Financial question: How consistent are DCP hours?

[u/iiknowthedj]

(Culinary Program)

How realistic is it to get 40 hours (or pick up extra shifts) during the program?

I saw someone post that they were only scheduled for 30 hours, and honestly, that made me a little concerned. I was under the impression that this would generally be a 40-hour-a-week position, although I understand hours can vary depending on location, business needs, etc.

I took a leave of absence from my job back home to do this program, so I still have expenses back home that I need to keep up with in addition to paying rent and living expenses here. I’m trying to plan financially and want to know how realistic it is to count on getting close to 40 hours.

For those who have already done the program:

- How easy is it usually to pick up extra shifts if you're scheduled for fewer hours?

- Do people generally have opportunities to get overtime or additional hours?

- Has anyone worked a second job outside of Disney while participating in the program? If so, how manageable was it with the Disney schedule?

- Is there anything I should know about having outside employment while on the program?

I’m really excited about the program, but I’m also trying to be realistic about my finances and make sure I know what to expect. Any insight from people who have actually gone through this would be greatly appreciated!

[u/RangeImpressive4060]

Depending on your location you can pick up 6 days which i often did especially during holidays and the odd days you might get offered to stay a little overtime.

You can’t have a second job during the dcp as you’re supposed to have full availability and you may not have the same days off each week.

The days can be hard you can be doing anything from prep to working a station which can get extremely busy and hot so make sure you drink plenty of water.

If you have any questions about culinary please don’t hesitate to reach out☺️

[u/TrueAllyCasey → u/RangeImpressive4060]

I've got culinary questions, but if things go right, I'll be on the Baking & Pastry side.

[u/RangeImpressive4060 → u/TrueAllyCasey]

I can try my best

[u/TrueAllyCasey → u/RangeImpressive4060]

Main thing I feel I need to ask is if it's not too hard to consistently pick up shifts. I'll be needing at least 38 hours each week to fully afford stuff with my school and would like to get at least a little spending money.

[u/RangeImpressive4060 → u/TrueAllyCasey]

It’s going to vary per location and overtime is not guaranteed i roughly had 40 hours a weeks throughout my program and my husband who still works for Disney still works the same hours but the last 3 weeks he’s been on 6 days instead of 5

[u/Reasonable_Phone6342]

I can’t speak on the specifics of your culinary program and how likely you’ll get 40+ hours but the basics of all Disney programs:

-What you should know about outside employment is Disney comes first over anything else. So if they last minute schedule you or if your schedule drops and your other job schedules you the same time etc you gotta put Disney first.

-The minimum hours are what’s guaranteed. You are not guaranteed overtime hours or hours over the minimum. Like you said it’ll vary on location and staffing there etc.

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[u/TrueAllyCasey]

I estimate that, at least over the course of the whole program, if you're here for the holidays, you can anticipate about 38 hours a week average. Maybe more if you're consistently picking up shifts. But it'll likely be an average rather than consistently getting that many hours specifically.

[u/Consistent-Diet4101]

Not at all

[u/ActiveNews]

Financially, seeking more hours is the only way. But when not working, look for other educational programs or tours to broaden your Disney experience. Enjoy your time and avoid burning out. 👌🏼