Showing posts with label Earning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Earning. Show all posts

January 29, 2014

Sum Up: The Second Week - Custodial Core Training & Costuming



So, to sum up "The First Week". . .

Jan 20th - Check-In/Casting
Jan 21st - My Bday/ Housing Meeting
Jan 22nd - Epcot & Magic Kingdom Resort Hopping/ Fireworks
Jan 23rd - Traditions/ Blue IDS
Jan 24th - Magic Kingdom Park
Jan 25th - Hollywood Studios/ Animal Kingdom

It was such a busy, but fun week!

So, I want to sum up "The Second Week" . . .

On Monday, I went to Epcot to explore and hang out with my new friend. That night, me and the roomies bonded by watching the Grammy awards. Hilarious!! According to my Facebook timeline, I predicted that this very moment would be the last time all of us would hand out together and I was somewhat right.  That is because Disney University Training starts the next day and training schedules will be handed out at that session.

On Tuesday, this day was really funny. I arrived to Disney University Custodial Core training. The Core Training Cast Members claim that it was not based on location, but at least 90% of us were Epcot Custodial Cast Members. LOL! The others were MK! The Core Trainers said this has never happened before! It's so strange, because these same folks that were sitting in this class with me would become some of the funnest people I've ever met. We were family before we knew it. I sat in this class for 8 hours. We of course had a break, but it was just super long. I also received my training schedule at this meeting.

I believe we also got our shoes this day for work. If you're in Custodial or QSFB you get free shoes. We got them at Magic Kingdom costuming since this is the only place to get shoes aside from the shoe truck that comes to every park.

I posted this on my Facebook timeline,

"My work schedule for Epcot is complete insanity: 8AM-3:30PM, 9AM-6PM, and 1:30-10PM for a few days then 2:15pm-10:45 for next week."

On Wednesday, we had Discovery Day at Epcot. Let me just say that this made me cry a little. It was so super special!!! The lump all roles together. You meet at Epcot Cast Services, and then head to one of the trailers to learn all about Epcot. Side note: Epcot is my favorite park! I really wanted to work, so this was special for me. I've always loved it! We went of course around the park to look around.

TRUST ME, anyone that has done Discovery Day at Epcot won't tell you what it is . . . Haha! Now that I know what it is, I don't want to tell anyone. It will ruin it, for sure!

On Thursday, I'm not sure what happened this day. I know I got my costume this day and did some other stuff like computer training, but I have no real recollection of this day.

On Friday (Jan 29th), I had my first day of training. I posted a pic of myself on Facebook in my full costume and I also posted how much I loved my World Showcase Family . . . and I still do! Haha!

On Saturday & Sunday (Feb 1st) , I pretty much continued my core training and working my schedule. This is also the start of a long and drawn out illness that I caught during my program. I was sick for an entire month (February).

This is the last week of shadowing with a trainer. Next week, I start on my own in World Showcase Custodial.

Side Note o Costumes: So, let me just inform all my future Custodial Peeps, you WILL be overwhelmed by the amount of costume pieces we have with our costume.  It's no joke. LOL! It goes beyond hat, shirt, pants, belt, socks, and shoes. We have a supply pouch, rain gear pouch, rain gear, scrapper (for gum), squeegee, walkie talkie, keys (lots of freaking keys . . . keys for days), your pan, and then your broom. Then once you put all your gear on, you will load your pouch with towels (you NEED these all the time), gloves (KEEP THESE TOO), trash bags of all sizes ( A MUST), your phone (keeping it real), snacks (keeping it even more real), and possibly a first aid kit or band-aids (you get one on check-in day).

On top of all this, we can change and accessorize our costume with different pieces everyday. For Epcot Custodial (in particular), we had 2 different hats, 2 different shirts, 2 different pants, 2 different winter coats, and 2 different types of shoes.

The reason I said Epcot, is because MK Custodial does not get the special ladies top. Some locations do not get the other hat (the straw hat) or the option of wearing shorts. The beauty of custodial is no matter which park you work at, every costuming location has YOUR COSTUME!!! You will find this super helpful . . . BELIEVE ME!!!!!! You get to keep a maximum of 5 Costumes, however you can check out more than 5 (no matter what the costume is) but you have to return in within 7 days or you will be charged. If you're charged, just return the costume and you will be refunded on your next check.

Side Note on the Job Itself: Okay so when I first got into training it was only 3-4 of us at a time. They took us to a non-busy bathroom (yes, these do exists at Disney) and we carried out our training session.

My first impression: OMFG!! I was not grossed out completely because I was a CNA prior to the program, so gross stuff is no issue to me. However, prepare to be fully grossed out. Haha! One major thing  that annoyed me was sanitation bags. You will see why!!!

Disney gives very thorough training for Custodial. I felt confident when I went onstage alone. The trainer MUST tell you how to do the time consuming way, it's their job. Of course, what you do outside of training is on you, and this is what you need to take advantage of, my friends. I'm going to keep it even more real on this, if you want to keep your bathrooms clean and close out your bathroom on time then I have a few tips for you.

A Few Custodial Tip:

1. Pre-bag your TRASH CANS - OMG, this is a big tip that every DCP Custodian will tell you. My suite mate worked DHS Custodial and we both agreed on this tip. DO IT . . . PLEASE!! Don't pre-bag more than 5 when you first start. Get to know you're location, co-workers, and managers to get a feel of what you can or can't do. This is not encouraged training wise (it's only 3 bags in training), but no one will yell at you for doing it. People actually get upset when you don't do it.

For example, I usually put 5 bags in the sanitation boxes. This helps me a whole lot because I don't have time to tie each bag when they get full frequently. I just like to pull and go. My trainer walked in wanting train someone in my bathroom and of course she did not approve. However, I did not care one bit, considering I had two other busy bathrooms to do. She didn't yell or go snitch on me, she just didn't like it.

 Oh, and this goes for Streets and Bathrooms.

2. Pre-Stock Everything - At the start of your shift you should be pre-bagging trash cans and sani-boxes. After you do this, make sure every bathroom has a full roll tissue or at least over a half. I usually take the almost empty rolls and set them in the closet. Do this for paper towels as well, and top up your hand soap. A bathroom with plenty of soap, tissue, and paper towels will keep your coordinators and managers VERY happy even if the bathroom is a mess. Trust me, you don't wanna be called on while you're on break or doing whatever for some paper towels.

3. Tag Team - Grab A Friend - You will need your fellow DCPers and Non-DCP cast members so please be nice to them if you can. I can't stress this enough. I had many of my fellow cast members that put extra trash bags in for me, because they know I would do it for them. Extra-bags means pull then go and a very short trash run for you. I've also had friends give me a heads up (via text) when managers were out checking bathrooms and trash cans.

4. Maintain a Good Rep - I know this seems obvious, but there were some CPs who were very lazy or did not do what they're suppose to at work. I always tried to give my best at work. But on the days I was not feeling it, my managers and coordinators would give me an extra break, help me out, or just not give me such a hard time. Only, because they know this is not how I usually work.

5. Break time is the Best Time - If you work in place like MK, then your break is pulled for you. This means someone dismisses you for your break. Please don't be late because you will easily gain some enemies. LOL! If you have DHS/Epcot then you take your break according to your time slip. DOn't take advantage of this freedom or at least don't get caught. -__-  If you're late taking a break, radio your coordinator.


Not bad for a first week! So basically, it consisted of training, discovering Epcot, learning how Disney wants me to cleans their stuff, and meeting awesome people.

December 13, 2013

Budgeting in the Disney College Program





In my post about picking up extras hours and overtime pay, I mention that many participants live from paycheck to paycheck. This is not new or unheard of  . . . it's actually quite common. It's no different from living on college campus and working.

It's really depends on what your plans are for your program and how you budget your money. Balancing your program time and your post-program plans are also deciding factors.

Some tools to use:

Check Calculator - A free paycheck calculator. Choose Florida. Enter your estimated hours and pay rate. Enter 1 or 0 for exemptions. In the last section (Voluntary Deductions), include the name (Rent), your rent price (based on where you expect to live) and put fixed amount for the type of deduction.

Budget Worksheet (DOWNLOAD)- This is a simple worksheet of all expenses for college students/young adults that you can download.

Budget Worksheet II (ONLINE) - An online budget worksheet for college students/young adults.

Research "frugal living", "college budgeting" "saving money" to learn the basic of savings but to get new ideas on how to save. You may be introduced to new ways of saving and living frugal . . . so research!

Check out my tutorial on how to calculate your Disney paycheck. Seeing these numbers will give you a strong idea of what you will be making at Disney.

Staying in Florida/Transitioning


If you plan on staying after the program, this means your using the program as a gate way to stay in Florida. More than likely, your looking to save money and transition into living in Florida. Many alumni often do this, they play more during their first program and come back for second program to stay especially after completing school and graduating. They see no need to return home.

You'll probably be doing a lot less playing and spending less money. This means you need to prioritize your budget to put more into saving and balance your entertainment budget while maintaining your bills (phone, loans, car/gas, food).

You shouldn't overwork yourself too much, have fun while in the program before living without the safety net of the program and your parents.

Saving for Something

If you plan on buying a used car, new laptop, or anything in particular you should save according to how much you need for your item. Of course, leaving the rest for necessary expenses such as your phone bill and credit cards. While still leaving some money left over for entertainment and food.

Post-Program Saving

If you plan to save money, even though your going back home, then plan accordingly. It's also best to bring money from home before your program starts. Save for those expenses, that you expect upon returning home and balance in the fun.

Care Free & Lots of Fun


Plan on doing everything? Buying what you want? Eating around town? Going everywhere to do everything . . . . then this is for you! 

My best advice: 

Make a DCP Bucket List to organize your thoughts and divide everything up. It'll help you achieve more in a limited amount of time if you plan things out in advance.

Once you have a bucket list, price EVERYTHING!!! Write those prices next to each activity or an estimated price and get your total. This will help you decide on how much you need to bring and how to budget your DCP paycheck to pay for the activities.

Don't forget food and any other bills!

Ideas for creating a Disney Bucket List are coming soon!

Entertainment

I recommend setting an entertainment budget for merchandise, dining out, and movies. It'll keep you from spending your money. Train and discipline yourself.

Save Money Anyway


If you're planning to go back home and have no need to save for anything major or anything at all  . . . . still save a little bit of money because things happens.

If you have a car you should set some money aside unless you have a back up credit card or spending money from home.

For medical issues, unless your covered by your parents insurance or some other plan, then your medical fees will not be covered by Disney unless it happens at work. You will then be sent to one of Disney's onsite medical clinic for workers.

Not enough hours, this CAN happen during your program. You are guareenteed 32-35 hours per week because of rent. But after taxes and paying for food you will be left empty. It can happen, so having a little savings on the side can be very beneficial.

You have a monthly bill expense, try setting aside a certain amount per check instead of waiting the paycheck before the bill is due to pay. Your check may be short (due to circumstances) one pay day and cannot afford to have $50 coming out that paycheck for your phone bill.

You forgot to turn in a uniform! This happened to me!! On my check, they took almost all of it leaving me with close to nothing. Once I immediately returned my uniform, they gave me my money back on the next paycheck but still one week with next to nothing is harsh!

You failed inspections. This COULD happen!! You may end up with less than stellar roommates or that ONE room mates who does absolutely nothing and doesn't care about that $25.00 fee coming out of their check. YOU on the other hand care and all of your money is accounted for every week and you calculate every penny of your check. Be prepared for this just in case!

You broke/lost something. You lost your housing ID/Nametag/Disney ID (you gotta pay up), dropped your phone, lost your glasses, keys . . . you get the point.

Unexpected fun & outings. There may be some events that you didn't plan for and you really want to go! Housing plans day trips such as: going to other parks, sporting games, and shopping trips, so be prepared to pay for those if you know it's something you want to do.

Just save for those rainy days.

Other Ways to Save Money:


Take advantage of all discounts and coupons. This is a major perk of being a cast member with Disney. It helps to save a dollar or two. Those one or two dollars can save you from overdrafting your account. Take advantage of free things and opportunities.

Know Where to Look

Cast Members get a special discount book called the Incredible Discount book, every year so be sure to read this to see what's new, free, or discounted.

Other things: The Communitcator, Eyes & Ears

The Disney Intern Weekly Emails - There's also information that comes in this weekly email. You'll automatically be signed up. The usually do giveaways too!

Sign-up for those point cards - Walgreens and whoever has them available.

Sign up for newsletters online, get newspapers, tourist booklets and anything you can think of.

Coupons

Use Groupon or visit the Outlet near The Commons and get their coupon booklet - more discounts!!

Get Orlando entertainment booklets - usually $20.00 and available online for purchase.

Many CPs on the Facebook group, are thinking of couponing to save a little money. Nothing extreme (I think) because you won't have much time. While at home, start gathering manufacturer coupons to use in Florida. Plan out which stores you prefer and make it a point to view their weekly ads.

Discounts

If you want to eat at many Disney property restaurants, look out for Disney Dining plan discounts for cast members and take advantage of eating at restaurants you would never consider outside the dining plan.

Use your room discount!! It's such as steep discount - 40-50% off regular rates. Do it and get a chance to see what regular Disney Park guest experience.

Want to dine out? Eat at places that give us a discount like CiCi's, Sweet Tomatoes, etc.

Many places outside of Disney property offer discounts, don't be afraid to ask. You'll be surprised where your discount applies.

READ ABOUT ALL DCP CAST DISCOUNTS - I have written a break down of cast discounts and benefits.

Free Things

After going to the parks so many times, you will learn or create free activities to do in the parks (hats around the world, coloring, collecting fastpasses, etc) or around Orlando (window shop at the outlets, pool at your complex, mickeys retreat), free samples in the park or Downtown Disney (lol).

Do grocery bingo!!!! Take advantage of this, please for the sake of your pockets. LOL! Free food means more money for your entertainment budget.

Go to housing events - they always have refreshments or FREE PIZZA. GO AND DO THIS!! It's good for a lunch or dinner. You might get free DCP merchandise and other goodies. It's also a time to see characters in rare costumes. DO IT!!

Job Freebies - Sometimes your work location may have events where they have free mickey bars, pizza, cake or some refreshments. For QSFB, your managers may offer some food items before throwing them out . . . you can ask for them sometimes as well but don't expect it all the time. It's usually things from the bakery, chicken nuggets or something. Once, I got mash potatoes, cake, huge muffins . . . so it's possible.



December 12, 2013

Earning: Calculating Your Pay




This is just a simple tutorial on how you can estimate your weekly checks prior to arrival. This will give you a general idea on what you need to do - money wise.

Go to http://www.paycheckcity.com/calculator/hourly/


This is the form default. 

You will need to fill in the worksheet as I describe below in this post.




INSTRUCTIONS

1.State for withholding: Florida

2. Pay Rate #1: Your Pay Rate

3. Hours #1: Estimated hours - make sure to include your break

4. Gross Pay: This will automatically be calculated

5. # of Federal Allowances - Enter "0" or "1" - Put "0" for more tax to be taken out and to get more after you file taxes. Choose "1" to have less taxes taken out and to receive little to no money after you file taxes.

6. Deduction #1 Name - You can add as many deductions as you like for anything you want. This can be named Disney Housing Rent, Phone Bill, Weekly Grocery, etc.

7. Deduction #1 Amount - The numerical amount.

8. Deduction #1 Type - This is important! Please choose "$ Fixed Amount"

9. Click Calculate.



Waiting for the results . . . . . .  Then . . . . . .




So, this is the results from the details I entered. As you can see after rent and taxes I will be keeping $159.14 per week to myself.


Notice for "Florida" it says "$0.00" because there are no state taxes in Florida. My numbers are lower because I chose "1" for my federal allowances.

Calculating My Pay


Using the number I got from this we can do some estimations. I'm basing this entirely off the Spring Advantage program:
  • Spring advantage its January - August. 
  • My exact dates are Jan 20th-Aug 8th. 
  • We get paid every Thursday (weekly).


Spring Advantage Pay Days 2014

Jan - 1 Payday - Jan 30th - This will be the lowest paycheck. NO RENT will be taken out of this check because we paid a fee remember. 

Feb 6 - 1st rent payment taken out. 13, 30, 27

March  6, 13, 20, 27

April3, 10, 17, 24

May1, 8, 15. 22, 29 (Paid 5 Times)

June5, 12, 19, 26

July  - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Paid 5 Times)

August

8 - My departure day I get paid.

15 - No rent taken out. This will come on your Direct Deposit AFTER your program. So, this will be one your higher paychecks.


Estimations

How much I make:

per week (after tax and rent): $159.14
per month after tax:  $636.56 (4 paydays per month) or $795.70 (5 paydays in a month May & June)
entire program after tax for 27  paydays (Does not include 1st or last check): $4,137.64

This based on me working 40 hours a week - 5 days week at the rate of 7.79 (this is for most CPs in QSFB, Custodial, Merchandise, Attractions) with a few hours taken out for my break.


Disclaimer: This does not represent my pay or anyone else, it is simply an estimate based on the typical CP base pay rate floating on the forums/groups. The tax rates and amounts are not exact. Just an educated guess for fun and help purposes!



Information & Resources:

Picking Up Extra Hours & Overtime
Direct Deposit & Paysday



Disney College Program Extra Hours & Overtime

Disney College Program Extra Hours and Overtime



As you may know, you don't really join the Disney College Program for money because the pay is minimum wage. However, the program is still worth it because most internships DO NOT pay!! Even though the pay is minimum wage, this is what most college students were making anyway, not all participants, but many of them were making $7.50 to $8.00 an hour at a retail or fast food place. In the eyes of these participants and those with NO work experience, the college program is golden.

Saving Money


This is not the program to rack up cash or make a huge amount of money BUT it's not impossible to save money. Budgeting is key! Just don't expect to walk away with more than $2,000-$3,000 and I'm being generous with that amount.  Anything higher requires a ton of an overtime. A majority of DCP participants are basically living check to check, but that's another post.

Rent Deduction


Also, many CPs feel the pay is low because rent is taken out, and when they see their check after the rent deduction they become less than thrilled with the remaining amount (average $150 for those at $7.79 per hour). 

However, this is reality!! I plan on staying at The Commons where the rent is $93.00 per week for a 3 bedroom apartments which $279.00 to $372.00 per month. 

That's not bad for a shared room with all amenities (pool, computer lab, rentals, package handling, sports), all utilities (cable, a land-line phone, internet, water, electricity), security (around the clock, gated community), housing activities (grocery bingo, formals, movie nights) and transportation (to work, mall, walmart, post office) included in the cost. 

In the real world, you would pay for rent anyway it's not THAT bad. I'm sure many of the colleges gut their students pockets for ten times the amount with less the benefits.

Extra Hours


Disney doesn't leave you hanging so badly. It's all about your work ethic! You want more well work harder. . . . . I know that's not cool but hey that's life. You come to the program to work and for the experience of a lifetime.

To make more money:

Extra Hours Hotline - Yes, an entire hotline for picking up hours. There's no reason for you to have less than 40 hours per week. You can get it, if YOU want it.

Pick Up Shifts - Check the HUB (the Disney Market/Facebook place for cast members lol ), exchange shifts with co-workers or cast members from other locations, or find people on Facebook in work related groups.

Crosstrain - The most popular option is the PAC shifts (parade control shifts) or crowd control for some shows. Train for QSFB on the HUB to pick-up shifts at fast food locations across property.

Overtime Pay 


While you work so many hours you may end up racking up some serious overtime. This is where CPs can gain a little advantage. 

When picking up a shift, make sure it will not bring you over 40 hours per week. If it does, the shift exchange will be denied.

If picking up from the extra hours hotline, this may be a little different, but this will be explained to you by your managers.

You can naturally be schedule for overtime by your location. This is especially true for those working in Magic Kingdom or attractions cast members who operate rides where only those trained can work that location, so extra hours are always available.

Remember That

  • We do not get paid for holidays. So no holiday pay. We are interns and at the bottom of the food chain.
  • The minimum wage in Florida is suppose to rise to 7.93 per hours so for Spring 2014 participants . . . their maybe a pay increase in the future.
  • You do not accrue vacation, sick days, personal holidays, or any of the basic benefits because we are not apart of the union and are statuses are totally different from other employees.
  • College Program hours do not count toward seniority with the company if you go full-time, part-time or seasonal.
  • You will more than likely be scheduled for every holiday, spring break etc.

Side Money Ideas:


  • Come with money! This is obvious, but it cannot be stressed enough. The more you can come with the better. Plan ahead based on how you plan to spend you CP program (more on this later).
  • Ask your parents or other family members for a little help month to month or for your entire program or set up some kind of assistance from time to time.
  • Try some side gigs, don't start a busisness or solicit. You cannot maintain a part-time job because it's against your contract and you cannot start or operate a business from the apartments. I read about someone being a DJ for some nights clubs or a club promoter . . . . of course, be careful don't go overboard. 
  • If you a run a blog or vlog (video blogging). . . . it shouldn't be a problem. I run quite a few. There's also Crowdsource work like Mturk (my personal favorite) or CrowdCloud/CrowdSource (especially good for English Majors or those with strong grammar/writing skills). Freelance like Elance, Odesk, or Guru. Sell items on Ebay or other auctions sites . . . . selling a few old items shouldn't be a problem. Do surverys for Myview.com (this actually works lol) for points towards gift cards. Do money-less auctions at Listia.com - no money required at all and get some free items or sell items for points. Got a skill (photoshop, wordpress, web design, writing, video maker, anything)? Try Fiverr.com.

Alumni on Facebook 


Pro-tips and information on overtime pay, extra hours, scheduled hours:

Training in other areas to work for shifts:


Signing up for extras hours and overtime pay:


More alumni tips:

More on Overtime

getting 40-50 hours a week isn't hard  you can also apply for extra hours every week.

Though be careful because if you're not already scheduled for OT (working say 36 hours or something) and you try to pick up shifts to get into OT (especially shifts already budgeted as straight time) they probably won't let you do it.

Anything over 8 hours in a day, 40 hours in a week (including overtime already worked in the same week), or a 6th day (only when the 6th day occurs in a Sunday-Saturday timeframe) is time and a half. Anything over 14 hours in a day, scheduled shifts with less than an 8 hour overnight gap, or a 7th scheduled day (in a Sunday-Saturday timeframe) is double. (A 7th day voluntary shift still counts as time and a half.) However, managers are generally more strict about double, and if you notice you're scheduled for hours that would incur double, you should check to see if it was intentional.

On certain roles picking up shifts:

I always picked up a lot of OT as a character performer

parks merch can't pick up resort merch shifts. (Resort merch can pick up parks merch shifts.) this is because merch locations in resorts include alcohol and tobacco. In the parks, only F&B locations deal with alcohol, and there is no tobacco sold in the parks at all, so only resort merch gets responsible vendor certified.

You should definitely be able to get some crazy insane hours for quick service, custodial, or merch.

Yes if you can pick up shifts. Custodial will get over 40 more than others except for maybe characters.

It's really easy to get and it isn't uncommon to get scheduled for. I have been working 45-50 hours for the past 4 weeks and next week I have a 9 and 11 hours shift. It doesn't sound like much but even just 5 hours of overtime is a big improvement on your check every week - A 2013 Custodial CP


College Program/Alumni names blocked for privacy. These screenshots come from the Spring/Spring Advantage 2014 Disney College Program Facebook page.

November 13, 2013

Disney College Program Paydays and Direct Deposit



Questions:

How much money should I bring to the Disney College Program?
When do we get paid during the Disney College Program?
What day do we get paid and how often do we get paid?
How do we get paid during the Disney College Program?
How much spending money do I need to bring?
What about taxes? What about rent?
How much do we get paid?

Pay Rates

Currently pay rates are may be around 7.79 per hour for many, many roles. This can be different because of Magic Kingdom premium pay and other work premiums.

The minimum wage in Florida will be raised to $7.93. So between $7.93 - $10.00 per hour . . . it heavily depends on your role.

Attractions, Merchandise, Some Quick Service, Custodial are on the lower end of the DCP pay scale.

Lifeguards, BBB/Pirate League, Concierge, and Photopass are on the higher end of the DCP pay scale.

Pay Days


For college program participants, you will be paid on a weekly bases on a Thursday. Remember: EPCOT - Every Paycheck Comes On Thursday.




Start Up Money


The least amount of money I recommend you bring is $150.00-250.00. It can be less if you already have bedding supplies and a few household supplies. I recommend no lower than $125.00.

The most popular recommended amount would be between $400-500. But of course, the skies the limit for the max amount you would like to bring for your program.

Payments & Paychecks


I believe in the new hire documents (filled out 20 days prior to arrival), you will have the option of setting up choosing your preferred method of payment. In order to set up direct deposit, you will need a void check (bring to casting/check-in). I've read they will not accept direct deposit slips/papers. You will also be given the option to sign up for their VISA debit card, there's a video here that will explain the card.. So, sign up for bank prior to arrival.

Learn how to calculate your Disney paycheck for the program.

Taxes


Since this is Florida, there are no states taxes taken out of your check. However, when you file your home state taxes, you may be required to pay the taxes that you didn't pay while in Florida when it's time to file your taxes the next year. This will require research prior to arrival about doing taxes for your state.

Rent 


Rent is deducted after taxes are taken out and deducted from your pay check every week. Rent is ranges from 86 to 103  per person. Their are 2 beds in every rooms range from 1 to 4 bedrooms. Housing information here.


I highly recommend using this http://www.paycheckcity.com/calculator/hourly/

This will help you calculate your weekly earnings. Also, how much money you may be able to save. You will be told your payrate in the acceptance letter. It will be in bold and your role will be in bold.



November 08, 2013

About My Disney College Program Spring 2014

disney college program role offer

This is it! My beautiful acceptance letter that I receive for the Disney College Program. There is a link in the Congratulations email that will send you to a portal where you'll see this letter in PDF styled document. It will include detailed information about your role, the program policies and basic contract information. At the bottom of this letter is an option to "accept or deny" your offer from Disney College Program.

I actually couldn't believe I was getting back into the program because I ended my last program with a lot of point but no reprimands.  I was unable to extend because I had over 5 points, but I was accepted for the Summer Alumni Program that I ultimately denied.

So, I had no idea if I was a restricted hire or not. Low and behold, the letter came to my email 5 days after my phone interview. I will admit, I was confident in my interview. All my answers were strong and I displayed good knowledge about the parks.

My top pick roles: Custodial, Character Attendant, Attractions.

When the recruiter asked me to list my role preferences, I said custodial first. Before I answered, I thought maybe I should say Character Attendant or Attractions first. But, custodial slip out. I wonder would my roles be different if I said something else first. Just thinking . . .

The pay is okay . . . better than nothing. Most roles get 7.79 but it's suppose to be raised to 7.93 because of Florida laws.

MY INFORMATION


So my program is Spring Advantage for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl. My check-in date is January 20th, 2014. My roles is custodial and I requested Epcot for my preferred park. I will be flying in January 15th to stay with a friend. My preferred housing complex is "The Commons" with 5 other girls. (3 Bedroom/3 Bathroom/Washer&Dryer)