Soo... I'm 16. And I know I'm too young to go across to work in WDW at the moment, but I've got my fingers crossed that I'll be able to go across for a gap year in 2 years time. However, I have loads of questions that I need answered as I've just started college and they already want us to think about life after college (which is understandable), and that they want us to have it pretty much all worked out. All I know is that if I do get over to WDW to work, I'll need to go over in at least late August, early September. Anyway, any information would be welcome, as it really would help me: 1) Are my start dates possible? Would I be allowed to go over around this time? I'm guessing that lots of people do apply for these times. 2) What type of experience do I need? I'm currently working in John Lewis Southampton (a really huge department store) which is sort of like Britain's version of Macy's. I work in the childrenswear department, and I was wondering if current places of work go into consideration. Also, what experience do I need? Do I need to volunteer in summer camps around England, or anything like that, because I am definitely willing to do things like that. 3) Does being fluent in another language help? I have no experience of another language, yet I am thinking of learning Spanish in time for when I go over. There are ways I can achieve this (textbooks, extra-curricular activities etc). 4) Is there anything else that I will need to help my application? I'm constantly being told by my mum 'not to put al my hopes into one dream', yet this is what I have wanted for three years now, and its only got stronger since returning from Florida 2 weeks ago. I'm afraid that the fact I'll only be 18 when I apply will go against me, yet this will be the only time I'll get to do it for 4 years, since I really want to go to university. Please help lol. Jake
Hi Jake! I'm Louisa and I did one of the Disney programs last year. First things first, you need to get in touch with YummyJobs (www.yummyjobs.com) and they can help you with regards to the type of program would suit you and your start date. There have been dates this year that have gone out at the end of August so it will probably be the same in a couple of years. 2. You don't really need any type of experience, but obviously it does help if you have good communication skills and dealing with guests; which obviously you do if you work for John Lewis. 3. You do not need to be fluent in another language. I can only speak English and they took me! It's always a nice bonus though. 4. Hmmm anything to help your application...just lots of enthusiasm and a love for magic and all things Disney. I know Mum's mean well, but it's kinda hard not to put all of your hopes into this. "We must always believe in our wishes, for they are the true magic in the world" (quoting from the Blue Fairy herself!). If you want this enough it will happen! Get your CV in as soon as YummyJobs will allow you to, and if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. You don't need to be 18 when you apply, but you have to be 18 before you start your program. Hope that helps somewhat! If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask; there are some awesome people on here who would be happy to help! Oh and while I'm at it, check out my website (www.freewebs.com/disneygibbs) and some of the others on here, and they'll give you a good overview of the experiences Cast Members have had working at Disney! Toodles for now! Louisa x
Thank you so much Louisa. I'll try and get in contact with yummy jobs at some point - probably around the Christmas period this year, when my college work has died down for a while. I've had so many dreams for this for so long, and it's only just occurred to me that I may not get out there. I love Florida and Disney, and to combine the two together for a year would be so many dreams coming true all at once. Once again, thank you for the information, and I'll try and stick around the boards for a while, but, I'll probabaly drop off the radar for a few months, only to reappear when you least expect it . Then again, I would also love to learn about loads of peoples experiences over there, so there's a good chance I'll still be popping up now and again.
Lol, thanks. Sometimes I think I can come across as too nice, but then again, maybe that's what Disney wants. And, I'll probably think of loads more questions over the next months.
OK, now I'm starting to worry lol - could anyone please answer this question for me? At the time period I want to go (Late August/Early September 2009), I'd have to apply in January of that year, right? And the main interviews should be in March (the f2f). At that point, I'd still be 17, and wouldn't turn 18 until two months later in May. Would this matter? Or would I have to wait until 18 to apply, at which case I wouldn't be able to go, due to the fact I was planning on this being more of a gap year and then onto uni in Late September/Early October 2010.
that was exactly what happened with me this year i was 17 in my interview in march then i was 18 in may and im going in 8 weeks today. xx
Oh wow! That's made me feel a lot better! ;D I was soooo worried, and you probably understand how that felt, with you having me in the same situation. I've had my hopes up for so long, and then today it hit me while in college, and I thought... crap! The first thing I did when I got home was log straight on and ask for help lol. I was also worried that I wouldn't be experienced enough or whatever, but I'm going to do all I can to get myself to a respectable level by the time I apply.
yeah i was a bit gutted tho as i got a december date and i only wanted to take one year out before uni! but disney is such a great opportunity and is so worth it! x
So does that mean you'll be taking two years out instead? Are you applying for uni now or waiting to apply online when you get out there?
Get your place at uni organised before you go so you have nothing to worry about thats what they told me 2 do. Ive put uni off for 2 years now and i ahve a place for when i get back whether i decide to take it or not is another matter lol x
Yeah, that' what I've been told, and what i was going to do. I want to go to Bristol or Southampton Uni som it would be a lot better for me to get my place beforehand.
I looked at BRISTOL ITS GOOD DOWN THERE THJINK THATWAS MY THIRD CHOICE, IM GONNA GO TO bRIGHTON IF I EVER DECIDE TO GO! whoops sorry caps!!
