Let's face it - this is NOT a money making venture!  Ask most CP-ers and they'll tell you that they came home in the red, or with very little to show financially for their time on the Program.

BUT...

The reason you'll have no cash is bec you're gonna be out having too much fun spending it!!!  Perks like your cast member discount and access to Property Control's Disney merchandise @ 75% off will have you stockpiling Disney stuff for everyone you know, for every occassion!  Then, of course you'll be living in the entertainment capital of the world!  You're in driving distance to the beach, to watch a shuttle launch, to take a cruise - C'mon, you only live once... when will there ever be such a great chance to play in Florida? Also, check out the practical benefits of being an ex-CP!

Or lack thereof!  So, don't expect to land those cushy midday shifts!  Most CP'ers end up opening or closing...

BUT...

One of my most favorite things to do in the world is to linger in the parks before they open or after they close.  There is something amazing, almost magical about being in this massive place when it's all quiet and you're alone.  There's a certain smell to the place, and music, and sounds that you will never notice during the day.  You'll see what I mean...  And to think that only a small handful of us will ever get to experience that... And if you're not into all this mushy stuff...  Look on the bright side - opening means you'll get out of work first, and get a head start on all the fun after.  And closing means one thing - SLEEPING IN!!!

People often say that the only people who have fun at DW are the kids and senior citizens - everyone else is always too stressed out abt doing everything, and pissed off that they can't!  This is true in some cases - after dealing with your first guest who thinks that standing up on the ride in Pirates is just fine, or trying to organize a certain kind of tour group (that shall remain nameless :)), you'll realize that it takes all sorts to make this world go round!

BUT...

Great people far out number those few pains-in-the-butt.  And you will feel totally rewarded when you make your first child laugh wetting him with a squirt gun, or seeing your first grown man cry watching your show, or just seeing the excitement, anticipation and pure joy on the faces of those standing outside the gates waiting for rope drop.  You'll be surprised at how much you'll stand for, just to have those few magical moments.

Aaah... Costumes!  Gaudy and often from a totally different era, space and time!

BUT...

No where else but in Disney World can you mix bright purple and neon orange together, and have it look cool as hell!!  But it does!  And while you wouldn't be caught dead in some of these costumes on the street, you will wear 'em with pride on stage, and actually people will admire you!!

Going potluck for roommates, it's almost a miracle if you complete your program without some sort of a scuffle!  You think some of the petty stuff on Real World is staged?  Think again!  People really do steal a slice of cheese and bother to lie abt it, and dirty dishes and garbage do get placed in your bed!

BUT...

It's all a part of growing up folks, and an essential part of the memories!  We look back and laugh our hearts out - it's great!!  And for every nasty person you meet, there'll be dozens of great ones!  You'll be amazed at how many ex-CPers who will profess to have met life-long friends, even spouses, on the program, but it's true!

Having to wake up early on one of the only days you're not scheduled to work and trudge into class and sit there for the next few hours...  No attendance, no degree.

BUT...

My Ducktorate actually sits framed in my office - none of my other certificates, not even my degree shares that honor!  But seriously, you do learn stuff at seminars... they're not a total waste of time!

Being from TX this wasn't such a big deal for me.  Still, it's very humid and frankly, you Northerners are gonna be aching for seasons, badly!!

BUT...

You'll learn a couple of things... That having heavy makeup on a hot day is one of the stupidest things you could ever do...  That people are surprisingly happy when wet!  That you're not as vain as you thought you were, and a lot hardier!

As much as this is a real job, you, unfortunately don't get vacation, unless it is an emergency or if you beg for it waaaay in advance.  You get your promised 2 days a week and that's it.  That means working most weekends, and no, don't make plans for the holidays... :(

BUT...

Bright side is... everyone's in the same boat!  We all had to stay and work through Christmas and Thanksgiving and yeah, it was kinda depressing...  But we got to celebrate it together, and oh, nothing beats the beauty of a park dressed up for the Holidays, and the magic you literally feel in the air that time of year.... :)  Plus, what better time for a family vacation and have the folks come down and see you, than when you're on the Program!??!

Get your friends and visitors out by 2 a.m., or... get terminated!

BUT...

Ok, there's really no bright side to this...  We're all adults (well, we try!), plus, it's not like guests aren't monitored like hawks as they come in.  But oh well, I suppose limits need to be imposed somewhere....

There are a million reasons why you should do the Program...  But I believe that the excerpt you are about to read best expresses why each of us are proud to be, or to have been Cast Members, and why you should consider being one!  It is taken from the book 'Imagineering' and it still makes me tear up each time I read it!  It's rather long, but do read it!  And believe that each line is completely true, and you will experience these things on the WDWCP...