I have been staring at a blank screen for the past two weeks trying to figure out how I even begin to talk about my Disney College Program (DCP) experience. I probably should have written events down as I went, but I was too busy living it 🙂
This was me during the Disney College Program when I wasn't at work 😉
So I decided to start with this: a list of several things that DCP recruiters probably won’t tell you with a bit of my own personal advice. By no means is this list all-inclusive. In fact, it barley scratches the surface. I tried to be concise but gave up, so if you just want some quick advice to sum it up, scroll to the very bottom where it says “Cut to the Chase”.
A LOT of specific details in relation to this list have been left out to protect the innocent…and the guilty. I’ll cough them up eventually, but if you contact me, I’ll be more than happy to talk to you one-on-one about the more incriminating stories.
- The recruitment videos make you think that everyone is a clean-cut, peaches and cream candidate for the Brady Bunch. WRONG. Everyone is still a college kid (for the most part) i.e. horny, confused, crazy and likes to drink/ party. Only magnify this x10 because we don’t have classes, we all earn extra money so we can afford to go out, we all have irregular days off and we live in Orlando (but more on that stuff later).
- Vista Way = Vista Lay (This is where I lived) Apparently, Playboy named Vista Way apartment complex the second easiest place to get laid. My theory? A high concentration of gay males (because it’s Disney) who may or may not be promiscuous…which leaves a much smaller number of straight guys in proportion to straight girls…add in all of the characteristics of said parties being college kids…you do the math 😉
- Have a relationship at your own risk. Whether you come to the program in a relationship or end up starting one (or several) in the DCP, it will be hard. Why? Because of long distances, the evanescence of your time in the program, and most of all, temptation. Refer to the above.
- Party Bus. You pay around $10 to get on a bus which takes you to clubs/ bars/ parties (mostly Downtown Orlando) depending on which day you go and who you go with. $10 covers the bus ride to club, admission and the bus ride home. If you are under 21, you may have to pay a little extra, which sucks. There are two competing busses: Will the Photographer and Kelvin Cast Party Bus. Clubs I went to most were Mako’s and Vain, but there are also Roxy, Bliss, Mojitos, and Bar One.
- Other nights: Sunday is Service Industry Night in House of Blues which means you show your Disney ID and get in for free if you’re 21+ or you pay $12 if you’re under 21. Wednesday is Buffalo Wild Wings (aka. BDUBS). If you are under 21, you pay $5 to get into the restaurant which they turn into a karaoke bar/ dance club. Amici’s and Falafel had events some nights as well. Personally, I think it’s ridiculous to pay to get into a restaurant.
- Something you need to understand: For most people who aren’t CP’s , the normal days to go out and party are Friday, Saturday and sometimes Thursday night. Why? Because those are the days people normally have off. However, CP’s all have different days off. I personally had Thursday and Friday, but some people have Monday and Tuesday etc. What does that mean? There is ALWAYS something going on so you can party EVERY SINGLE NIGHT if you want to.
- You will probably hate your job. I did Outdoor Foods in Animal Kingdom. My duties included standing on my feet for 8+ hours, being responsible for tons of money when they gave us shoddy equipment to work with such as cash registers which didn’t have claws, being forced to throw away tons of perfectly good food and talking to guests who thought I could read their minds.
- You are held responsible for everything. You are at the bottom of the totem pole. You will be underpaid and overworked so don’t do this program for the money; do it for the experience. You are under constant threat of termination or getting a reprimand for any reason (like calling out on a holiday). If you leave with a clean record, it’s probably because you didn’t have any fun =P
- Play hooky at least three times. Make sure you call out though. In my experience, some of the best days I had in the program were days when I called out sick/ personal. Since they weren’t my normal days off, I felt obligated to make it worth my while so I explored Orlando, not just Disney, with some friends. Some places I went to were an organic food place called Dandelion, a science museum, resorts with “beaches”, a sex shop in the seedy part of town, a Halloween store, and a palm reader’s house.
- What happens in Disney stays in Disney. This is the time to figure out your life and discover who you are or who you are trying to be. If you are ever torn between doing something or not doing something for whatever reason, just DO IT because it may be your only chance. MAKE MISTAKES because mistakes often make the best stories…and learning experiences.
Miscellaneous
- I don’t know if it’s just for the fall program but around holiday time, you get a holiday coupon book for things like a free round of mini golf, free popcorn, 50% off a meal at one of the Disney restaurants and 40% off of Disney Merchandise.
- In my experience, international guys can be the most touchy-feely. Honey, NO means NO in any language.
- Bring a car or make a friend who has one.
- The beds are rock hard…and tiny.
- Apparently, the apartments were donated to Disney by Coca-cola, so CP’s “legally” shouldn’t have to pay rent, but we did. When calculated out, it costs almost $2000 per month for six people to live in a three bedroom apartment in Vista Way (which is “cheap” compared to Patterson or Chatham). Rip off? We thought so.
- There were rumors of orgies going on in the Vista Way hot tub at 2am. There was also a rumor about some Chinese guys trying to catch one of the ducks around the pond so they could cook it.
Cut to the Chase: If given the chance, DO the Disney College Program. Calling it an “internship” is a bit of an over statement. As far as professional experience goes, probably the only, and frankly the most important, thing you will learn is what you NEVER want to do again for the rest of your life (i.e. a mind numbing, physically challenging, underpaying and overall crappy job). BUT you will also learn life lessons, meet a variety of people and have experiences that you will never have anywhere else. Just go in with both eyes open and an adventurous spirit.
Happy Traffic Cone! 
You forgot to mention those awesome costumes you wore! ;-p
lol those monstrosities were things I would much rather forget…
Please email me those stories lol I’m doing spring as we speak. I’m attractions and I live at Vista.
Congratulations on making it to the Disney College Program!! I’ll shoot you an email.
I came halfway around the world to do this program and I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had enough money lol
I glad you had a good experience!! where did you work, live and what was your specific role?
Haha i worked in epcot so i worked with a lot of foreigns… a lot got kicked out for sexual harrassment and their just like uhh i my english bad i think she say yes
Lmao…me love you long time =D
Hey the coke thing and the chinese guy are wife’s tales…they said the same thing at our program its just a load of bull that the cps started awhile back but they change the story slightly. like at mine it was 2 chinese girls who caught one and had it in there freezer. The coke thing my leader told me was not true, but when you have 3,000+ cps not everyone is gonna hear it. O and the guy who made the vista way song…”Vista way..is thata Way” was in my program Spring 09!
They were Japanese kids at Epcot during my program, haha!
Coke thing is definitely not true. A friend (who was actually my teacher, for a disney offered class, at first) told me the duck thing was true, but it was an apartment of japanese boys that had a couple in the freezer. They’re inspection came around and well they got termed. I mean obviously it could still be false, but that guys is a part of casting…
We now had 7500 CPs. And I talked to the security guards at Chatham and said that disney owns the land and apts and the rent money all goes to pay security and the clubhouse people. Utilities is all bull. The coke thing is up in the air i dont know who to belèive. But my program was jan -aug 2013. Chatham ftw.
Do u recommend the program?
Eyyyy! I was at Vista Way May-July of ’09! I was CareerStart though, so my arrival and departure dates were different than CPs.
Magic Kingdom Main Street Emporium for the win! I just returned last month and had thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I loved your blog post–very funny and oh so true!
Thank you so much and i’m so glad you had a great experience as well. It’s funny…every time someone comments on this post, I think back to my Disney experience and my heart minutely aches longing.
Haha, same here really. It’s a very unique experience. I’ll always remember having to walk all the way back to Vista Building 38 behind that damn tennis court, lol! But I miss it all the same; same goes for that blissful walk down Main Street. 🙂
I left with ) points on my card and I had a blast. So I wouldn’t say you have to call off to have a good time. You can schedule days off with your friends and go and do things. Also when the program offers trip to Universal or a play (they had Wicked when I was there) I say go! I went with my roommate and two friends and it was great. Also I’m going back fall 2012 so I will be trying for a lot more this time
I’m glad you enjoyed your experience as well!
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Hey, I’d love to ask some questions! If you can,please email me! Anna, x
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These comments are so true 😀 had to laugh so bad when i read it 😉
Thanks so much! I’m doing the program this fall and have the “good girl” image so I’m not sure how much fun I’m going to have but it’s a great opportunity and am looking forward to the experience!
I did a 6 month internship in 2009 and it was the BEST time of my life!I left wit no points on my card, and used every spare second I had with new friends I made. Yes, the hours are hard and the work is tough, but you are working at DISNEYWORLD! How awesome is that? Nowhere else can you call your friends after a shift saying “wanna catch Fantasmic tonight at 10pm?” I see now that this comment was last year, but I hope you had a blast! My sister is auditioning as a character this morning and I am totally green with envy.
This actually helped a lot 🙂 I’m going to try to go this spring. But I’m not really a party girl. Do you have any advice for someone who doesn’t party much?
I just started the college program and I find this all hilarious. I’m just upset I’m not 21 to get the full experience here. I’m definitely going to have to hear some of those stories.
lol…just wait. I’m sure you’ll come up with some pretty crazy stories on your own =) Good luck with your DCP experience!
This was so so so helpful! Im an under 21 cp that loves to party but got roomed with 3 mormons and have nothing but peaches n cream goody goods. I need to find ppl who like the nightlife! Looking into going on a party bus tonight.
Lol I’m glad you found it helpful. What apartment complex are you staying at? And you are definitely in the right place for nightlife!
Hey! Your stories are great! I’m hopefully Doug the dcp in January. You should email me some of the other stories! If the living conditions are just as crazy as they are here in Wisconsin colleges I wanna know:):) thanks.!!
hey! reading this made me feel so much better about my upcoming spring program – i was a little worried that i’d have no life after working 40+ hours a week. two quick questions — did you know anyone who was a photopass photog while you were there and if so, how did they like it? and second, which apartment complex do you recommend? i’ve heard vista is fun but old and falling apart and while patterson is really nice its completely isolated. thoughts?
I did have a friend who did photopass and he really liked it. The funny thing is, he wasted to be a professional photographer someday so it was great experience to add to his professional portfolio. It’s a fun job compared to others. I would definitely recommend Vista Way! I know I’m biased because that was where i lived but I guess it depends on what you want. I lived with 5 other people which meant I was surrounded by other apartments with 6 people in them. This means you make more friends and more connections. Also, I think vista Way has a reputation for being more fun/ sexually open which is why it draws in those kinds of people. It’s not falling apart lol…your apartment will not be infested with cockroaches and mold. Yes, some of the other places may be newer and nicer but you also pay more over time and they’re not that much nicer etc. Hope that helps!
That’s actually a lie. I am a CP right now and was recently moved from my apartment with my roommates because the mold made us sick. I had to go to the ER and found out I have laryngitis and something wrong with my lungs because of the apartment and am now using an inhaler to help my breathing. I’m a singer so to lose my lungs is the WORST THING EVER. I also work at Safari but because it’s not a work injury I am still working every day, talking and making my recovery almost impossible. The CP is a freaking joke. If you want to waste a summer, party, get piss drunk and have tons of sex, sure, go for it. But if you seriously want to put something on your resume that will look good when you start applying for jobs in the real world, think again. This is NOT the place for that. Even if you do go from being a CP to being an PI (Professional Internship) you have about at 15% chance of getting one of those internships because you are going up against THOUSANDS of people who are getting real world experience instead of mucking about at the parks. Housing sucks, they can schedule you for a “mandatory meeting” during your work hours and they expect you to call in and miss those hours and get a point for it. There are random inspections where you can fail and EACH PERSON in your apt will get $25-$100 deducted automatically from your paycheck. The internet sucks, if you are thinking you will be watching TV on your time off bring DVD’s because you won’t be able to watch anything else unless you use their shitty cable. (and that’s only if you bring or buy your own tv) The buses for people living in Disney housing SUCK! They are known for breaking down, catching fire, getting into car accidents and sitting at Vista for 20-45 minutes between rounds which means you have to catch a bus 1-2 hours before you actually have to be at your shift.
Only reason I am still here is because I am trying to learn as much as I can about how this program works and I hate quitting things. I only have 105 days to go, I have a countdown on my phone.
If anyone has any other stories about how bad the DCP is please email me.
I just got accepted and i leave february fourth for Florida. Its my first time ever being away from home and im super nervous. Is there anything i should bring that you wish you had when you went? Other than a car, because im definitely taking mine.
Honestly? I wish I brought more make-up and all of my party clothes! I thought I would just be working the whole time but you will go out A LOT so make sure you have all of your beauty supplies! Also, get a memory foam topper at the very beginning of your visit because the beds are awful. Let me know how it goes and if you have other questions!
Hey Im Miles, im doing the Disney program in spring im over 21 , but was wondering if you could tell me what apartments do the over 21 get or is it split up some how . also I got the lifeguard role did you know anyone who did that role ? please email me mileskur18@yahoo.com
I turn 21 in march and have a phone interview in an hour for the january -aug session. Should I wait for the semester after for when I am actually 21? And if I decline the first offer is there a way of reapplying and getting in?
It’s sounds like you’re going to turn 21 when you’re there so I say just go for it! One of my roommates turned 21 when I was there and we had a BLAST celebrating it. I don’t suggest declining. I don’t know if they’ll let you back in after you decline, so check other sources for that one. If you turn 21 while in the program, they will let you move to a 21+ apartment if you wish.
Hey I got accepted and I’d like to know if I can see what role(s) I’m offered before I make the first payment. If you could email me that’d be awesome because I’ve been searching around google frantically for an answer. I just don’t want to make the mistake of paying and then end up getting a role I reeeally don’t want. Though in the phone interview the lady made it seem like I was going to be a costume attendant. My email is m3llop@gmail.com 🙂 and hey if anyone here reading this is gonna be doing the internship in Florida from Jan to Aug email me too! Maybe we can see if we want to room or something, I’m a girl by the way (19)
Hey! So I’m planning on applying to the program next February for Fall Advantage 2013 or maybe waiting until Spring ’14 since I’ll be 21 a week or two in by then. Mainly the reason I would wait is because of a few horror stories I have heard where entire apartments of under 21 CP’s got termed because one of the roommates was caught by maintenance with like 1 empty beer can in the room. Is this really all that common (people being termed because of stupid roommates)? I’m not perfect and definitely do drink at school but since I’m a Hospitality Major I would rather not have a tainted history with a company as big as Disney. I plan to either just not drink or be really careful about it while there (I’ll figure that out when/if I get there haha). I just don’t like the idea of having to trust 5 people I barely know with my future. I guess what I’m asking how common is it for that sort of thing to happen? If you could email me at ajshaw2@catamount.wcu.edu that would be awesome!! Thanks 🙂
I just completed my program in the spring of 2012 and all I stayed at Patterson Court (a really nice complex compared to Vista) and I was rooming in a 6 person suite. I paid like 6 dollars more than a fellow cast member who lived in the same 6 person suite at Vista. And honestly, hearing some of the stories from Vista, the extra 6 dollars was worth it. For my room, I paid 89 dollars a week, but I was working 55 hour weeks so it wasn’t that much out of my pay check. Also, I HIGHLY recommend drinking around the world in Epcot atleast once. Its expensive, but its worth it just to try the different drinks and having fun with friends. And pack sunscreen, I went through so much sunscreen! even in winter, Florida is freakin WARM and it only gets hotter towards spring and summer.
I am going to be doing the spring 2013 at Walt Disney world QSFB. My roommates and I decided to room in Chatham, but after hearing about how fun vista way is I’d rather be there. I am a night owl and love parting. But I’m not sure how my roommates would feel about switching, is Chatham fun too? Also I’m under 21, how easy is it to get away with parting? I’m just super excited.
Also I really don’t want to go back to my hometown after dcp, is there a chance I can get hired on right away after my program..
One more thing, I’m QSFB, but I missed my character audition in my home town, if I go to an audition in Orlando can I change my role during the program?
Hello Rebecca, I apologize for the late reply. Let me try to answer all of your questions:
1. I loved in Vista and honestly don;t know too much about Chatham. my advice: if you wanna love in Vista, go live there, with or without your friends/ roommates. Actually, I even suggest going without your roommates period. You’ll broaden your circle of friends that way. Don;t compromise on what you want and don’t let your friends hold you back if they would rather not come with you.
2. I was under 21 as well when I was doing DCP and it is SO EASY to get away with partying. Just be smart about it. Mainly, don;t be too loud because your neighbors blabbing you out to security is the easiest way to get caught. On that note, befriend your neighbors and invite them to party with you =)
3. I’ve had friends who did not want to go back to their hometown. What they do is extend their time into another program. This depends on if there are openings in your position and if you have a good record.
4. As for changing roles during the program, I’m not as familiar with that process, so I would suggest asking someone when you get there. In vista, there was this part in the compound equivalent to a “student counselor” of sorts, but basically their job s to answer questions/ help you with anything and they give you cookies =D
let me know if you have more questions!
Hi Im ICP I live at Vista Way, and I like that I live close to the frontdesk (movies 🙂 and the bus stop, but I just dislike so much that people is so wild, alcoholic and crazy at Vista, I mean some of us have paid more than $2000,00 in order to have a good experience, and not to stand some of the locals mess, or dirtiness in the rooms o apartments, it’s just so annoying, I mean It’s cool to have fun but I just found so stupid, that in this culture some things are considered -“rude”- but been loud after 1pm ( when some of us want to rest in order to go to work at the night and do well, and just have a good job experience, can do it for some stupids partying till 3:00am every single day!) is NOT considered rude agg some people here are just so conceited, so me me me me, with their cellphones and cars, I wish they could spend one day or one week in a third world country in order to understand what really matters in life …I hope someday this will change so we wouldnt have such a bad image and perception of the american culture cuz it not like this, right??
Hello, I’m not quite familiar with the process involved in the ICP program. Could you tell me why it cost you $2,000?
And while your question is probably intended as rhetorical, I will answer it with yes. As an Asian American born in the U.S, I would say you are fairly accurate in your perception of American culture. Americans are conceited and rude. However, even with our obvious and many faults, this does not negate the fact that America does have some shining attributes that are lacking in other parts of the world (like the third world countries mentioned), such as freedom: the freedom of speech, the freedom to make choices, the freedom to pursue happiness. Often, we take these freedoms for granted and use them in ways that do not reflect kindly on the perception of Americans as a whole, such as using our freedom to over indulge in noxious beverages and keeping others awake 😉
And I agree that Americans should visit a third world country to gain a healthy dose of perspective into the suffering of the world so that they can either take action to change it or at the very least value what they have in our country much more.
I am sad that you did not have a “good” experience in Vista ,but I personally think any experience is good experience because that is how one learns. Maybe you learned that Americans are rude, alcoholic, loud, crazy, hypocritical, conceited people, to which you would be accurate.
But I also hope you learn that we’re all people (most of us “good” deep down) regardless of differences, and Americans (specifically CP’s) are just trying to make the most of what they have (freedom, time, youth, friends) because those things DO MATTER in life =)
Good Luck,
Muriel
If you call out on your last week will you be termed?
Those rumors were spread during my time too. I honestly do not know. I don’t recall anyone doing it. Everyone wanted to but I know I personally did not want to risk it. If I want to know something, I generally ask people point blank but I was afraid that they would catch on to my intentions if I asked.
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International Party Bus was the one that went Mako’s. plus it’s not owned by 30+ year olds trying to hook up with college girls
OMG! I was given the worst experience imaginable when I went down to Florida to participate in the college program last spring. Thanks to having some terrible roommates, I was termed after just one month. They said I could do it again but I don’t know if I actually will. That housing department is so corrupt they let that ruin my dream job. It is still hard for me sometimes even though I am trying.
How did you got termed because of your roomates? I’m doing the college program and I don’t want to be in trouble because of my roomates :S
Im still in the application process. Im just curious about living arrangements. Im a Huge party goer and thrower. Do you have any suggestions as to whether I should shoot for chatham or Vista Way. ?
Vista way all the way! lol
I am currently in the post phone interview stage…which is the most brutal. I already did one college program last spring in QSFB at Cosmic Rays and Typhoon Lagoon…it was terrible! I made sure not to apply for any food or custodial positions this time. I applied for both parks this time. Waiting is the crappiest part of the application process.
Hey,
My name is Tom and I have just been accepted for the Disney College Program for Fall 2013, and I am super excited. I am graduating SUNY Purchase in May.
Disney has always been a dream job of mine.
My acceptance letter said I will be working at the main entrance
Would you mind talking to me about your expeirnece in the program.
Maybe email me perhaps.
Thanks so much
Tom
Hello Tom! In terms of me talking about my experience, most of the things you need/want to know are in the blog post. Overall, it was a great once in a lifetime experience and i think every college kid should absolutely do it =) Any specific questions? Feel free to write/ comment back!
Can you please email me because i do indeed have some questions about this program. I’d so appreciate it. natistar24682powercat@yahoo.com
Hey Tom! I am also working main entrance operations this Fall.
I will be working merch this Fall… Check in August 19th 🙂
Hi, I’m Peniga 🙂
I’m going to participate in Disney International Collage Program on March 18. I’m a 21-year-old girl from Thailand, by the way. Reading your post and all the comments makes me feel soooo excited for this upcoming trip which will be my second time to America. I guess there will be a lot of fun and unique experiences like you said. Party sounds awesome there lol. Anyways, I have some other things to ask you, please email me at iggipeniga@gmail.com ^_^
I would love to have more foreign friends and it would be great to know some American colleagues there. If anyone is going to be at Disney during my visit, send me an email! ❤
I’m having second thoughts about going I’m accepted for the fall program and would like to talk about someone who has done it.
Hello Craig! My advice is to just do it and don’t look back. It’s an awesome experience and it’s so worth it. feel free to contact me if you’d like to talk more.
I’m not driving down is it that big of a deal not having a car
I did this program Spring 2003. I worked at The Haunted Mansion. It was cool. The best part was the partying and seeing celebrities. Michael Jackson came to the park when I was there. However being African American there is a racist component to the program. I faced it and many people I know dealt with it. Aside from the racism my experiences were good because of the friendships I made.
Hello Olivia! I’m glad you had a good experience, but I’m sad you dealt with racism. Could you elaborate more on that? Hope all is well!
Are you on any social media, I would love to talk more about the program. My name on twitter is @Moethedisneykid
I’m doing the program this Fall 2013 and am really excited. Which is the best apartment complex to live in ??
Vista way!!
Can you do the program again if you got sent home your first time?
I’m not 100% sure but I had a very strong impression that the answer is NO. My advice, don’t get sent home. BUT if you choose to LEAVE the program (not get sent home), you can still come back. Good luck!
Had my face to face the other day, I enjoy going out to bars/clubs etc but feel if I go next year where I will be 20 I might miss out. Should I wait until im 21 or go next year? thanks
I did my program when I was still 20. You’ll still be able to clubs, but you’ll have to pay cover charge almost every time since you won’t be buying alcohol. There wasn’t really anything I missed out on from not being 21, it just cost me more 😉 Whether you go now or later just depends on your schedule/ college plans.
Ok so it seems like they terminate you for any little thing in this program. Are they that picky? Or is it mainly because of underage drinking? I just got accepted for the fall advantage anam 26. I love to party I just don’t want this to go on my record for termination because of a small discrepancies.
They are pretty picky in my experience. Underage drinking plays a part in termination, but it also comes down to on the job responsibilities and being an idiot lol. As long as you follow directions and have some common sense, you should be ok 😉
Yes they do, that housing department is so corrupt! I had the wrong roommates who created some high school drama and they termed me and not them. You would be much better off getting your own apartment.
I was accepted for the Fall 2013 program and im truly on the fence about going. I love disney and have no issues working with people and being friendly and all that, but on the “off the Job” Social side i have HUGE anxiety problems. Id love to hear some of your stories and any advice you might have =)
Don’t be anxious! The people you’ll meet are pretty cool and everyone just wants to make friends. My advice? Just GO DO IT! Don’t look back, you’ll have a blast =)
Ashley, I am going August 12th for the Fall program, and I ALREADY have anxiety about it. I’m scared, to be honest. I’ve had the same group of friends since middle school, minus a select few I’ve made during college. I’ve never been away from home for very long. I was on the fence too, but I accepted my invitation regardless of my fears. I figured I’d probably regret not taking this amazing opportunity. Who knows, maybe we will have the time of our lives! Plus, I’ll be there too, just as anxious. We can hang out 🙂
Thank you for the words of encouragement, my arrival date is the same. But I’m really thinking of canceling my reservation. But my parents aren’t listening to that so I’m not sure what to do.
I’m not sure if someone asked this already but I want to put my version out there.. simply put: I hate my location and role. is there anything you can do to change it? I know the common answer is “no. you are stuck with what you have.” but honestly i feel like going home because i just feel super uncomfortable where i work. any advice? email me if you want 🙂 thank you!
Cool, yeah just got an offer in Merchandise for half a year and operations the other. What did you do and how did you find it? Also what things did you get up to on the days you get off?
Hey Olly, I did outdoor food and beverage and it sucked. On my days off, I’d go to the parks and have fun like everyone else. my favorite was Epcot. I’d hang out with my friends, enjoy the weather and explore Orlando =)
Iff say I want to live in a nicer building just because its nicer..but want to head over for the fun at Vista haha..do you think thats difficult because of building ID’s and the no guests over night rule/security? are they even in walking distance? what do you think…did you make friends in other buildings? 🙂
Hey! I got quick service food and bev for fall 2013! I’m incredibly scared/anxious about it. I am so attached to home and my friends and family, and I can be really shy in completely new environments. Do you think I’ll be okay? Would you say its worth it? I don’t wanna turn it down because I feel like that would be stupid of me, but what if I get there and hate it?
My program was the one where the Asians killed a duck. I saw them get caught. They were from Vietnam, they were girls, and security caught them after the ducks head was removed!
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for Orlando moving companys
Hey! Your review made me a bit worried lol- of course im a lil ol college girl who likes to party and live life, but when im in disney world i feel like im in a whole new world. The last thing i want is a bunch of horny guys to sexual harrass me and a bunch of drunk idiots to ruin my time. Ive been to disney 26 times And im only 19, i would hate it to be “coruppted” for me. Would you really say thats all its really about??
So, I applied and got accepted! Except, I don’t think I’m going back to school. Will they still let me participate anyway?
What does getting termed mean?
Terminated
There was Chinese people eating ducks in Vista. They got termed…
Two people caught a duck (late 2011) and ripped it for feathers and killed it, then the other roommate came home and saw feathers and blood everywhere and called security. Hahahahaha… I saw pictures.
I did ODF at DAK as well back in 2002. Was Sara one of your GT’s? We did the program together. ODF sucked no doubt about it but hey, I still have friends from that experience.
I worked DAK ODV too! I feel connected to you now stranger lol. Dunno how I stumbled across this but everything you said is 100% true.
Thanks for sharing such a nice thinking, post is pleasant,
thats why i have read it fully
Glad you liked it!
Hi, can you please tell me how I can do to go to the bus party? Where we have to take it?
I want to sign up for it in the spring I’m scared I liked how you said you can find yourself BEAUSE I hope to because school to be honest is horrible idk what I want to do 😦 and everyone seems too and it annoying please send me and email beause I need some advice and stuff
I am really interested in the getting laid part of the program? Would you like to elaborate on that? 🙂
If you’re a straight guy who looks decent and acts a notch above asshole, you’ll probably get laid. Given that, at least 50% of people in the program are girls and of the guys, at least 50% of them are gay…you have a pretty good chance of getting laid by either side lol…
Hi where can I take the his party?
Hi there 🙂 A friend and I just got accepted to do the culinary program internship at Disney this fall and I have a few questions about the housing if you could shoot me an email whenever you’re able to, that’d be wonderful!
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide
credit and sources back to your blog? My blog site is in
the exact same niche as yours and my users would definitely
benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let
me know if this alright with you. Regards!
Hello Margherita!
You commented on my blog that you wanted to quote some of my articles. That’s totally fine =)
Send me a link to your blog; i’d love to read some of the things you’ve written!
Best of luck and I hope all is well!
Muriel
Hi 🙂
I will probably go to the DCP next year. More or less, how much money is spent during the DCP for personal expenses?
Hey!
So I absolutely loved your post and had a couple of questions. I’m planning on applying for Spring 2014 and I was wondering if there is any wa y in which one could get a chance to visit home while they are in the program? Like for a couple of days. Also, did being part of dcp affect your “normal” college financial aid/scholarships? I know it’s different for each institution, but I just wanted to get an idea. Thanks so much! 🙂
I just sent in my application, and I am so nervous!!! I have wanted to do this for a long time, and I would be devistated if I can’t do it. Any consolation on the long waiting period?
Did you get a response as yet? I did my interview October 8th.
I received an email from the program that says “You will receive an update regarding the status of your application no later than November 15th, 2013.” Does that mean that I have to wait that long to find out if I even made the WBI?
My best friends and I are going to apply for Fall 2014 and we’re extremely excited, I just wanted to know what are the differences between the different apartments? we’re both excited to leave home and meet a lot of new people because this is an AMAZING experience
I’m really freaking out. I applied last Thursday, like 2 hours after the applications went up, and still haven’t heard anything about the WBI. My friend submitted her app like an hour before I did and got notified right away. Should I be worried or am I just being overdramatic?
I’m interested in the stories. I have applied for the Spring semester for both locations. There was a girl in my college that overheard me talking about the program. She denied it because she said it sounded expensive and crammed with work, leaving little time for homework. I like to study and do homework, but I can also party hard. Looking into it was for the experience anyway.
Hi,
I have my final interview for the internship program tomorrow.
I am but a humble 23 year old who is out and about with his homosexuality.
That said. My biggest fear is not fitting in and/or not making friends I can relate to ha ha. I know you’ve said there is a big gay presence but say I get roomed with gay-hating straight guys is it possible to request another room?
I was also curious what the gay scene was like there?
if you can email me that’d be cool!
ben_d_De_leon@Hotmail.com
thanks,
ben
This was great! I just got in for the spring program and I plan to go! I am only a sophomore in school & I am not receiving credit for it. Im a psychology major and I just want to see if you think the program is worth it for me? I am food and beverage:/ Am I able to ask to be changed or would that be considered rude to them? And do I wear a costume as well. Any information will help for sure!
It’s never considered rude to ask for something else if you have interest elsewhere (or just say you do), like say in merch or something. You’ve been accepted already, so it make no sense to drop you because you asked if there were anything else available. The company has an invested interest in you at this point since paid workers have reviewed and accepted your app and ultimately you’ll save them money as cheap labor. 😛 The worst they’ll do is say, ‘Nope, sorry.” But, who knows, you may get a hold of someone on their good day who’s willing to help you.
As far as wearing a costume is concerned, the answer is 99.9% YES, haha. Some are a touch more embarrassing/flattering than others, but everyone is in the same boat, so it doesn’t matter. You won’t be wearing anything incredibly elaborate like a character costume, but it will be themed to match your location. I wouldn’t even worry about that though, since depending on what you get, you’ll generally be over it in a week anyway.
I just got accepted into Spring program as a lifeguard! Do you know if the arrival dates are later? Cuz I’m in a musical now and dont want to quit. Also, I dont just have $300 to pay for the depoit right now so do you think i can talk to them about getting some sort of financial aid?
Applied for the Spring Advantage 2014 and haven’t heard anything back yet. I will be 20 when I go but is there anything for the people like me who don’t like to party……….I’m not much of a partier and I have never drunk anything in my life any ideas? and what are the different jobs around the parks?
meant to say that i applied almost a month ago and all i have gotten is that my application is pending a final decision…….should i be worried?
That’s what they told me. I just don’t understand.
It’s been a month since I applied, and I got another email that told me again that I might have to wait until Nov. 15. I’m pretty bummed.
I’ve only been waiting since the 8th of October which is when I did my interview but I saw on Facebook that some people did their interview just before I did mine and they already got accepted, I wonder what’s up with that.
I applied for the dcp , did my phone interview and web based over the course of two days! Now the waiting begins, I am sooo anxious and nervous!
Hey I have some questions if you could email me! Its about living! thanks 🙂
Please email me those stories lol I start in April (as a lifeguard) and im kind of curious.
Hey my names Shawn Henry, I was Accepted for the Disney Program for the Spring Advantage and I would love to hear anyones opinions and stories from their time in the program. This will help me a lot, as I am doing a research paper on the College Program. My Thesis is If Students do the program for experience over prestige or vice versa. Anything you have to say is helpful.
Thanks guys and girls.
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I am beyond excited!!!! I got accepted for the Spring Advantage and will be doing the food and beverage position. The part doesn’t seem great, but deff looking forward to the experience!! I hope to make many more friends! & yes I’ll go out lol, add me on facebook that way I get to know some of you that will be doing the sring 2014 with me!!! 🙂 http://facebook.com/caligirl.isabel
Hey I currently applied to the spring one for 2013! How long did it take you to find out you got it? And I applied twice but to California and Florida, using two different usernames, but same info and all, you think that would ruin my chances ?
When does the Spring 2014 program start and end(dates)
SO i like to go out and have a good time and such but i try too keep my standards high, will i be like a random freak at disney or will i still be able to have a good time even if i dont go out 24/7 or sleep around thanks!
You’ll be fine =) Parting gets old pretty fast. As long as you allocate your time accordingly- like go out 1-2 nights to party (usually on your days off or when you have have a late shift and then sleep at a regular time the rest of the night (you can still hang with your friends, have a movie night in the apartments) you’ll be ok
thanks!!
Im doing International program in january, what do you mean by touchy feely?? and Also do you know any ifeguard from who I could get any advice. thank you
The DCP is nothing more than another form of slavery. At WDW, you aren’t even required to take any classes. The classes they do have aren’t even accredited.
Hey Muriel, I’m thinking of applying for the program and there were a few things I wanted to ask you about your time there. I’ve never used WordPress before so I’m not sure how it works but if you could reply on here then I can drop you an email or something that would be great! 🙂
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog
before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking
and checking back frequently!
Don’t know if you still respond to this blog, but I’m thinking about doing this for the Fall 2014 semester, and what I got from your blog was a lot of advice on people who like to go out and party in their spare time. I’m not someone who typically does that, in fact I really hate partying and being wild. My idea of a great night is watching silent movies, going on the computer or frankly just sleeping, so my question is, do you know what there is to do for someone who will be under 21 and DOESN’T want to party or do crazy things like that? Stuff like museums, or antique stores around the area, or what the etiquette is on actually going around the park on your time off? I’m not one to play hookey much either, to be perfectly honest.
Unless you have a car there is NOTHING to do. Vista does have a movie library but it is incredibly limited in scope of movies. Shoot me an email if you are still a CP I am in the program right now.
I live in Vista way now and they shut the hot tubs down for “safety reasons.” They’ve been cemented over. I wish I had read this before I went in the hot tubs…
for everyone concerned about not hearing back about moving onto the next interview, the first one did say not tell us what you think we want to hear, I’m 23 and have worked for abercrombie&fitch for almost 6 years and was brutally honest about how i really don’t like dealing with people and can lose my patience quickly with certain kinds of customers and they sent me my next interviews within 5 minutes of completing the prior one. so unless the questions are set that they won’t send you an invitation to fill out the next WBI because you answered what you think they want to hear, i’m not exactly sure what to tell you (if anyone even still visits this site even). but disney was my last resort because my first choice was cartoon network or adult swim and NONE of the offices i applied for called me back which was a very sore disappointment but disney was the only one that did and my hellhole college won’t give me credit but I’m going anyway for experience and to put it on my resume, and because tim burton is my idol and he got his start at disney. i haven’t started yet, but everyone I’ve talked to has either done it or know someone who has done the program and loved it. the longest I’ve been away from my family was 3 weeks in high school on a school trip to europe and they put me in fall advantage even though i didn’t apply for that and QSFB even though i told my recruiter i worked as a hostess at a Hooters type of restaurant and HATED IT. so my advice is don’t expect to get the role you apply for and the dates you arrive are already set for you once you get your role. mine said may/june and i wrongly assumed i could choose to leave in june which would give me more time with my family but i have to leave 2 days after my last exam and my parents will be vacationing in france so i can’t even say goodbye to them. all in all, so far don’t hold any expectations. during the phone interview i said my top choices were pirate league, merchandise, and lifeguard and as previously stated, i have 6 years of retail experience yet they gave me QSFB which i have no experience and put me in fall advantage which i told my recruiter i DIDNT want. i think they need to update the website and specify more because i assumed i would get to choose my arrival date and they made it seem like i could get my own personal room which according to other blogs I’ve read, you can’t which really upsets me because i LIKE my personal space. if disney wasn’t such a reputable company and my friend who did it before said she has people give her their card just by mentioning she worked here, which in my major, PR, we need to do, i would just term myself before i get there. I got screwed out of the role, arrival time, and soon my housing that I wanted and to be honest i don’t see any reason to go since they screwed me over on everything but it is disney and besides my bitching (‘scuse my french) its gonna help me in the long run so i suppose i shouldnt complain. i just don’t want it to be such a miserable experience that getting stuck with FALL ADVANTAGE and working 3 months longer than regular fall makes me wanna term early.
Let me be the first to say I was so excited for my Disney College Program. I was cast as a lifeguard, and I went in Spring of 2013.
This isn’t going to be a good review, but I promise I will only post the truth.
Just a short year ago, I embarked on a long journey away from Colorado in order to gain valuable experience with one of the premier companies in the world. Now I’m not going to glorify the Disney College Program because, if I’m being honest, the actual program was awful. Terrible housing, miserable hours, strict standards, unsafe conditions, I got my laptop stolen right out of my apartment, and more than a few of my friends were treated extremely unfairly by the Disney staff.
I had to move 3 times because my housing was so bad.
I was sexually harassed by one of my roommates, and Disney not only failed to do anything about it, but they refused to believe my assault. They said I was making it up “to switch housing.” I kid you not. They really did say that. I had to fight tooth and nail to be moved away from my assaulter. In the end, I did get moved; however, that’s only because I fought incredibly hard.
My apartment was unsafe, and someone broke in while I was sleeping and took my laptop. Disney did nothing about it. Again they said I must have “left my door open.” My door was dead bolted. I contacted the police, but they couldn’t do anything.
I was forcibly deployed from my work location (Blizzard Beach) to Pop Century for TWO MONTHS despite complaints. I was worked rigorously, and it was impossible to get time off because they were so understaffed. I almost got fired from Disney for having to miss some time of work because I was so sick with food poisoning from the Disney break room food.
I eventually ended up leaving the program a month early. More than 10 of my friends left the program early as well.
I refuse to sugar coat this program. Disney really needs to be held accountable for what a mess this program has become. They are overall usually a wonderful company, but the Disney College Program shouldn’t be offered as it stands.
wow guess things have changed a bit since my internship (guess no seminars? Grad ball? grad mickey ears with tassle? Back door to Pleasure Island?-now “Downtown disney/boardwalk” I got a “Ducktorate Degree” from my internship) i turned 21 during my term (>20 years ago). for you newbies-an Internship at Disney World on your resume will get a question asked EVERY SINGLE TIME. I swear i got callbacks for jobs just for having that on my resume-and it’s not even remotely related to the field I ended up in! Savor the experience. do other things (back in era of shuttle launches we got up really early to go see a launch-ended up on this back road the locals use to hang out and watch launches-one of best experiences ever)
Does anyone know if it is common for older people to be part of the program? If I applied for the Spring, I would be 27 entering the program…
If given the opportunity to do any CP role, JUMP at the chance. I am an old-timer that did CP in Summer of 1992. I almost didn’t accept the program b/c I got a lousy job….outside foods at the Studios but the experience literally changed my life. I never left Orlando, although I have traveled the world with all of the people I met at Vista Way, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was 21 years old when I did the program, and I ended up finishing college in Orlando at UCF. You will work like a dog and be as poor as a church mouse, but the experience is invaluable and make you richer beyond belief.
I enjoy college girls. Fresh , every summer, fall and spring. I buy the booze and get some college cooze.
Girls are trained by porn to perform on film. Thanks for the digital dailies ladies xxxooo
Hello,
I really like your article. I can relate to what you have written about here. I think it would do a lot of people good if they would be more up front about the bad side ofbeing a CP instead of making it seem so perfect all the time. I was wondering if you would be insterested in sharing some of your stories good bad and hilarious at my new website dcpstory.com i started this website as a place for people to share their stories about the disney college program and hopefully the collection of peoples experiences will help give a more cut and dry picture of what it’s really like to be on the Disney College Program. I hope you will consider sharing at least one of your stories if not more. Based on the article you wrote I’m sure you have a lot of great stories you can share with the community. Check it out at http://dcpstory.con and help us build a community of honest experiences of the Disney College Program. 🙂
So late to the party, but I was thinking about doing the dcp but I have some quick questions. If you could email me, that would be awesome 🙂
I will turn 21 on August 20th, will I be able to move out of a wellness apartment?
I used to work for Disney World back in 1999-2000, and yes Vista Way had voted by PlayBoy magazine as the easiest place to get laid in all of Orlando FL, but that is because of all of the intetnational college students back in those days!! Plus, back then, I had never heard of any of my friends having to pay so much to live at Vista Lay and still having to have a roommate also!! From what I knew of back then, the college students who were lucky enough to make into the management training part of Disney’d College Program “exprience” were treat way better, but still had to roommate with other Disney College Program managers off of properity, behind the Animal Kingdom, I think they call it the Windemere area, and at the time they were paying $1200 for a 3/2 which was split among the 3 of them!! Most people put themselves through this hell just to be able to put the word Walt Disney World on their resume and that is it!! Anyone can email me if they have any questions about this or about the Orlando FL area!!
If you do the college program I recommend trying to be a lifeguard. As a lifeguard you probably get paid a bit more than rest of the CPs. The training though is very intense and prepare for daily training and training exercises almost every day. Be warn if you work at one of the water parks you are being watched by mangers, lower mangers actting like guests trying make sure you are on top of our game and not skrewing up. They test you with a vat that looks like a person on bottom of any of the pools if you do not spot it in seconds and blow your whistle and point and stop water attraction and get the vat within seconds you get in trouble and have extra training on your time not theirs. But remember its Disney how the hell can you pay attention to that crap with 100s of people everywhere and well going off subject. Being lifeguard at Disney can be fun at times but stressful. If you like more action work at one of water parks. I worked at Blizzard beach and there was always something going on. Kids almost drowning, people having heart attacks, people heading heads or cuting themselves on accident well list can go on and sometimes that one day. So if you like action and ready for anything water park is for you. For people who want less intense work try being a lifeguard at the resorts its relaxing less stressful and guest do not act like craze lunatics. All the resorts are awsome the contemporary resort was the most relaxing to me and very peaceful. Yes you can still work at resort pools even if you work at one of water parks. I volunteered almost everyday cause well 10 mintues before water park opens you and rest of guards have meeting everyday and at end management saids if anyone like to volunteer to work at such and such resorts and I always voluntered its a great way to explore most resorts but warning the resort guards do not like water park guards cause they think were stuck up and that we think we are better guards than them. Sadly its true that most waterpark lifeguards think they our better and that they our the second coming. If you are like me and just want to explore the resorts and have a less intense day at a resort than the crazy water park introduce yourself to all the resort lifeguard before or after management meeting to break the ice and come off humble and don’t try to one up anyone telling them about you heroic days at the waterpark. You will have to shadow a guard for 20 mintues just to get familiar with resort good opportunity to just talk and ask questions the guards love that and also talk about how stuck up the guards you work with are only if they mention it first which they will if you come off quiet and humble. Most of time and its happen to me at every resort I worked at the guard teaining me or showing me the resort will always say you work at the blizzard water park? You don’t seem stuck up and like a know it all you seem chill etc. It take sometime getting use to but first day you work at a resort you will probably be the most intense guard running to stand and being anxious which the other guards will look at you weird or laugh so try to relax while guarding at a resorts its not like the water park were you have to rush and be on edge every freaking second. I guarantee if you are a lifeguard at water park and volunteer to work a day at a resort you will have a better fun relaxing day and try to volunteer for a resort to work at everytime a resort needs extra guards. Now being a lifeguard is like a click like top of the food chain basically highschool your the popular kids. I mean people see you in your uniform, costume whatever its called and act like your the coolest thing and your sexiness goes up. I mean I am not bad looking dude and have bit of muscular body but always been bit plain, average but when in the lifeguard attire my confidence went up a bit which never had high confidence and I was getting asked out a lot by women lifeguards and women who were just Guests. It was new for me cause I am a very shy guy and get a lot of attention from women and complements was a awsome feeling. Now going back to popularity lifeguards thought they were everything and some would try to get big groups together after work to go to resturant and be seen in their uniform and loud to tey look cool I went one time with some of guards and felt extremely embarrassed they were rude to other customers and employees and just jerky which please if you going be like that do not have your Disney attrie on actting like that cause thats automatic termination. Now some lifeguards dislike me cause I would not join them on lunch breaks or other breaks I sit away or alone or with the the custodians or other cast members and guess that ment I was dissing them. Most times the more popular guards would set up parties or go clubs in big group and if they spotted you and do not join them you never hear end of it or if you never go out next day at work they act like you killed someone. Now not all lifeguards act like what I been saying but mostly water park guards do unless they our foreign which most are very nice, or loners like myself or the nerdy ones but for rest its like they our trying to prove something or never got over highschool and being a lifeguard gives them that thrill again and I feel bad for those people the stuck up ones that made life a living hell for others in highschool and after and now still lifeguard way into their 30s trying to hang on to their glory days. I look back at my highschool days what if I never got injured and was able to stay on football team would I of been just like the preppy aholes and barley passing highschool and making life hell for others? I am not perfect but my injury to my neck my sophomore year highschool was blessing it opened me up to others and more open books and better education showed me there more to life than sports and being popular.
This sounds like working at Busch gardens but on steroids lol. I think I’m going to take your advice and hope for the best. 😊 It sounds like you had an awesome time!
Best time of my life. TOGA ! TOGA! TOGA!
HERE IS A VIDEO OF THE PARTY BUSES: https://youtu.be/5hOjye4Z3a0
So I have my phone interview tomorrow and I’m really nervous, but excited! Except I have may have a dilemma.. As the head mascot of a certain D1 university, I’d have to give up mascotting for the whole football season and I’d miss out on all the holidays, birthdays, and university sponsored events (homecoming, fraternity recruitment, etc) Plus, the start date would cut into the tail end of an important summer internship and it would potentially push back my graduation date. To top it off, upon my arrival for the spring semester, I’d have nowhere to live on campus…. But, I’m afraid if I wait it out to the spring program, I may not get this opportunity again. Is it really all that worth it?
Just wondering about getting terms over roommates. I’m 20 but have 3 kids over 21 that want to room in wellness with me. I have no idea why, since they drink. But they say it’s okay to them to not drink in the apartment. If one of these guys messes up and brings back a beer, will I get termed? Also, what if one brings in an overnight guest. I’m not for it, but cant stop it. will I be termed. I can’t control what others do, and for this reason I’m thinking I want to room with only 1 person just to keep the chances of getting termed low