By Chris Bantham

A criticism of the Disney College Program that pops up from time to time is:

“It should not be called the “College” Program since Disney isn’t a college and doesn’t offer college credit for participating in the Program.”

The criticism has some merit as Disney is not an accredited university.  However, as we explore the Program and the criticism, it will be easy to demonstrate that ‘college’ is not just in the name – it is and always has been, in the very DNA of the Disney College Program.

Let’s break it down and separate fact from fiction.

First, it is very accurate to say that Disney is not an accredited university itself but that does not mean that CP’s cannot or do not earn college credit – many do but through the college/university where they are enrolled.

College Classes at Disney

Understanding the rich history of the Disney College Program, going back to the 1970s/80s, can provide helpful context.  If you are not aware of the history of the college, take a few minutes and check out the history of DCP in the Blog post titled, “Disney College Program – Understanding the Basics: A Primer for Parents.”  Here

In the early days of the Program, and until just recently, Disney had a variety of educational offerings, many taught in a classroom setting.

According to Disney sources:

• In 1981 there were 11 non-credit classroom sessions offered as part of the program. They were aptly named, “Leisure Time Business Management Studies.”
• In 1994 they added 4 core classes and 3 specialized classes.
• By 1996 there were 7 core business and management classes offered.
• By 2000 Disney had 7 academic classes that were recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education.
• In 2004 Disney expanded the offerings with their “Professional Development Series” to include Finance, Security, and Engineering courses.

Where does all that leave us today……with college credits for CPs?

Prior to the impact of COVID, Disney’s focus on classroom learning and course offerings were already beginning to change and with the COVID shutdowns, it appears that all classes were suspended – along with everything else.  As we sit in 2022 and move a bit closer to a post-COVID world, here is what we know:

• The internship/work component of the Disney College Program is recommended and approved for academic credit through the American Council on Education (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT). You can check out more info on ACE here.  However, just because the internship is able to be used for credit does not mean that all schools will allow or grant the credit.  Students need to check with their school to see if this credit will be accepted and applied toward graduation requirements.  In some cases, your student’s college may have a defined internship program and they are well aware of the Disney College Program and will be able to tell you right away whether or not you will be able to earn credit by completing the DCP. For other schools, there may be a bit of leg work needed.
• Those in a Hospitality Management, Recreation, or similar degree program may find it easier to relate the DCP experience that will be gained and the relevance of working for Disney into a credit opportunity. However, it is important to keep in mind that (as of March 2022) CP roles are assigned randomly and are not based on a CP’s field of study. Therefore, a student in a Hospitality Management major could end up in a Parking assignment and a Recreation major could end up in Food & Beverage – roles that may not relate to their degree programs.
• There are schools that have fully embraced the Disney College Program and even boast the number of their students that have participated and the positive outcomes. Disney Internship & Programs Support staff can assist in locating those schools; however, the Academic Advisor at a student’s current school will know if the school participates with Disney.

What about getting credit from a school other than the one you currently attend?

• A possibility that is perhaps seldom considered is the option of enrolling in an ‘internship’ oriented class at a College that does grant credit for completion of both the DCP and the coursework that the school has developed for the program. While a student’s current school may not offer credit for the Internship, they may allow the credits earned from another institution to be transferred and count, often as an elective, toward graduation requirements. For an example, check out the Central Michigan University. They were one of the first forty schools recruited into the program in 1981.   Central Michigan students can earn from 1 to 15 credits for their participation in the DCP and they also have a program for “Guest Students”.  You can find more here.
• Disney has provided a number of resources to answer the question, “How can I get credit for my Disney Program?” and to prepare students to have meaningful discussions with their Academic Advisors. Disney has also provided resources to help Advisors learn more about the program and to offer them suggested learning paths that could be approved for credit.  Those resources can be found in DORMS^[1] or by clicking here for Potential Credit Opportunities.  The entire syllabus for the recommended credit from the DCP Internship can be found here.
• It appears that Disney has shifted their own to focus away from many (or possibly most) of the academic classroom offerings in favor of more real-world-focused learning such as:

Conversations with…
providing participants with the opportunity to learn about different topics and/or career paths through the personal stories shared by guest speakers.

Career Connections
exclusive events that showcase career possibilities based on participants’ indicated major and/or area of study or interest.

Career + Life Preparation
offerings designed to assist participants with resume writing, networking, interviewing, and wellness, including financial, emotional, physical, and intellectual dimensions.

Each seminar is 2-3 hours in length and registration is open to all Disney College Program Participants.

For the prospective Disney College Program applicant, the responsibility falls to the student to work through the details with their school.

Veteran DCP Parents will always recommend that students work out the details of earning potential college credit through DCP prior to applying but certainly before accepting an offer and paying the registration fee.  Disney Program Support is willing to offer assistance, but the responsibility falls to the student to have the conversations with their Academic Advisor and the decision on whether or not credit will be granted is made by the school, not Disney.

In addition to finding out about credit opportunities, students should meet with their Academic Advisor, Financial Aid Office, and Registrar to ask these questions:

• If I participate in the Disney College Program, without registering for any classes during the semester, how will that affect my status as a full or part-time student? If I extend my College Program and I’m gone from school for 12 months, how will that impact my status?
• If I decide not to take college classes online while I am participating in the Disney College Program, do I need to request and be approved for a leave of absence?
• What impact will my participation in the Disney College Program have on any scholarships, grants, or financial aid that I receive?

What about taking college classes virtually while participating in the Disney College Program?

The decision to enroll in online classes is a personal choice but should not be made without a very realistic investigation of the pros and cons.  Look for a future article in this Blog on things a Disney College Program applicant should consider before taking on college coursework while a CP.

^[1] DORMS is the Disney Onsite Resident Management System.  Most information in DORMS requires login; however, the links provided in this article can be reached without logging in and can be shared with your school and your Academic Advisor.

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent the views of the Admins or Moderators of the Disney College Program Parents Facebook Group, The Walt Disney Company, or the Disney College Program. Other than being a parent of multiple College Program participants, the author has no affiliation with Disney or the Disney College Program.

By Chris Bantham

In this article we’ll tackle some common questions:

1. What is the Disney College Program?
2. What are the roles assigned to those in the Disney College Program?
3. It sounds like fun, but what are the tangible benefits of the Disney College Program?
4. What do we really need to know before I apply?

(While the information provided below could apply to Programs at Disneyland or Disney World, much of the content is geared toward WDW in Orlando. Always check with Disney sources for the most up to date info and location specific info.)

What is the Disney College Program?

Let’s start with how Disney describes it.

“Discover a unique living and working environment with participants from all over the world. The Disney College Program allows you to gain on-the-job experience with a world-renowned company, providing uniquely Disney learning experiences, all while preparing for your future, building transferable skills, including networking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication.”

While Disney’s description is 100% accurate – or will be 100% once international students are welcomed back to the program post-COVID – it may sound like a speech you’d get from a recruiter and may leave you asking, “Yeah, but what is it really?”

Let’s start with a quick history lesson.

History of the Disney College Program 101

The Disney College Program is not new.  Its roots can be traced back to 1981 with “The Magic Kingdom College Program” that had about 250 students working in various jobs in the Magic Kingdom.  But, if we go back even further, we learn that in 1972, “The Disney Entertainment Work Experience Program” was started.

While the Work Experience Program focused specifically on recruiting college students that were performers (musicians, singers, dancers, and actors) it still was a “College Program,” and it advertised the benefits of gaining “real work experience as an entertainer.”  Auditions were held to be part of various groups, like the “Disney All American Marching Band,” “All American Singers,” “All American Players,” and a few more.  While primarily a 12-week summer program, students were offered a grant for local housing and a stipend that was reported to be around $1,000 in 1975.

So, some can argue that the history of what we know today as the Disney College Program, or at least a variation of it, goes all the way back to 1972.

Whether it was Disney’s interest in giving college students an opportunity to gain real-world work experience and to share “The Disney Way,” or they just needed to broaden their employee base, in 1980 Disney sent recruiters to the University of Alabama, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Georgia, and about 250 students were signed up.    In 1981, with the program expanding to over forty universities represented, another 250 college students were recruited, and “The Magic Kingdom College Program” was officially launched. Additionally, with the opening of EPCOT approaching, eight international students were added – but worked in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney needed a place to house the college students, so they acquired land in Kissimmee, and the first CPs lived in brand new Mobile Homes in what was named Snow White Village.

Today, the College Program has grown to be one of the most highly regarded and competitive college-level internships worldwide.  Under the umbrella of “Disney Programs,” opportunities for students and recent graduates have expanded to include:

Some additional helpful facts:

PAY

• It is a paid internship and participants are guaranteed to be scheduled for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Pay is weekly and housing costs (rent) are deducted automatically from the weekly paycheck.
• CPs are eligible for overtime (1.5x after 8 hours in a shift or after 40 hours in a pay period. There are also other times when OT would apply).  Some CPs can end up working 50+ hours per week, while others might be scheduled for the minimum 30. Every applicant needs to do the math and be comfortable that they can meet any financial obligations on the minimum guaranteed 30 hours per week.

HOUSING

• Housing is provided, but it is not obligatory that CPs live in Disney-provided housing. For more information on Disney housing at WDW click here.
• Disney’s Flamingo Crossings Village apartments (NOT dorms) are equipped with full kitchens. There are no food service options, cafeterias or dining halls on site. Each participant is responsible for their own grocery shopping and meal planning.

TRANSPORTATION

• Parking a Car – Participants are welcome to bring a vehicle but Parking Permit must be obtained prior to arrival ($85 fee). However, PARKING PERMITS ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY and are not guaranteed. If a participant does not get an onsite parking permit via the lottery held, there are currently no other options or alternative locations to park a vehicle and therefore cannot bring a vehicle.  We understand that may be changing at time we go to press, so watch this space!
• Take the Bus – Residents of Flamingo Crossings can make full and free use of Disney transportation. Dedicated buses are provided for CP’s and run on a frequent schedule to and from all Parks and Resorts – basically, anywhere a Participant could be assigned to work, there is a Disney bus to get them there and get them home.  Additionally, there is a bus that goes to two different shopping locations and any of the buses can be used to get to Parks, Disney Springs, and other destinations for FUN, not just for work.

What are the requirements and qualifications to apply for the Disney College Program?

There are several qualifications to be aware of and the full list can be found here.

Here are the basics.  The applicant…

• Must be at least 18 at the time they apply.
• Must be enrolled in and currently taking classes, or have graduated within the past 24 months, from an accredited US college, university, or higher education program.
• Must have successfully completed one semester by the time their Disney College Program term would start.
• Must be willing to agree to and be compliant with the requirements of “The Disney Look”.

What roles are assigned to participants?

The roles assigned are entry-level jobs. They are not supervisory or managerial roles, regardless of the amount of school completed, degree earned, or any previous work experience.  At present, roles are assigned based solely on Disney’s need and are not based on applicants’ desire for a specific role, their field of study, or their prior work history or qualifications. In other words, it’s a random spin of the wheel and a CP may be assigned to any role.

Common Roles are (and you can click on the roles for a job description!):

• Attractions – Working as a Host/Hostess at a particular attraction or group of attractions. Attraction roles can vary and may include Kilimanjaro Safari Drivers/Guides or Jungle Cruise Skippers.
• Merchandise – Working at an indoor or sometimes outdoor retail store/ vending location (cart). Assisting guests, stocking shelves, Cashier, etc.
• Food & Beverage – From Quick Service to sit-down dining, CP’s can be assigned Front of House (Host/Greeter/Seater/Cashier) or Back of House (kitchen/food service) roles. (CPs are not assigned to ‘tipped’ positions such as a Server.)
• Transportation – Monorail, Skyliner, Parking/Trams, Watercraft
• Lifeguard – This role is only assigned to those that express a willingness to take on the responsibilities of a lifeguard.
• Custodial – First and foremost, Custodial is a remarkably high guest interaction role and like Parking, it is often a role that participants may be disappointed to get, but they soon discover how much fun the role can be and how great the teams are to work with. Custodial is, just as the name implies, trash, restrooms, litter patrol, etc.  Custodial Cast Members have endless opportunities to make face-to-face magic with Guests!
• Houseperson – Assisting Housekeepers, stocking carts with linens/towels and supplies, custodial duties in resort lobby or pool area, “runner” delivering requested items to guest rooms, etc. (A Houseperson is not specifically a “Housekeeper” who regularly cleans and prepares rooms; however, they will be trained in Housekeeping duties and may be called upon if there is a need.)
• Recreation – Recreational areas such as waterslide operations, towel rental, cabanas, watercraft rental, marina operations, arcades, and resort recreational facilities.
• Children’s Activities – Working with children, primarily at Resorts, reading stories, organizing and playing games, playing music/line dancing, trivia contests.
• Photopass Photographer – Photographing guests at various locations through the Disney Parks.
• Bell Services Dispatcher – Greeting guests, gathering and tagging luggage, and assigning tasks to the Bellhops.

There are other roles that may be assigned to CP’s including:  Convention Guide, Resort Club Level Guest Attendant, Concierge, Costuming, Spa Attendant, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Vacation Planner, Park Greeter, Character Attendant, and other roles based on Disney’s needs and dependent on further re-openings of certain activities at Disney Parks.

What about Character and Performing Roles?

Good question.  In the past, CPs were occasionally assigned to “Character Roles” to be ‘a friend of’ Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, etc.  Since the Pandemic, those roles were not being assigned to CP’s, pending the return of previously furloughed employees, who were waiting for their offers to return; however, we are hearing stirrings of upcoming “Performer” auditions that will include CPs.

More information about performance roles and auditions can be found here.

Other things to know about roles:

• Safety-critical roles require the successful completion of a drug test.
• Some roles require a valid US Driver’s License.
• Some roles may require a POET (Post Offer Employment Test) to ensure that the candidate is able to lift, carry, bend, and complete repetitive motion without injury.
• 99.9% of Roles will require walking, and in some cases lots of walking, as well as standing for extended periods. Keep in mind heat can be a factor for many.  (Disney takes Cast Member health and safety very seriously but still, working in the hot sun and heat of the day is often part of the job.)  The work can be long, hard, physically demanding, and stressful.  Applicants need to fully understand this when applying.*Medical Accommodation requests may be applied for and approved if the request is documented and based on a qualified disability. This includes animal allergies due to the allowed ESA animals in Housing.  Rule of thumb:  when in doubt, complete those Medical Accommodations forms in advance of arrival.  Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

It sounds like fun but what are the tangible benefits of the Disney College Program?

If you are the parent of a student that is considering the Disney College Program this is a very fair question.  How do you connect working in a Parking Lot or as a Custodian at a Disney Park to their field of study?

A few thoughts.   Don’t drive yourself crazy trying to figure out how the program relates to their degree or career goals. Instead, consider how the program can influence their life.

First, there are skills and life lessons to learn beyond the walls of the classroom.  Here is the input from an Academic Advisor.

“We have seen the experience and skills that are developed from this program be a benefit to any student and any major. The transferable skills and maturity gained and developed from this opportunity are immeasurable. Developing better communication, problem-solving, leadership, time management, teamwork, and guest service skills to name a few, will all benefit any student in any career choice. And employers echo this sentiment telling us they prefer skills and experience more than merely a degree alone.”

College Program Alums consistently share that when they have applied for a job the interviewer will ask, “I see on your resume that you interned at The Walt Disney Company. Tell me about that.”

Why do future employers or recruiters want to know about Disney experience?  Because they are aware that Disney has exacting standards and a reputation for quality.  Interning for Disney can demonstrate that you are responsible and dependable.  You know what hard work is. You’ve likely learned how to interact with both happy and unhappy customers and learned how to keep calm and communicate with professionalism. And the list goes on.

And finally, there is no denying that it’s FUN. Many students have worked hard to get where they are and sometimes the best path along any journey is to plan for a break, a gap semester, or a time to engage in something that is less intellectually demanding and less competitive.

For some students, the Disney College Program has been part of their master plan for many years. Others might be in school but not have a specific career plan in mind and six months in the Disney College Program might help to open them up to some ideas or provide direction.

Despite the challenging work, many leave the program energized, recharged and with a new network of friends from around the US and potentially from around the world.

Wondering about earning college credit for the Disney College Program?  Look for our next blog post:  The ‘COLLEGE’ part of the Disney College Program.

A final checklist:

Some important things to consider before applying or certainly before accepting a position in the Disney College Program:

1. Has there been a meeting with an Academic Advisor, Dean, or Financial Aid Officer to consider how participating in the Program will affect status as a student and the impact on any scholarships, grants, or student loans?
2. Will the student take a semester off, are they eligible to receive credit(s) from their school for the internship, or will they / should they take courses online while in the Disney College Program?
3. Is the applicant ready to say the following?
   • I want to participate even if I don’t get a parking permit, won’t be able to take my car, and will be relying 100% on Disney transportation.
   • I have worked out a budget and understand how much I’ll make, what I’ll likely spend, including groceries, and I have included the cost of transportation (airfare) to and from, and any hotel stays for arrival (check-in) and departure (check-out).
   • I want to participate even if I am assigned to a role that I don’t like.
   • I understand and accept that the hours can be long, and the work can be hard.
   • I want to participate even if I don’t get my choice in apartment type (sharing a room versus a private room).
   • From day one until the final day of my program I will remain committed to it. I don’t have a plan to “give it a try” and quit if Disney doesn’t see things my way, or a plan to end the program early so I can come home and be with family for the holidays.
   • I understand that there is no guarantee (and in fact the chances are slim) that I will be able to get days off to come home, travel, attend a wedding, spring break, family event or graduation.
   • I understand that Disney has some strict rules and procedures, and that they have a disciplinary matrix for both attendance and performance, and that points and reprimands can be issued, and if I get too many I could be terminated from the program.
   • I have fully researched the Disney College Program, had all my important questions answered, and I understand the pros and cons. I realize that being a Guest at Disney is quite different from being a Cast Member at Disney, and I am ready to take on this challenge without hesitation.

Still have questions? No problem.  The Disney College Program Parent Group has the answers. It’s the best way to connect with parents that have similar questions, concerns, and advice.  If you are the parent of an accepted CP, and have not already joined, what are you waiting for?  Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/disneycollegeprogramparents

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent the views of the Admins or Moderators of the Disney College Program Parents Facebook Group, The Walt Disney Company, or the Disney College Program. Other than being a parent of multiple College Program participants, the author has no affiliation with Disney or the Disney College Program.

By Mark L. Fendrick

With new CP’s checking in now, I thought this might be a good time to share some thoughts. This is an exciting time for our young adults and also perhaps a bit of a scary time … both for them and for their parents.

As parents, we have been accustomed to taking care of our children since birth. When they are born, we are responsible for every aspect of their life. We make all the decisions for them and do everything we can to keep them happy and above all, safe.

As they mature, it’s our job to hand off some of that responsibility to our children themselves … at appropriate levels of course. They learn how to make decisions and what to do to keep themselves safe. Our job as parents is to prepare them for the day that they take full responsibility for their lives and know how to do what is necessary and needed of them to have a good life.

As parents about to turn your young adults over to the DCP, you are nearing the fulfillment of this job. Your fledgling is about to leave the nest – for some it will be for a short stay while for others it will perhaps be the start of their independent life. No better place nor safer way for them to test their wings than as participants in the Disney College Program. It’s like real life with training wheels. Now you will get to see the skills that you have instilled in your son/daughter being put to use in a somewhat controlled setting.

Now is the time for you as a parent to take a step back and watch them make their decisions … and take responsibility. Will all of their choices be good ones? Heck no! But here’s the thing … they learn and grow more from the bad decisions even more than the good ones. Walt Disney once said, “It is good to have a failure while you’re young because it teaches you so much …”

Of course, you as a parent are still there to advise and support, and step in if it is truly serious, but for the most part, this is your son/daughter’s time to take the reins of their lives.

So, sit back and enjoy the adventure. You’ll be amazed at what your son/daughter can and will do, and you will be so proud of the young adult they will be at the end of their CP days. Let them fly … they will soar!