Disneyland Guest Relations Emplyment

[smart1hermione]

I think I'm in the right spot...

If I'm not, I apologize.

Anywho, here's my thing:

I am a college student in San Diego but I live in Orange County for breaks. I have a strange fascination with Disneyland. Impressed by WDW and DCA, the movies are entertaining, but Disneyland makes my heart beat faster when I see the partners statue (I swear I'm not a creeper. Some of you should understand).

I'd love to do the college program, but it doesn't look like I can skip a whole semester of school for DLR.

My dream job (for the past few years) has been tour guide. Maybe I have a thing for plaid, who knows? I understand it takes seniority to get there. So I've lowered my initial goal to a spot in guest relations.

Anyone who is GR or knows GR, I'd really appreciate as many answers as possible. Multiple sources = love.

-What positions are available in GR?
-Does GR hire seasonal workers?
-How long does a CM work until they can become a tour guide?

This isn't really a GR question, but:
-Are there summer internships at DLR?

I'd really appreciate any response, thanks!

[CMGUY89]

I believe the problem you will run into is that you can't just apply for GR. To get to guest relations you typically have to work for DL or WDW for 6 months-1 year then apply for GR. Applying requires support of your leaders. If accepted you get a TA (Temporary Assignment). During that TA you will actually work in GR and at then end of the time you will either be statused or returned to your original area. Though you may be able to apply for a guest relations internship through DisneyCareers.com. Take a look, you never know what you might find. Good Luck!!!

[Sioban]

I also think that the GR internship requires that you have completed the college program.
Is there a possibility that you can do the college program the semester after you graduate? I know that many people do that. Also, if your department/major requires or offers and internship credit you may be able to use the college program for that.

Otherwise my suggestion would be to work at DLR as much as you can. Be practically perfect and loved by your GSM's and later apply to GR.

:)

[smart1hermione]

yeah, i suppose that's the best option. after i graduate, i, hopefully, plan to work on the corporate side of DLR, advertising/public relations. the website says that it's for undergraduate college students, but i'm curious about how strict they are about that.

[Yeti Chaser]

I believe the problem you will run into is that you can't just apply for GR. To get to guest relations you typically have to work for DL or WDW for 6 months-1 year then apply for GR.

the above is part of the process. At WDW, you need to attend a "Spotlight on Guest RElations" for starters. Then, make sure that your resume is up to date with goals, what you have done at Disney etc. Casting calls occur at least once an year at WDW, (hint: keep looking on the HUB) When they occur, you submit your resume and application, let your leaders know and make sure that you ask at least one of them to be a reference for you, you will need this.

If you "get the call" you will then be invited to interview with a lot of other CM's who are just as nervious as you. If you make it through the interview process, you may be invited to be in the GR pool (Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.....) At this point you are waiting for that call to offer you a TA position.

Hope this info helps.

[smart1hermione]

okay, this sounds familiar to my friend's predicament. she's trying to work attractions, but she's stuck in the star trader.

i have another question..

where do new hires / seasonal hires go?

one of my biggest fears is working the nemo line or something.

[kurtisnelson]

I have always thought I wanted to be one of the tour guides- it seems right up my alley. I know all of the parks extremely well and can deal with people.

[Zazu]

I have always thought I wanted to be one of the tour guides- it seems right up my alley. I know all of the parks extremely well and can deal with people.

Tour Guide was my original goal when I first joined the cast. I've since learned that the prefer folks who can memorize the script to those who actually know stuff. I know I'd have a hard time limiting myself to just what was in the script, especially as some of it has become incorrect over time.

Just get in the door and take any role you think you can stand for six months. By the time you're eligible to transfer, you'll likely have a very different idea of what you want to do.

[Sioban]

I don't think that there is a "grade level" for the CP. I know they accept grad students too.