Actually before I signed my contract and after the job interview, I went to my current job and asked if I could leave earlier. Normally I have a 6 week notice. Luckily they were OK with me leaving early. My lanlord was also pretty fine with me leaving the appartment early, considering I had signed a 3 year contract with a 3 month notice, which is common in Belgium. I sold my furniture on ebay and was very happy with the prices I got. I highly recommend it. Packed up my belongings in boxes and am leaving those with family.
Because I am planning on staying in France for quite a while, I also went to the local city hall to let them know I am leaving the country. Once in Paris, I will have to go to the embassy to register. Contacted loads of companies to let them know I am moving abroad, like the bank, social security, taxes, etc. Unfortunately I do not know my French address yet. More about lodging later.
I bought a one way train ticket, which Disney refunds up to a certain amount.
It all sounds easy reading it in a nutshell, but I'll be glad when the moving is all over.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Recruitment
People often wonder how one can apply for a job at DLP. I used to send my resume and cover letter to B.P. 100, 77777 Marne-la-Vallée cedex 4. Nowadays you can apply online. The website is disneylandparis-casting.com. They have a FAQ, so you should definitely read that.
A question people have often asked me is how good your French should be. I have met cast members whose French was very basic. Of course, the better your languages are, the more choice you have concerning the type of job. And speaking fluent French will make your life in France much easier.
Questions about auditions in the entertainment department (parade etc.) are common too, but I do not know much about it, as that kind of job does not appeal to me.
So in the beginning of July I applied online and not long after that I got a language test and interview over the phone. The casting department often has recruitment sessions in various countries, but there wasn't any planned at that moment. They did ask if I could come to Marne-la-Vallée, but that would have been one heck of an expensive train ride and they don't refund those. I guess a phone call is sufficient considering I've already worked there and left the place in peace.
They offered me a CDD at the CRO. CDD stands for Contrat de Durée Déterminée and (like I wrote in my first post) CRO stands for Central Reservation Office. So CDD means temporary contract. I would have preferred a CDI (Contrat de Durée Indéterminée), so a permanent position, but I know jobs are often available at DLP. If the CRO doesn't want to or can't extend my contract, I am sure an other position will be available and I am pretty flexible about that. If I had turned down this offer and taken the risk I could not get in any more, I would have never forgiven myself.
They sent my contract by mail together with some information and I had to return a copy. What happens next is lots of formalities and preparations which I will explain in my next post.
A question people have often asked me is how good your French should be. I have met cast members whose French was very basic. Of course, the better your languages are, the more choice you have concerning the type of job. And speaking fluent French will make your life in France much easier.
Questions about auditions in the entertainment department (parade etc.) are common too, but I do not know much about it, as that kind of job does not appeal to me.
So in the beginning of July I applied online and not long after that I got a language test and interview over the phone. The casting department often has recruitment sessions in various countries, but there wasn't any planned at that moment. They did ask if I could come to Marne-la-Vallée, but that would have been one heck of an expensive train ride and they don't refund those. I guess a phone call is sufficient considering I've already worked there and left the place in peace.
They offered me a CDD at the CRO. CDD stands for Contrat de Durée Déterminée and (like I wrote in my first post) CRO stands for Central Reservation Office. So CDD means temporary contract. I would have preferred a CDI (Contrat de Durée Indéterminée), so a permanent position, but I know jobs are often available at DLP. If the CRO doesn't want to or can't extend my contract, I am sure an other position will be available and I am pretty flexible about that. If I had turned down this offer and taken the risk I could not get in any more, I would have never forgiven myself.
They sent my contract by mail together with some information and I had to return a copy. What happens next is lots of formalities and preparations which I will explain in my next post.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Intro
Being a Disney cast member is a unique experience that I would like to share with the world. If there are any questions or suggestions, feel free to let me know. You will not find any secrets or backstage pictures or anything like that. I do not want to loose my magical job.
A lot of Disney fans dream about working for the mouse. So I made that dream come true. After high school I worked in a shop, during my internship I worked at City Hall and after college I worked at the reception of Hotel Santa Fe and afterwards at the CRO, Central Reservation Office.
I left DLP 5,5 years ago for several reasons. I never regret making that decision, but always thought it was the best time of my life. So after A LOT of thinking, I decided to go back.
A lot of Disney fans dream about working for the mouse. So I made that dream come true. After high school I worked in a shop, during my internship I worked at City Hall and after college I worked at the reception of Hotel Santa Fe and afterwards at the CRO, Central Reservation Office.
I left DLP 5,5 years ago for several reasons. I never regret making that decision, but always thought it was the best time of my life. So after A LOT of thinking, I decided to go back.
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