At the point that I went to Disney, she had a completely clean bill of health but I was still struggling with all the emotions stirred up by her illness. I know it sounds cheesy and cliche but being in Disney World totally got me out of the funk I had been in for seven months. I finally felt like myself again!

There are definitely some drawbacks to the program. The number one thing I can think of is the low pay. This is NOT an internship to make money on, particularly since you often end up spending whatever you do make back in the parks or restaurants! Also I had a great working experience, there were only 4 other College Program people in my shop and my managers were great but I know some other people encountered some resentment from the regular CM towards the CP students. You also end up working whatever shifts no one else works and are basically at WDW's mercy as far as time off, etc. I worked at the Studios and for at least a month we were on mandatory six day weeks which kind of stunk but honestly, it was the best and most fun job I ever had so it wasn't so bad! The only other downfall is that you have to take time off from school to do the Program. I know some people were able to get some credit for their experience on the Program. I was not but it was not an issue for me since I had enough credits to take a semester off and still graduate on time in four years. I am not sure if taking time off would be an issue for your son.

Whoa, I just babbled quite a bit! I hope this answers some of your questions!

Karen:)

hkeenan1979 · 06-16-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by *I*Luv*Disney*
Hi

maybe some of you know i am from britain
im hoping that when i turn 18 i can apply for the WDW international college program, i was wondering has anyone done this or has anyone in their family done the college program and what does it consist of (with people opinions of it)

ben:)

I'll be at WDW In exactly 64 days to start my WDWCP. I heard about the CP back in 1993 and have been DYING to do it ever since. Good luck to you and keep us updated on whether or not you get in!

~heather
:)

hkeenan1979 · 06-16-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by tragic312
reading your post karen, i'm lead to believe that the internship is mostly business. I would love to do the internship but i have no interest in business. is that the only study program or is there more?

I'm an Earth Science (meteorology) major and I'm doing the program. The "classes" we take are all completely optional now. I'm not taking ANY classes because none of them relate to my major. I just want to go work & play @ Disney for 4 1/2 months!

:)
Heather

hkeenan1979 · 06-16-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by qltingrl
Karen,

Did a Disney Rep come to your college or did you make the initial contact? DS is very interested in doing this program and talks to every CM he sees to find out if they are in the College Program? Could you tell me what you think are the positive aspects as well as the drawbacks of the program as you see it? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Have DS go here: www.wdwcpinfo.com it is one of the BEST sites on the net for the wdwcp. It also has a message board where people post all sortsa stuff regarding the program, good bad and otherwise.

~heather
http://www.wdwcpinfo.com

CP2003 · 06-21-2003

Hi every one, my name is Joli and I just got home from my College Program on May 16th of this year. I had a wonderful time. My major is Physical Therapy so I didn't go there fro anything but fun, and that is what I got! The classes are all geared twords biz. but I was able to take a speach class. I am planning a reunion with my roomates around new years and then a building reunion next summer. Can't wait! Good luck to anyone on thier way to good ol' Vista Way (Chattham closed :cry: )! If anyone wants to chat, I would love to!

P.S. The WDW sponsored site for the CP is www.wdwcollegeprogram.com, that is where I got all my info before I left.

05-11-2003	#1 (permalink)
ILuvDisney Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 9	College Program Hi maybe some of you know i am from britain im hoping that when i turn 18 i can apply for the WDW international college program, i was wondering has anyone done this or has anyone in their family done the college program and what does it consist of (with people opinions of it) ben:) __________________ Promise, you will take my hand... :) :) .. and we'll Celebrate the Future, Hand in Hand!!

05-12-2003	#2 (permalink)
KarenWDWCP Mouse Meister Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,409	Hi Ben! I did the WDW College Program back in Spring 2000 and it was the best time of my life! You should definitely do it if you have the chance! However, I know that the program is different for the international students so the whole process of applying is also different. There is a great website disneyalumni.com that offers a lot of info from other alumni - that might help you out! Good luck! Karen:D __________________ Karen WDW College Program Alum Spring 2000 1984 - Contemporary ~ 1991 - Caribbean Beach ~ 1999 - Port Orleans French Quarter ~ 2000 - Vista Way (College Program) ~ 2001 - AllStar Music ~ 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 & 2007 - Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2008 Beach Club ~2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ 2009 Saratoga Springs My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I'll be setting sail on the S.S. NKOTB in... 174 days 14 hours 20 minutes

05-18-2003	#3 (permalink)
ILuvDisney Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 9	Thanks! I'm 5 years away from applying though :( but its been my life's ambition to work there, i went when i was 6 years old then, 10 years old then when i was 12 last year. My fave time was when i was 10 coz we stayed for 3 weeks :) i wanna go back :( ben __________________ Promise, you will take my hand... :) :) .. and we'll Celebrate the Future, Hand in Hand!!

05-18-2003	#4 (permalink)
fanatic720 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: south florida Posts: 260	What types of things can u study in the disney college program? __________________ oJackie luvs u all!!!! too bad I cant spend more time here!!!!!!!!!! At first it started very small as most dreams do. A twinkle in an eye, the thrill of something new. But then the dream began to grow and come alive. Touching every one of us, lighting up the sky. We share a magic day, we share enchanted nights It's a neverending story and together we all find It's been a part of me, it's been a part of you. A part of growing up together Sharing a dream come true.

05-19-2003	#5 (permalink)
KarenWDWCP Mouse Meister Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,409	They have changed the College Program a lot since I did it 3 years ago. When I did it everyone had to take 8 business seminars over the course of the program - they were all based on things like Brand Recognition, Guest Satisfaction and Cast Excellence. Now I think the classes are an optional part of the program and you can take a variety of courses mostly relating to different aspects of business. The main part of the program is the "Earning" portion though where you work in one of the parks or resorts in a specific role. That is where you spend the bulk of your time. Karen __________________ Karen WDW College Program Alum Spring 2000 1984 - Contemporary ~ 1991 - Caribbean Beach ~ 1999 - Port Orleans French Quarter ~ 2000 - Vista Way (College Program) ~ 2001 - AllStar Music ~ 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 & 2007 - Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2008 Beach Club ~2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ 2009 Saratoga Springs My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I'll be setting sail on the S.S. NKOTB in... 174 days 14 hours 20 minutes

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW College Program
College Program

06-01-2003	#6 (permalink)
tragic312 jay & silent bob's mommy Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pahrump, NV Posts: 3,395	reading your post karen, i'm lead to believe that the internship is mostly business. I would love to do the internship but i have no interest in business. is that the only study program or is there more?

06-02-2003	#7 (permalink)
KarenWDWCP Mouse Meister Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,409	Hi Tragic, The learning part of the program is geared mostly to people interested in business. HOWEVER, I have no interest in business either (I was a history major in college) and still had an amazing time. I think the way the program is designed now you can skip out on all the seminars all together and just do the earning/living portion. At the time I was there, there were also opportunities for shadowing management, etc. There is something for everyone in the program, in my opinion. Karen __________________ Karen WDW College Program Alum Spring 2000 1984 - Contemporary ~ 1991 - Caribbean Beach ~ 1999 - Port Orleans French Quarter ~ 2000 - Vista Way (College Program) ~ 2001 - AllStar Music ~ 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 & 2007 - Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2008 Beach Club ~2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ 2009 Saratoga Springs My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I'll be setting sail on the S.S. NKOTB in... 174 days 14 hours 20 minutes

06-02-2003	#8 (permalink)
tragic312 jay & silent bob's mommy Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pahrump, NV Posts: 3,395	thanks for the tip karen. i appreciate it.

06-02-2003	#9 (permalink)
KarenWDWCP Mouse Meister Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,409	Anytime - I love talking about my experience on the College Program so feel free to ask any questions you may have! Karen __________________ Karen WDW College Program Alum Spring 2000 1984 - Contemporary ~ 1991 - Caribbean Beach ~ 1999 - Port Orleans French Quarter ~ 2000 - Vista Way (College Program) ~ 2001 - AllStar Music ~ 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 & 2007 - Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2008 Beach Club ~2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ 2009 Saratoga Springs My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I'll be setting sail on the S.S. NKOTB in... 174 days 14 hours 20 minutes

06-14-2003	#10 (permalink)
qltingrl Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: MD Posts: 221	Karen, Did a Disney Rep come to your college or did you make the initial contact? DS is very interested in doing this program and talks to every CM he sees to find out if they are in the College Program? Could you tell me what you think are the positive aspects as well as the drawbacks of the program as you see it? Thanks for any info you can provide. __________________ 16 trips in 12 years!

06-16-2003	#11 (permalink)
KarenWDWCP Mouse Meister Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,409	qltingrl, I found about about the college program through an annoucement in my college's career development newsletter. There was not a presentation at my school but there was a presentation at a school in my area so I went there. Your son can go to www.wdwcollegeprogram.com to see the schedule of presentations and find the one closest to him. The presentations are a lot of fun and a lot of information and the College Program Recruiters are generally very hones about the whole Program. They usually have two presentations per school year at each school they visit. At the fall presentation they interview for the spring program and at the spring presentation they interview for the fall. I absolutely LOVED my college program experience. The best things for me were the living experience - I had great roommates and we had a lot of fun together. Just being able to be in Disney World for four months straight with free access to the parks was also AMAZING. I did the College Program about 6 months after my mother had been diagnosed with both lung and thryroid cancer and I had taken care of her for the whole summer previously. At the point that I went to Disney, she had a completely clean bill of health but I was still struggling with all the emotions stirred up by her illness. I know it sounds cheesy and cliche but being in Disney World totally got me out of the funk I had been in for seven months. I finally felt like myself again! There are definitely some drawbacks to the program. The number one thing I can think of is the low pay. This is NOT an internship to make money on, particularly since you often end up spending whatever you do make back in the parks or restaurants! Also I had a great working experience, there were only 4 other College Program people in my shop and my managers were great but I know some other people encountered some resentment from the regular CM towards the CP students. You also end up working whatever shifts no one else works and are basically at WDW's mercy as far as time off, etc. I worked at the Studios and for at least a month we were on mandatory six day weeks which kind of stunk but honestly, it was the best and most fun job I ever had so it wasn't so bad! The only other downfall is that you have to take time off from school to do the Program. I know some people were able to get some credit for their experience on the Program. I was not but it was not an issue for me since I had enough credits to take a semester off and still graduate on time in four years. I am not sure if taking time off would be an issue for your son. Whoa, I just babbled quite a bit! I hope this answers some of your questions! Karen:) __________________ Karen WDW College Program Alum Spring 2000 1984 - Contemporary ~ 1991 - Caribbean Beach ~ 1999 - Port Orleans French Quarter ~ 2000 - Vista Way (College Program) ~ 2001 - AllStar Music ~ 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 & 2007 - Port Orleans Riverside ~ 2008 Beach Club ~2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ 2009 Saratoga Springs My Disney Countdown Counting down to: I'll be setting sail on the S.S. NKOTB in... 174 days 14 hours 20 minutes

06-21-2003	#15 (permalink)
CP2003 Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 5	Hi every one, my name is Joli and I just got home from my College Program on May 16th of this year. I had a wonderful time. My major is Physical Therapy so I didn't go there fro anything but fun, and that is what I got! The classes are all geared twords biz. but I was able to take a speach class. I am planning a reunion with my roomates around new years and then a building reunion next summer. Can't wait! Good luck to anyone on thier way to good ol' Vista Way (Chattham closed :cry: )! If anyone wants to chat, I would love to! P.S. The WDW sponsored site for the CP is www.wdwcollegeprogram.com, that is where I got all my info before I left.

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