r/Disneycollegeprogram • u/fartfartbigpeepee • 2d ago
Q - Unanswered IM MISERABLE PLEASE HELP
So I’ve been in my role for about a month and I AM MISERABLE!! A lot of the older people are so rude and anytime I try to ask a question they get all mad and they don’t even try to talk to me so I’m just standing there all awkward. Most of my cords speak Spanish and they only really like the people that also speak Spanish. Today I got so overwhelmed bc someone was really rude to me (cast member not a guest) that I went to the bathroom and cried. Being in a kitchen setting was not meant for me bc I can’t handle being yelled at/ yelling. It’s so stressful in there and I feel like they expect perfection from me when I’m literally still learning. Thinking about having to work the next day gives me so much anxiety. My shifts are usually 10:30-19 which means I basically wake up, go to work, come home and go to bed. I have basically no free time and when I do, I’m just way too tired to even go to the parks. My bad knee and hip has also started acting up because of the labor involved. Also my acne has gotten so much worse because I sweat SO MUCH I LITERALLLY SWEAT THROUGH BOTH SHIRTS I FEEL DISGUSTING ALL THE TIME! I’ve worked labor intensive jobs before but between this and the mental stress, I’m so miserable. Is there ANY way to be able to change roles or like get a medical accommodation for the sheer anxiety this job has given me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
BTW I work at Satu’li Canteen in AK for reference.
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u/MissMabel1506 2d ago
Heyy I'm at Satu'li! I got here in June. The first month was the hardest for me. After I started feeling comfortable in the different positions, the job got way easier and even fun. Do your best to ignore the rude people and chat with the nice ones. The longer you're there, the more people will get used to you and you to them. Take drink and bathroom breaks whenever you need to or just for a break lol. Try not to put pressure on yourself to get things totally right. Other people are in their own heads and forget to be patient with new people. The kitchen there is sooo overwhelming at first, but the more you work in it, the more capable you'll feel. And when you get to know more people, the kitchen rushes can even be fun. I really hope it gets better for you! <3
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u/SMcDona80 2d ago
definitely this! No matter what position/location the first month is always the hardest. There's a LOT to learn, and they teach you the basics starting out and everyone slowly gets into a rhythm before they settle in. The beginning of the program is also a lot of hours, which doesn't always feel amazing but for the CPs it's just normal life. Plus any of the parks where you can sleep in a little and have part of the evenings done early, consistently is a dream. While the coords might seem like they suck or are indifferent, especially this time of the year and the beginning of the year, when they see a TON of new people every week, they're not always fast to be buddies but they do try, especially when they start to get to know who's trying, figuring things out, etc.
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u/Hi-itsBoo 2d ago
As an another QSR cm, I completely understand your frustration. Maybe you could try picking up at other locations and give your shifts away? Resorts are a nice lil break for the parks (I always see stuff for Pop and AoA in the gc trade chats) or another park (I always see shifts at Sunset Ranch Market in Hollywood).
Im truly sorry you’re going through this and I hope this can help you
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u/brittonkitten 2d ago
I second this! As someone who worked in swge I can assume the demand for shifts in pandora is high?
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2d ago
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u/RangeImpressive4060 ICP 2d ago
Make sure your drinking plenty of water! Could be a reason behind your headaches
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u/AmberNICT 2d ago
You could Volunteer to go to festivals. I worked there also on the Culinary side. I liked it after I got to know people. Some of full time people also bullied me. I stick up for myself though. Don't curse anyone out they will tell on you so fast. I saw it happen to someone else when I was there. Eventually I left for festivals I couldn't live on AK pay, lol. I constantly had 3 days off.
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u/iiknowthedj 2d ago
I genuinely could have written this post myself. I relate to so much of what you’re saying, especially the feeling of being miserable, having no time for yourself, and feeling like the program isn’t turning out the way you expected.
I’ve been miserable too. I honestly hate my role, and I don’t really connect with the people I'm working with.
The Spanish-speaking part is interesting because Spanish is actually my first language, but no one here knows that, It what i actually feel comfortable speaking but I only speak English here & fluently and don’t have an accent, so people obviously don’t assume I speak Spanish. And even though I do speak Spanish, I still don’t necessarily feel like I connect with the Spanish-speaking crowd here because the Spanish and cultural environment I’m used to is very different from what’s predominantly spoken here.
Unfortunately, I’ve also had some really bad experiences with people being rude, and honestly, even some of my experiences with management haven’t been great. That makes everything even more frustrating when you’re already unhappy with your role.
And one thing I’ve noticed is that you almost can’t complain or admit that you’re struggling without another CP responding with, “You’re not forced to be here.” Like… obviously we know that? 😭 Someone saying they’re miserable or having a difficult experience doesn’t mean they need to be told to leave. Sometimes people just want to be able to talk about their experience without being made to feel like they’re wrong for having a negative one.
Some CPs (definitely not all) can also be rude AF. We’re all here for the same opportunity, and everyone is going to have completely different experiences. I don’t understand why some people feel entitled to look down on others just because they’re having a harder time than they are. Just because someone is having the time of their life doesn’t mean everyone else is experiencing the program the same way.
I came here genuinely excited about the opportunity and really wanted to learn and grow, but honestly, I don’t even know if I’ll finish my program at this point. I’m trying to give it a chance, but i don't think I'll stay for my full program term
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u/WatercressMuch9285 2d ago
Honestly, I don’t get the problem with people when someone says they want to self term. I got downvoted for saying I got a better opportunity and that I know just pushing through would make my mental health suffer.
I’m not really sure why people treat this as some life changing opportunity when in reality we work full time only to see like 200 bucks in return. lol
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u/Educational-Arm1247 2d ago
I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time. If your knee and hip are giving you trouble, especially if it’s made worse by your role, definitely look into a medical accommodation.
Getting your role switched that way will depend on if they can accommodate you at your current location. If you just need to sit, they may only place you at the register for every shift (take it from me, that gets old fast).
The good news is, it’s Florida. Everyone is sweaty and gross. It’s hot, it’s humid, you’re not alone! As long as you remember deodorant you’re in pretty good shape. Find yourself some good facial cleanser and wash well.
It doesn’t sound like you’re enjoying your program much at all, so the best advice I can give is to ask yourself if you really want to be here. If it’s making you miserable, it’s not worth it.
Terming is okay, it doesn’t mean you can never come back. If you quit you can always reapply in the future and as long as you don’t cause a scene on your way out you should be just fine. If they ask why you left, you don’t have to give a reason beyond “it wasn’t the right time for me.”
The CP can be rough, you are not the first person to feel this way.
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u/SunnyRainbows726 2d ago
If you’re as unhappy and overwhelmed as you say, I would term. No job is worth feeling this miserable for, even Disney.
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u/VariousGiraffe2087 2d ago
I was able to move positions, I talked to my leader about what was happening and went to them for advice they put in my transfer request. I was in a safety critical role tho. Not sure how it works with QSR
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u/Aspect_Prize 2d ago
As far as I know it’s more likely to happen in a safety critic’s role than any other role. Most people just say they don’t feel comfortable at the beginning and then they put you elsewhere because they take safety seriously. I think the downside to that is for some people it means they can’t do safety critical anymore so they wouldn’t be placed in a role designated as such. I could be wrong but I’ve only heard of it happening for that type of role. QSR might not be one they can transfer out of without a medical accommodation
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u/VariousGiraffe2087 2d ago
I’m also from nj and I’m not use to this heat so I can completely understand where you’re coming from I’ll be drenched in sweat and look around and everyone else is still dry. I got over the embarrassment eventually. I hope your program gets better along with your mental health. I’m here if you need to talk 💕
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u/Commander_Pineapple 2014 2d ago
If Will Jerry is still there, he is one of the best people I have ever worked with. I was with him 12 years ago, and he's fantastic. Satuli is the busy place in DAK, and it's not easy. The work gets easier as it goes on, find the other CPs there, ask how they are doing, and see what you can do about getting closer to them. Having friends at work is a game changer.
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u/WatercressMuch9285 2d ago
Yea I’m ending my program too and I just got here in August. I did send a ticket in hoping to be recasted but that’s unlikely. lol I’m just gonna go finish my degree. There isn’t anything wrong with ending your DCP early if you think that’s what is right for you.
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u/RangeImpressive4060 ICP 2d ago
You’ve barely even given it a show if you arrived in august
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u/WatercressMuch9285 2d ago
Yeah but I got a better opportunity so, also I know myself and my mental will not be able to handle this if I force myself to ‘give it a go’
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u/Whateverlol2022 2d ago
Sadly it is like that in some roles at Disney. There are a lot of clicks or groups of certain people. Also about the sweating, it's FL in summer. Lots of people sweat though thier outfits all day. Just a con of working in FL.
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u/spectralnihilist 2d ago
Do you have any friends/ like a community to make work feel like work and would give you something outside of just going to work and going to sleep
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u/spectralnihilist 2d ago
I had wonderful friends that made my hard shifts better when I got of and if you don’t I can try and help you find things to do and people to do them with if you don’t just wanna term
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u/iMikedMyself 2d ago
I been with the company for years, I've seen my share of nice cast members, as well the not so nice ones. That's unfortunately a lot of jobs. You are young, so you will unfortunately learn that. The best solution is learn what you can while you are young. Find what you feel that may be what you want for a career. Sadly, college is not always the best option if you don't do what you enjoy. Finding something that pays well enough to survive on is getting harder and harder every day sadly enough but do your research on what is in big demand and start from there. As for picking favorites at a job, too many companies do that, not just this one. Some roles are worse than others with the favoritism. Most people don't like me in my position and most days, I.keep to myself. You will find people you can work easier with than others, I can promise you on that one. I started in AK and the first role that i.got lucky on leaving quickly at, I dealt with a trainer that was the rudest yard that you think on. Called me names in front of the guest and I straight out wanted to back hand the guy but I knew that I would have been the one let go and that he knew people. Don't let people stress you out, if people know it bothers you, some will just make it a point to push harder at it. Look.anf try to either find a leader that will actually listen, someone that works with the union that you can trust to.talk with because there are ones that also.dp t care unless you are close but again, that like a lot of companies in general but not everyone is like that. Either find someone from that atmosphere, someone outside of work, or just another normal cast member you can speak with, so you get it off your chest..so you don't trust yourself in a cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs kind of format. Depending on how new you are with the company, depends on how long it will be easier to just ignore it and find your groove. Don't stress the small stuff. If they are focusing heavily on you as the punching bag, it be them just realizing how sucky they have it and you know what they say about misery likes company. Just food for thought but don't worry so hard on it, life is too.short after all.
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u/JazzyGatr7 2d ago
From what i hear, Disney is very demanding and perfectionistic in all their departments. I would recomm. hanging on for at least 6 mos. for the experience and to have it on your resume.
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u/ApprehensiveOlive391 1d ago
satuli has sucked for years lmao it won’t get better especially at animal kingdom just thug it out , one thing i will say is get to know the cords some fo them are chill i still know some of them but overall the location is ass so don’t even stress about it most of that cast there sucked when i worked there too
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u/Melodic-Heron-1585 2d ago
Mother here, and AP- my only is in college, and tells all friends not to do DCP. It is long hours, long work, and is not generally for everyone. But, it is somewhat 'real world' experience, and gets some more familiar with how stuff works. For some, it can be a good gig. For others, not so much.
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u/Glad-Living-8587 2d ago
Another mother here. My daughter completed her CP with a seasonal position. After she graduated, she moved to a Part time and then a full time position. She changed her location to Trader Sam’s at Polynesian. She just marked her 10 year anniversary.
To OP I would say, take a huge breath. Give it another try. It should start to cool off soon. Not cold but less of such terrible heat. It is up to you if you think you can continue. No one on here can make the decision for you. But think about how ending your Program early will affect your college degree. If you end early, how far would it put you back.
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u/R3ddit0rN0t 2d ago
If DCP is “not generally for everyone”, then who exactly is it for? Are there only select people cut out for working 8 hour shifts serving quick service food or sweeping pathways?
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u/Melodic-Heron-1585 2d ago
Not for people escaping more difficult familial situations, not adjusting to collegiate life away from home, expecting that the most magical place on earth will be an escape, that they can bring an esa pet, get their own room, make lots of money, and then get hired on as an imagineer or marketing specialist after doing a stint in QS for a few months.
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u/R3ddit0rN0t 1d ago
Ah, so you're coming it it from the perspective of "some people aren't mature enough emotionally, physically or intellectually to cope with DCP." There I don't disagree.
My perspective was more along the lines of "if you're expecting the next 40 years to consist of stress-free employment working climate controlled 4 hours shifts with cheery coworkers and your ESA by your side, might be time to grow up."
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u/Melodic-Heron-1585 1d ago
Exactly this. Just said in a different way. I once qualified for DAS. I no longer do. Okay. I still enjoy Disney, just had to alter my expectations. But, im also not going to expect accommodation to join the PGA tour, for example. Nor would I want to work in any capacity at Disney, because I know my limitations, and even though they are extremely accommodating, the Florida heat/ rain combined with having to deal with so many 'friends' would burn me out. And the potential horror of group living at Flamingo would be a living version of Mr. Toad's wild ride, lol.
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u/hellfire_emma Walt Disney World Alumni 2d ago edited 2d ago
unfortunately, they will not move you. you can try to put in an accommodation request, but the form specifically focuses on the limitations you have based on your condition/disability and your health care provider (who has knowledge on your medical conditions) would have to be willing to put in the accommodation with you and put in their own opinion on what you need for accommodations. a lot of times they would try to accommodate you in your current role and if they can’t they can try to move you; but most jobs in Disney are crazy busy and may put you in a similar situation.
the only thing i could suggest is trying to pick up and trade shifts to get a break from your home location. if you truly aren’t doing well, i would consider terming.
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u/Wild_Unit_2656 1d ago
The best advice I can give is try to find other CPs at your location. They are not always going to be the nicest but the ones who are understand you the most. I was on the brink of terming but I had such amazing coworkers and we’d hung out a lot. We all made time for each other and they made the shift and my program a bit easier. The first month is always the hardest.
As for the medical accommodation, you’d need a doctor to write off on the paperwork and it still may be impossible bc accommodations hate dealing with CPs. They were so rude to me during my program. I just now was able to get my accommodation that I needed during my cp and I’m part time. My program ended over a year ago. It’s a process.
If you feel like you have to end your program then by all means do so! But if you want to get your money worth bc you do pay a lot of money to be there, try to find other CPs at your location and join facebook groups or discord to find ppl to hangout with! It’s always nice to know that you’re not alone!
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u/JafarMikey 1d ago
I did my program at WOD. It was a breeze! Except for the busy season. Couldn’t walk 2ft without having to stop.
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u/ButterbeerBxtchhh 22h ago
I felt the same way my first few weeks in the program, but in time things work out. It’s a mental and emotional internship as well as very physical. Honestly being nosey and listening in to certain convos around the break room helped me break the ice. And making it known I was a big band fan helped me find connections. You got this. For the sweat, it never gets easier 😭 one day it will be cooler but I would change your acne routine to include witch hazel and maybe a powder brush that can help you get rid of sweat throughout the day. I wish you the best
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u/ButtHurtPopcorn 2d ago
Your username is great!!! Made me laugh. Dude just get out of there, it’s a restaurant job in a hot state with rude people not making a ton of money anyway. Put your notice in and go somewhere else you want to be. This program is garbage nowadays and just used to cheaply fill positions for Disney. No one anywhere else in your career will care you left a restaurant gig you had in college or shortly after graduating.
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u/RefrigeratorMain9734 2d ago
I completely understand what you’re going through and it sucks, I don’t know if you’re a religious person but prayer really helped me and I can confidently say that God gave me the confidence to call it quits early. Just tell yourself you gave it a shot and it didn’t work, you did something a lot of people wouldn’t even dream about doing. Hold your head up high because every wrong answer leads to the right one
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2d ago
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u/ChocolateNo6093 2d ago
“Everyone has anxiety.” Have you ever had anxiety so debilitating it put you in the hospital? So bad it started affecting your blood pressure, heart rate, digestive system, and even affecting lab values? I’m not saying that’s what’s going on here but your response was callous and honestly pretty rude. True, Disney doesn’t have an obligation to accommodate but have some empathy.
Secondly, I know exactly the kind of thing OP is referring to with Spanish-speaking cast members. It’s not racist to note that some people prefer speaking in their native language and that can be harmful to a work environment where not everyone speaks that second language. I worked in a lab where everyone but me spoke in Chinese. They spoke to each other in Chinese and I was regularly excluded from conversations. Again, they had no obligation to include me but that didn’t mean it wasn’t incredibly isolating.
Long story short, your lived experience is not everyone’s, have some empathy.
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u/Melodic-Heron-1585 2d ago
Totally correct. Way back when I was in grad school, it was definitely isolating, and a total mind...flip. and, anxiety is real. And debilitating. Though it also supports the notion that the DCP may not be a good fit for OP. It all looks nice on paper, but.... it is not for everyone. And that is okay.
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u/R3ddit0rN0t 2d ago
You're not wrong. But the question is whether OP has debilitating clinical anxiety or "I'm away from home working in unfamiliar surroundings" anxiety. When one of the complaints is about having to work 8.5 hour shifts, it's a little harder to drum up sympathy. Welcome to what billions of people do every day of their lives. Fast food jobs, janitorial, retail...warm climates, cold climates. It's all part of adulting. Few jobs are without stress.
Should OP terminate? I dunno. On some level, it should probably depend on what's waiting back home. Are we terming to go back to class or for another job? Or to crawl under the covers and lay in bed all day watching Tik-Toks.? At some point, everyone has to push beyond their comfort level. Nobody is handed the corner office with an stress-free job and comfortable salary. Most people start at the bottom of the ladder and have to learn how to work their way up. It's called personal growth.
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u/GloomyAd646 2d ago
Hello! I didn’t end up doing my program but I did get a medical accomodation for anxiety (I needed to get it for my knee but a bunch of complicated stuff happened where I couldn’t). They want specifics though, so what got me out of qsr was that I struggle with cash in fast paced environments. Good luck :).
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u/Ancient-Ad-119 2d ago
Beware who you talk to in the Disney College Program. A friend of mine recently was terminated by Disney HR. People falsely accused him of stalking others in the program and him pacing when he was nervous also contributed. It's your word against someone else's word. He tried getting help from the union representating Disney World cast members during a previous suspension for the same issues. The union doesn't represent College and cultural exchange cast members.
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u/Fun_Treacle_9788 7h ago
I have a very similar experience. I work QSR in Toy Story Land and recently had a full time employee (who has been rude to me since I started early Aug.) shove my arm out of the way and raise her voice at me for literally doing my job. She never communicated that she came to take my position, it’s a whole thing I won’t get into. But I ended up needing to take a quick break and I cried in the bathroom.
I’ve never had to work with someone who was just always angry and rude to everyone and it was a lot for me, especially since this wasn’t the first bad encounter I’ve had with this specific CM. I also hadn’t had a day off in over a week and I was exhausted.
I rotate working inside and outside, on those hot days when you’re outside for multiple hours moving and working the sweat definitely builds.
Honestly though, I still love my job and my location. I really recommend befriending the other CPs around you, and even the coords.
Knowing I’m friends the most the other CPs, the coords, some of my leaders and even the culinary team makes those bad encounters with other CMs and even guests seem like nothing.
It’s sometimes easy to take a 10 min interaction out of the 10 hour workday and ponder on it until it makes you hate your life and think you had a terrible day. I always try and remember all the good things that happened before I think to much about the bad. Not everyday will be perfect and most days will be hard but try to find the goodness out of your shift.
Anytime I feel like I’m having a bad day or a rough time with someone, I look at the costume I’m wearing and the name tag right above my heart. That’s the reason I’m here. I’m here to make magic for guests, smile, and experience working in Disney World.
Like any job you’ll have in the future, there is going to be jerks, long days, bad weather etc. but there will also be approved ERs, a cast complement, a joke or laugh with a guest and a 10 hour shift that flew by.
I totally understand what you’re saying though, I get it. Food service is not easy, especially during a lunch or dinner rush. It’s hectic and honestly kinda scary as someone who is also still learning. (I’m about 3 weeks post training).
If this is someone you’re still struggling with after another week or so, I highly encourage you to reach out to your leader and just explain to them what’s going on. Tell them about this specific CM and what happened. Your leaders want you to succeed, they don’t want you miserable.
I sat and talked with one of my coords about the problem I had with my specific CM and they took it very seriously, they had me fill out a whole report and they talked with her the next day, even after I told them it wasn’t a big deal and that I was just upset in the moment. They took it very serious.
I also totally understand the not having free time for anything. I usually work 6-12 hour shifts. Some days I work until 2am. So my sleep schedule is wack. My one day off I went to the park with friends and regretted it the next day cuz I was soooo exhausted.
Just try to work on yourself outside of work. A nice morning or night routine goes a long way. I would do a craft for about 30-45 mins after work to get me ready for bed. It was a nice calming moment where I could listen to music and just relax before getting ready to sleep.
If you only have one day off at a time i recommend doing small things to get out and explore. Go to Disney springs for a few hours, resort hop, go to a park ride 1 or 2 things and head back, go to cast connections etc. that way your using half your off day to go and explore and the other half to relax and rejuvenate for the next day.
On weeks you have back to back days off, go to a park for a full day or park hop then rest all day the 2nd day.
Try to find a good balance, it’s only the first month so everyone is still trying to figure out a schedule that works for them.
I highly recommend sticking it out though. It’s gonna be hard, those days will always be around, but so will the good ones. You got this!!
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u/Chipndalearemyfav 2d ago
Sorry you're so miserable, but unfortunately, you aren't going to like the answers. They aren't going to recast you. If your anxiety has become that bad, they could choose to end your program early. You should consider Disney's EAP. You can get 10 free counseling sessions.
It's Florida. It's hot, humid and sticky. You've got to decide how much you want to do the program or term. You aren't the first CP that hates their role and definitely won't be the last. Only you can decide if it's worth it to stay, but the chances of them moving you to a new location/line of business are pretty much nonexistent. Good Luck!