Hello World,
So it's definitely been a while since my first (pointless) post, but I can promise you that this one is going to be much more informative. So the Spring/Spring Advantage 2015 applications were release on August 20, 2014., just three days ago. I've had a countdown on my phone and everything for September 1st since apps were suppose to be released next month, so imagine my surprise when I was sitting on the couch last night in my family's hotel room down in Wildwood when I got a tweet update and an email about the application release!!!!! To say the least, I almost hyperventilated because I cannot believe my time has finally come to apply!
So, you're probably wondering about the first steps in the process, well no fear, I'm here to tell you about it!
Basic DCP Application:
So first you want to go on the Disney College Program website and click the big green APPLY NOW button up on the top right-hand side of the page or just go to this web address >>> http://cp.disneycareers.com/en/search-jobs/jobsearch-results/?co=Disney+College+Program&c=US|CA.
Read through the "Job details" page that opens up after clicking on "Disney College Program."
From there it'll prompt you to login in with a preexisting login or create a new one. (P.S. Don't forget to put a special character in your password or it'll make you fill out that page completely again lol)
After that you'll go through the application, which consists of the company asking you for you basic information first, and then educational and employment history. Make sure you know or have the following information at hand: social security number, email address, phone number, mailing address, educational experience, and previous employer history for the past 7 years. (P.S. Make sure you check the correct box if you would like to add an additional educational/employment history record. The application only shows room for one at a time.)
One of the most important parts of the application is the JOB INTEREST page. Remember to BE HONEST. You are to go through each of the job fields and give each a rating of one of the following: High Interest, Moderate Interest, Low Interest, or No Interest. Don't be afraid to check No Interest, but make sure that all the job fields don't fall in High or Moderate Intererst. Disney knows that there is no possible way for you to be interested in all the fields. You don't want to increase the probability of getting thrown into a role that you hate. ALSO, make sure you read the little blurb listed under each job field heading because they are super helpful. As much as you think you know about all the job fields, you may not truly understand what each is, so educate yourself so you can rate them accurately. I wasn't sure what Disney considered as Concierge and it turns out that it is now one of my top choices just from reading their job description!
Then they'll ask you your preferences of park (Disney World vs. Disneyland) and session is your first and second choice. (Note: You do NOT have to have a second choice.) The session options are as follows:
Spring: January - May
Spring Advantage: January - August
Spring Advantage Quarter: March/April - August (Note: The Spring Advantage Quarter programs are reserved for students who are enrolled in schools on the quarter system or trimester system, so they may participate during a timeframe that corresponds with their school's academic schedules.)
They also ask about what languages you are fluent in, have a basic understanding of, etc. Again, BE HONEST. If you remember a total of like 10 words from Spanish in high school like I do, then DO NOT say you have a basic understanding of the language. Simple as that!
Submit and wait for Disney's next email!!!!!
Alright, so they're the basics of the initial application. So now here's some of my listed preferences for the program from my application!
Park: Disney World (only)
Session: Spring session (1st), Spring Advantage (2nd)
I always thought I would just want to go and straight up apply for the Spring Advantage, but I know there's always the chance to extend if I would like to stay in Disney until August instead of May (hypothetically at this point of course!). I figured I'd be practical and start smaller.
Job Interests:
High Interest
Full Service Food & Bev
Character Attendant
Character Performer
Concierge
Moderate Interest
Quick-Service Food & Bev
Attractions
Hospitality
Hopper
Vacation Planner
WDW Boutique Hostess/Pirate League
Low Interest
Merch
Main Entrance Operations
Recreation
PhotoPass Photographer
Costuming
No Interest
Custodial
Lifeguard
Housekeeping
Bell Services Dispatch/Greeter
Transportation
Until next time, Have A Magical Day!
- Alex
P.S. Check out my pictures tab for screenshots of different parts of the application!