The Realities of the Disney College Program
By Dawn Rosenberg McKay
The Disney College Program (DCP) gives college students and recent graduates the opportunity to spend a semester or more working in a Disney park or resort. Participants, commonly called CPs, are paid for their time and, depending on their institution’s rules, may also get college credit. The DCP is an incredible experience for many students and recent graduates—you get to earn money, acquire valuable skills, and spend at least four months in the happiest place on earth, but it isn’t right for everyone. Before you decide to apply for and accept a position in the program, you should learn what it is really like. Here are things to know about the Disney College Program:
Admission Is Competitive: When you apply for the Disney College Program, be sure to have a backup plan. Make plans as if you are going back to school instead of beginning the program. A very small percentage of applicants get accepted. Don’t despair if you don’t make it into the program. You can always try again, as long as you are still in school or up to six months after you graduate.
College May Be in the Title, But the DCP Isn’t College: The DCP serves as a wonderful companion to your college education, but it is very different than your life is as a student. Disney has high expectations for its college program participants. You will have to show up to work when you are scheduled to be there. You can request a day off here and there, but it could be denied. The company’s staffing needs come first.
DCP housing, where many participants choose to live, is comprised of dormitory style apartments. Accommodations house between two and eight people, and you may share a room with up to three CPs. Some rooms have bunk beds and each apartment has a full kitchen. If you don’t already know how to cook, it would be a good idea to learn before you arrive. Unlike college, the DCP does not offer meal plans and eating out will get very expensive.
If you plan to live in housing, you should be aware there are very strict rules. For example, everyone under 21 years of age is required to live in a “wellness” apartment. Alcohol is absolutely prohibited there. If any is found in your apartment, everyone living there will be terminated from the program. If you are 21 or over and living in a “wellness” apartment, for example, you turn 21 during your program, you are not exempt from this rule. Apartments are regularly and thoroughly inspected.
CPs Usually Work Outside Their College Major: While the DCP is technically considered an internship, participants usually do not get experience related to their college major. They are often placed in positions throughout the parks and resorts such as merchandise, lifeguarding, custodial, quick service food and beverage, attractions, and housekeeping. Although you may not get experience in your field of study, most participants come out of the DCP with valuable work and life skills.
If acquiring experience in your major is a priority, consider applying for a Professional Internship (PI) instead or apply for one after you complete the college program. Both the DCP and PI are very competitive, but the PI is even more so. Participation in a DCP may be a very valuable component of your application.
Everyone Gets to Make Magic, But Probably Not in the Way You Think: If you’ve ever been to Disney World, Disneyland, or another Disney park, you may envision yourself in a particular role, maybe even one that puts you in a position surrounded by guests waiting to take their picture with you. It is important to note that it takes a lot of people to make magic at Disney Parks and Resorts. Along with cast members, who are full and part-time employees, most CPs work at jobs that involve keeping the facilities clean, serving food to guests, selling merchandise, and keeping guests comfortable and safe. All of these roles contribute to the magic that is Disney, and no job is more or less important than any other.
You Will Not End Up in a Role You Don’t Want: If there’s a particular job you do not want, there is a way to guarantee you won’t get it. When you complete your application, you will be presented with a list of all available roles. For each one, you will be able to indicate how you feel about it. You can choose from: Not Interested, Have Little Interest, Somewhat Interested, or Very Interested. Make sure to pick “Not Interested” for any roles you do not want. Do not choose “Have Little Interest” or neglect to choose an answer at all. If you do either of those things, there is a chance you could end up with that role, since you didn’t indicate you are not interested in it. It is important to note though, that saying you are “very interested” in a role, doesn’t mean you will get it. Be open for surprises though. You may end up loving the role in which you said you had “little interest.”
Expect to Work Long Days and Weeks: The Disney Parks and Resorts are open year-round and to keep the magic going they must be fully staffed. CPs, particularly during the busiest seasons, are sometimes scheduled to work more than 10 hours a day and many days in a row. Many participants end up working sixty hour weeks at times.
Don’t Expect to Be Home for the Holidays: It is difficult for many people to be away from home during Christmastime. If you suspect you won’t be able to give up celebrating the holidays with your family, do not apply for the Fall or Fall Advantage programs. Spring and Spring Advantage may be more suitable for you, but if you cringe at the thought of missing any holidays at home, think twice about doing that too.
Check With Your College Before Accepting An Offer: Colleges have different policies regarding students’ participation in the DCP. Some give CPs academic credit but require them to take courses through the program or their home institutions. Others don’t give any credit but allow students to take a leave of absence. Some students must take online classes or pay a separate fee during their absence to maintain enrollment. Check with your college to find out what its policy is. Scholarships may also have specific requirements, and so it is prudent to learn about them before committing to the DCP.