[Jenabug]

That is so sad, but I'm glad to her that she is doing fine now.

I was one of the lucky ones that had a super awesome experience, and now I'm trying to figure if I should do another college program or go back full-time. I miss being down there, even though some people think I'm nuts to go work where the pay isn't that great...but I just don't know. I have friends working there now that I met when I did the CP 2 years ago. I guess I have to do some more research. What do guys think?

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Jenabug

That is so sad, but I'm glad to her that she is doing fine now.

I was one of the lucky ones that had a super awesome experience, and now I'm trying to figure if I should do another college program or go back full-time. I miss being down there, even though some people think I'm nuts to go work where the pay isn't that great...but I just don't know. I have friends working there now that I met when I did the CP 2 years ago. I guess I have to do some more research. What do guys think?

If your experience was fine last time and you enjoyed it, you should do it again.

[HappyCamper]

Jenabug,
If your heartstrings are being pulled, listen. You had a "super awesome" time the first time you went. Right? And you're planning on another CP...Right? I say go. (Just with your eyes open a bit more, thanks to this thread.)

[llama]

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 I have been a very long-time member of MB and a moderator I thought long and hard before posting her experience. It was not my intention to enter into a discussion with any one else over Disney's employment practises. Nor did my daughter's experiences have anything to do with immaturity, bad behaviour or attitude. It was my intention to warn kids from other countries what might be in store for them if they considered taking a job with Disney. EVERYTHING I related was and is true - including $3.00 an hour wage. I think the long-time members here would agree that I am an honest person.

[llama]

Originally Posted by E&B's Mom

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.

You are 100% correct E&B - the visas allow them ONLY to work where specified. They can partake in no classes or programs.

[Cincy]

Originally Posted by Dana

llama has always been an honest person and would never make such things up Valerie. I appreciate two sides to every situation and opinion and totally respect your loyalty to your company (I am die hard company girl), but I assure you llama would not and would never make up lies to cause controversy in this forum.

Ditto what Dana said.

[vlogilvie]

I never accused anyone of lying. I stated what my opinion was in my post. I also said that everyone has different perspectives on how they see things. I'm sorry if what I said bothered you. I am often hesitant to state my feelings on topics, but this was one time I felt I should share my thoughts. I never said your daughter behaved poorly. Many students who come to work here do that was what I refering too. Unfortunately the ones who behave badly create a lot the negatives you wrote about. I meant in no way to impley that your daugther was a part of that. WDW is lucky to get special people from all the world to work here, and the company was lucky your daughter was here.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by vlogilvie

I never accused anyone of lying. I stated what my opinion was in my post. I also said that everyone has different perspectives on how they see things. I'm sorry if what I said bothered you. I am often hesitant to state my feelings on topics, but this was one time I felt I should share my thoughts. I never said your daughter behaved poorly. Many students who come to work here do and that was what I refering too. Unfortunately the ones who behave badly create a lot the negatives you wrote about. I meant in no way to impley that your daugther was a part of that. WDW is lucky to get special people from all the world to work here, and the company was lucky your daughter was here.

You are right Val...some people just act a fool when on their own for the fisr time and make choices. this wasn't the case with llama's DD. I am sorry if you felt that people jumped on you for stating your opinion. I just wanted to point out that llama has always been an honest person and probally shouldn't have quoeted you when I said it...made it look like I was attacking you and I most definately was not.

Everyone's opinion and experiences are welcome. I am sorry if I made it seem otherwise. Please excuse me.

[mickeymotto]

All I can say is WOW!!!

Llama, I so glad to hear that your daughter is getting better and is back home. She is where she needs to be. No matter what, our children come first.

I am shocked to hear some of these things, but at the same time, I can believe it without question. My DS has been considering the CP. I worry about everything as it is when it come to my boys, this is just one of those things where you WANT to believe Disney would be above the rest with their standards, especially when it comes to your children. But the reality is, they really are no different than any other large corporation, all out to make the money......but at what expense?

My love for Disney has not changed, but nor has my interest in my children's well being and best interests. If faced with a choice....I think we all know who wins.

This thread has given me a great deal of information to think about. (removing Rose colored glasses)
I thank you all for your posts.

[MissDisney]

Guys --

I think this thread has gotten too heated.
The bottom line is that NO corporation treats its employees the same way it treats its customers. The point of this whole thread, I believe, was to remind everyone that there is a reality of being an employee instead of a guest. And like any job, some people will not enjoy the experience, and others will absolutely adore the experience.

I hope everyone realizes that there are several descriptions of the experience are on this thread, and there are probably a zillion other opinions out there. So you should just take away the info and if you are thinking about working in the college program or the international program, or you are helping your child decide about it, use the info to determine if it's a good match. Some people will be very unhappy in this situation, and others will be happy as clams.

This is a very personal topic, and I don't want anyone to have hurt feelings.

[cinderbella]

Originally Posted by Dana

llama has always been an honest person and would never make such things up Valerie. I appreciate two sides to every situation and opinion and totally respect your loyalty to your company (I am die hard company girl), but I assure you llama would not and would never make up lies to cause controversy in this forum.

I have to say I re-read Valerie's post a few times and I never saw her call Llama a liar or dishonest. I think this is sort of a point, counter-point situation. The truth is this experience will be different for everyone. I personally appreciate Llama AND Valerie's opinions on the matter and I believe them both.

[WishUponAStar]

This is my my moderating section and so far I think we are handling everything ok. I don't want to close the thread because I think there are some great things to think about on both sides. I also didn't interperit Val's post as calling anyone a liar. I actually assumed she was talking about a wide population of other young adults and definately not referring to anyone personally.

Anyway, I think it's cool to let everyone share the experiences they've heard, or personally experienced, about college program/working for Disney.

I've ABSOLUTELY seen the good & the bad so I knew this topic was bound to bring out both stories.

Once again, we'll jsut keep it cool.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by cinderbella

I have to say I re-read Valerie's post a few times and I never saw her call Llama a liar or dishonest. I think this is sort of a point, counter-point situation. The truth is this experience will be different for everyone. I personally appreciate Llama AND Valerie's opinions on the matter and I believe them both.

I simply stated that llama wasn't one to not tell the truth. I never said I didn't appreciate anyone's opinion and I attemtped to restate what I meant in another post. I appreicate BOTH opinions as well bella.

[tea]

Originally Posted by packerbeth

It would be interesting to read about the experiences of someone who works at Disney but is not in the IP or college program to see if their experiences differ. Someday I would love to work at Disney World, and while the information I learned here does not change that, I definitely would remove those rose-colored glasses, as well.

Glad your daughter is on the mend, llama.

I worked at WDW for 3 years (DH for 13 years) and it is very different from being a college student living in Vista Way. I think the CP and IP are like when you first go away to college - some ppl are really focused on their work and others go a little crazy.

For me (and for most of the CM I knew/know) it is a job - a fun job with cool perks (free park admission, nice discount) and you make great friends along the way but stll a job. You have good days, you have bad days. You work EVERY holiday, you work very early or very late, you have to put up with a lot of complaints but you also get a lot of great guests who are so happy to be there they make your day.

I had problems with their promotion process - but from working at other big companies I see that it is pretty common. Other than that I don't think I have had a job that was as much fun. I know someone mentioned they interviewed for a job and the pay was low - at first it is low and you make enough to get by, at 3 years you get a significant pay increase. Everyone starts off pretty much at the same rate - unless you do entertainment, culinary, wait staff and a few other positions their pay is different than the "basic" Disney jobs.

[FireAngel]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

Guys --

I think this thread has gotten too heated.
The bottom line is that NO corporation treats its employees the same way it treats its customers. The point of this whole thread, I believe, was to remind everyone that there is a reality of being an employee instead of a guest. And like any job, some people will not enjoy the experience, and others will absolutely adore the experience.

I hope everyone realizes that there are several descriptions of the experience are on this thread, and there are probably a zillion other opinions out there. So you should just take away the info and if you are thinking about working in the college program or the international program, or you are helping your child decide about it, use the info to determine if it's a good match. Some people will be very unhappy in this situation, and others will be happy as clams.

This is a very personal topic, and I don't want anyone to have hurt feelings.

Um... I so totally agree....