Ever since I received my acceptance, I've gotten the same "Congratulations!" followed by "Now, what is it you're doing?" For me, this question seems outrageous since I've basically been obsessing over this program for years, but that's just me. I often forget not everyone spends their time reading Disney blogs.
So, here we go:
what is the Disney College Program?
Well, in accordance to the DCP website, the college program is described as a "resume enhancing" 5 to 7 month internship in Walt Disney World (or Disneyland). What's really awesome about this program is you're getting paid while you're down there! Sure, you're not making the big bucks but it's in WDW (or DL), can you really complain? While on your program, you have the opportunity to enhance your skills, network with leaders and meet people from all over the world. (If you want more detail or a more official definition,
here is the link to the DCP website about page).
There are many different roles for college program students. Most popular being attractions, merchandise, food service, character attendant, custodial and so on. Every role will obviously have different experiences and requirements. I'll talk more about the different roles in a later post.
There are also quite a few requirements you must fulfill in order to be eligible to apply. Those can be found in greater detail on the DCP website, but the gist of it is you must be 18 years-or older, enrolled in at least one college course and you need to be eligible to work in the United States. You also must meet any requirements your school may have (for example, certain schools only allow you to apply with a certain GPA or higher). My best advice, if you're unsure of your schools requirements or your own eligibility, would be to talk to your advisor. Most of them are aware of the program and if they are not, they most likely will direct you to your schools career center (that's what mine did) and they should have more information for you.
There are a few other requirements after being accepted like adjusting to the "Disney look" and having full work availability during your program. That's not to say you can't request a night off, but don't plan for any two week vacations during your program.
While in Florida or California, Disney does offer housing options for it's participants. You do also have the option to live elsewhere if you so chose. I have heard mostly positive things about the apartment complexes but I'll talk about them more when I get to see them for myself in two months.
Those who participate in the program also have the opportunity to take classes during their program. I don't know too much about the classes, only what I've read online, but it's something I will certainly be signing up for and will have more information on soon.
Here is the course syllabi page where you can read up on the different classes available.
So I think I answered almost every question I have gotten in regards to the program so far. If there's anymore questions feel free to ask!
Disclaimer: I haven't participated in the program before, so all of my information comes from the official DCP website, various blogs/vlogs and people I know who personally participated in the program.
