Time management

Image: Brittany DiCologero

Most college students are capable at managing their time in reference to the workloads for their classes. Few college students work full-time, and the ones who do may not be relying on public transportation for work or taking many classes. Whatever it is that CPs take up their time doing, one thing is certain for CPs on the program—they will need to learn how to properly manage their time to best avoid stress.

Even something as simple as taking the bus with multiple stops instead of driving to work can be an adjustment for a student who has not lived on one’s own before. In some cases, depending on the time of day and the bus route, CPs would need to leave over an hour early to get to work on time. This timing means that the last hour before work cannot be spent goofing off or relaxing before getting ready for work.

Image: Brittany DiCologero

Another potentially new problem CPs may encounter when trying to manage their time is the fluctuation in their work schedules. For most jobs outside of the hospitality industry, a work schedule is fairly consistent. At Walt Disney World however, a CP may work in the morning one day, and late at night into the next morning the following day—and this can make balancing a sleep schedule, routine, grocery shopping, getting to work on time, and maybe even collegiate classes even more of a challenge.

Public speaking

Image: Brittany DiCologero

Public speaking, something students may sometimes be able to avoid in college, can easily become a part of any role on the Disney College Program. A custodial cast member may end up assisting in crowd control, and a merchandise cast member may even end up spieling over a microphone depending on the specific location (like the carnival games in DinoLand U.S.A).

CPs working in attractions may think that they are free from public speaking if they do not work at a location that requires “spieling,” like the Jungle Cruise or the Great Movie Ride. Most cast members who work at shows however must address large crowds in order to efficiently fill theaters with guests. Other roles too may involve CPs addressing multiple guests and even relatively large crowds at one time. If public speaking isn’t one’s strong suit, the Disney College Program is sure to change that!

Independence

Image: Brittany DiCologero

Some CPs never really do anything (especially for fun) by themselves until they arrive on the Disney College Program. With coworkers’ and friends’ schedules being all over the place, it is not uncommon to find oneself spending lots of time alone. Whether it be grocery shopping, exploring the theme parks, or a different part of Orlando or Florida, CPs learn to be more independent and outgoing by continuing to experience all that the program has to offer regardless of whether or not their friends have the same days off.

Even picking up shifts in different locations, and basically being forced to navigate the backstage routes to said location by oneself can instill a sense of independence that may not have been needed before the program. Of course, other cast members are often around to help in situations like this, but the CPs must take the initiative to ask for help when they need it.