The Disney College Program (Disneyland Resort in California)

Having thoughts about the the Disney College Program or just curious to what it is? Maybe you have a friend or family member who was accepted and you are looking for more information? You are in the right place!

So you heard about the Disney College Program. Is it a college? Is it just for fun? Do you go to school? HOW LONG IS IT?!

Here is the breakdown.

What: The Disney College Program is for college students 18 and over, or recently graduated(within 12 months), where participants have the opportunity to work in a Disney park while networking and learning about Disney through Disney University over the course of 6 to 7 months. In Disney University there are a variety of classes that include having guests speakers and backstage experiences that allow you to learn about Disney and how it operates as well as introductions to leadership. Participants get an exclusive behind the scenes look into the companys’ operations and functions by connecting with people who play key roles in the company.

Where: This program exists in California and Florida, although in this post I am focusing on California since that is the knowledge I have of the program(DCP DLR Participant here). During the application process there is an option to use housing provided by Disney in Anaheim in a building called Carnegie Plaza which is approximately 7 minutes from Disneyland. These participants are reffered to as “housing”. If not, there is the option to remain a “local”, which would signify that these participants would provide their own housing and commute from wherever they live. Either way, the benefits of being in the college program remain the same.

Why: There are a number of benefits to being a Disney College Program Participant.

• Networking with Corporate members of Disney.
• Establishing yourself as a serious member of Disney.
• In some cases, priority over other cast members when applying for advancing positions.
• Completing prerequisites for Disney Internship Applications.
• Behind-the-scenes experiences especially for Disney College Participants.
• Learning the many different roles Disney offers.
• Special events only for Disney College Program Participants.
• Disney College Program Graduation.
• Experience with Disney for resumes.

Besides these main factors, there are little benefits like free park admission for yourself, admission for family and friends(limited with blackout dates), cast member discounts, and special events.

How: Any college student attending school in the United States, who is over 18 or turning 18 before the start of a program, is welcome to apply. Housing can be provided by Disney if a participant has chosen housing. Currently rent for Carnegie Plaza is $650 a month and is taken from participants’ paychecks weekly when they are paid. Depending on the role that is assigned to a participant, working hours are a minimum of 28 hours a week to ensure participants can afford living costs, up to 35 hours a week — sometimes more.

Education requirements exist in the college program and has recently been changed. Participants are required to fit 8 education hours into ther schedules every month of the program to successfully complete a program which are obtained through attending Disney University classes and seminars which are booked 4 to 5 weeks in advance. Unfortunately, they no longer offer collegiate courses that transfer as credit to universities.

When: There are currently two sessions for the Disney College Program in the Disneyland Resort, Fall which ends up around August-January and Spring which runs January-August.

The Disney College Program is a great way to get a good start in the company as there are over 30,000 applicants each term and only a total of about 400 to 500 people are selected to join this program in California and 4,000 to 5,000 in Florida. Let me know if you have questions and I can do another blog answering various questions!

Emerald Fimbres