WDW College Program

[DisneyWhirled]

We are a ways off (oldest DS is only 9), but I was wondering how one goes about applying or becoming part of the College Program?

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

You sell your soul to be the lowest paid, most overworked CM at Disney for either 5 or 8 months depending on how much you love being tortured.

Ah! Just kidding!

Quite easily - you attend an information session at your college or online, and apply. Usually if you are capable of breathing, they will hire you. Then you pack up, move out to these really small apartments where you live with 2, 4, 6, or 8 other people who will drive you insane.

The good news is you get the free park admission, 50% off hotel rooms, 20% of merch (40% during Oct-Feb), 20% off food, and other discounts in the Orlando area. Oh, and getting to see the Castle everyday!

[TheRustyScupper]

You sell your soul to be the lowest paid, most overworked CM at Disney for either 5 or 8 months depending on how much you love being tortured.


Actually, this is AFTER the application form, not before.

[joanna71985]

We are a ways off (oldest DS is only 9), but I was wondering how one goes about applying or becoming part of the College Program?

You can apply either online, or go to a campus presentation. Disney recruits for the CP 2 times a year (for the Spring, and for the Fall). The only requirements are:
*have completed at least one semester
*are a current student (PT or FT)
*are in good standing with the school
*having a good personal record
*at least 18 years old

[DisneyWhirled]

Great! I'll have to remember this for the future. DS is already talking about he would like to work with animals at AK. Of course, I know that is not part of the CP, but the CP would definitely be a good experience for him!

[dml]

I was part of the CP in 1999 - WOW- almost 10 yrs ago! I know it has changed alot since then but it was an awesome experience even though I was overworked and underpaid (but loved it anyway). I applied during my final semester so I participated following my college graduation so I got to put off reality a little while longer in the biggest way possible.

I still recommend it to kids today because it was the one consistent topic of conversation in every interview I went on when I came back home to find a job. When the company I work for introduced me in their newsletter they wrote about me working for Disney in it and co-workers still to this day ask me about it for their kids. Its awesome to talk to them about it.

Hopefully your kids will still want to do it in the future.

:mickey::mickey:

[DAKustodial]

I participated in the WDW College Program in 1998...ten years ago this week I was packing my stuff and heading down to Orlando for the summer...man do I feel old!

I had a fantastic time and learned a lot while working for the Mouse, and the CP really had a huge impact on the rest of my life as well. While there I met my future wife and made some lifelong friends who were in my wedding this past January.

Also, I have to completely agree with the previous post...in EVERY job interview I've had since, Disney becomes the main topic of conversation. Even ten years later the name still opens up doors for me and I've been busy trying to convince my sister (a senior at Temple) to apply.

[joanna71985]

I have had the best experiences on mine. I did my first back in 2005, and have done 3 more since. I can't wait to go FT at WDW.

[ashleymarie]

Hey kids!:mickey:

I am counting down the nanoseconds until I'm back down in Orlando for my second CP!!! I'm soo excited!! During my first CP I was in entertainment - BEST JOB IN DISNEY WORLD! But since I applied too late this time, those spots were taken :( so I'm trying out vacation planner...FUN!

Anyone else gonna be there?? IM ME!!
l e y x o l e y

I recently wrote an article on the Disney College Program and was told I should SELL IT TO DISNEY! Any thoughts? :D

- Ashley

[joanna71985]

Welcome to Intercot!!:)

I am currently in FL on my 4th CP. I am working at Casey's.

[BashfulMom]

I was a 1993 CP at the Disney Studios and it was a wonderful experience. I would recommend it to anyone. :mickey:

[Tygger7]

I'm so glad I found this post! My DD15 wants to do either the college program or the Career Start program (which runs for 7 months right after the kids are out of high school). I'm going to have her read the comments/posts, but is there anyone that has done either program (College or Career Start) that would be willing to talk/email with her? I can tell her about it all day long, but I'm "just mom", and getting to chat with people that have actually experienced it would be fantastic for her. Please, if anyone wouldn't mind corresponding with her, send me a private message. And, keep the posts coming...this has been extremely helpful!!! :thumbsup:

[joanna71985]

I'm so glad I found this post! My DD15 wants to do either the college program or the Career Start program (which runs for 7 months right after the kids are out of high school). I'm going to have her read the comments/posts, but is there anyone that has done either program (College or Career Start) that would be willing to talk/email with her? I can tell her about it all day long, but I'm "just mom", and getting to chat with people that have actually experienced it would be fantastic for her. Please, if anyone wouldn't mind corresponding with her, send me a private message. And, keep the posts coming...this has been extremely helpful!!! :thumbsup:

I wouldn't mind talking to her. Sending you a PM as well.:)

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

You can add me to that list too. I don't mind sharing my experiences.

[Alligirl]

My DD just is starting sophomore year in Sept. She had a 7 week internship and is now home and talking about the Disney College program. :D Seems she loves to be busy!
What I am wondering is if she can request placement in jobs? She is a film and televison production major and would want to enhance that, not go and work just anywhere. Is there any chance that her "job" would have anything to do with her major?

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

She can but it will be hard.

Her best option would be to do a regular job as a CP, then after that she will qualify for the Professional Internships. Those, if I remember correctly, have specific fields and I believe Media might be one.

You can find all the information on the Disney College Program website.

[Alligirl]

Thanks Jessica!:mickey:

[Alligirl]

Another question if you dont mind. Do you need to be way ahead in your credits in order to be in the college program? I am thinking that if she does not have a sufficient amount of credits built up she will fall a semester behind. For those of you that did the program how did you keep up with your credits? She is already doing a study abroad program in the spring so I am afraid she will not be able to do Disney. Thanks for your help!

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

Being ahead helps but I didn't mind falling a bit behind. It's only a semester and you can make those hours up during the summer at your college.

I might be wrong, but I think Joanna is also behind...but she's done quite a few CPs now.

[joanna71985]

Another question if you dont mind. Do you need to be way ahead in your credits in order to be in the college program? I am thinking that if she does not have a sufficient amount of credits built up she will fall a semester behind. For those of you that did the program how did you keep up with your credits? She is already doing a study abroad program in the spring so I am afraid she will not be able to do Disney. Thanks for your help!

I am one person who fell behind from the CPs. I did get credit for 2 of them, but not enough. I don't mind though. I will only be 2 semesters behind, and I should be graduating in May.

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Is there any chance that her "job" would have anything to do with her major? . . .

1) Pretty slim.
2) You have some choices, such as
. . . attractions
. . . bell services dispatch
. . . bibbitty bobbity boo hostess
. . . character attendant
. . . custodial
. . . food service (non-tipped)
. . . hotel hospitality (non-tipped)
. . . housekeeping
. . . lifeguard
. . . main entrance
. . . merchandise
. . . quick service food
. . . recreation
. . . transportation
. . . ticket sales
. . . costuming

3) You select a choice, and *usually* can be placed within it.
4) Typically, CP's don't get into highly prized functions.
5) As mentioned, these are for Professional Internships, if at all.