28 May, 2016

Just Keep Swimming: DCP Extensions

It is that time again during the Disney College Program where applicants must decide if they want to extend, or end their time at Disney to head home. So, I decided to make a post strictly about extensions along with the information you need to know as well as the pros and cons of extending. 

First things first! How will you know when to extend? Well first off it will show up multiple times in the weekly newsletters that come in the email, the information will also be posted on the Hub, and you will receive an email like the one below letting you know. 



Before getting into the actual extension I would like to post this again (although it is in the F.A.Q.) here are the requirements you must meet in order to extend your program. I will state this information can be found on the Disney Programs official blog, Disney College Program guide, and on the Hub as well.


To be clear attendance notations include points for clocking, calling out, and no call/no shows.

**To be clear about this "rule" keep in mind Disney does not always stay true to it sometimes they let people extend with a reprimand or five notations. However, you probably be unlikely to change roles so for anyone who meets this rule I suggest you leave at least one option as same role / same location to better your chances of staying. 


Here is what you need to know about extensions
  • The application is only available for a limited time frame
  • You can apply using the Hub 
    • It is on the CM Disney Careers page for internal hirings
  • The roles are very limited, so you may not see the one you want available
    • Most common extensions are same role/same location or same role/different location
  • Extensions are limited
    • So just note even if you are in good standing with the company you may not be offered an extension
  • If you wish to extend into a character performer you must attend the extension audition 
    • You will receive an email about this audition prior to the extension availability 
  • Extensions are not always available at the end of the college program 
  • You will be given 5 options to choose (from a list) 
    • Yes, you can put the same role 5 times however I do not suggest especially if it is a non-high need role. You may wind up putting yourself in a position where you do not get extended based on the role you chose, so keep your options open. 

Once you apply for an extension typically it will take 2-3 weeks to get a response back about your application. Now keep in mind you can apply for an extension, and part-time/full-time through transfer genie on the Hub. I suggest doing that way just in case as you have a back-up option as well, but as an unrelated note FT is rare right out of transfer genie depending on the role. More than likely you are going to be offered PT, so just be prepared for that when the time comes.


Accepting the offer for an extension! You are going to get an email late in the evening around 5:00 pm (why that late? I have no idea) with your role, and your new dates if you accept. After the offer comes you are going to be given a window to accept or decline, and no you cannot find out your location prior to accepting it. If you decide to accept you will respond to the offer, and you will pay the programs fee again.

Just as a note this was not my offer, but it is to give you an idea of what it looks like


I want to be clear you have to pay the programs fee again, which is the fee that covers housing events and such. You will not pay for two weeks rent again, so just so you are aware rent does not stop when you extend.

In case anyone was wondering if you decide to accept your extension, and then decide later you do not want it -that is okay. However, you are going to need to inform the service center prior to your new start date that you want to decline your offer. If you inform them prior to your new start date you will be given your old end date back, and must leaving housing by your original departure date. If you decline after your new start date it is considered self-terming, and you will be put on a restricted rehire list.


Now I said I would do a list of pros and cons for extending, but I am going to break it down by session you are extending into. So, please read carefully!


Spring Advantage/Spring into Fall Extension

Pros:
  • Opportunity for a new role 
  • Extending into the peak holiday season
    • More hours as most of the fall session is peak season
  • Get to attend the holiday parties 
    • Mickey's Not-So-Scary and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
  • Majority will be able to attend Formal (fall)
  • You will be there for the filming of the ABC Christmas Day Parade in November 
  • Experience Food & Wine
  • Weather cools down 
  • One of the two water parks closes for renovations 

Cons:
  • Almost all those holidays you will be working
  • Limited roles so you may not have the option to pick the one you want
  • You will not earn new guest passes for extending as it is not a new calendar year 
    • Yes, you will be stuck with the original 9 max per year
  • It may be the same Disney World, but it will feel completely different
  • Putting off school for longer periods of time
    • Keep in mind Federal Student Loans are a 6 month grace period (if you use it) for non-repayment 
  • You are probably going to miss your family and friends back home
  • If you stay in same role / same location most of the time you most likely will be given more responsibility as the new CPs are getting trained 
  • You have to pay the program fee again 


Fall Advantage/Fall into Spring Extension

Pros:
  • Opportunity for a new role 
  • You are extending into the slower season 
  • Eligible to earn new guest passes as it is a new calendar year
    • Yes, you can earn 9 max passes in the new year
  • Majority of you will be able to attend Starlit Splash (spring)
  • Experience Flower & Garden
  • Both water parks are typically open

Cons:
  • Limited roles so you may not have the option to pick the one you want
  • Less hours as you go into the slower season
  • It may be the same Disney World, but it will feel completely different
  • Putting off school for longer periods of time
    • Keep in mind Federal Student Loans are a 6 month grace period (if you use it) for non-repayment 
  • You have to pay the program fee again

I also won't lie I extended into Spring after starting in Fall, so I know a little but more about that one.

In case anyone was wondering if you choose same role / same location (most common extension offer) you will continue working without a break, so your schedule just continues as if you did not extend.

To be clear as I know at least one person is confused about passes from Spring into Fall not being eligible for more than 9, while Fall into Spring are eligible for more than 9 I suggest you read this.


For anyone still confused Disney passes go by calendar years, so for Spring into Fall CPs there is no change in the year. So, for example if you do Spring 2015 and extend into Fall 2015 -see the issue? For Fall into Spring extensions there is a change in calendar year, so new passes are available to them. So, for example if you do Fall 2015 and extended into Spring 2016 there is a change. Now why does Disney do the calendar year change for new passes? Well that is the same rule regular CMs follow however I know for CPs and Seasonal it seems a bit unfair -rules are rules though. 


I also want to make this clear this holds true for PIs, MIs, ICPs, and CPs you can only be an intern at Disney for one calendar year. They are very strict about this rule, and make no exceptions to it so be careful if you plan on doing a CP than a PI afterwards.




Now, just keep this in mind because this is a very important note: Disney is not going anywhere.
I feel like I need to type that out sometimes, because trust me I know leaving Disney is hard. You are going to want to stay but Disney isn't going anywhere if you leave for 6 months, 2 years, or even 6 years Disney will still be there -I promise. So, do not feel like you have to stay -you don't, and trust me as I said I know leaving this magical place is very difficult however some things are more important. If you need to finish school -do so! Besides you can try to come back for a PI anyway, and if you graduated and feel you need a "real" job -go for it! The worst decision you make is realize you hate it or were not ready -that is fine! You can always come back to Disney.

20 May, 2016

Be Our Guest: Helpful Disney Blogs

I have this on another post (F.A.Q. Part II), but I feel I should also do another one for easier access as well. I have broken it down by department, keep in mind for ones with multiple departments I chose one, and started with PIs and MIs then worked my way through the DCP roles. Now for you DCPers this is by no means all of them, and I will try to add more that I find. For now though here are some links for other blogs and vlogs you may find useful as well. 

General
Blogs
Sharon Moore Smith

Animation

Blogs
Nicole Ridgewell

Animal Programs / Chemistry

Blogs
Alison in Disney
Where Dreams Come True
Adventures of a Conservation Education Presenter at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Doing as Dreamers do
Create Happiness
Kevin's Disney Professional Internship 
Megan's Disney Dream 
Adventure is Out There
The Disney Intern Diaries
Cait + Pixie Dust
Working for the Mouse
Britty Loves Disney
Amy WDW CP
How to be a Professional Mousekeeter
Conserving the Magic
Adventures in Walt Disney World
A Wilderness Explorer is a Friend to All

Disney Cruise Lines
Blogs
Operation: Belle
Taylor's Disney Adventure 

Engineering / Technology / Web Analytics

Blogs
Dragon Scales
Somya Gupta
Disneyness
A Handful of Moments

Fairy Tale Wedding

Blogs
Taylor's Disney Adventure
Brooke does Disney

Guest Relations / Alumni-Only / Human Resources / Traditions

Blogs
Hedgehogs on Segways
Working for The Mouse
Corinne's Professional Internship
Courtney Suchart 
Places I Will Go
My Disney Adventure
Caroline and Elly
Mike's Disney Internship Journey
A Good Life
Practically Perfect in Almost Every Way
Colorful Cheer
Apryl does Disney
Life in Neverland

Management Intern

Blogs
Taylor's Disney Adventure
To Disney and Beyond
Kristyn does Disney
Demi After College 

Marketing / Communications / PR

Blogs
From Intern to Disney
Working Where Dreams Come True
CaraLee

Workforce Management / Workforce Planning

Blogs
Lexi does Disney
To Intern Will Be an Awfully Big Adventure

Yellow Shoes

Blogs
Love Letters
Brittany Earns Her Ears
The Story Smith

Youth Sales / Sales / Finance 

Blogs
All Started by a Mouse

Vlogs
dearDanison



General 
Blogs
The DCP Blog 
The Disney Den 

Attractions 
Blogs
Elizabeth's DCP
Living That Disney Dream
Kaitlyn in The Mouse Trap
Maddie in WDW 
Megan's Disney Dream 
Jager does Disney
Corinne Kelly
Maddie in WDW
Nico and Stitch 
Emmy Quins
Disney Lovin' 
Janet's Disney College Program Blog 
It Takes Dreams, Faith in it, and Hard Work
Journey Through the DCP 
Eileen Dreams of Disney 
Who.What.Ren 
Britty Loves Disney 

Vlogs

Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Kelsey and Ryan 
Beth Debayle 
Emily Edmiston
Jessica Zamora
So MagiCole 
missshelbayy 
Sarah Abu 
Leanne Bonello
Krystina DiCristofano 
Elizabeth's DCP
Kristen’s Wonderland
Samantha Kitchens
Tadasherz  

Bell Services

Blogs
Walt Disney Wong DCP

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique / Pirates League
Blogs
Just a Little Bit of Pixie Dust 
Kristin's Disney Days

Vlogs

Jada's Disney Journey
Kristin's Disney Days 

Bus Greeter
Blogs
Dreaming Disney

Character Attendant

Blogs
Sarah's Piece of the Magic 
Rachel does Disney
Jaclyn's Dream 
It Takes Dreams, Faith in it, and Hard Work
Cullen's DCP 
Disney Magic 

Vlogs
Once Upon A Keim 
Second Star Vlogs 

Character Performer
Blogs
Dana Does Disney
Emmy Quins
My Disney Experience 
Pardon Our Pixie Dust
Brock.Alli 
Welcome Foolish Mortals 
Just a Matter of Time Before I Learn How to Fly 
The Adventures of Katelyn Gail 
Dreams of Disney 
Ashlyn in Wonderland 
Between Pavement & Stars 
Heart Made of Disney 
Katrina Rene 

Vlogs
Leanne Bonello 
Beckylee does DCP 
Here is my Neverland 
EjReyesTV 
ashlyninwonderland 
Katrina Jennings 
shelby hughes 

Children's Activities
Blogs
Alex's DCP
Paige's Disney College Program 

Vlogs

Ashleigh does Disney

Concierge

Blogs
Brooke does Disney
Going the Distance 
Diary of a Disney Darling 
  Vlogs
Molly Buck

Costuming
Blogs
Tomorrowland Cowboy

Vlogs
Mary Elizabeth DCP 

Convention Guide

Cultural Exchange Program

Blogs
A Kiwi Abroad 
Megan does Disney 
DisGeek 

Vlogs

Sarah Jane Haggerty 
Beyond Midnight
pixelsandpixiedust 

Custodial

Blogs
Plenty of Sunshine Heading My Way
Ashley Ryan does Disney 
Jason the Cast Member 
Desiree 
The DCP Life 
Ears and Fins 

Vlogs
Laurel Made This
BrittanyNacoleDCP 
Monday's with Mallory 
Life of Rylee 

Floral

Front Desk

Blogs
Keren's Disney Adventure
Kelsey's DCP Life

Full Service Food & Beverage

Blogs
Think a Wonderful Thought

Hopper

Blogs
Holly's WDW CP Blog

Vlogs

Bee and the DCP

Hospitality

Blogs
A DCP is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Ashlee does Disney
Crissa

Housekeeping
Blogs
Princess Alyssa
Magical Miranda 

Vlogs
Cinderally 

Lifeguard
Blogs
Jenn's DCP Adventure
Hunter Takes Disney
Just a Little Faith 
Life as a DCP Lifeguard 
Adventures With the Mouse 
My Disney Adventure 
Kingdom Hopping 
A Dancer's DCP
Missemmamm 

Vlogs

Earning Em's Ears
Just a Little Faith 
Roxanne LeBlanc 

Main Entrance Operations
Keep in mind this is now apart of attractions
Blog
Plenty of Sunshine Heading My Way
A Journey to Disney 
Disney Addicts Anonymouse 
Sharing My Stories and Dreams.

Merchandise
Blogs
Making Dreams Come True: My DCP Adventure
Keys to My Life
buzzLEXyear
Enginerd does Disney
The Life and Times of Brianna
Caroline and Elly's Magical Moments in the DCP!
Cinderella Skywalker
Kenzie Cooper 
Marisa Makes Magic
The DCP Adventures of Kelci
The Disney Den
Cullen's Disney College Program 
Kayleesdowntodisness
Melissa's Adventure in Wonderland 
Megan Works Disney
Jessica's in the DCP 
Beth's DCP 
Bee's DCP Adventure 
Anna Farmer 
Keeping up With Sierra 
Hannah's Fabulous Disney Life 
Krista's Wishes Come True 
Adventure's in Walt Disney World 

Vlogs

Kali's DCP Adventures
Madeleine McCarty
Disney Kali-fornia Adventures
Magic and Mickey Ears
Best Disney Day Ever 
Olaf & Olivia
Mickey & Miranda
Tales From the Tower
LivinLaVidaDisney 
Cally and Kara 
Katherine DCP 
Maia's Disney College Program 
morgansdisneylife 
StephyNicole 
Jenny Ernstt 

Monorail

PhotoPass

Blogs
Let's Talk Disney
Just Another Disney Day 
Rachel does Disney Again 
Adventure is Out There 
Amanda's F-Stop 
Once Upon a Dream 

Vlogs
Kelsie Doing Disney 

Quick Service Food & Beverage
Blogs
Becca's DCP Adventure
Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sarah's DCP
Erika goes Disney 
Rachel does Disney 
Megan does Disney 
My Disney Experience 
All Roads Lead to Disney 
Andrea Nicole 
Disney and Dole Whips 

Vlogs 

Audri Disney Adventures
DisneyMichelle 
Jaylin Hudgen
Daph does Disney
Kate and Mouse 
DaphsDisneyAdventure 
Vanessa Pines DCP
Captain Jackie Sparrow
LeslieInDisney 
Sarah Bellin 
Mouseketeer Michelle
Stephanie the Glitch
Mykaela Makes Magic
DisneyMichelle  
Rachel Smith 
Audri Disney Adventures 
rachel branham 

Recreation
Blogs
Grace does Disney
Wanderlust American 

Seater
Blogs
Bailey does Disney

Vacation Planner

Blogs
Courtney Suchart
Lilo in Disney 
Maddi Higgins 
Because Sometimes Dreams do Come True 
The Disney Experience 

Vlogs

Sustaga Productions

Watercraft


Attractions
Blogs
Sonjja Dreams
Magic Magic Mouseketeer 
Bippity Boppity Bailey 
Nicky's DCP Blog 

Vlogs

NickRussoTV
MackandtheMouse 
Nicky Thompson

Custodial
Blogs
Optimistic Wonder
Kayla's DCP Adventure

Custodial Busser
Vlogs
MzDollyAwesome 

Costuming: Cast



Costuming: Entertainment

Food & Beverage Quick Service Restaurants


Food Cart Cashier


Food Prep


Front Desk

Blogs
Alyssa does Disneyland

Lifeguard


Merchandise

Blogs
http://dcpdoodles.tumblr.com/

Park Greeter

Blogs
Hannah's DCP

PhotoPass

Blogs
That One Kids Photo Blog

Quick Service Food and Beverage Cashier


Retail Sales Clerk


Resort Transportation & Operations





As a note if you would like your blog or vlog added please feel free to comment just leave a link along with which resort/park you were at for the CP (DL or WDW), and what role you were. If you are PI just leave which role you were in along with the link below. 

18 May, 2016

It's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Cast Member Discounts

I know I have a post on here in my general F.A.Q. that covers some of the discounts that Cast Members happen to get but I thought I would make a separate post as well so it was easier to find. I will state right now these are for Disney Cast Members, and third party operating participants are different depending on their contract with Disney. Also as a note these are subject to change, but here are some of the discounts.
  • Free parking at all theme parks when you show your Blue ID
  • 20% of Disney merchandise (10% for videos and DVDs), and this goes to 40% off during the holiday season
    • Includes Alex and Ani, Pandora, Vera Bradley, and Dooney and Burke
  • 50% of water park tickets during the peak season (it is free during a certain period, and if you work at a water park it is free year round for both Typhoon and Blizzard)
  • 20-40% of certain dining locations (although to be clear they add an automatic 20% for gratuity) 
    • You can view all of the locations that offer the discount on the hub
    • I also posted some below at the end of the blog
  • Cruise line discounts up to 50% sometimes (although you have to be a Cast Member for 90 days prior to getting the discount)
  • Resort discounts at Walt Disney World and Disneyland 40% off without a CM on the reservation, and 50% off with the CM on the reservation. 
    • This discount can also go up to 60% off during the holiday season as well, so keep an eye out for that. 
  • Some apartments off discounts for Cast Members such as 10% off rent, waiving the application fee, and etc. so always ask if you are looking!
  • Some local business give discounts or some sort of Cast Memer perk, so just ask especially n the Orlando area. As a note these are subject to change at anytime, but I will try to keep these updated. 
    • Nike Outlet
    • 535 Auto (near Vista Way)
    • Envy Hair Salon
    • Holiday Inn (across from Vista Way)
    • The Nail Place
    • Paris Hair and Nail Salon
    • AAA Auto near Magic Kingdom
    • I Love Nails and Day Spa
    • Ron Jon Surf Shop
    • Majority of The Florida Mall, Premium Outlets (Vineland Ave.), and Lake Buena Vista Factory outlets -just ask
    • Benihana
    • CiCi's Pizza
    • IHOP
    • Subway
    • Citrus Garden
    • Fat Tuesday
    • Chik-fil-A
    • Wendy's
    • TGI Friday's
    • Panera Bread (Vineland Ave.)
    • Sea Dog Brewing Company
    • Sweet Tomatoes
    • Buena Vista Suites
    • Apple
    • Sprint
    • AT&T
    • Tmobile
  • Discounted tickets at Company D for annual passes, water parks, and park hopper passes
    • Ticket prices for parks and annual passes are posted below
  • 30% discount on select event ticket such as Mickey's Not-So-Scary and Very Merry Christmas party (purchase at Company D) 
    • Mickey's Not-So-Scary is most of September, and select dates in October
    • Mickey's Very Merry is most of November, and select dates in December 
  • Discounted merchandise at Cast Connections
  • Discount on the iRide trolley
  • Free stroller and wheelchair rentals at the parks (subject to block out dates), and no ECV's are not included
  • Discounts on recreation activities at the resorts 
  • Discounts for Universal Studio annual pass (for you CPs if you ask housing nicely for a letter to prove residency they tend to give it to you, and you can use it to get the discounted rate for Universal)
  • Most places at Disney Springs operated by third party operating participants also tend to give discounts as well
    • Alex and Ani 20%
    • AMC 30%
      • Disocunt after 4:00 pm
    • American Threads 10%
    • Anthtopologie 10%
    • Apex by Sunglass Hut 10%
    • Arribas Brothers 20-35%
      • Walt Disney World Discount
    • Art of Shaving 10%
    • Basin 15%
    • Blaze Pizza 15%
    • Boathouse 
      • Dining 15% off from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 
      • Dining 10% off from 4:00 pm - 2:00 am 
      • Merchandise 15% 
      • Watersports $25.00 off 
    • Bongos 20%
    • Chapel Hats 15%
    • Characters in Flight 20%
      • Also have early morning discount for everyone 
    • Caricature Connection 
      • Complimentary art protector with purchase of artwork -no discount
    • Cirque du Soleil 
      • 20% merchandise
      • 35% tickets
    • Coca-Cola Store 20%
    • Columbia Sportswear 20%
    • Cookes of Dublin 20%
    • Crossroads at House of Blues 20%
    • Curl by Sammy Duvall 
      • 10% for eyewear and watches
      • 20% merchandise 
    • Duncan Toys 15%
    • Earl of Sandwich 10%
    • East Crater Ventures (pearl kiosk) 10%
    • Enjoy Your Face (face painting) $1.00 off regular price painting 
    • Edward Beinar 25%
    • Erin McKenna’s Bakery, NYC 10%
    • Erwin Pearl 10%
    • Everything But Water 10%
    • Eye Catchers 10%
    • Filthy Rich 15%
    • Fit2Run 10%
    • Florida Games (marketplace train & carousel) 25%
    • Francesca’s Collection 15%
    • Free People 10%
    • Frontera Cocina 20%
    • Fulton’s Crab House 20%
    • Game Day Gear 10%
    • Ghiraradelli 20%
    • Hallelujah Art Productions 10%
    • Happy Hound 15%
      • "Do It Yourself" name collar and charms
    • Harley Davidson 20%
    • Havaianas 20%
    • Homecoming: Florida Kitchen & Southern Shine
      • Dining 20% off before and after 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm 
      • Walt Disney World Discount off merchandise 
    • House of Blues 25%
      • Excludes concert tickets
    • Icon Jewellery by Bico 10%
    • Initial Rings 10%
    • Johnny Was 15%
    • Johnston & Murphy 10%
    • Just Plumerias 10%
    • Kate & Leo 15%
    • Kate Spade 10%
    • Kipling 10%
    • Lacoste 10%
    • Lefty's 25% 
      • Dribble mug
    • Lego Store 10%
    • Lily Pultizer 20%
    • LittleMissMatched 33%
    • Lucky Brand 15%
    • MAC 15%
    • Melissa Shoes 10%
    • Morimoto Asia 20%
      • Lunch only
    • Na Hoku 10%
    • Paddlefish 20%
    • Pandora 20% 
    • Paradiso 37: Taste of the Americas 20%
    • Planet Hollywood Observatory 
      • Dining 20% off 
      • Walt Disney World Discount off merchandise 
    • Pop Gallery 15%
    • Portobello 20%
    • Raglan Road 20%
    • Rainforest Café 20-35%
      • Walt Disney World Discount
    • Rubio Artist 20-35%
      • Walt Disney World Discount
    • Sanuk 20%
    • Savannah Bee Company 15%
    • Set the Bar 15%
    • Sephora 20-25%
      • Only during certain times of the year 
    • Shore 15%
    • SJM Enterprise (Italian ice) 10%
    • Something Silver 15%
    • Sosa Family Cigars 10%
      • Discount for non-tobacco products
    • Sound Lion 10%
    • Sperry 20%
    • Spice Tea & Exchange 10%
      • Inside Mickey’s Pantry on the Marktplace side of Disney Springs
    • Splitsville 
      • Dining 20% before and after 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
      • Walt Disney World Discount off merchandise 
    • Sprinkles 10%
    • Starbucks 10%
      • West Side & Marketplace locations
    • Steve Baker (caricature) 10% 
    • STK Orlando 15%
    • Sublime Gifts 15%
    • Sugarboo 15%
    • Tablas Frontera 20%
    • Tea Trader’s Café by Joffery’s 20%
    • Tommy Bahama 25%
    • TREX 20-35%
      • Walt Disney World Discount
    • Trophy Room 10%
    • UGG 10%
    • Under Armour 10%
    • Uniqlo 10%
    • United World Soccer 10%
    • UnOde50 20%
    • Vera Bradley 15%
    • Vince Camuto 15%
    • Vivoli il Gelato 10%
    • Volcum 30%
    • Wetzel’s Pretzels 20%
      • West Side & Marketplace locations
    • Wholesale Leather Goods 10%
    • Wolfgang Puck Express 20%
    • Wolfgang Puck Grand Café 20%
  • On property third party vendor discounts at theme parks and resorts 
    • DAK
      • Rainforest Cafe at DAK 20-33%
      • Yak & Yeti 20-33%
    • Boardwalk
      • Big River Grille 20%
      • Jellyrolls 50%
      • Wyland Galleries 10-35%
    • Contemporary
      • Sammy Duvall's Watersports 10-30%
    • Coronado Springs
      • Maya Grill & Pepper Market 20%
    • Grand Floridian 
      • Basin 15%
    • Hollywood Studios
      • Planet Hollywood Store 20-35%
    • Epcot
      • House of Good Fortune 20-35%
      • Les Chefs de France 20%
      • La Hacianda de San Angel 20%
      • Nine Dragons 20-35%
      • Spice Road Table 20%
      • Restaurant Marrakesh 20%
      • San Angel Inn Restaurante 20%
      • Tokyo Dining 20%
      • Via Napoli 20%
      • Mitsukoshi's 20-35%
      • Teppan Edo 20%
      • Tutto Italia 20%
    • Walt Disney World Resort Area
      • Best Friends Pet Care 10-20%
      • Car Care Center 10%
      • McDonald's 10%
      • Ricoh Business Centers of WDW 25%
        • Inside Disney Convention Centers
      • Speedway Gas & Service Stations 10%
        • Food and $2 off the car wash of Boardwalk 
      • Sunglass Hut 10%
        • Across property
      • Tennis Resorts -ESPN 20%
    • Walt Disney World Golf (Tee times can be made 5 days in advance)
      • Oak Trail Golf
        • Discount is $12 anytime 
      • Lake Buena Vista Golf
      • Magnolia Golf 
      • Palm Golf
        • Discount from July-September is $29 anytime
        • Discount from October-December $30-$40 depending on the time 
      • Walt Disney World Golf shops 20-35%
  • Disney Dining Plan when offered is usually 15% off, but can go as high as 50% (it is not offered year round, so call 407-939-2278 to check)
  • Tri-Circle D Ranch (also discount on Trail Rides)
  • Disney Golf Courses
  • Guided Bass Fishing 
  • Discount on Sammy Duvall Water Sports at Contemporary 
  • Walt Disney World Mini Golf
  • Discount on recreation vehicles at the resorts (such as Poly, Contemporary, and Grand) 
  • Tour Discounts on:
    • Epcot Seas Aqua Tour
    • Keys to the Kingdom 
    • Backstage Magic
    • The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains 
    • Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour 
    • Dolphins in Depth
    • Epcot Dive Quest
    • Yuletide Fantasy 
    • Behind the Seeds
    • Undiscovered Future World 
    • Wild Africa Trek
    • Backstage Safari
  • 20% of Disney Spas on select services 50 minutes or greater
    • Grand Floridian Senses Spa (between the Grand Floridian wedding pavilion and Polynesian resort)
    • Saratoga Springs Senses Spa (located near the DVC preview center)
  • 20% of select fitness centers
    • Animal Kingdom Lodge: Zahanati Massage & Fitness
    • Coronado Springs Resort: La Vide Massage & Fitness Center
    • The Villas at Wilderness: Lodge Sturdy Branches Massage & Fitness Center
    • Yatch & Beach Club: Ship Shape Massage & Fitness Center
    • Contemporary Resort: Olympiad Massage & Fitness Center
  • 20% of select salon services 
    • Grand Floridian: Ivy Trellis Salon
    • Yacht & Beach Club: Ship Shape Salon
    • Coronado Springs Resort: Casa de Belleza Salon
  • Discount at Magci Kingom Kutters and Epcot Hairport International -Cast Member's only
  • Discount on special occasions
    • Disney Floral
    • Disney Honeymoon Registry 
    • Disney Weddings 
  • Adventures by Disney
This is an updated operating participant discount with all the new Disney Spring locations openinas of 2016, and they are reflected above with the discounts.


















































**These are updated discounts as of May 25, 2016 from the Hub





























***Dining Discounts from the Hub as of 2016



These ticket prices are updated as of May 2016 from the Hub


There is probably a lot more discounts I missed, but obviously Disney has a lot if you had not noticed. So always take full advantage of them especially if you are only staying with the company temporarily.


Also I will be adding more once I know all the new locations at Disney Springs that will include a Cast Member discount. 

16 May, 2016

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Holidays at Disney

Holiday Time is happening just around the corner at the House of Mouse, and here is a breakdown of both parties as well as the Christmas Day parade taping. For those wondering yes Mickey's Not-So-Scary and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas are both hard ticket events, so no you cannot get in free with your self-admission (they look for colored wrist bands).


General Tips & Tricks
  • Tickets are first and foremost non-refundable and non-transferable 
  • Tickets are limited, so keep that in mind especially if you want to attend a weekend party night
  • Party starts at 7:00 pm, but they begin admitting guest with wrist bands at 4:00 pm
    • Plan on getting there by 3:30 pm especially if you bring a bag
    • If you are in the park prior to party start, and arrived before 4:00 pm you will need too go to the front of the park to receive a colored band
  • Pro-tip best time to go is two weeks after Thanksgiving and the beginning of December as the crowds tend to be lower
  • Even though it is Florida (even California as well) it is warm during the day, but at night it can cool off so bring a jacket if you get chilly easily 
  • Dining options are limited during party times, so eat something prior to the start of the party 
  • While rides are operational during the party due to limited tickets Fastpass+ will not be available during the event
  • You will not be able to get everything done, so plan on what you want to get done then do that first


Alright first things firsts Not-So-Scary is the Halloween event available at The Walt Disney World Resort, and again to be clear it is a hard ticket event. To get this out of the way discounted tickets are available at Company D for 30% off of regular price for certain party days. Now what days? Well for most CMs it will be majority of September for discounted days, certain days in October, and as a note they sometimes add days if parties do not sell out in advance. For those wondering what it is exactly, and is it worth it -personally I think yes. It is special parades, special shows, rare meet and greets, candy trails, HallowWishes, and lower ride wait times.


Tips & Tricks Not-So-Scary
  • Costumes are allowed at Not-So-Scary, but only at the Not-So-Scary event
    • Also if you dress as a character that is fine, but you cannot sign autographs or take photos if you do you will be asked to leave
    • Desss up seriously do not be the odd one out majority of the guest dress up so have fun with it. Even if it is something simple does not have to be all out -plus some character interactions are different if you are dressed up.
  • If you are into Sorcerer of the Magic Kingdom party guests have access to a exclusive card
  • There is also exclusive merchandise available such as trading pins
  • There are Trick-or-Treating stations throughout the park (and yes some have different candy)
    • Also if you are looking for sugar free, or allergy sensitive candy it is available at  City Hall
  • You will not be able to get through all the rare meet & greets (even if you time is perfectly) so make those you do not want to miss a priority
    • Jack & Sally tend to have a shorter line close to party close
    • Same with the Seven Dwarfs they tend to have short lines closer to the end
    • As a note they also have regular meet and greets with lower wait times 
  • Get a spot for HallowWishes especially since the castle does have effects 
  • Candy stations are available all night, so no need to rush through them
    • Also if you go later sometimes they just fill your bag all the way up
      • Small story time so I went to visit a dear friend of Gaston, and when I arrived he noticed I barely had any candy. So, disappeared for a minute into the Tavern store coming out with a large Disney bag then proceeded to fill it up all the way with candy. 
    • In case anyone was wondering there is no age limit on trick-or-treating so adults can join in as well
  • For the Sanderson Sister's show arrive at least 20 minutes early for a decent spot in front of the castle
  • Boo To You is 100% worth going to the party for, so get your spot early -up to 30/40 minutes for a decent Main Street spot. 
    • There are two of the parades during the event, and the second one tends to be less crowded 

Before I get into Mickey's Very Merry Christmas there is an event that one of my personal favorites, which is the annual Christmas Day parade taping. This happens typically at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland (however I know last year it was just Walt Disney World), and normally the taping is sometime in November. For Cast Members closer to the start of the taping you can sign-up on the hub for tickets, which will be given out later. Those tickets are for CMs and their families which will gain them access to Magic Kingdom before park open (like 6:00 am) on a certain day for filming. For those who do not have a ticket, or cannot go on the day they were given tickets -it is fine. Filming also happens after park open usually until around mid-afternoon before park operations go back to normal (for you CMs here is a laugh -it is the one time when someone asks what time is the 3:00 pm you can answer a time other than 3:00 pm). 

Tips & Tricks
  • Cast Members the tickets given out on the hub are free
  • Dress in holiday attire (truly they stress it) since it is suppose to be Christmas time
  • You are going to be standing a lot -like a lot! 
  • They are going to do multiple takes of the same exact thing, so you are going to be staring at the same section of the parade for a while
  • They also move locations so when they are done filming that section they will move somewhere else in the park to film something else
  • If you want to be in front of the castle stage -stake out a spot early after park open 
  • Filming takes place over multiple days (typically 3-4 days), so do not feel like you need to attend the very first day

Alright, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas it is a hard ticket event much like Not-So-Scary with special parades, special shows, Holiday version of Wishes, Pre-Celebrate the Magic holiday show, rare meet and greets, and hot chocolate with cookies. Again like Not-So-Scary for CMs you can purchase a ticket for 30% off of the regular price at any Company D location. As for what days it will be majority of November, certain days in December, and again if certain days are not sold out they will add more discounted days. As a note with Very Merry the party event actually stops prior to the start of Christmas, and for anyone wondering they become apart of regular park activity.

Tips & Tricks
  • For you CMs go to a hard ticket event as going near Christmas to the parks is a nightmare especially since they typically reach capacity shortly after park open -plus you will probably be working
  • I suggest arriving prior to 7:00 pm as you can see Elsa's light up the castle without a large crowd (although the event happens more than once)
  • Much like Not-So-Scary the parade has two times skip the first as it has a larger crowd
  • For the parade grab a spot on Main Street for the full effect 
    • Anyone wondering what that is exactly -it is "snow"
  • Rides may have lower wait times, but if you had not done it during regular park hours do the Jingle Cruise (aka holiday themed Jungle Cruise) 
  • Holiday cookies and hot chocolate are available free around the park 
    • For those who prefer a healthier option apple slices and apply juice are available as well
  • Also it has party exclusive merchandise such as trading pins, MagicBand, and tree ornaments 
  • Exclusive Sorcerer of the Magic Kingdom card available during the event
  • Pro-tip best place to view the firework experience is further back on Main Street as it is a 365 degree viewing show 
    • For those who are not at the party the beach at the Polynesian is the best option for perfect viewing (I know I watched it there a lot of nights along with the Grand Floridian Marina)

Updated: Finally made it to Company D everyone, so I will not be posting the prices for the Cast Member ticket options for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas and Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.




Keep in mind these are dates available as of May 26, 2016 and Disney may add more party dates if certain days do not sell out.