Hi danielle.bee! I’m happy to help in any way I can.
Do you know how long the program goes for? I’m under the impression it’s either 5/6 months or a year? If this is correct, do you know if you’re able to extend your program if you choose the shorter course to the longer option?
The Fall program was from August to early January of the next year. The Fall Advantage program (which I didn’t do) was from June to January (or something like that). Either of these programs can be extended into a full-year program. My understanding is that it is not possible to apply directly into a full-year program: you have to do the shorter one and then extend.
How long were your work shifts? (Shortest, longest)
Shortest was about 4 hours, longest was about 9.
What’s the Internet connection like? One Youtube video girl mentioned shit connection, and I’m kind of concerned about being able to Skype with family, etc. I know there’s computer labs? But they only have a few computers which would probably get overcrowded, no?
Are you referring to the internet connection in the break rooms or in the apartments? If the break rooms, I have no idea. At the time, I didn’t own a smartphone or a laptop, so I wouldn’t even know if break room wifi exists. The connection in the apartments was fine. They don’t come equipped with wifi, but one of my roommates brought a wireless router and we never had any problems. There are computer labs, yes, though I never used them, so I don’t know if they got crowded.
I’ve heard there are apartment checkups which you can pass or fail. How often do these occur? What happens if you fail? (I’m not a slob, just wondering ha)
If memory serves, my apartment was inspected twice. I don’t think we failed either time. If you do fail, they probably just give you a sheet of stuff you missed and then inspect you again. It’s not hard to pass.
Somebody bitching about the program on Youtube mentioned the buses that go from the apartments to the parks come late and make you late for work and this gets you a point or some such. Is this true? She went on to say to ensure you’re not late you’d have to catch the bus that comes a good hour before the bus you would normally take.
Within the first week, I had figured out the bus system and never had problems with it. It is certainly smart to arrive early rather than right on time, but I did not ever have to compensate by an hour; that just seems ridiculous. I was late for work exactly one time in my entire college program, and that was because I slept through my alarm. It is true, however, that you will get half a point for being late to work.
Do you have to pay to use the laundry facilities?
Yes. $1.50 per load, if memory serves.
Do you know if merchandise/attractions roles would be in multiple locations and parks, or would it be just one set place?
My understanding is that Merch/Attactions CPs are only trained in one location. It’s possible to get cross-trained into other areas, but that’s voluntary.
What’s the public transport in the area like? Are there only buses to and from the parks and one to Walmart? Are there any touristy spots you can get to via the public transport available?
Let me put it this way: Just now, after reading this question, I had to google “public transportation in Orlando” because I didn’t even know if it existed. Orlando is not a city. It is a collection of theme parks with a handful of other buildings nearby.
As soon as I heard about the program every day to day task makes me think about it and I find myself constantly asking myself if I’d be able to take on the challenge.
You’ll be fine. The only challenging part is staying awake in the “Disney Exploration” classes.
I suppose I’m worried about the point system, getting lost at work, being ridiculously overworked, choosing the wrong program length and just generally wanting to leave.
You’re not going to get points as long as you show up to work on time, don’t steal anything, and don’t punch anyone. You’re not going to get lost at work, as they show you exactly where you need to be and how to get there during training. You’re not going to feel overworked and you’re not going to want to leave because the work is fun and the people are fascinating. Just go for it. You’ll have a lot of fun, learn more about what does and does not make you happy, and maybe meet some people who change your life. And, as I always say: the worst case scenario is a funny story in retrospect.
Oh and by the way, how’s it going these days with Special K?
Somehow, despite being an arrogant reclusive weirdo, I’ve found a woman closer to home who is absolutely wonderful. Not only am I extremely happy with Ninja Queen (as I call her), I also find myself completely uninterested in chasing after other women, including Special K.
That said, I do still keep in contact with Special K; we had a nice phone chat just a few days ago. There will always be a special place in my heart for her, as she understands and appreciates me more than most people ever will. The fact that it’s no longer a romantic thing hasn’t changed our dynamic at all. In her words, “Even when you’re far away and you’ve got a girlfriend, you still crack me up.”
