Due to the influx of visitors we have received a large amount of requests to make an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for all the current up to date Disney College Program information provided!
If you have any additional questions you would like answered here, please ask below and we'll update the thread as needed!
Please use ctrl+f first to look for your question to see if it's been answered! If not, feel free to ask!
+What is the Disney College Program?
Discover a unique living and working environment with participants from all over the world. This program allows you to gain on-the-job experience with a world-renowned company, providing uniquely Disney learning experiences, all while preparing for your future, building transferable skills, including networking, problem solving, teamwork and effective communication.
+Who is eligible to apply?
Students must be currently enrolled and taking classes at an accredited program or institution and have completed at least one semester or have graduated within 24 months of the application posting date. Opportunities are only available to students attending school in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: +Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. +Possess unrestricted US work authorization. +Meet any individual school requirements (GPA, grade level, etc.), if applicable. +Former Disney College Program participants must wait four months after their last departure date before applying.
+Where can I apply?
Please go to https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-programs for the applications.
+What are the fees for the Disney College Program?
Fees due upon accepting a Disney College Program invitation A total of $415 - $435* will be due when a participant accepts their invitation to participate in the program. This is a one-time, nonrefundable fee supporting the administration, events and activities scheduled throughout the program. A portion of this fee is also applied to the participants first week of housing costs. Please note that this fee must be paid by a credit/debit card as a single payment.
There will be an additional parking fee for participants who choose to live in housing and desire to bring a vehicle. If you extend your program, your decal must be renewed at an additional cost. * Note: all fees listed are subject to change
+Can I get school credit for my program?
The Disney College and International Program Internship is recommended for academic credit through the American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT), which connects workplace learning with colleges and universities by helping adults gain access to academic credit for formal courses and examinations taken outside of the traditional classroom. To learn more about the American Council on Education’s CREDIT, go to https://www.acenet.edu/national-guide/Pages/default.aspx
You may be able to earn credit for participating in the program, and we encourage to talk with your academic advisor about what options would be available for earning credit. It is important to note that any all credit decisions are at the full and final discretion of your university, as Disney Internships and Programs cannot grant, guarantee, or otherwise award any form of credit.
+What are the educational courses like?
Educational courses will be different for the upcoming programs in comparison to the prior ones due to the location move. However, a wide variety of courses from meet and greet speaker series, resume building, interview technique classes, and tours at various Disney complexes and parks will be available! You can learn more about the benefits of the educational programming at: https://youtu.be/0v-mJdiaJAc
+What does the new housing complex look like?
You can find pictures, layouts, and more at https://www.fcvapartments.com/student-apartments/fl/disney/flamingo-crossings-village/floorplans
Please note that the room layout may not entirely match what Disney provides for the program.
+Can I change my arrival date after receiving my offer letter? / I chose the wrong arrival date!
Once you select your date it more than likely cannot be changed so make sure it is a date that will actually work for you. If you have questions about your program date talk to support. Current and future offered participants can contact support at: support.disneyprograms.com.
+Help! I haven't received my Web Based Interview (WBI) and I completed my application earlier today!
Receiving a web based interview can sometimes take longer than the 72 hour period because they have to check each application manually. After doing your web based interview they will examine your application and you either will be selected or will not there are no phone interviews at this time.
+Everyone else is in the first wave but me!
Please be patient! Earlier arrival days are taking priority over later arrival days with the waves that are happening. If you are in an earlier wave do not fret, it may take time to get to yours :)
+How long do I have to accept/decline my offer once offered?
You have one week (7 days) from your initial offer email. If you do not reply within that time-frame they will assume you are declining and void the offer.
+What roles are available?
There are more than twenty different positions available and the actual role availability changes from time to time. The program application will detail many of these areas and applicants may be asked to identify their top role preferences during interviews. There is no guarantee successful applicants will actually be placed in any of these top roles.
Some of the available roles are in Attractions, Custodial, Operations, Concierge, Front Desk, Housekeeping, Full and Quick-Service Food and Beverage, Bibbibi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirate League, Costuming, Transportation, and Lifeguard. At this time, with Entertainment still on hold, the roles of Character Attendant and Character Performer may not be offered.
+Is vaccination required to do the DCP?
“As part of our new policy, new hires will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide verification of vaccination by September 30, 2021. Candidates with offers of employment and a start date after September 30 will provide verification of vaccination for COVID-19 at least seven days prior to their start date. Fully vaccinated refers to at least two (2) weeks after the final dose on a two-dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna) or at least two (2) weeks after a single-dose COVID-19 vaccination series (Johnson and Johnson). We will provide additional information about our specific process in the weeks to come.”
+Will I automatically get the role I want?
In most seasons of the Disney College Program applications you are able to pick your top preferences of roles based on priority (high, medium, low). Please note that you may not get your top preferences as The Walt Disney Company has to fill spots in that are needing assistance.
+I can't be there the whole program length! Is it okay if I leave midway?
If you have to leave before the end of your program, it will be considered "self-terming." This will be on your permanent record card and will play a factor in re-hiring you years down the road. If you have to leave due to family emergency situations, talk to your leader as they may be able to put a note in your record card.
+I hate my role! Can I get it changed before going down?
Disney assigns you to your role for a reason. If you cannot do your role due to medical reasons (e.g. allergies on file with doctors) please notify Disney beforehand. However, it is highly recommended you bring up any potential allergies in your interview process to avoid this from happening.
+Is it required to bring a vehicle for my program?
It is not required to bring a vehicle! A majority of participants have found it a lot easier to traverse around Orlando and to your work location with a personal vehicle. However, there is a Cast Member bus with set time schedules that can bring you to your work location.
+Is there an official r/DisneyCollegeProgram Discord?
Yes! Head to https://discord.gg/bgvNtCNzYv
This server is to help make it easier to find roommates and friends for your program!
+How do I get flair?
On desktop, to the right side panel below the number of Cast Members on Stage, there is a button that says "Show my flair on this subreddit (edit)". You can pick your flair there!
If you'd like a custom flair (e.g. DCP Alumni 2010) you can request for it.
//////////////////////\ User Questions answered
+Because of the pandemic, classes have recently been decided to be online. Can I change my departure date after receiving my offer letter? Would that be considered "self-termination"?
So once the departure date is set you cannot change it to an early time sadly as it is "self-termination." I did have one co-CM who left a week before her departure date due to wanting to go to her graduation and she was marked with "self-termination" however our leader made a note that it was due to school requirements.
+If we have to/choose to self-term for any reason, how will that affect us in the future if we apply to work at Disney for an internship or part time/full time position? Will we not be considered for future positions or are they understanding if something happens and we have to leave?
It honestly comes down to their need to fill a potential position + how your self-termination is input by a leader.
I've had friends who had to self term due to graduation and family reasons return to future programs due to their leaders writing good explanations. However, I've also seen the opposite barring re-entry.
Self-term still has an opportunity for return unlike full termination for "x" reason.
+Does the 24 months after graduation rule apply to undergrad only or does it apply to grad school too?
The 24 months after graduation rule applies to grad school as well
+would you recommend applying right when applications come out?
I would apply the 2nd day. Don't apply the first day as sometimes the application page gets hugged by all the applicants and can crash.
+do you get breaks during shifts?
Yes! You do get breaks however please note it depends on your location in addition to shift length. (e.g. my first program my location had 2 30 minute breaks for an 8 hour shift. Another location I had 2 15s for a 6 hour. Another location I had a 1 hour straight break in between). Your break times are typically towards the middle of your day. However, if CDS/MERIDA/etc. glitches just let a coordinator know!
+While we’re in Disney, will we have the opportunity to shadow full time cast members in other roles for networking / general understanding of how their role works?
Due to covid-19 restrictions, the current protocol is different than before. However, you are more than welcome to work towards setting up your own Meet and Greet (shadowing) opportunities! Your best bet is via email. Often times the easiest way to set this up is by attending the education courses which feature panelists and then asking them if a Meet and Greet opportunity is possible!
Please do note that it may be easier for you to meet with them for a short meeting during non-work hours as in the majority of locations shadowing requires your leader to allow you time off to do your meet and greet elsewhere. Let your leader(s) know early on you're interested in "x" field and that you would like to do a Meet and Greet with someone from that field during your program :)
+I took the WBI and at the end it said I was a strong candidate, it says my application is in consideration. Does anyone know the time period in which Disney responds or what the next step is?
There's no set period! I've seen some individuals receive the next step the same day and then there's others like me who receive it a month and a half later! Just keep your head up :)
+when do we find out roles? i haven’t been submitted an offer yet, but i’m still in consideration, and i’m nervous about what role i’ll get since they’re filling them based on need. do they take prior work history into consideration as well?
Typically as of late you find out your role within 2 weeks to a month leading up to your program.
+Is the campus rep not a thing anymore?
DCP campus reps is no longer a thing. It was replaced with the Disney Alumni Association
+Are the Disney College Program applications open for Anaheim as well currently or just Florida?
Currently (as of before Fall 22 applications drop) just Orlando!
+When are the acceptance waves? Where can I find them?
Your best bet is to follow the recruiters (notably Christy) on Twitter! They post a lot of hints there
+When booking flights, should we be booking them on our exact arrival date and departure date? Is there a specific time for move in and when would we be provided with that? And also is there a packing list or anything they provide? Hahah lots of questions but thank you:)
There's multiple trains of thoughts to booking flights.
My recommendation from traveling quite a bit is to always show up a day early. Especially due to the airline delays as of late. I would say show up one day early and stay at a nearby hotel then uber/lyft over. I would hold off on booking departure as if you decide to extend that ticket may be put to waste if you can't adjust.
They will give you the exact time you are eligible to move in. You should be provided it when you receive your boarding pass (likely a few weeks in advance).
They do not provide a packing list but this video shows some recommendations + a link to a google sheet packing list you can download to put in your own items: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5wbUHEhdQk
+Does the DCP run on terms and semesters, like a fall , spring and summer? Or do you just work until your time is up?
So it's Spring (Jan -> May) or Fall (August -> January).
There's Spring Advantage (Jan -> Aug) and Fall Advantage (May -> Jan). Please note that due to Covid-times it can slightly vary based on need.
There's also summer alumni... but that typically only applies to alumni so no needs to worry about that for now!
Hopefully that helped some. You apply during the opposite season for the season you want (e.g. apply for Spring of 22 in the Fall of 21).
+If you have to self term what is the obligation for the flamingo crossroad lease agreement do you have to pay for the remaining six months?
You pay that remaining week's rent. If you did not start the program then you lose your deposit.
+I am a college freshman in my first semester of college. I know you have to have a full semester completed to participate in DCP, but is that a full semester completed when you apply or when you actually start the program?
College freshmen may apply during their first semester of school to participate during their second semester. The Disney College Program cannot serve as your first semester of school.
+Wage?
Currently $14/hr. (Thanks to HolidayCabinet )But some roles pay slightly more.
+Is there any way possible to do the DCP if my current college does not participate in the program?
So mostly every college student can do the DCP, it just depends on whether or not you want credit for it. Most colleges nowadays don’t give college credit for the DCP so it’s essentially taking a semester off.
+I applied on Sep 14 and my arrival date is in the Spring. I completed the Web-Based Interview (which I later received that day) and they signified that I was a "Strong Candidate." It's been almost a month and my application is still "In Consideration." Am I likely to hear back about a phone interview in the Spring (when I said I could arrive) or is it more likely that they have not gotten to rejecting me yet?
There's no phone interviews currently! That step is varied for everyone. Some people take 2 days to hear back and others take over a month. Sorry you haven't heard back sooner! It took me personally 1 month 3 weeks to get to the next step.
It is non-refundable and it wouldn't be considered a self-term as you never started the training process etc.
+Is the housing required for everyone in the program? Or do they allow you to commute as well?
It is not required, you can choose to live off-site instead.