Disney College Program: Is It Worth It?
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- As Disney College Program alumni, we share our thoughts about whether or not the DCP is worth doing. Our opinions are based on our observations and experiences with the application process, work and roles, pay, benefits and perks, housing (Flaming Crossings Village), social scene, and more.
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Hi everyone, we're Tommy and Kenzie, and we used to work at Walt Disney World! We created this channel to share our thoughts about the Disney parks!
Follow us on TikTok: / backstagethoughts
Follow us on Twitter: / bstagethoughts
Follow us on Instagram: / backstage.thoughts
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0:00 DCP Overview
2:43 Application & Roles
9:45 Work & Pay
15:52 Perks & Benefits
28:49 Housing (Flamingo Crossings Village)
36:20 Social Considerations
39:23 Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
They did bring back role preferences!
Great news! Definitely a step in the right direction in creating a better CP experience.
It’s not for everybody …. But if you are into Disney and know the good and bad it’s worth it… it used to be hard to get it before Covid . I knew a person who did 6 weeks before Covid ….went back after Covid and did about 7 months and was asked to go longer…worked three out of the four parks and one resort . Really improved the persons life a lot. But you need to be into it.
Regarding the park reservation system, there was a period of time in March where Epcot was the only park we had any chance of getting a reservation for. So we would go to Epcot around 1:45, scan our bands, and immediately leave and hop to whatever park we actually wanted to go to that day.
I’m not familiar with Disney world. How could you got to any park after scanning into Epcot if there were no reservations available?
@@emmah1853 Under the current system, the reservation only applies to the first park that you go to, and you can park hop to any other park after 2 PM. We were able to get reservations at Epcot, which means that Epcot had to be the first park we went to. But as soon as it hit 2 PM, as long as we scanned into Epcot first, we were able to hop to any of the other 3 parks.
I was a CP back in 2022, and yup, can confirm that Epcot was the only park available. Some days I got into my home park of Hollywood Studios, sometimes Animal Kingdom opened up, and I only went to Magic Kingdom twice during my program because it was near impossible to get a reservation. Epcot became my favorite park because of this. I spent my weekends at the world showcase, riding all the rides, trying all the cool festival foods available and going broke every week because I spent a quarter of my food budget (about $15-20 per week) at Epcot 😂 but it was worth it!
My rent was 90 dollars a week and I only made like 9 dollars an hour my cp in 2014. Also people had the opportunity to pick up random shifts whenever they wanted like parade control and stuff. Also cps could
Go to whatever park they wanted to whenever they wanted to with no reservations. Overall it seems the old cp was a lot better even though now you get paid more
4 x 2 is $191... at least the one case I know of. On top of that, there is the $240 application fee every six months and the mysterious $65 charge that can show up.
yooooo we were there at the same time:) Also, you're totally right about the role transfer process, it's literally near to impossible. I worked in the UK pavilion food & bev, and two of our cps had severe fish allergies. They wouldn't even transfer their roles despite having the medical need. However I knew two attractions cast members that got their transfers immediately. It's insane, but it's nice to know that at least they won't put someone in safety critical who doesn't feel safe doing it.
That's crazy. Didn't even think about allergies. I'm shocked that they wouldn't accommodate that.
@@backstagethoughts they would literally do anything to avoid reassigning people. neither of the cms ever had a severe emergency from it, but they were stuck outside all summer
For the part on no one "could pick their roles" I was in the program for the 2002-2003 season right after 9/11. It was like that back then for both jobs and locations. During the interview you could "request" a role and park but from my experience as others who went along with me never got the role or park they wanted.
The phone interview is back!!
Isn't there some sort of Cast Member event where a park is closed for the general public after 6:00 p.m and stays open for the cast members (including CP's?). I've seen videos where this does occur. The CP's get a bag that has a map, some stickers, maybe a pin, and you get a free popcorn bucket. Plus the food in most of the kiosks are free for the CP's at the event. Is any of that true???
Not that I know of, and definitely not while we were there. It's possible that it was a thing in the past, or that it is now but wasn't in 2022. They do close Magic Kingdom early sometimes for cast member events, but to my knowledge those are only anniversary events for Disney employees that have been with the company for 10, 15, 20, 25, etc. years. They do have free food and (alcoholic) drinks (yes, alcohol in Magic Kingdom), and DJs that blast music directly across from the attraction that you are trying to work. I speak from experience as I actually had to work one of those, and it was awful. I said "Disney employees" earlier instead of cast members because very few of the attendees of the event work in the parks, a fact that is very apparent from their behavior. Maybe I'll talk more about it in a future video.
The bus system was awful at Vista Way also the way you describe it always late, breaks down, one difference Vista Way actually had a ton of parking. So whoever had a car could park it. Only thing was you needed a drivers license, proof of insurance and even your title in order to park at Vista Way. There was no Uber/Lyft at the time as no Uber eats also
Hey y’all, great video. Y’all definitely hit on things that a lot of other DCP experience videos do not. I do want to know, and I know this varies between y’all both, how much money after rent and taxes did y’all take home a week on average?
I have had my PI a few days ago and I keep receiving conflicting reviews of the experience. But y’all’s review has helped!
Thanks! :)
I wish I still had access to my pay stubs so that I could give you exact numbers, but Disney locks you out of the Hub as soon as you leave. I want to say that I (Tommy) was usually in the $200 to $350 range for weekly take-home pay, while Kenzie was usually in the $150 to $200 range. I always made more than her because I worked more hours, was able to earn some overtime pay on my longer shifts, and had cheaper housing (2x2 vs 4x2).
That does not include state taxes, though, which is a factor that a lot of people are not aware of. Florida doesn't have state income tax, but my understanding is that you are required to pay income tax based on the state that you live in, not the state that you work in. As a result, I will likely owe money to New York State when I file my tax returns, since I am technically a New York State resident, but did not pay any New York State taxes on my Disney income.
@@backstagethoughts agh interesting, that’s better than I expected but you’re definitely right about the taxes. No one ever mentions that. Thank y’all for the thorough reply!
Hey! Just to add another CP experience onto this, I was in Epcot food & bev working 40-50 hours a week, and I lived in a 2x2. When I worked 50 hours a week, my biggest paycheck was $400, but as my location got more staff around the middle of my program I would make at most $300.
@@abbnormal5698 nice! That’s a good check for DCP. I was accepted recently and I’m waiting on my role. Thank you for replying!!!
@@ryancovan3539 Yeah of course! I'm not sure how possible a check like that is anymore- I was in the world showcase before the ICP came back so it was crazy understaffed, and rent hadn't gone up yet, but if you get attractions you're more likely to be in that range now!
I like your analytical thoroughness. Thx. How often(what %) do DCPers self term, or get termed? What specifically would you change about the program? I think we both know that businesses generally won’t change employee pay/benefits without pressure of some sort; what future pressure do you think Disney is facing to raise those employee benefits? (my understanding is Universal FL workers get paid more than Disney World does). One option is for Disney to increase CEP participation; what percent are foreign (CEP) workers?
I don't know exact percentages, but a substantial number of people that we met during our first week were gone a few weeks later. If I had to take a guess, I'd estimate that 20% to 30% of people that arrived in January - March 2022 left before their scheduled end date. I'd also guess that this is much higher than the pre-COVID rate. Most of the people that we knew that self-termed within the first few weeks of the program did so largely due to unhappiness with their role. With role preferences as part of the application process, this would be removed as a factor. Those that termed later into their program usually did so due to being burnt out or not enjoying it anymore. As far as involuntarily termination, I only personally know of one person that was termed, but I have heard stories of others. It's hard to get termed unless you exceed the amount of absences allowed by the attendance policy or do something really bad, like stealing from the company, going to the parks after calling out sick, going to work under the influence, sexual harassment/other behavior that is unacceptable/illegal in every workplace, etc. If you simply aren't good at your job, they will usually either deal with it, or if you are in a safety critical role they will move you to a different role where you can do less damage.
I think the most important things that I would change would be instituting role preferences (which I heard from a previous commenter are now back!). I'm not sure the exact procedure for how those preferences work, since we weren't given that opportunity, but if Disney would allow applicants to rank 3 or 4 roles and guarantee them that they would get one of those 3 or 4 roles, I think that would be huge in increasing morale and retaining CPs through the end of their program (and maybe even after). I would also guarantee 2 days off per week, with the option to pick up shifts if individuals want to work extra days. In the video we spend a lot of time talking about pay, overtime, housing costs, etc., and those things are important factors, but ultimately, if the goal is to create a better experience and increase happiness, I think putting people in roles that they are comfortable with and allowing them free time to enjoy themselves are the top ways to ensure that.
Disney is under a lot of pressure to increase pay right now, but the focus is on full-time and part-time cast members, not CPs. FT and PT are working without a contract right now, as their previous contract expired, and the union has yet to agree to a new one with Disney. As far as I know, the current ask from the union is $18/hour with back pay to compensate for the time that they have been working for less than that $18 since the previous contract expired. The most recent offer I heard from Disney was $16/hour, with gradual increases over the next few years. Universal FL did recently increase pay from $15/hr to $17/hr, likely as a response to this Disney standoff, with the goals of both stealing workers from Disney World and also looking better to the public. The issue with all of this for CPs is that CPs are not part of the union. So regardless of what the outcome of this negotiation is, CPs could very well continue to be stuck at $14/hr. I think it's likely that CP pay with increase along with FT and PT pay, but there is no guarantee of that.
I don't have a lot of information about the CEP. When we were doing our program, the international programs were still on hold from COVID. Even in EPCOT, all of the cast members were United States citizens. I'm not sure how many international workers they have been able to attract since then.
@@backstagethoughts We seem to think (analytically) alike. If the number of CEP YT acceptance videos are an indicator, they are growing but from a low number toward their previous quantity. I suspect both Universal and Disney want to maximize those due to employment pressure. Seemingly the foreign workers are the “true believers” and seem more enthusiastic about the opportunity than the average DCPer, but that may be due to selectivity. It would be interesting to find out how the union contract restricts the number of foreign workers. I suspect Orlando has a difficult time supplying the parks with enough reliable employees, plus never hurts to ship in workers who pay for housing and are paid less overall. It’s surprising so many DCPers leave. Are you interested in working for Disney again? Do you live in Florida?
@@bobdobb9017 We don't live in Florida at the moment, but we have considered moving back there. If we do, I would be interested in potentially returning to Disney part-time. My current job is fully remote, and I work evenings and weekends; I wouldn't mind working 15-20 hours a week at Disney during the weekdays to provide a little bit of supplementary income. I would not work for Disney as my primary occupation, though. It just doesn't make sense for me personally, because I would be taking a significant pay cut to do so.
Here a question with Flamingo Crossing actually: How the building/apartments set up I lived in Vista Way during DCP back in 2002-2003 as there was no "Flamingo Crossing" as I would stay in building 25 and room 2504 as evens be one side of the building and odds on other side. If you want you can give a random # of apartment as if not comfortable giving the apartment # you stayed at. Thanks!
Don't remember the specifics but there are two separate sections (east and west) and each has about 20 buildings. 4 floors per building, not sure exactly how many apartments per floor. And I couldn't give you my apartment number if I wanted, I honestly don't remember at all. I know where it was and how to get there, but no clue about the number.
When i did the program in 06-08 no reservation. But the system they are using now it stupid if you are in the program now
I wanna know about the school side of things do they look at gpa and all of that??
I believe we did have to submit a transcript (and resumé) as part of the application process, so I'm sure it does matter at least a little bit. I feel like the WBI and phone interview (now that it is back) are probably the most important factors in determining whether or not you are accepted, but I don't know that for certain.
I never submitted GPA or a transcript.
@@aliyahsalomon48 I'm pretty sure I did but I'm not certain. Maybe it was optional? It was a year and a half ago that I submitted my application, so my memory isn't perfect. I do know for sure that I uploaded a resumé.
Love the in depth contexts to this video I have very mixed feelings I can’t decide which is better opportunity for myself to do the Disney Collage Program or try to find a entry job full time or part time at Disney I have graduated college from a university with an associates in audio / video I always had a passion for Disney long term for Walt Disney World goal im currently just working full time retail would appreciate some feedback I did apply for DCP but didn’t pass the WBI and have to wait 6 months
I would recommend just applying for part-time or full-time. If your goal is to work for Disney long-term, you will start accruing seniority immediately if you go PT or FT. College program doesn't count towards seniority and the benefits associated with it (scheduling preferences, etc.). College Program is good for people that want a temporary experience. If Disney is your end-goal, just go straight for a FT position and work your way up from there! I can't think of a single way that my DCP experience would put me in a better position for a long-term Disney career compared to PT/FT.
if you can find your own housing, skip the DCP for sure.
@@backstagethoughts thanks I appreciate your advice I applied for 2 positions for the Disney Company that are close to entry level jobs there unfortunately they declined my job application I was wondering why do you both think Disney isn’t hiring for jobs like these instead of their programs?
@@benjaminpiha2453 Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately that isn't really something that Kenzie or I have the knowledge to answer. I'm not very familiar with the inner workings of Disney management, and I obviously don't know the specifics of your resume, or the position you applied for. I'm also not sure if they have a preference between hiring part-time or full-time employees vs hiring people through programs. CPs are cheaper labor, but part-time/full-time employees typically work for the company for a longer period of time. Each has their own benefits for Disney.
@@backstagethoughts Thanks! for your help I appreciate it a lot from you both I had a DCP Phone interview last Friday! You got suggestions about the dorms / culture to be prepared for
You guys going over the prices of the apartments makes me sad I live in California. I'd love to pay just over $1000 a month for rent. I pay close to $1400 for a studio. 😭
I grew up on Long Island, NY, and it's the same there. It didn't take a whole lot of convincing for me to agree to live near Kenzie's family instead of mine. $1800/month for a studio on LI vs $900/month for a 3-bedroom here. It's a no-brainer.
I'd have no complaints about the cost of Flamingo housing if it was in NY or CA. Central Florida is much cheaper though. It's not a fair price relative to the cost of housing in the area.
@@backstagethoughts I have looked into and compared the prices for NYC, San Fran, and the LA area, and I DO NOT envy anyone who has to live in those places. I have mad respect for anyone who can make it work.
Do you know anything about service or emotional support animals and them being allowed to come
I don't know much about the process, but I do know that emotional support animals are allowed! I knew people that had cats in their apartments, and I used to see people walking their dogs around Flamingo every now and then.
They work you as a slave. They are right about shifts and hours. I got pretty lucky to give a shift a away for part time or seasonal
Why are there so many fights at Disney World Magic kingdom how can you stop this fighting in front of the kids and it needs to stop
If your gay like Mauercio Deleon from Fer and Mau squad where is he going to stay with guys or girls?
I don't know who that is but everyone has the option to choose same-gender housing or gender neutral housing.
Full time/Part time can get 3 people in for 16 times its not unlimited.
Oh really? I heard differently from a coworker. Is that a recent change?
@backstagethoughts No, it's been that way. I've done a couple programs and most recently I worked there 2019/2020. I went full time after my program. I was also able to keep my passes from my program when I went full time. Maybe your coworker was mistaken. It's possible they've made that change more recently but I highly doubt that.
@@dreamday8 Interesting. Definitely possible that they were mistaken, and just hadn't used them enough to realize. Thanks for the info.
@@backstagethoughts No problem. Yeah, probably because that is for the year.
@@dreamday8Interesting… I was under the impression that pre-Covid, regular CMs had unlimited guest passes, but the girl I had an interaction with may have made me misunderstand?
My experience- In Nov. 2019, my wife was sent to Orlando for a work thing for a week, (so, free room and rental car), and she had enough sky miles to fly me down, *and* I had recently found an old never-expires 5-day hopper pass with 2 days left on it from a trip my family took in the 90’s. So I seized this very cheap (aside from the spending money obviously) opportunity to go to Epcot F&W for the first time.
I was fully expecting to go alone, basically because my wife is not a big Disney fan and didn’t want to spend $$$ on a ticket to join me lol…. But when I got down there, one of my wife’s coworkers said a group of her friends, some of whom worked for WDW, happened to be going on one of the same days, and that I should meet up with them for company, so I did and boy were they a fun bunch for a few hours, but our paths were going to split b/c they were really there for the main reason of seeing Boyz II Men, and I was only interested in continuing to enjoy F&W booths and attractions… But as we were discussing that, one of the CMs in the group heard me talking about how I wished my wife could at least join me for dinner and fireworks, but there’s no way she was gonna pay the high price of admission just for that… and the girl was like, “Girl, tell her to come to the International entrance when she gets off and I’ll walk over and get her in!” And I asked her if she was sure, thinking why does she want to give away a guest pass to someone she just met, and she was like, “It’s not even a problem, I can get people in whenever I want! As long as it’s before I get in line for the concert!,” and I took that to mean that her guest passes were unlimited, (for a set number of people per day, of course)…. I didn’t ask any more questions, to be fair, I just took her up on her generous offer. So I dunno, I guess it may have been that she was coming up on the end of the year and had more guest passes left than she knew she could use?
Whatever the case was, I really had a wonderful time that day, way beyond what I was expecting (just being by myself) - those girls had come to party that day, complete with matching drinking ‘round the World tops, and were *so* welcoming to me, and then I also got to spend that evening in the Park with my wife.
I know, long story, but it’s a great memory for me… It just made me think that CMs had unlimited guest passes.