While the Disney College Program is a fantastic way to establish oneself within the Company several other opportunities abound for those who may want to find another way to do that. Though not for American students, Disney International Programs give foreigners their own chance to live the dream of being valued cast members. It is a way for them to discover life outside their own countries & hopefully to truly enjoy what they are doing. For more information & to apply to this unique opportunity, visit disneyinternationalprograms.com. For those who are more inclined towards Disneyland, the Disney College Program is also located at the Disneyland Resort. Although similar, there are differences between this & the Disney World program & they can be found at dlrcollegeprogram.com. The Disney CareerStart Program, at both Disney World & Disneyland, is for high school graduates who desire to end those four years on a high note. For anyone who wants to explore this program any further, disneycareerstart.com is the place to go. The next step after doing the regular Disney College Program is to be a part of Disney Professional Internships. If sticking with Disney seems like a good idea & moving up in the Company sounds like the right path to take, then disneyinterns.com is where it's at. Of course, it is also possible to choose from one of the many regular part-time, full-time, or seasonal roles at the Walt Disney World Resort. This option may be most similar to any other 9-5 job, but it doesn't have to be ordinary. For those who feel at home in the spotlight, Walt Disney Entertainment Auditions are the way to go. To locate available on-stage positions, visit disneyauditions.com. The place to locate work on the high seas is dcljobs.com. The Disney Cruise Line is a truly unique prospect for those who feel a devotion to the cruise industry, particularly one owned & operated by Disney. Adventures by Disney is another employment option that is hard to find anywhere else. For additional information about this adventurous opportunity, head on over to adventuresbydisney.jobs. There are also a variety of Professional, Administrative, & Technical Roles available at the Walt Disney World Resort which can give current as well as prospective cast members even more experience with such a winning company! The web address for roles in these three categories is disneycareers.com.
As you can see by now, The Walt Disney Company has so many more areas than just summer internships. Disney is for people who genuinely desire to reach great heights...& to do so with their dreams intact.
~Steph :)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Cast Offerings, Events, & Activities
As if it hasn't already been made clear, I'd like to reiterate the fact that it is pretty difficult to get bored while in the Disney College Program. And though it is possible, there is just so much more to this internship than working an ordinary 9-5 job. For example, cast members receive the following:
> admission to the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks; you will also receive a Main Entrance Pass that allows you to admit as many as three friends &/or family members into the theme parks six times during your program.
> discounts on select merchandise, Food & Beverage, & resort accommodations at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort & in the local community.
> access to Mickey's Retreat (the Cast Member recreation area), the opportunity to get involved in Diversity Resource Groups, & the chance to take part in special Cast Member events & activities, such as behind-the-scenes tours, sports leagues, volunteer activities, & sneak previews of attractions.
> participants living in the apartment complexes will also have the opportunity to attend exclusive events & activities, including pool parties, trips to the beach, movie nights, & more.
This is just a small look at what students can fill their time with while interning for The Walt Disney Company. And, really, there's much more than simply meeting characters & riding rides, though that is quite a treat in itself. Disney wants its employees to believe that there is so much more to life than meets the eye...if only they will seek it out!
~Steph :)
> admission to the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks; you will also receive a Main Entrance Pass that allows you to admit as many as three friends &/or family members into the theme parks six times during your program.
> discounts on select merchandise, Food & Beverage, & resort accommodations at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort & in the local community.
> access to Mickey's Retreat (the Cast Member recreation area), the opportunity to get involved in Diversity Resource Groups, & the chance to take part in special Cast Member events & activities, such as behind-the-scenes tours, sports leagues, volunteer activities, & sneak previews of attractions.
> participants living in the apartment complexes will also have the opportunity to attend exclusive events & activities, including pool parties, trips to the beach, movie nights, & more.
This is just a small look at what students can fill their time with while interning for The Walt Disney Company. And, really, there's much more than simply meeting characters & riding rides, though that is quite a treat in itself. Disney wants its employees to believe that there is so much more to life than meets the eye...if only they will seek it out!
~Steph :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Earning
Literally one-third of the program is devoted to earning, which is by no means the smallest part of the program. As if you need any convincing, it is the purpose of the Disney College Program to gain working experience with one of the most well-known companies in the world. Along the way,
...participants may be working indoors &/or outdoors, depending on their role at the Walt Disney World Resort.
...depending on the role they are selected for, participants receive a rate of $7.25-8.39 per hour.
...participants must have full work availability, which includes working days, nights, weekends, & holidays; they must also be flexible to work any time of day, including early morning or after midnight, & may be scheduled to work overtime.
...participants that are enrolled in Disney Education Courses or distance learning will be scheduled between 30-45 hours per week during non-peak periods; during peak periods, participants may be scheduled for more than 45 hours per week. (Please note that Disney Education Courses are not in session during peak periods.)
...participants not enrolled in any learning component will be scheduled 30-50 hours during non-peak periods; during certain arrival periods (generally January, May, & August) & during peak periods, they may be scheduled more than 50 hours per week.
...participants must meet the guidelines of The Disney Look by the time they arrive & are expected to meet them throughout their program.
Though the work itself is a major focus of the program, surprisingly enough, making money itself doesn't seem to be. It is the rare student who does this internship solely for the money. Yes, the fact that it is a paid internship is a bonus, but that's really all it is; it's not often that saving is the goal because there is just too much fun to be had;) Of course making money is important but it cannot be the focus or else the chance of the program being a truly amazing experience will be unlikely.
~Steph :)
...participants may be working indoors &/or outdoors, depending on their role at the Walt Disney World Resort.
...depending on the role they are selected for, participants receive a rate of $7.25-8.39 per hour.
...participants must have full work availability, which includes working days, nights, weekends, & holidays; they must also be flexible to work any time of day, including early morning or after midnight, & may be scheduled to work overtime.
...participants that are enrolled in Disney Education Courses or distance learning will be scheduled between 30-45 hours per week during non-peak periods; during peak periods, participants may be scheduled for more than 45 hours per week. (Please note that Disney Education Courses are not in session during peak periods.)
...participants not enrolled in any learning component will be scheduled 30-50 hours during non-peak periods; during certain arrival periods (generally January, May, & August) & during peak periods, they may be scheduled more than 50 hours per week.
...participants must meet the guidelines of The Disney Look by the time they arrive & are expected to meet them throughout their program.
Though the work itself is a major focus of the program, surprisingly enough, making money itself doesn't seem to be. It is the rare student who does this internship solely for the money. Yes, the fact that it is a paid internship is a bonus, but that's really all it is; it's not often that saving is the goal because there is just too much fun to be had;) Of course making money is important but it cannot be the focus or else the chance of the program being a truly amazing experience will be unlikely.
~Steph :)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Learning
Believe it or not, there is an (optional) learning portion of the program that is a lot like regular school. This, of course, may lead some to shy away but how many students can honestly say that they went to school AT Walt Disney World?!?! Like the other two portions of the program there are a couple of things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to take a class:
- There are many different courses currently offered at the Walt Disney World Resort, & several have been recommended for academic credit by the American Council on Education.
- Other opportunities for learning include training classes at the Disney Learning Centers, personal & professional development activities, & networking sessions with Disney leaders.
- The Walt Disney World Resort does not charge a tuition fee for the courses they offer, but you may be responsible for textbook & materials costs, which range from $15-120 per course; if you are earning credit for the education courses, your school may charge tuition/enrollment fees.
Taking an education course at Disney really can be an enjoyable experience that is worth some consideration, especially for those who are serious about their own education. And though there are many more details about these classes, this is not the place for that since it's really just an overview. When it all comes down to it, there is nothing quite like learning at one of the world's greatest playgrounds!
~Steph :)
- There are many different courses currently offered at the Walt Disney World Resort, & several have been recommended for academic credit by the American Council on Education.
- Other opportunities for learning include training classes at the Disney Learning Centers, personal & professional development activities, & networking sessions with Disney leaders.
- The Walt Disney World Resort does not charge a tuition fee for the courses they offer, but you may be responsible for textbook & materials costs, which range from $15-120 per course; if you are earning credit for the education courses, your school may charge tuition/enrollment fees.
Taking an education course at Disney really can be an enjoyable experience that is worth some consideration, especially for those who are serious about their own education. And though there are many more details about these classes, this is not the place for that since it's really just an overview. When it all comes down to it, there is nothing quite like learning at one of the world's greatest playgrounds!
~Steph :)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Living
"Vista, Chatham, or Patterson?"
This is by far one of the most common questions prospective participants ask one another before taking on the College Program. Surprisingly, though, there are other points to consider:- One- to four-bedroom apartments are available, with 2 participants in each room.
- Housing rates range from $82-108 per week (depending on apartment size) & are automatically deducted from your paycheck; there is also a one-time Program Assessment & Activities Fee of $100 due upon your acceptance of a role in the Disney College Program.
- Each complex is gated with 24-hour security, & apartments are fully furnished; utilities & certain amenities are included.
- If you are under the age of 21 upon arrival, you will be placed in a Wellness apartment (where no alcohol is permitted at any time); if you are over the age of 21, you will be placed in a Non-Wellness apartment, unless you would like to request a Wellness apartment (subject to availability). *All apartments are non-smoking.*
- Participants are encouraged to bring a vehicle; however, bus transportation is provided to & from work & to local places such as the bank, grocery store, & mall.
- Guests are welcome to visit the apartment complex until 1 a.m., & overnight guests are not permitted.
Even though there are quite a few rules & regulations, they are not too hard to live by. I, myself, never felt unsafe when I lived there & the expectations of security were not unreasonable, for the most part (though some would disagree). Also, the value received for the cost paid is worth it since the apartments are really quite nice. Each complex is also equipped with a pool & hot tub, a gym, & a post office of sorts. The conveniences of living at Disney are certainly a plus to the program & should only add to the enjoyment of being a cast member!
~Steph :)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Overall
Surely, by this time, it has been made abundantly clear that the Disney College Program, as an ever-growing portion of The Walt Disney Company, is a worthwhile investment of one's time (& money). And as I continue to talk about this fabulous opportunity I feel it is rather important that I go over some of the major points of the program that help set it apart from other college internships. But first, I'd like to mention the program seasons which give most students ample time to plan & prepare for the experience of a lifetime; & those seasons are as follows:
- Spring ~ approximately January to May
- Spring Advantage ~ approx. January/February to August
- Spring Advantage Quarter ~ approx. March/April to August
- Fall ~ approximately August to January
- Fall Advantage ~ approx. May/June to January
- Fall Advantage Quarter ~ approx. June to January
- Culinary Program ~ varies
- Summer Alumni Opportunity ~ May to August
Now that I've gone over exactly when the program takes place, there are a few other points which deserve to be mentioned. The Disney College Program allows & encourages its cast members to:
- build transferable skills that include relationship building, problem solving, & written & verbal communication.
- explore networking opportunities at the Walt Disney World Resort.
- tap into educational opportunities that offer new courses coupling academic theory & Walt Disney World management expertise.
- earn real-world experience with a leader in the industry.
- make friendships that cover the globe.
- enjoy the privileges of being a Walt Disney World Cast Member, including theme park admission & discounts on resort accommodations, merchandise, & more.
With the previous points only being snippets of what can be expected as a Disney student, it's easy to see why so many people look forward to participating each year. Now that's not to say it's a perfect experience...but it sure is a worthwhile one!
~Steph :)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Love of My Life!
At this point in the life of my blog I feel that it's about time to talk about what I love more than anything else in the entire world. All I have to do is stand in line for the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios & life becomes perfect. I have never had an unhappy moment at the Tower of Terror, with no shortage of "magical moments". I have met some pretty special people who have worked there, who helped make my experiences on the ride nothing less than spectacular. Picture after picture that has been taken on that ride clearly shows my excitement, & sometimes even fear, for the fun I am having. With each time out of the over 230 that I went on it, nothing else in life really mattered; it was the ideal escape from reality that only ever led to positive effects.
I have always been a fan of "The Twilight Zone" which was a popular 50's & 60's TV show hosted & written by Rod Serling. The mysteries of each episode taught important life lessons while having an element of fantasy to them. So, basing its back story on that show, four guests & one bellhop of The Hollywood Tower Hotel, in 1939, step onto the elevator to get to a Halloween party at the 13th floor Tip Top Club. It is the 8:00 hour & there is a thunderstorm brewing outside. As the storm rages on a lightning bolt strikes the hotel & causes the elevator to crash to the ground with the five individuals inside. As a result, they were never able to make it to the party & became stuck as ghosts inside the once lively, now deserted hotel. It is now the task of all who choose to brave the Tower of Terror to find the lost guests/ghosts by way of the service elevator & help them get to the party once & for all.
Besides the fact that I simply love "The Twilight Zone" I think a lot of the reason the Tower of Terror means so much to me is because the TV show is incorporated so well into the ride. It is so much more than just a 13 story free-fall (or else I wouldn't like it so much). I have such a passion for this attraction that no other ride can EVER live up to its glory!
~Steph :)
I have always been a fan of "The Twilight Zone" which was a popular 50's & 60's TV show hosted & written by Rod Serling. The mysteries of each episode taught important life lessons while having an element of fantasy to them. So, basing its back story on that show, four guests & one bellhop of The Hollywood Tower Hotel, in 1939, step onto the elevator to get to a Halloween party at the 13th floor Tip Top Club. It is the 8:00 hour & there is a thunderstorm brewing outside. As the storm rages on a lightning bolt strikes the hotel & causes the elevator to crash to the ground with the five individuals inside. As a result, they were never able to make it to the party & became stuck as ghosts inside the once lively, now deserted hotel. It is now the task of all who choose to brave the Tower of Terror to find the lost guests/ghosts by way of the service elevator & help them get to the party once & for all.
Besides the fact that I simply love "The Twilight Zone" I think a lot of the reason the Tower of Terror means so much to me is because the TV show is incorporated so well into the ride. It is so much more than just a 13 story free-fall (or else I wouldn't like it so much). I have such a passion for this attraction that no other ride can EVER live up to its glory!
~Steph :)
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