Walt Disney World College Program
(As presented in Spring of 1997)
The Walt Disney World College Program is a unique educational,
work, and interpersonal relationship especially designed to increase
practical knowledge of the leisure industry. Students must receive
academic credit or recognition from their respective school to be
considered. Students must also be currently enrolled full-time and
in good academic standing. Eligible candidates include first-year
students through non-graduating seniors.
The Learning Experience
The learning experience is an intregal part of the College Program.
As a participant, you will be required to fulfill a learning plan
of business seminars and electives. Our business curriculum addresses
managemant issues for a wide range of companies, large and small,
private and public, service and manufacturing, including a discussion
on how Disney is meeting today's business challenges. You will
personalize your learning experience by choosing electives from
the Disney University's wide array of resources. Electives may be
focused to support your individual interests or college major. You
will also have the opportunity to create a portfolio resume,
featuring your Walt Disney World College Program experiences,
to document your achievements for potential employers.
The Work Experience
The work experience in the college program will include working a
minimum of 30 hours a week in a hourly, non-supervisory
position. The majority of the positions available are in the
following areas:
As a Walt Disney World Cast Member you will be representing
our Company to our guests from all over the world. Walt Disney World Co.
has a reputation of setting the standards for the best in guest
services. It is important for you to understand what will be
expected of you every day as a Cast Member as we strive to make
each guest experience unique and special. To be successful on
this program, you must be committed to these guidelines for Guest
Services:
Make eye contact and smile!
Start and end every guest contact and communication with direct
eye contact and a sincere smile.
Greet and Welcome Each and Every Guest
Extend the appropriate greeting to every Guest with whom you
come into contact. Make Guests feel welcome by providing a special
greeting in each area.
Display Appropriate Body Language at all Times
Use good posture, attentive appearance, and appropriate
facial expressions to appear approachable at all times.
Preserve the "Magical" Guest Experience
Always focus on the positive rather than personal or work-related problems.
Seek Out Guest Contact
Every Cast Member must seek out Guests who need help or assistance.
Provide Immediate Assistance to resolve Guest Service Failures
It is the responsibility of every Cast Member to attempt to
the best of their abilities to immediately correct insufficient
Guest Service before it becomes a Guest service problem. Always
find the answer for the Guest or find another Cast Member who can
help the Guest.
Thank Each and Every Guest
Extend every Guest a sincere thank you at the conclusion of
every transaction.
General Information
Students work in one assignment throughout their program. A minimum
of 30 hours a week will be scheduled; however, the scheduled work
week will vary according to guest attendance at Walt Disney
World Resort Complex and could be up to 40 or 50 hours per week.
You must be flexible to work day and evening shifts. Students can
be scheduled six or seven days a week especially during peak
holiday/vacation periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter holidays,
summer, etc.).
Pay
Students will recieve $5.60 an hour but some positions are slightly
higher. Required overtime work; any work over 40 hours in one
week or over 8 hours in one day and sixth or seventh work days
will be paid at time and a half.
Relocation
Relocation is the responsibility of the student. Students will be
expected to report for orientation on the date specified
in your job interest letter. Students leave the program the day
after their program ending date.
The Living Experience
Vista Way Apartment Complex is convienently located near the
Walt Disney World Resort. College Program and International
Program participants share fully furnished two- and three-bedroom
apartments. These furnished apartments include linens and housewares.
Rent payments, which include all utilities and transportation to
and from work, will be paid in the form of a weekly payroll
deduction.
OPTION 1 OPTION 2
2 Bedroom/2 Bath 3 Bedroom/2 Bath
(Four people) (Six people)
$77 a person a week $65 a person a week
NET EARNINGS NET EARNINGS
$ 5.60 an hour $ 5.60 an hour
x 30 hours (minimum x 30 hours (minimum
------------- work week) ------------- work week)
$168.00 $168.00
- 33.60 (FICA/Taxes) - 33.60 (FICA/Taxes)
- 77.00 (2 bedroom/4 people) - 65.00 (3 bedroom/6 people)
------- -------
$ 57.40 (balance for misc. $ 69.40 (balance for misc.
expenses, i.e. expenses, i.e.
groceries, groceries,
entertainment, entertainment,
and souvenirs) and souvenirs)