[dhoughton]

Words escape me......and just when I was getting out of the Adventurer's Club debacle that set me spinning last year.....llamafur...give Emily a hug for me.

back to the depths of glaring at Disney....

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by dhoughton

Words escape me......and just when I was getting out of the Adventurer's Club debacle that set me spinning last year.....llamafur...give Emily a hug for me.

back to the depths of glaring at Disney....

You better be done glaring around 11102010, you hear me????

[MissDisney]

llama, I am so glad you spoke up! Now people have heard your experience and they can use it as they decide if it really is a task they want to attempt.

Well done!

[ddoll]

Wow, llama. I can't imagine how upset you must be. As mother's we just cannot tolerate anyone treating our children badly.

I remember our own Gingita having a bad experience when she was sick too.

[tea]

Wow! I have never heard this mistreatment on the International Program. I worked at the front desk of the Yacht & Beach Club and we had several kids from the IP, they never said a bad word about the program - and it was not something they would have kept quiet about since we all complained about many things (it is a job and no matter how much you like it you still complain ). A lot of them extended their program and I actually had a manager that did the program twice and then came back to be a manager.

DH is a chef and he was a CM for 13 years. He said that he always had IP students in his kitchens - they worked the line, not as dishwashers or anything like that. Dishwashers are actually day laborers and not technically CMs.

Unless you are a server you are not allowed to receive tips - you have to decline 3 times. If after 3 times the guest still insists you are allowed to accept it - that is Disney policy. Sorry but I don't see how a manager would send a kid home for accepting a tip.

Now, I worked at DLP for a few months and I could tell you stories about that place!

[llama]

Thanks guys, for the support - you have no idea how I've struggled with this - Dana knows it's been eating away at me for a long time. I don't like to dis Disney - but the truth is the truth. If it can save one kid I'll be happy.

We will go back - I'm so darn obstinate that I'm not going to let this ruin our vacations. But I'm sad too - it'll never be exactly the same for us. Emily is well and happy - she was very run down and anemic, but she's been on meds and well on her way to good health. AND she's been checking out diamonds with her boyfriend. Now - if she could just get a job... but I'm sure something will come along soon. She's planning on returning to school next year

[vlogilvie]

I'm sorry to hear your daughter's experience was less than positive. Everyone's experiences working for the mouse is different. People's perspectives are different and each of us may see things in different ways.

There is a lot of partying that goes one with both programs, but whether or not one chooses to participate in it is a personal choice just like any college or university. In my opinion the programs are what you make of it. If you choose to come here with a career in mind it can open many doors. If you choose to party or spend time with people who make that their focus I wouldn't expect many doors to open.
I'm not sure where the $3.00 an hr figure comes from because that is way below minimum wage. It would be illegal for Disney to pay that unless you are a server who is tipped.
The post left about refusing a tip three times is correct. You can accept a tip on behalf of charity. When it is given to you, you have to option of turning it in to a manager for a donation to United Way, Give Kids the World, or charity of your choice.
I've also never heard of someone getting a demerit for coming into work sick. If you are sick when you come in you can request an ER (early release). An ER does not count against you. Everywhere I have ever worked has had attendance policy. Disney is no different. If you don't show up for work, you don't get to keep your job. I don't see this as unfair. Unfortunately many college program students abuse the attendance policies and lose their jobs because of it. It is one thing to call in if you are really sick and another to call in because you partied too hard the night before.
About the girl who was raped.. Did she file a report with the police? She would have to do that. Disney is the not the police. It is not their job to investigate crimes.
The dirty apartments?? Is it too much to ask that these young adults clean up after themselves? This is not the resorts. Mousekeeping doesn't visit your room. Your mom shouldn't have to clean up after you. I see a lot of this as immaturity on the part of cast members.
These are young adults who are on these programs. It is up to them to make good choices for themselves including "is this the right place for me?"

I feel bad that your family has had a negative experience. We need to remember though that Disney is a large corporation and despite the magical feelings in aims to project it is still a enormous company whose primary goal is to make a profit.

[Mickey Maniac]

Try The Walt Disney Company and Affiliated Companies - Careers they list internships on the site

[MissDisney]

Originally Posted by vlogilvie

People's perspectives are different and each of us may see things in different ways.

You make a lot of great points! This has been a very informative thread, and I hope everyone who is considering going to work for Disney reads all the info here.

Sounds like your experience was really wonderful!

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by vlogilvie

I'm sorry to hear your daughter's experience was less than positive. Everyone's experiences working for the mouse is different. People's perspectives are different and each of us may see things in different ways.

There is a lot of partying that goes one with both programs, but whether or not one chooses to participate in it is a personal choice just like any college or university. In my opinion the programs are what you make of it. If you choose to come here with a career in mind it can open many doors. If you choose to party or spend time with people who make that their focus I wouldn't expect many doors to open.
I'm not sure where the $3.00 an hr figure comes from because that is way below minimum wage. It would be illegal for Disney to pay that unless you are a server who is tipped.
The post left about refusing a tip three times is correct. You can accept a tip on behalf of charity. When it is given to you, you have to option of turning it in to a manager for a donation to United Way, Give Kids the World, or charity of your choice.
I've also never heard of someone getting a demerit for coming into work sick. If you are sick when you come in you can request an ER (early release). An ER does not count against you. Everywhere I have ever worked has had attendance policy. Disney is no different. If you don't show up for work, you don't get to keep your job. I don't see this as unfair. Unfortunately many college program students abuse the attendance policies and lose their jobs because of it. It is one thing to call in if you are really sick and another to call in because you partied too hard the night before.
About the girl who was raped.. Did she file a report with the police? She would have to do that. Disney is the not the police. It is not their job to investigate crimes.
The dirty apartments?? Is it too much to ask that these young adults clean up after themselves? This is not the resorts. Mousekeeping doesn't visit your room. Your mom shouldn't have to clean up after you. I see a lot of this as immaturity on the part of cast members.
These are young adults who are on these programs. It is up to them to make good choices for themselves including "is this the right place for me?"

I feel bad that your family has had a negative experience. We need to remember though that Disney is a large corporation and despite the magical feelings in aims to project it is still a enormous company whose primary goal is to make a profit.

As usual - there are two sides to every coin. And it is true that today's kids just have a different philosophy when it comes to work. We've let a lot of things slide when it comes to teaching them basic work ethics.

Thanks for you point of view, Valerie

I am glad that Llama's daughter is on the road to recovery

[E&B's Mom]

Originally Posted by vlogilvie

I'm not sure where the $3.00 an hr figure comes from because that is way below minimum wage. It would be illegal for Disney to pay that unless you are a server who is tipped.

Not to start any more of a ruckus, but I do want to clarify this point. It actually is legal. The IP kids are probably here on a visa similar to that of au pairs. We used to have au pairs before our kids were in school full time, and you are allowed to pay them less than minimum wage if you provide room and board. The minimum wage in that case is calculated at the prevailing minimum wage rate less the value of their share of the apartment, and whatever other benefits WDW may determine. I'm sure that's how the $3 is determined.

[vlogilvie]

The room and board is not free. Rent is deducted out of your paycheck. They have housing available but you pay rent for it like you would any other apartment. I spoke with the international students who work in my department and they are being paid way more than 3.00 an hour. Before they could apply for Guest Relations they had to do a 1 year program as a cultural rep at Epcot during which time they were paid more than 3.00 an hr.

[tea]

I also forgot to mention that the IP CM I worked with all were going to school for hospitality. I don't think they take everyone who applies for front desk or guest relations - you have to have experience in GS or Disney.

[janiebird66]

Oh llama, so sorry to hear that your daughter had such a rough time. I am glad to know she is home and healing. Thank you for posting. As a mom of high school senior who thinks WDW would really be a cool place to work, it is good to read about the negative things that can go on. A couple of years ago when he first mentioned in interest in working for the Mouse, I was Googling for info and some how it came up with Princess Tessa and she was just getting to WDW and was so excited. That is was how I first found MB. Weird huh. Thank you for being willing to share.

[WishUponAStar]

Oh Llama, I am so sorry this was your daughter's experience. I've heard both sides of the coin through personal friends and the varying degrees of the experience is unbelievable. I had a best friend from Germany who did the Internation Program (living in Vista Way) and had great success; started at the Biergarten, went to server, extended his program, and eventually worked guest relations. After he left the program he ended up getting an amazing job with the cruise line. Then again, on the other hand, I've heard horror stories that are just beyond belief & hard to believe that some things are even legal to get away with.

Anyway, I am glad Emily is where she needs to be & it makes me feel terrible to think it became such a nightmare for your whole family.