College Program Questions Thread, Pt 4

[Geomom]

In what year of high school should you apply? Should my child apply each year?

Note that this is NOT a college, it is a program Disney has for current college students and recent college graduates (within 2 yrs). Generally you would apply 4-6 months before you want to start (when applications are open). You sign up for a 4-7 month time period, based on the dates available for arrival/departure. You may be able to extend the program up to a year, but can't stay beyond that. Once accepted into it, there are program fees to pay.

You are assigned a job at Disney World paying $16/hr, and you won't know your role until a month before. My DD ended up in food and beverage, she was hoping for photopass as that aligns with her degree. The majority of people end up in food and beverage, merchandise, custodial. There are also roles in attractions, parking, house person, lifeguard, photopass , and children's activities.

There is an optional learning component to it where they can sign up for classes in career readiness, leadership, hospitality, guest speakers, and general Disney knowledge--bur none of that gives you college credits.

 

[KimM82]

It amazes me how much the program has changed. I am a CP Alumni (Fall '01). It was SO tough to get into at the time. I was lucky enough to land a job at attractions in Fantasyland. However, I was there for 9/11 and things for us changed drastically. Our hours were cut almost in half, making it barely affordable to pay our rent. Would I do it again? Absolutely. It wasn't just the job I had, but the people that made the experience unforgettable. For reference, I was only 18, turned 19 while I was there and this was my first time away from home ( I am from MA, so 1300 miles away). I saw it as my "semester abroad", as the college I went to was a mere 20 minutes from my house.

 

[rdaky]

For the DCP, they have to be a HS graduate and enrolled in college, 2 or 4 year. They can apply during their first semester, however you should check to see if the school will allow credit for participation. Many colleges do not. If you live locally, your child could apply for a PT position at 16, however you have to be 18 to work attractions and some of the other positions.

As a local, I do not know a single position where Disney is hiring 16 year olds any time recently. Every position that I have seen posted in the last year has been 18+ and the jobs where they place most college program (merchandise, attractions, food and beverage, custodial) haven't hired any PT or FT in months... maybe a year. Because they can fill those spots with cheaper labor of college program where pay is less, and they aren't offering health insurance, retirement, free college tuition, holiday pay, among other things like they offer for regular employees. It's a win for Disney for sure.

 

[rdaky]

It amazes me how much the program has changed. I am a CP Alumni (Fall '01). It was SO tough to get into at the time.

Yeah. I have wondered when they're going to tighten up some of the requirements again. I've heard about and witnessed some CPs who should have never been hired by Disney.

 

[Mle8308]

As a local, I do not know a single position where Disney is hiring 16 year olds any time recently. Every position that I have seen posted in the last year has been 18+ and the jobs where they place most college program (merchandise, attractions, food and beverage, custodial) haven't hired any PT or FT in months... maybe a year. Because they can fill those spots with cheaper labor of college program where pay is less, and they aren't offering health insurance, retirement, free college tuition, holiday pay, among other things like they offer for regular employees. It's a win for Disney for sure.

Never said they have hired 16 year olds recently, just saying they can and have in the past (I managed a few 16 year olds, it’s almost more hassle than it’s worth due to labor restrictions). The DCP does absolutely favor Disney. As most things they do, do.

 

[Newsies]

If you live locally, your child could apply for a PT position at 16, however you have to be 18 to work attractions and some of the other positions.

This is unfortunately no longer true Globally, you now have to be 18 to work for the Disney Company or at Walt Disney World, including PT/hourly.

 

[Mle8308]

This is unfortunately no longer true Globally, you now have to be 18 to work for the Disney Company or at Walt Disney World, including PT/hourly.

Thanks for the update! Probably better off, it was very difficult trying to work with 16 year olds schedule wise!

 

[rdaky]

Thanks for the update! Probably better off, it was very difficult trying to work with 16 year olds schedule wise!

I don't know when you worked there (I'm guessing 2007 at the latest next to your name? Maybe?) but a lot has changed. A lot has even changed since Covid in the hiring and scheduling and so on.

 

[Mle8308]

I don't know when you worked there (I'm guessing 2007 at the latest next to your name? Maybe?) but a lot has changed. A lot has even changed since Covid in the hiring and scheduling and so on.

Yep! It was a while ago. Good catch! And yes, a lot has changed. Still have quite a few friends working there, however after all this time they have moved up quite nicely (and well deservedly so) and aren't involved in the day to day operations anymore.

 

[mmouse50]

Do you if you would be a candidate if you are applying to the program to work your second college semester while attending your first semester? Will Disney send you a rejection notice after a phone interview if not accepted?

 

[Mle8308]

Do you if you would be a candidate if you are applying to the program to work your second college semester while attending your first semester? Will Disney send you a rejection notice after a phone interview if not accepted?

You will receive a non select email. You can also track your status on your dashboard.

 

[mom of 3 blondes]

When do you think applications will open for cep 2025? We are from Canada and can’t seem to find any info. Thanks.

 

[Kare]

DD23 found out this past weekend that they are accepted to DCP for January - May. Does anyone have experience going to the WDW program from the west coast? Unfortunately the costume / wardrobe program is only at WDW and not DL.

We're crunching numbers on whether it makes sense to drive their car, or just do Uber and deliveries when needed.
Also wrapping my head around how much stuff they'd need for 4 months and if that's doable in a few suitcases if they fly instead :O

 

[Geomom]

DD23 found out this past weekend that they are accepted to DCP for January - May. Does anyone have experience going to the WDW program from the west coast? Unfortunately the costume / wardrobe program is only at WDW and not DL.

We're crunching numbers on whether it makes sense to drive their car, or just do Uber and deliveries when needed.
Also wrapping my head around how much stuff they'd need for 4 months and if that's doable in a few suitcases if they fly instead :O

Are they going to live at Flamingo Crossings Village? DD24 has been there since January with no car (with her extension will be there a full year.). They have bus service to all Disney work locations and a couple shopping routes. There is a small Target in walking distance that she gets some groceries from and she does Hello Fresh every week (3 meals for 2 people). She also has a few friends with cars and makes occasional grocery runs that way. Also a couple grocery deliveries. We flew from New England on Southwest, so we had 2 free suitcases each.

 

[Kare]

Are they going to live at Flamingo Crossings Village? DD24 has been there since January with no car (with her extension will be there a full year.). They have bus service to all Disney work locations and a couple shopping routes. There is a small Target in walking distance that she gets some groceries from and she does Hello Fresh every week (3 meals for 2 people). She also has a few friends with cars and makes occasional grocery runs that way. Also a couple grocery deliveries. We flew from New England on Southwest, so we had 2 free suitcases each.

Thank you
They're coming from LA and there's no nonstops on SW from LA, but it would be worth a connection for the 2 free suitcases and the price is pretty good at the moment.

Good to hear that there is Target etc in walking distance from Flamingo which it seems like where they'll be staying. Huge bummer that we'll be paying for car insurance for a car that will be parked in CA for 4 months, so that's a factor vs Uber in FL.
Since they just found out in the last week, we're still feeling things out. They don't love the idea of not having a car in case they need something, plus their dad is in FL every month and a car would mean they could go visit him on a day off.

Do you know... for the DCP people who do have a car, what is the situation of them being able to drive to work? Is there employee parking in the general area of the parks? I've been to WDW as a guest a couple dozen times (and got married there ) but I don't know the employee parking info

 

[Geomom]

Thank you
They're coming from LA and there's no nonstops on SW from LA, but it would be worth a connection for the 2 free suitcases and the price is pretty good at the moment.

Good to hear that there is Target etc in walking distance from Flamingo which it seems like where they'll be staying. Huge bummer that we'll be paying for car insurance for a car that will be parked in CA for 4 months, so that's a factor vs Uber in FL.
Since they just found out in the last week, we're still feeling things out. They don't love the idea of not having a car in case they need something, plus their dad is in FL every month and a car would mean they could go visit him on a day off.

Do you know... for the DCP people who do have a car, what is the situation of them being able to drive to work? Is there employee parking in the general area of the parks? I've been to WDW as a guest a couple dozen times (and got married there ) but I don't know the employee parking info

There is employee parking, but I don't know anything else about it. You do need to buy a parking pass for Flamingo in advance in order to have a car there. I think it's $200? I would think that the hassle of getting the car to/from CA wouldn't be worth it for 4 mths. If your DD might do an extension after their term, it might be worth it.

For the bus service have your DD check out the Passio Go app. It lists all the routes. In order to get to work early, my DD takes a bus 1 hr before start time in case there are delays, plus there is a bit of a walk from the bus drop off to where she clocks in. (At Epcot the bus stop is closer than employee parking.). Times listed on the app are when the bus leaves that stop. Even if your DD brings a car, they can still use the bus service.

This is the shopping center near the apartments: https://flamingocrossings.com/

 

[Mle8308]

Thank you
They're coming from LA and there's no nonstops on SW from LA, but it would be worth a connection for the 2 free suitcases and the price is pretty good at the moment.

Good to hear that there is Target etc in walking distance from Flamingo which it seems like where they'll be staying. Huge bummer that we'll be paying for car insurance for a car that will be parked in CA for 4 months, so that's a factor vs Uber in FL.
Since they just found out in the last week, we're still feeling things out. They don't love the idea of not having a car in case they need something, plus their dad is in FL every month and a car would mean they could go visit him on a day off.

Do you know... for the DCP people who do have a car, what is the situation of them being able to drive to work? Is there employee parking in the general area of the parks? I've been to WDW as a guest a couple dozen times (and got married there ) but I don't know the employee parking info

Also, one thing to note. Parking is limited the Flamingo Crossing apartments/housing and it does require a parking permit - it's gated and guarded access. Not all participants are able to get one. Have your daughter check out the Reddit WDW College Program forum to get a better idea of how the availability of parking is. I know it was very difficult at one point. And unfortunately, there aren't any other parking options in the area. Parking at their work location will be available, but not always convenient.

 

[PrincessGidget]

@Kare my son has been doing CP and living at Flamingo since May. He has his car and could not live without it! He works late shifts, sometimes until 2:00 am, or later (MK party nights). The bus adds another hour on either end of his shift. And Uber is $$$$! There are cast member lots convenient to where they report for their shift.

Parking is $200 but there is plenty.

Coming from LA your daughter may want her car. Not judging, I am also from LA. I got my son AAA before he went down and he has had to call them for a jump (old car we just swapped out with a less old car).

If your daughter does not have a car don’t worry about shopping, she will make friends in FC and they help each other out. My son’s roommate is from Cali.

You mentioned her Dad is in Florida. Having a car for visits would be helpful. My sister lives in Florida and when my son gets a day or two off he will head there to go surfing or hunting or for some family time.

Btw, we now live on the east coast and I have driven west coast to east coast a few times back in my college days. It is not awful and worth it to have the car IMO.

Lmk if you have further questions.

 

[Joanna71985]

Do you know... for the DCP people who do have a car, what is the situation of them being able to drive to work? Is there employee parking in the general area of the parks? I've been to WDW as a guest a couple dozen times (and got married there ) but I don't know the employee parking info

All cast areas have cast parking

Just a point of view from the no-car side- I did 5.5 CPs, and didn't have a car for any of them. It can be a pain at times, but it was doable

 

[migirl]

DD23 found out this past weekend that they are accepted to DCP for January - May. Does anyone have experience going to the WDW program from the west coast? Unfortunately the costume / wardrobe program is only at WDW and not DL.

We're crunching numbers on whether it makes sense to drive their car, or just do Uber and deliveries when needed.
Also wrapping my head around how much stuff they'd need for 4 months and if that's doable in a few suitcases if they fly instead :O

My child lived at Flamingo Crossings Jan-Aug recently without a car and was fine with the staff transportation. The shifts can be long and exhausting and the bus ride is an opportunity to relax. It’s easy to walk to stores or have things delivered - I would send her supplies occasionally. A car really isn’t necessary. We did drive home when we picked her up in August - she picked up quite a few souvenirs during her dcp.