Disney offers a unique work experience to college students known as the Disney College Program. The Disney College Program has been around since 1981 and thousands of students from around the world, including myself, have participated. 

Almost seven years ago I packed up and moved down to Orlando to be a part of the Walt Disney College Program. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to any interested college students. Disney does a very thorough job of explaining the program on the Disney College Program site, so for this post I’ll give a general overview of the program with my own experiences.

The Interview Process

The interview process with Disney is pretty simple. Disney recruits at universities and community colleges across the country. The first step is a mandatory presentation put on by a Disney recruiter, which covers the program and expectations. There are past interns at the presentation to talk about their experience and answer any questions. At the end of the presentation if you are interested you sign up for an interview, which is typically the next day. Interview was pretty basic to get a feel for your personality. Offer letters are then sent usually within 2 weeks. During the application process you are asked to preference what type of role you want. It isn’t guaranteed but they try their best. Roles can vary from hospitality, custodial, and lifeguards to food and beverage, attractions, and merchandise. I was lucky enough to get my first choice, which was hospitality.

Living at Disney

What’s it like to live at Disney? For the most part it’s pretty good. There are 3 housing complexes and you will be placed at one of those. All interns are separated based on gender and whether they are over or under 21 years of age. Apartments range from 1-4 bedrooms and costs range from $80-105 per week depending on the size of the apartment and which complex which is automatically deducted from your check. All apartments are fully furnished and include the cost of utilities. The apartments are assigned 2 roommates per room. In my case I lived in a Vista Way 3 bedroom apartment and had 5 roommates. Transportation to the parks, work, and the grocery store is provided although I would highly recommend bringing your own car if you are able. 

Working at Disney

Depending on where you get placed your job could vary drastically. You’ll know what role you’ll be in before you accept so there are no surprises although you will not know the specific location. For example I signed on knowing I would be in hospitality but I didn’t know which resort I would work at until I arrived. I loved my role and my work experience. I had roommates that were in food and beverage that hated it and friends that were in custodial and loved it. A lot of the jobs aren’t glorious but if you like interacting with the guests and have a good attitude you’ll be fine. This internship, although it is paid, is not a money making experience and they will tell you that. Current pay range is $7.21-$8.56 per hour depending on the role. By the time you take out your rent you’re not left with a lot of money. Keep in mind you will probably still have other bills depending on your situation such as; cell phone, car payment, car insurance, etc. Most people do well to break even on the program.

Learning at Disney

The Disney College Program is an internship and depending on your university you can choose to do it with or without credit. Each university is different and some require you to take classes in order to get credit. I actually chose to do the program the semester following my senior year and opted to not take credit for it. I did however participate in classes. You can choose what class you want to take if any depending on your schools requirements. 

Playing at Disney

While on the college program you will have a hard time being bored. With 47 square miles of Disney to explore and play in there is always something to do. Obviously a major benefit of doing this program is the perks.

Some of the main perks are:

     . Free admission to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, and the Animal Kingdom

     . Discounts on merchandise and food

     . Discounts tickets to the water parks and Disney Quest

     . Free admission for up to 3 friends or family members up to 6 times

     . Resort discounts for friends and family

Overall Experience

The Disney College Program is a unique experience that I personally would recommend. Keep in mind it is what you make of it. Don’t go with the expectation of making a lot of money or having a glamorous job. Keep and open mind and a positive attitude and you’ll have a great experience, meet great lifelong friends, and have a great company on your resume to start your career.

If you’re interested in doing the Disney College Program and have additional questions feel free to leave a comment or email the Inside Mouse at info@insidemouse.com. I’d be happy to offer additional information about the program or my experience.

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