What Is It Like Being In The Disney College Program?
Have you ever wonder what is like to be part of the Disney College Program? In case you didn’t know, Walt Disney World has a program for college students to be part of the magic and make their dreams come true by working at the most magical place on Earth!
The Disney College Program has a duration of 6 months for domestic college students and 3 months for international students, yes, even if you are not attending a US university, you can still apply and have the experience of a lifetime. I was able to be part of this program and fulfill a lifelong dream, that’s why i want to tell you a little bit more about my experience and what to expect if you decide to embark on this wonderful journey.
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The day was May 20th, after a long process of interviews and waiting, i was finally able to visit the famous Disney University, the place that welcomes you to the magic and officially makes you a Cast Member. Disney Traditions is your welcome to this company, where you meet your boss, yes it is Mickey Mouse!, finally get your nametag and Mickey ear hat because now you are part of the club.
When you are part of the Disney College Program, you have the opportunity to work at any of the 4 themed parks, Disney Resorts or Disney Springs. In my case, i got placed in Magic Kingdom! More specifically, in Tomorrowland where i worked in attractions like Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
It’s important to mention that as a CP, you will be working closing shifts most likely, but that’s okay and super fun! I mean, who can say they get to close Magic Kingdom? There’s something about an empty park after a busy day that just feels special.
When you are a CP, your coworkers become your family, you spend most of your time with them so you are sure to make friends for a lifetime! This is one of my favorite parts of working for Disney, specially in this program, you can meet new people your age and from all over the world.
But not everything is work, Disney gives you the opportunity to give back and help. Disney Volunteers is something i recommend to try during your program, signing up is very easy and you get to have fun, meet new people and help the community.
Other perks from this program are the housing events! These events are a great way to relax and have fun with your friends without having to go to the parks, which never gets old, but you know what i mean.
These events have an specific theme each time and offer rare character meet & greets, photo ops, dance parties and of course free food! Definitely something to take advantage of and make memories with your friends.
Another great perk are the backstage tours, can you imagine getting to know all the secrets behind your favorite attractions? Well that is possible when you work for the mouse, during my time working for Disney, i had the opportunity to go on backstage tours of Fantasmic, The Haunted Mansion, Expedition Everest, Star Tours and The Great Movie Ride, and as a massive Disney fan, it was a dream come true.
At the end of your program, you get to attend your graduation and get your certificate from Mickey and Minnie in their graduation gowns. You also get a graduation Mickey ear hat that i recommend getting embroidered at Magic Kingdom with your name and program year, it’s a great way to remember this magical time forever.
Now you might be thinking, what’s next? Well, once your program is over, you can actually work for the company full time or part time if you prefer. In my case, i went back to be part of the Guest Relations department, a role i always wanted to be a part of and loved every single minute of it.
Being part of Guest Relations allowed me to enjoy Disney all year long, celebrate my birthday like a princess and even visit a place i only dreamed of, the Walt Disney Archives at the Walt Disney Company in Burbank, CA.
Being part of The Walt Disney Company opens a lot of doors and allows you to get immerse in the magic, experiencing things and perks only this company can offer. So if you are in college, i highly recommend you apply to the Disney College Program and be part of the magic. This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey!
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