Disney College Program

A full-time paid internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  Students receive academic credit while building their resumes working for a Fortune 100 company.

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to all currently enrolled students who are at least 18 years old and have completed at least one semester by the time of program arrival. Applicants must be in good academic standing at the time of application. Alumni are also eligible to apply for up to 24 months after graduation.

PROGRAM DATES

Fall program: August through early January
Fall Advantage program: May/June through early January
Spring program: January through May
Spring Advantage program: January/February through August

Note: There is no summer-only program.

DISNEY COLLEGE PROGRAM BENEFITS

As a cast member, you will receive many perks including:

• Complimentary admission to theme parks! (Block-out dates and other restrictions apply.)
• Earn complimentary One-Day Park Hopper® tickets throughout your Program so you can enjoy the theme parks with your family and friends! Once you work 150 hours, you’ll earn your first set of complimentary tickets.
• Discounts at various merchandise and dining locations throughout the resort.
• Discounts at some local businesses. After you arrive, you will have access to information outlining locations and local businesses that offer these perks!
• Discounts at select Walt Disney World® and Disneyland Resort® hotels
• Experience working for a Fortune 100 company and working with people from throughout the world
• Opportunity to return to Disney World for professional internships, as well as the possibility of full-time employment with Disney or its sister companies (ABC, ESPN and others) after completing college
• Disney Cruise Line® Discounts
• Exclusive sneak previews of new attractions, parks, and resorts
• Access to Mickey’s Retreat, a cast recreation area
• Opportunities to participate in unique holiday celebrations
• Partners! Federal Credit Union membership
• Wellness programs
• On-site health fairs and seminars
• Life-management services
• Clubs, instructional programs, and sports leagues
• Educational opportunities
• E-Learning opportunities
• Disney Ethics, Integrity and Diversity Programs

***Benefits vary by employment site and are subject to change at any time.

WORK & COMPENSATION

During your program, you may be scheduled for 30 – 50 hours per week during non-peak periods; during peak seasons you may be scheduled more than 50 hours per week. All participants must have full work availability, which includes being able to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Pay is $16/hour and various roles are offered.

HOUSING

Students have the option to live in Disney’s fully-furnished apartment complexes, Flamingo Crossings Village. These are 2 and 4 bedroom apartments that feature hardwood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, a washer and dryer, a flat panel TV and furniture. If you request payroll deduction, housing costs will be automatically deducted weekly from a participant’s paycheck. Flamingo Crossings Village is located approximately one (1) mile west of the Walt Disney World® Resort. Two- and four-bedroom apartments are available which include single bedroom/bathroom or shared bedroom/bathroom options. Each apartment will accommodate no more than two participants per bedroom and no more than four participants per apartment.

TRANSPORTATION

Students must provide their own transportation to and from Florida. It is helpful to have a car while in the program, but not necessary.  Disney provides regular bus service to all work locations and nearby shopping areas. Parking permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are in need of an accommodated parking spot, please be sure to select “yes” under the “accommodation needed” section on the Dorms registration page so your request can be reviewed.

ACADEMIC CREDITS

Students register for online WSU classes while participating in the program. It is recommended to take a maximum of 12 credits since the internship requires a minimum of 30 hours/week. DCP students will also be registered for MRKT 0354: Fieldwork in Commercial Recreation and Tourism for up to 9 credits. See Giselle Frechette, Disney College Program Coordinator, for more information.

PROGRAM COSTS

Disney charges a nonrefundable fee of $390. Housing fees ($116 to $220 per week, depending on apt. size and location) are deducted from weekly paychecks.  Students need to have enough money for transportation to and from Florida and to live on for two to three weeks until they receive regular paychecks.

I GOT ACCEPTED! WHAT’S NEXT?

1. Check your email to make sure that you don’t miss any communications from the Disney College Program, including housing, your role, parking, arrival information, etc.
2. Meet with Giselle Frechette to complete WSU paperwork and get any questions answered.
3. Talk with your academic advisor to discuss how this internship will best fit into your program.  Register for online classes at Westfield State University.