[Question] Disney College Program?

[DisneyGreek]

I also posted this in the Disneyland Resort Forum, but found a lot of people commenting on Florida so I thought I would include this here too! I found out about the Disney College Program where once you are 18 you can work for Disney on a paid internship sort of a thing. I was just wondering if anyone has ever done it or knew someone who has. I really want to do this when I am older and in college but am wondering what is the experience you get out of it? Thanks! (Also if you have done the Disneyland Resort program too in CA would love to here your experience too!)

[DancinBelle]

Re: Disney College Program?

I did the College Program for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 and absolutely loved it! I met a lot of incredible people. I worked at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad my first program and the Great Movie Ride my second, and both were amazing. If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask!

[DisneyGreek]

Re: Disney College Program?

That's great!!!!! Okay, when you either applied or went to work did they ask you were you wanted to work or was it by chance? like could you have been put in the food business or retail? Did you ask for Big Thunder Mountain or The Great Movie Ride? Also did you ask to be in FL or did they choose it for you? Lastly do you still go to college while in the program or does Disney give you college classes and credits? Thanks so much!

[DancinBelle]

Re: Disney College Program?

That's great!!!!! Okay, when you either applied or went to work did they ask you were you wanted to work or was it by chance? like could you have been put in the food business or retail? Did you ask for Big Thunder Mountain or The Great Movie Ride? Also did you ask to be in FL or did they choose it for you? Lastly do you still go to college while in the program or does Disney give you college classes and credits? Thanks so much!

When you are filling out the initial application, you can check as many boxes as you like for roles, like Attractions, Food and Beverage, etc. Then you make a list of your top 3 choices. They try to put you in your 1st choice, if they can't they look at your second choice, then third, then anything else you said you were willing to do. I did not ask for Thunder, but I did request Great Movie Ride. You can request, but it is not always possible. I applied specifically for Florida, the applications for Florida and California are separate.

It is up to you if you want to take online courses from your own college. Disney also offers classes, but not all of their classes will count for credit at your college. The classes are things like Disney history and Marketing You. Some colleges will also give you credit for the program as an internship, if it applies to your major.

Hope that helps! Do you know what you want to do at Disney, like attractions or food?

[DisneyGreek]

Re: Disney College Program?

I really want to do like attractions or guest services if you can even do that! haha but what I am most nervous about is the classes and graduating in 4 years. Also do you know if there is anything different between the Ca version and the FL version? thanks!

[DancinBelle]

Re: Disney College Program?

If you really want to do the program, but don't want to slow down before graduation, you can apply in your last semester of school, graduate, and then do the program. As long as you are enrolled in one college class, you can apply. The Florida program is a lot bigger, so they can take a lot more students than California can. Florida also has private College Program housing and buses, which California does not. Attractions is available for students, Guest Relations is not. Some International Program students can get into Guest Relations, but only after they have been at Disney for a while.

[Moonliner]

Re: Disney College Program?

If I'm reading this correctly, there are two essentially separate programs.

The "Disney College Program" where you typically work in the park (food, retail, etc..)

And

"Disney Professional Internships" that are more tailored to professions. (hotel management, Information Systems, etc...)

Which one are you thinking about?

[ohmyjustin]

Re: Disney College Program?

Florida also has private College Program housing and buses, which California does not. Attractions is available for students, Guest Relations is not. Some International Program students can get into Guest Relations, but only after they have been at Disney for a while.

California does have housing, but I'm not sure about busing. I would think so, though.

Another difference between the programs is the CA college program has fewer options in courses you can take. You need to check with your individual college if they'll accept the courses offered for credit. If you google Disney College Program, you can find the official website with the list of courses.

[GraceysGirl]

Re: Disney College Program?

I did my CP Spring 2011 in FL and it was amazing! I did the Spring Advantage Program (7months vs 5) and was there from January 19th - August 5th. I met amazing people and had so much fun!! I was merchandise in Adventureland. Adventureland is pretty unique in that they have TONS of CPs. During the shorter Spring Program we had 30 CPs. In Adventureland we had the typical stores plus all the Squeeze Breeze and Glow carts that are out before parades. If I wasn't in a job where I see myself long term I would take a class just to go back again. The apartments are pretty nice but you will be sharing a room with someone. I found my roommate on Facebook before I went and she is my best friend. I would say do it for sure!

[DisneyGreek]

Re: Disney College Program?

Thanks for all the answers! Ii have another question. What is the best time to try for? Fall or Spring or Summer? Also in the fall do you get anytime off for the holidays like can you go home for Christmas? Thanks!

[DancinBelle]

Re: Disney College Program?

You usually can't apply for summer. It's usually an Alumni-only program. Fall has more special events because of the holidays, so it's my favorite. You will almost certainly be working for every single holiday. Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for Disney, and they need all hands on deck.

[Disneytwins]

Re: Disney College Program?

If you want to experience the Florida summer, Spring Advantage is right for you.

[joanna71985]

Re: Disney College Program?

I also posted this in the Disneyland Resort Forum, but found a lot of people commenting on Florida so I thought I would include this here too! I found out about the Disney College Program where once you are 18 you can work for Disney on a paid internship sort of a thing. I was just wondering if anyone has ever done it or knew someone who has. I really want to do this when I am older and in college but am wondering what is the experience you get out of it? Thanks! (Also if you have done the Disneyland Resort program too in CA would love to here your experience too!)

I've done the CP 6 times. My roles were merchandise, character attendant, custodial, QSFB, and attractions. If you have questions about those roles, I can try to answer them for you

California does have housing, but I'm not sure about busing. I would think so, though.

I'm pretty sure the buses for DL are not private use (the way WDW buses are).

Thanks for all the answers! Ii have another question. What is the best time to try for? Fall or Spring or Summer? Also in the fall do you get anytime off for the holidays like can you go home for Christmas? Thanks!

For me, I loved being at WDW on the fall CP (because then you are there for the major holidays). And no, unfortunately you will be working the holidays if you go during Fall

[DisneyGreek]

Re: Disney College Program?

[QUOTE=joanna71985;1056819576]I've done the CP 6 times. My roles were merchandise, character attendant, custodial, QSFB, and attractions. If you have questions about those roles, I can try to answer them for you


How would you describe the high and low points of each job? Did you like one more than the other? Also are these jobs also at Disneyland here in CA? Thanks

[joanna71985]

Re: Disney College Program?

How would you describe the high and low points of each job? Did you like one more than the other? Also are these jobs also at Disneyland here in CA? Thanks

Each of the roles has/had good and bad things about it. Merchandise- I liked the guest interaction, and I loved my location. However, I was not comfortable working with money. CA- I loved the interaction with the characters and guests, and getting to work in all 4 parks. The only bad thing was the potential for guests getting upset when the line closed. Custodial- there is a lot of freedom with this role. The only bad thing was that I wasn't there long enough to get used to all the walking. QSFB- I liked the location and the people I worked with. However, I didn't like the money part (and it could get a little crazy at times). And attractions- I worked at Toy Story Mania (and currently work at Great Movie Ride). TSM I didn't like at all (it was very busy, and I was not fond of dealing with FP). GMR- I love getting to do shows (as each show is different), and it's a great group of people there.

Overall, I think my favorites would be CA and GMR (as they are the 2 I am still proficient in).

And as for DL- most roles will be the same (with possible name changes between parks). However, I'm not sure if CPs can do entertainment roles in DL

[TigTug]

Re: Disney College Program?

This sounds like a Great Thread!
I applied to WDW for Spring Adv 13... Character and Character assistant.

I've had some experience at Paramount's Great America dancing & as a friend of S****-D**, and l later was a friend of G***** in the Hawaii premiere of B&TB...

I'm 35, but I understand I'm not the only one out there in my age bracket...lol..
My phone interview is next MONDAY! Sept 17th ...... pretty nervous and excited...

[Disneytwins]

Re: Disney College Program?

Best of luck to you!

You'll notice that Disney is oddly on time for the phone interview. I have no clue how they do it.

[PBandJ]

Re: Disney College Program?

My brother did the college program and really enjoyed it! But unless you do the professional internship as part of a hospitality degree or something like that, don't count on getting any college credit out of the program.

My brother applied during his last semester and then worked there for 7.5 months after graduating, so it was really just a fun post-college experience for him. He didn't really get anything out of it professionally - they basically bring the college kids down there to do grunt work for low pay, from what I can tell.

If you want a few months of living there and getting to go to WDW every day for free, then go for it! But if you are nervous about completing your degree on time, or if you are very ambitious, it might be hard to make the Disney program work. You might be better off seeking out a more educational internship, or a study-abroad program where you actually take classes. But it all depends on your situation. Best of luck with school!

[Disneytwins]

Re: Disney College Program?

You don't get to go to the parks everyday unless you're talking about working. A good portion of it is working and sleeping. It's hard work, but it was well worth it IMO.

[TigTug]

Re: Disney College Program?

You don't get to go to the parks everyday unless you're talking about working. A good portion of it is working and sleeping. It's hard work, but it was well worth it IMO.

Thank You Disney Twins!

I am applying for DCP, in part, to learn from the best of the biz.
From a Performance standpoint, Marketing, and Customer Service, etc...

I want to soak it All in and use what I learn...
Turn it into a Career at Disney!