A question for all Disney college program people and Walt Disney World workers?

1) The interview was not hard at all. I had a phone interview, so it wasn't that difficult. I am not sure if previous dancing lessons are required, but I am pretty sure that they are highly recommended. If I remember correctly, I believe that each character has a certain requirement, so you will know in advance if the character you are interested in requires dance lessons. 2) It depends on the program. When I went, it was just a summer program (May-Aug). I do not believe that that particular program exists, so most programs are like semesters. (Jan-Jun); (Jun-Dec); or something like that. I can't quite remember the exact months, but they are just like semesters. Since my stay was very brief, I could not go and see my family. But it depends. If you could find someone to work for you for a week or so, then you can do whatever you want, including seeing your family. You get into the parks for free and you can admit at least 4 people for free, so have your family come to see you! 3) Yes! Alot of the people I worked with are going back to start higher ranking jobs like managers and stuff. So it definitely increases your chances of getting a job later on. 4) Yes and no. I worked extremely hard there for people (customers) who were very ungrateful and rude. That was difficult because it became irritating after awhile. But other than that, it was okay but I honestly, I left with less "magic" than I came in with. Hope this helps!

I did the Cultural Representative Program last year, and they say the recruting process and everything is very similar to the College Program. 1. I think its easy because they hire a lot of people for this program. First you send your resume and a cover letter to the procurement ally, they will select people to have a phone interview and after that they will have a face 2 face interview. If you are selected they will call you to make a job offer. I have heard of a lot of CPs being characters, but just for photos and autographs. The characters at parades and shows do need a lot of training and dance experience. 2. The CP program has several durations. Check on the links at the bottom. Time off, you will have 2 days off a week. If it is high season or they are short in staff or a big event you will be required to work on a day off, but they pay you overtime. You can always ask for more days off in advance, it depends if your manager grants it. 3. Yes, because you are already familiar with the company, and if you have a good record card (attendance, special recognitions) it helps a lot. 4. Sadly it will ruin the magic because you will learn and see a lot of things the Guests don't. But that doesn't take away your love overall love for Disney. Disney College Program: http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_wdwcp/index.html If you are not a US citizen, check this Disney International Programs: http://www.disneyinternationalprograms.com/sap/its/mimes/zh_intlrec/international/index.html

Although I never did the college program at Disney, I have worked there and can tell you the interviews aren't difficult at all. I have seen people go to the casting center wearing cutoffs and slippers and come out with a job. I would suggest going to school first and then trying for a position at WDW because the college kids don't earn as much as anyone else and the pay is already low, (think about $6.50-7.50 typically to start in any entry level position and that's for fulltime). It never ruined the magic for me but I also chose both to work in the reservation center which is off property adn then to work at my least favorite park so that I wouldn't have the magic of my "favorite" park being ruined!

1. Application and interviews aren't hard at all, just a bit of time consuming because of the number of people they have go through there. I think it took us two to four hours. As for dancing lessons, it depends. It you want to be a character in a show or parade, yes. If you just want to be a character to greet kids, no. However, it's very hard to get into Entertainment. 2. College program lasts a semester, If you want to extend, you can. My friend James worked from August until May. As for time to visit, I think the only chance he got to go visit was when his first period was up, and he extended, which was around Christmas. So he got to go home a little bit. They always could come visit you, and you are able to get them into the parks for free, which is a plus. 3. Yes, it does. And a lot of kids do just that. Go home, finish college, and then go right back to working. Technically, you're still an employee, just not working still. Some of the CPs in my area got done with their CP went back home, but then came back to work a couple days so that they didn't lose their certification in that particular attraction, and therefore not having to go through training again. It's kinda like being a seasonal employee. You can come and go as you please, because you're still employed. 4. Haha. Good question. I personally think yes and no. Yes, because even though you are working while the guests are getting to play, interacting with those guests and seeing their smiles is so enjoyable. My favorite ever memory was having a little girl run up to me and hug me. That totally made my day. And even after working, we still visited the parks quite a lot and still had fun. In fact we would get bored after work and go to a park, lol. Hope this helps.