[tigerfanatic24]

Hey Everyone,

I am very interested in the career start program, but I have a few questions. When should I apply for the Fall program? Is there any option to stay after the program is over? To anyone who has done the program- any tips for the phone interview would be appreciated.

Thank You,

Colin

[Justin]

Welcome to MouseBuzz! Disney has it's own website to help you out. Disney Theme Parks & Resorts College Program- Walt Disney World Resort

[Big Al]

Hi All,

I'm tigerfanatic's father. We'd also like to hear about practical pointers on life as a "career-starter." What's NOT on the official site that we should know and plan for?

Thank you all.

[StaceyDarling!]

Hey!
I actually just got accepted for the Spring CS program, and I leave in Feb- Aug! If you have ANY questions don't hesitate to ask me! The Fall semester usually begins in mid-late August. So you're gonna want to call the Job Recruiting Office (I have their number if you want), around Jan-Feb I'd say to ask them when Fall app's go up. They'll give you the exact date of when app's go up.

Also, you can go to the CS website and sign up for the newsletter, which will email you when apps go up! :]


And yes, they do offer prolonged employment to some of the CS kids. You can extend your program, or if offered, take a full time job, or go seasonal.

If you have any other questions, I'm more than happy to help!

[tigerfanatic24]

Hey Stacey,

How was your phone interview? What kind of questions did they ask?

[StaceyDarling!]

Originally Posted by tigerfanatic24

Hey Stacey,

How was your phone interview? What kind of questions did they ask?

The phone interview was seriously a lot easier than you'll anticipate! Don't be nervous. As with everything you do, your recruiter is the main thing. Everyone's interview that I know was different. Some were 8 minutes long and others 35minutes long, but that doesn't mean anything! If yours is short don't panic!-- mine was only 15 mins long. Its just that some recruiters really wanna know your hopes and dreams and others just need to get the facts and figures.

My recruiter was really nice, but she just asked what she needed to ask. While my best friends was extremely outgoing and asked her a million and ten questions. And we both got accepted.

They'll first start off by asking you the basics, if your infos right-- SS number, email, phone, address, and the roles you selected. Then they'll get into the roles.... they ARE going to ask you if the roles you selected are the only ones you are open to, if they are, it's OKAY to say so. It's gonna sound like they're guilting you into saying you'll do any role. But if the roles you chose are really the only ones you want, let them know, nicely though! lol.

I told my recruiter that I was only open to the three I selected and I'm glad I did. My friend told her recruiter she'd do anything and she got custodial which she didn't want at all... even though she got it fixed, it almost ruined her program for her!

After that your recruiter will ask you one questions about each of your top roles. EXAMPLE:

Attractions-- (my answer)
Q:If you are working the line at Space Mountain and a family comes up with a little boy too short to ride the ride, what would you do?
A: I would tell the little boy that it's not safe for him to ride the ride, and then suggest a ride he and his family can all enjoy together. ETC.

Just answer honestly and you'll do fine!

Then she asked me things like have I ever had roommates, what would I do if a problem arose with my roommate, etc.

Your recruiter will ask you which role you want the most. So here's a piece of advice, if your recruiter doesn't really ask you WHERE you want to work-- try and work it into the convo! Even if it's just a certain park, or area of the park. Because even though they dont tell you where you work til you get down there, they still take notes and if you tell them, they'll write it down and they'll try to give you that choose. It's better than not saying anything, and having it be a shot in the dark.

My recruiter didn't ask me and I was really hoping she would, and when my friend called to change her role from custodial to FSF&B, after switching her roles the recruiter mentioned that her phone interviewer had written down where she dreamed of working, and that that was where they'd try to put her. So after I heard this, I wrote a email to see if I could suggest my dream places to work, they wrote me back and said go ahead! Give us your input of where you want to work! So I did! And I feel a lot better just knowing they know a little more about where I think I'd excel in WDW.

And if you do so, give them a reason as to why you want to work there. Such as, I told them I wanted to work in MK or HS. I told them Fantasyland or Main Street in MK was my first choice and I gave them a few stores since I'm merchandise. I told them I think I would excel in Fantasyland because I have a TON of experience with young children (Fantasylands rulers!) and that I am really good with them! Also I told them I thought I would excel there because its the most classic form of Disney Magic and thats the kind I'd like to spread! And Main Street because I have experience in a bakery and with confectionery delights!

Don't be nervous, and don't be afraid to let them know you and your dreams. Because even though you'll be going there as a CM and not a guest, they are STILL Disney and they'll STILL want to try to make your dreams come true!

Just be happy and friendly on the phone interview. I was terribly nervous on mine, and it tortured me for the 4 weeks until I got that beautiful yellow folder in the mail!

I hope I helped you as much as I could, cause believe me, I've been in your shoes. Looking for the same answers to the same questions I'm sure you have, and no one seems to give the answers, or enough info on the questions.

If you have any other questions I'd loveee to help! I love taking about this stuff! haha. GOOD LUCK!

[StaceyDarling!]

Originally Posted by Big Al

Hi All,

I'm tigerfanatic's father. We'd also like to hear about practical pointers on life as a "career-starter." What's NOT on the official site that we should know and plan for?

Thank you all.

Big Al and Tigerfanatic, believe me there are A LOT of things you wish the website told you! I have collected info over the past 3 years, from friends, vlogs, blogs, fourms, YOU NAME IT! haha. I know how hard it is to get the right info on this program. Even though tons of kids do it every year, it's still surprisingly low-key, ESPECIALLY the CS program. All the info seems to be about the CP. But they are essential the same thing.

The share the same housing, transportation, parties, activities, and even certain roles (CP has more options, is all.)

If there's any specific questions that you or your family have I'd love to help. I'm pretty well versed on this program even though I'm doing it for my first time. I know everything from which housing complexes are better to how to request time off, to perks of the job, educational courses, and even what to bring, websites to get in touch with other CS hopefuls, and what things you'll need/want to bring with you once you get accepted!

I'm here anytime!

[tigerfanatic24]

Thank you for your great reply to my question :) Here is another one.

Most of the roles available for the program are self explanatory. But do you have any details from other people who did custodial or costuming?

[Big Al]

Thank you for your very thoughtful and complete answer. We may more questions. I've talked to Tigerfanatic about how to used the private mail system to maybe get more specific info or questions he may not want to post in an open forum.


Thanks Again!

[StaceyDarling!]

Originally Posted by tigerfanatic24

Thank you for your great reply to my question :) Here is another one.

Most of the roles available for the program are self explanatory. But do you have any details from other people who did custodial or costuming?

I actually don't know anyone who has done customing, so I'm not really sure. But if I make any friends with anyone in customing while I'm down in FL I'll be sure to report back to you! As for custodial, the way it was describe to me was basically as you are assigned a section of the park you work in and thats your section for your shift. You walk around, keep it tidy, ofcourse do some maintance like chaning trash, windexing, etc. But mostly the people I know who have done it acutally liked it a lot, you basically get to walk around and enjoy the parks and talk to guests and fun things like that!

[StaceyDarling!]

Originally Posted by Big Al

Thank you for your very thoughtful and complete answer. We may more questions. I've talked to Tigerfanatic about how to used the private mail system to maybe get more specific info or questions he may not want to post in an open forum.


Thanks Again!

Oh sure! Tell him it's really no trouble at all! If either you, him or any of your other family members have any questions or concerns about the program and applying, etc, don't hesitate to PM me or respond here! If he would like to PM me thats alright! Tell him go ahead!