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The Disney College Program: What is it?
I want to start this series of DCP posts with the most basic of the topics: what is the Disney College Program? If you already know about the program, feel free to skip this post, as it will be more dry and informational than my other posts. But stick around if you would like a helpful tip or two.
What is it?
The Disney College Program is a 4-6 month long full time position in a specific role at the Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort (Since I did my program in Orlando, I will be focusing on the Walt Disney World program). Disney World hires about 12,000 students nationally and internationally in a year to participate in programs of different length.
Program Lengths
The different lengths include: Spring (Jan/Feb-May/June), Fall (Aug/Sep-Dec/Jan), Spring Advantage (Jan/Feb-July/Aug), Fall Advantage (Aug/Sep-Dec/Jan), and they have recently implemented a Summer only Alumni program that allows DCP alumni to come without missing any school. As you can see, the start and end times of each of these program options are flexible, because Disney lets you pick from a few different arrival and departure dates based on your schedule. You also have the option to apply to extend your program if you decide that you want to stay longer once you’re there.
Roles
You will be cast in a role depending on your preference, but ultimately the company’s need at the time of your program. I will discuss the manipulation of this process further in later posts. But for now, just know that these roles can range anywhere from quick service food and beverage, merchandise, attractions, hospitality, lifeguarding, housekeeping, character attendant, character performer, photopass, custodial, and more! Also, if you are interested in the culinary arts, Disney also has the Disney Cullinary Program that allows students to gain experience working in the kitchens of Disney restaurants. In your role, you will work about 30-40 hours a week at approximately $10.00/hour. You will be considered equal to a full-time employee with the exception of benefits. Your park admission, comp tickets, and blockout dates will also be slightly adjusted for your college program status.
Housing
Something really convenient about the Disney College Program is that you don’t have to worry about finding housing for the short period of time you will be on your program. Disney provides four different housing complexes for its CPs to rent in their short time: Vista Way, The Commons, Chatham Square, and Patteson Court. Of the four of these complexes, The Commons and Patterson Court are the cleanest and most updated. If you don’t have a car, it is likely you will be place in Vista Way, because it is the closest to the bus stop, and a walkable distance from fast food and convenient stores. You do have the option of opting out of Disney housing and being responsible for your own, if say you have a family member who lives nearby, or if you plan on staying in the area after your program and are comfortable signing a year-long lease.
There are also really fun housing events hosted solely for CPs. These events usually include, free food, pool parties, movies, and character meet and greets. Twice a year the Disney College Program will host an extra special event for the CPs of that season. CPs on the spring program will be invited to participate in the Starlit Splash. This CP exclusive event closes down Typhoon Lagoon for a huge beach party that includes characters, rides, entertainment, and unlimited Mickey bars and chicken nuggets! And then in the fall, there is an exclusive formal event held of the same magnitude.
Roommates
You will be placed with anywhere from 1- 7 roommates in apartments with 1-4 bedrooms. Most apartments have two beds in a room, but some have three beds to a room (one single and one bunk). You do have the option to preference your roommates when you apply for housing if you know someone else who is doing the program. The stipulation is that your potential roommates must have the same arrival and departure dates as you, no exception. The reason for this is to make move in and move out smooth and seamless, and so Disney can fill rooms most efficiently, without having scattered weeks of empty beds in apartments. If you don’t know anyone else who is doing the program, and you are interested in finding roommates, there are always plenty of Facebook pages specifically designated for roommate surveys and connecting to potential roommates. If you choose not to do any of this, don’t worry. Disney will choose random roommates for you!
Transportation
I am going to quickly insert my opinion into this section and say: BRING YOUR CAR! I cannot stress this enough. If you have a car, bring it. If there is a cheap beater car available to you, buy it. Disney does provide (crappy) bus transportation to all parks and resorts, including Disney Springs, the post office, Publix, and Walmart. But that is if you want to tack on about an hour and a half to each end of your day walking to and waiting at the bus stop, and sitting for the long and indirect bus ride. Also, if you want to go anywhere else besides the places the bus stops, you will have to badger your poor friends who have cars to be your taxi service – that is if they don’t already have other plans. So yes, Disney does provide the necessary transportation, which is included in your initial program fee if you absolutely can’t provide your own. But if you can, bring your car. Please. I’m trying to save you severe amounts of angst and hatred.
Classes
If you are worried about falling behind on your classes, you may be relieved to know that Disney does offer transferable college courses in things like business and communications. They also offer specialized classes you can take just for fun, to learn about things like Disney heritage, or the technical workings behind some of the shows. Also, make sure you double check with your college advisor before going on the program. If the role you’ve been accepted into is relevant to your major, you might be able to build into your own internship to gain upper level credit towards graduation.
Parks and Perks
And finally, you do get full complimentary admission to all four of the main parks, as well as selective access to the two water parks. As a cast member, you will get a 20% discount on most merchandise and sit down restaurants (not quick service), and during the holidays you will get a 40% discount. There are also special cast offerings and discounts on various other things, such as the Hoop De Doo Musical Revue dinner show, miniature golf, and recreational activities at the Fort Wilderness resort. You will get discounted resort room rates and cruise line and park tickets (for if you run out of comp tickets). And you will also have access to Disney’s Cast Connections, which is a warehouse of old discounted Disney merchandise solely available to cast members and their families that never sold in the parks and resorts. And those are just some of the perks! You will also find that many restaurants in the Orlando area will give you a small discount if you show them your Disney ID.
So that is kind of the bare bones outline of what the Disney College Program is all about. You work at Disney World for a few months as a full time cast member, and get to go to the parks for free! You get to make the magic and experience the magic in this well-designed program that is highly accommodating to a college student’s housing, income, and resumé-building needs. I know this post has been super dry and informative, but I think it is necessary to know the basics if you want to talk details. And there is certainly a lot to know about this unique program. I’ll post again soon with some more info on why and how you should do the DCP! Subscribe if you wanna stay in the know!
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