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Is it worth it to participate in the Disney College Program?

I love Disney and I am interested in the Disney College Program but I am not sure if it will help me in the future. If anyone has ever been a part of or knows someone who has been a part of the Disney College Program I would love to just know information about it. #Disneycollegeprogram #DCP #unsure #disney #florida

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Michelle’s Answer

Yes! Working for Disney has been super beneficial in applying for other jobs.


I did the Disney College Program (DCP) in Orlando, FL for Fall 2013. It was definitely a super fun but challenging experience and totally worth it for me. I will give you all the positives and negatives of my experience.

Positives:

  1. If you love Disney the first couple weeks are super exciting. You get to learn/see so many behind the scene parts of the company.
  2. You will meet a TON of people from all over the world. The program host international students as well so you really get to broaden your circle of friends and learn other cultures.
  3. Going to the parks anytime you want and getting guest passes for your friends and family is a perk.
  4. You will experience so many fun and cool moments that will always stick with you.
  5. Last but not least, noticing you are from Schaumburg, Illinois ( I'm originally from NW Indiana) the warm weather is really great!

Negatives:

  1. Living with a ton of roommates - I had 5 in a 3 bedroom with one fridge and thats tough. Probably my least favorite part. You do choose how many people you want to live with, but even if you choose just one it's still sharing a room and it will be more expensive.
  2. You will work a lot of hours and depending on your role, it may be weird hours and always weekends. You are here to work which is expected but again I had shifts that were scheduled until 2 am if not later which can be tough.
  3. As some of the other comments said, you are expected to be happy, social and represent the brand even if your having a bad day or not feeling well while you're working.
  4. It goes by SO fast.

To sum it up, you make your experience what it is but I would absolutely recommend it. I had hard times there and days I regretted doing the program but I also created memories with people that I will never forget. Now being in my career and going through multiple interviews, it's a great talking point. People will always ask about your time there and see it as a positive because of what the brand represents.

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

If you are looking for more information besides just the normal Disney links. I would recommend checking out fb groups that are for DCP, youtube (a lot of people vlog about their experiences), pinterest and even just google. I did this before I went and found it super helpful!
If you get an interview, smile while on the phone (it sounds dumb but works!) As the girl said above, show your professional strengths or why you're interested in your top roles. Oh and if you don't want to be a janitor don't choose that as an option!
Have fun and bring sunscreen! :)
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Cody’s Answer

The short answer is YES! My answer to anyone that is even considering participating in the Disney College Program should do it. It's an experience that will teach you a lot about yourself and what the theme park industry is like. Even if you are not looking for a role in theme park operations you will meet cast members that can help you network and get where you would ideally like to be. I participated in the Disney World and Disneyland Resort DCP and would do it all over again. My advice while you are participating in the program is to network as much as possible. When you are not working you should meet with cast members in your desired field just to network and build that relationship. Even if nothing comes directly from it you will learn how to conduct yourself and set yourself up for interviews and learn what general managers and operations salaried leaders value in a cast member. It's a lot of fun and if 1% of you is considering you should do it!

Plus the perks are pretty great with a free Disneyland Annual Pass, guest passes, and great discounts.

Good luck and hope you enjoy it!

Cody recommends the following next steps:

Find a Facebook group or individuals that have participated to see if it is for you
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Jenna’s Answer

I would say it depends on your career goals and your previous experience. While looking in to the DCP please also look in to professional internships with Disney (known as PIs). These are specific to your career goals and will get you much farther! The DCP is basically a live in regular job. Unlike other internships they do not spend much time on your continued education, professional development etc. That being said working for a place with such high expectations like Disney can be a ton of development in itself.

Jenna recommends the following next steps:

Look up professional internships on the Disney Careers site
Consider lower cost housing options that what is provided by the company
Consider how the CP will fit in your particular career goals
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Cherelle’s Answer

Yes, it is worth it! Everyone that I know who has participated in a Disney internship had great experiences and ultimately succeeded tremendously in their careers after completing their internships. I had two separate opportunities to complete a Disney internship and I did not take advantage of either opportunity --- which I now regret. Please do not make the same mistake that I made! If offered, take it! It will change your life.

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Mary’s Answer

It’s worth it - assuming you want a career in the hospitality and tourism industry. The Disney College Program is a great way to earn paid work experience while having access to some classroom education and valuable mentoring. Those individuals who have the passion and drive to make the most of it tend to go on to leadership careers in the industry.

Mary recommends the following next steps:

Find an alumni site and ask if anyone with your interests would be willing to share their impressions
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Brianna’s Answer

YES YES YES!!

I have completed two College Programs and a Professional Internship, all at Disney. I learned so much about my capabilities and invaluable lessons about the professional sphere. Possessing Disney's name on your resume is like holding a golden key - it unlocks numerous opportunities. The whole experience was incredibly rewarding, and I wholeheartedly encourage it.
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Becky’s Answer

It is absolutely worth it! I did 2 College Programs and extended both because I enjoyed them and the experiences/friends I made so much. It opened a door for me to work for Disney when I returned home and eventually moved back to be Full Fime with the Company. In the 10 years since my first program I have worked 3 different lines of business, opened a Land in the Parks, have had opportunities to be a Trainer, Coordinator, and Leader. It is great for your resume and will open so many doors for you as well as give you a glimpse into how such a large company can flow seamlessly!
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Jessica’s Answer

I personally had a great time, and now there’s a whole campus for the DCP recruits! For me, I did it because I wanted to work for the company after school (and did for many years). But even if I hadn’t, it was still a cool experience. You meet people for everywhere, and I mean everywhere. You learn all of the behind the scenes stuff. Sometimes I wish I had just done the DCP so the magic had stuck around a little more for me, because the DCP is so short it just makes your love for the parks greater. You have a few months where you work and go to the parks on your days off with your new friends. Plus you have this amazing story, and it is always a great story to discuss in job interviews and makes you very memorable!
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Tiffany’s Answer

Hello! I am currently a cast member, but did not go through the college program. However, the only reason I did not do the college program was because I went to college just down the street (at the University of Central Florida) and did not want to take a semester off from school. Even though I was not a college program participant I know lots of people who were and I would highly recommend it. Disney College Program is an amazing way to get your foot in the door with the Walt Disney Company and experience what it is like to be a cast member. Being a cast member is a lot of work and it isn't for everyone. By doing the college program you are able to see if you really enjoy it before jumping in. Disney also loves to promote from within, so getting a start with the company is always great. Good luck with your journey!!
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