Hey guys, I have two somewhat lengthy questions that hopefully someone can answer or at least offer a little advice on. First question, which is kind of a two parter: how heavily does age and past experience factor into Disney's decision on who they do and don't accept onto the CRP? As much as I hate to admit this, I'm 30 years old and have spent the past five years working as an assistant manager in retail but I have worked in retail in some way shape or form ever since I left school. I'm also a university graduate with a degree in Art and Film. Would Disney take one look at my application and think 'Too old'? Likewise would they see my CV as being too over-qualified to be part of the CRP? Second question: I have a group of close friends who live in Florida and I would deeply love to leave England and live closer to them, unfortunately I don't really qualify for any of the traditional immigration routes that the US currently offer. I don't have family in America, I don't have trade skills that are in high demand, I'm not really in a position to marry an American and I certainly don't have $1 Million to invest in a business, which is part of the reason I am interested in applying for the CRP even if it is for 1 year... so my question is; if I was accepted onto the CRP, is there any chance that towards the end of the year you could apply for other jobs within Disney and they would sponsor your work visa to stay in America? Does anyone know of anyone doing a similar thing in the past if it's at all possible? Similarly could you apply for other jobs around Orlando while out there for when you finish the CRP or would that be even more of a pipe dream? Hopefully that all makes sense and someone is able to offer up a few answers or advice Cheers!
Hey, I can't help with your second series of questions but I can give a little bit of info based on what I know on the first one. I'm 24 (25 tomorrow) and will turn 26 during my year on the programme. I don't honestly think age is a big factor. I think it's more to do with passion to work for Disney and to promote the UK. I know of a girl who is over there now and she's 29 so I don't think age is anything to worry about. As for experience, I imagine it goes in your favour but I don't think it's the be all and end all as I have minimal food and bev experience and have been accepted in to that role. I genuinely think that the main thing for Disney is that you're confident, happy, approachable and passionate about the programme. Good luck and I really hope you choose to apply This is really cheesy but I have actually enjoyed the whole application process, you meet some great people along the way
As far as age - there were a few people in their 30's doing the program when I was there last year (at least in the Canadian pavilion) Yes there are a lot of younger people doing the program. I turned 28 while I was doing my program. I don't think Disney will look at your resume and think you are too old or are over-qualified. Many people have university degrees and years of experience. Immigration - Disney will not sponsor you for work after your CRP visa has expired. From what I understand, anytime a company sponsors an employee they have to prove that they cannot get a qualified American to do the job. Therefore you have to have specific skills or experience that make you unique for the job. I have heard of Disney Cruise Line sponsoring employees that work onboard to move to their shoreside offices or other Disney positions - but these are all senior positions where the cast member has years of unique experience with the company. Otherwise finding another company to sponsor you would probably be difficult unless you have a unique skill set/experience to offer. I think many people would like to stay in the USA (or more specifically with Disney) after their program. The only people that do are the ones who marry an American or are lucky in the Green Card Lottery.
Firstly, age is definitely not an issue - in the UK pavilion last year there were 18 year olds right up to 42 year olds on the CRP program. In fact, I wouldn't even put your age on your CV because it's not relevant! Disney just go on personality and suitability to the role really! Secondly, there's really no way of staying in the USA unless you find an American to marry as someone else said above. I know many people (myself included) who would have done almost anything to be able to stay there but obviously couldn't and had to come home. It sucks!
Thank's for the replies guys. Yeah I kind of knew in the back of my mind that using CRP as a way of getting a foothold into the States was a bit of a dream... but oh well, a year living and working in Florida would still be an epic experience. Glad to know age wouldn't be an issue, I was in Epcot last month on a short holiday and the CRP's I saw in each pavilion all looked so young which is what made me think it was only something people who were fresh out of College/Uni went for, but if as you've all said, age isn't an issue then I will defiantly look into applying during the next round. Thanks again guys!
I heard that during my Canadian F2F interview. I asked if there was any way to go further within the Disney company and she said no, that the best I could do was try for a Disney Cruise Line job. My brother's friend (who is a Canadian citizen) got a job as a photographer on the Disney Cruise Line and his contract has been extended about three times now. He's travelled to the Caribbean, the States and Europe, so that doesn't sound too shabby!
I worked for Disney Cruise Line for a little over 3 years. Great company, great people and a great opportunity to travel. As long as you're a decent employee they will continue to extend contracts, which is great if you want to have a career with Disney but are not American. The Cruise life is not for everyone and I would recommend researching it before accepting a job there. With that being said I enjoyed my time onboard and would love to return under the right conditions.
I'm on the programme right now, I'm 28 and about to turn 29. I'll be almost 30 when I get home. Age is what you make of it, I don't hold back from anything because of it.
Hey I will be applying in June and I have a question in the cover letter I have to put how much I want to be in the program and how a Disney geek I am?? Or not to much about that?
Hi Pau! When I did my cover letter, I put in a paragraph about how many times I've been to Disney and how much I love it. BUT I put emphasis on how much I loved my country and how much I knew about my country. I feel like they'd be looking for people who love and know their country, with a love for Disney being an asset or a bonus. I also put in a paragraph about why I'd match whatever roles/jobs I wanted in the pavilion. Good luck!
