Diving into the Disney College Program

 

                                            (The start of my DCP at Disney University 2022)

Let's be honest, the Disney College Program (DCP) isn't very well known unless you are already in the Disney community. I definitely didn't know about it until I was doing research for my very first Disney trip. So I understand it can be tough trying to understand exactly what it is if you have little to no experience with the topic. 

In short, the Disney College Program is an internship with the Walt Disney Company that can last anywhere between three to six months initially and up to a year with an extension. During this program you can be placed to work in any of the major roles in the parks: custodial, merchandise, attractions, entertainment, character attendant, lifeguard, and food and beverage. At this point you don't get a choice and you can't list your top preferences (you used to be able to pre-2020). Once placed in your role, you work in the parks as if you were a full time cast member.

It sounds anti-climactic, and that's because it can be. The program is most definitely what you make of it, and if you go into it with a negative mindset, you're not going to have a good time. That I can 100% guarantee. I am so grateful for the DCP, and while it can be challenging (just like any other job), there are so many upsides to the program. 

For example, it is the easiest way to get your foot in the door when it comes to working for the company. A lot of higher up cast members say it quite often, but only because it's true; there is so much room for vertical and horizontal growth within the company. There are lots of connections to be made within the company. As a cast member you have access to the HUB, which is Disney's online site that has all current cast member information. From there you can email different areas to schedule meetings and hopefully go further.

Another plus is that you don't have to stay in your area of employment- you can venture off to different areas! You also have no commitment to the company when doing the program. If you don't like working for Disney by the time your program is done, you don't have to go full/part time, you're able to go back home as originally planned.

However, my absolute favorite part about working for the company is the amount of friends you can make. People from all over the world come to work at Disney, whether they're their country's cultural representative or they're working in the same role as you. You meet and befriend so many people, and it is such a treasure, really. 

The Disney College Program is probably Disney's largest program, but it isn't the only one. There are several others that you could look into if you're interested in working for the company, but want something different than working in the parks. The list includes Disney Professional Internships, Cultural Representative Program (if you aren't from the U.S.), Culinary Program, Cultural Exchange Program, and Academic Exchange Program. 

I hope this gave you a little more insight on what the Disney College Program is, and if you happen to go to the parks and meet a CP cast member, hopefully you are a little nicer to them!