March 14, 2025/Midnight

Erie, PA.— Picture this: it’s a Monday morning, a day you used to dread. Lately, your Monday mornings have been different. Breakfast at Ohana with characters. A quick monorail ride over to Magic Kingdom where you spend your whole afternoon. Riding the boat over to the Wilderness Lodge for your evening shift at the Mercantile. This is what a typical day could look like for you on the Disney College Program.

The Disney College Program (DCP) is a “one-of-a-kind internship for college students,” as stated on the website. This program allows students to experience working for a corporate employer, networking, and learning about the Walt Disney Company. Students have a chance to develop their careers and explore the possibilities beyond the classroom.

According to the DCP website, the three main components to the program are living, learning, and earning. These aspects frame the program into a relatable structure that gives students an understanding of what the internship will entail.

Living

The living factor of the DCP is all about residing in a community of fellow college program participants (CPs). Flamingo Crossings Village is the apartment complex where most CPs live during their program. This space gives participants an opportunity to build community, as well as gain professional experience through the classes and activities hosted by both Disney Programs and Flamingo Crossings Village. Additionally, the living aspect encompasses access to Disney Parks. The living component ties into the learning and earning aspects as well.

Learning

The learning portion of the DCP is three-fold. During the internship, students can take unique classes on the topic of the Walt Disney Company that are offered only to CPs. Students can continue taking courses through their college/university, and Disney will schedule time off for CPs for them to attend class and complete their work. The last components of learning are the opportunities to grow your career and learn about other positions available in the Walt Disney Company.

An additional incentive for CPs is the trips, classes and experiences provided by DORMS. DORMS is operated by both Disney Programs and Flamingo Crossings Village. These two organizations collaborate to provide unique social and learning opportunities for CPs. Some of the classes they offer are Disney Heritage (learning about the Walt Disney Company’s history), Leadership 101, Sign Language Basics, and more. In addition, CPs can sign up for trips through DORMS. They offer trips to Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, and more. The Disney Programs’ Instagram is a great way for participants to stay up to date on what activities are happening each week.

The final component of the learning aspect is the backstage tours. These tours give CPs an opportunity to see the magic behind the scenes of their favorite attractions and rides. Aside from operations, there are many roles that go into making each attraction, ride, and show possible. These tours give participants another chance to explore what other career possibilities are offered by the Walt Disney Company.

Earning

The last component of the DCP is earnings, which represents training. For the first couple of weeks, new cast members wear a red ribbon on their nametag that says, “Earning my Ears.” This shows guests and other cast members that the cast member is still training. Once training is complete, the red ribbon comes off and the cast member has officially “earned their ears.” Throughout their whole program, CPs can pick up shifts throughout the parks and resorts. They will get to experience different leadership tactics and operational styles.

Aimee Brookland is a recent college graduate from University of Otago in New Zealand, and she is a current International College Program (ICP) participant. She began her program in September 2024 at the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. Originally, her program was supposed to end in January 2025, but Aimee took advantage of Disney’s extension opportunity. “I went to New York for a few days and realized America had so much to offer and there were so many places I still hadn’t been, so I decided to extend my program,” said Brookland. “I was also loving work [at Disney], so it wasn’t ready to give it up yet. The people I’ve met on this program have been amazing, and I’ve made friends for life.” Brookland shared that during her program she has learned an array of skills, and she has been able to emerge herself in a whole new culture.

Extension Opportunities

CPs have the chance to extend their time with the Walt Disney Company after their program ends. There are many options when it comes to program extensions:

· Cast members can stay in the same exact role at the same location

· Cast members can keep their role, but change locations

· Cast members can change their role altogether

When a cast member decides to change their role during an extension opportunity, they could take on a more advanced role. For example, they could interview for guest relations, Minnie Van Associate, or other specialized roles.

Beyond the Disney College Program

Professional internships are another great option for staying with the company. Unlike the DCP, the professional internships are field specific. You do not need to complete the college program to apply for a professional internship with Disney, although it is a great steppingstone for your career.

Lastly, after the college program, a CP may be ready to take that leap and jump right into their career. Like extension opportunities and professional internships, the possibilities are endless when it comes to a career with the Walt Disney Company. Disney offers many services that require people with backgrounds in all fields.

Jordan Rhodes completed her DCP in 2016. “My role during my college program was merchandise at the Pop Century Resort,” said Rhodes. “This role left a lasting impact on me, and it is the reason I am still with the Walt Disney Company almost 10 years later.” After working merchandise at Pop Century, Rhodes worked in a variety of positions but made her way back to Pop Century where she became a full-time coordinator in merchandise. She gained leadership experience in this role, and she acquired mentors that helped guide her to her next role: leadership. Rhodes was hired as a leader and helped reopen the All-Stars Resorts after the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been in the lead role for four years, and her time at Disney has been a transformative experience. “My mission in life is to leave a lasting impact on the people I meet and work with, and I feel Disney has given me the ability to achieve my purpose,” said Rhodes. A career at Disney was never on Rhodes’ scope, but now she can’t imagine it any other way.

Walt Disney once said, “All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Whether you are looking for an opportunity outside of the classroom, or you are interested in furthering your career with the Walt Disney Company, the DCP is the perfect place to begin. Your future has the potential to be something great, and it is up to you to achieve those dreams.