My Disney College Program Experience

I participated in the Disney College program back in spring of 2015. For those of you who are not familiar with this program, it is an internship run by Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. With this program, you have a chance to work in one of Disney's many operational roles across their properties. You can learn more about the program here.

I actually applied for the program twice. My first time applying was during my sophomore year of college. I applied with a group of friends from college and we all got in. I got offered a role as a Custodial cast member (CM). I ultimately did not accept the position due to my college not accepting the program as a credited internship. This is super important to keep in mind if you are trying to graduate on time! The program requires you to move to either Orlando, FL or Anaheim, CA for an entire semester, so you will be missing school, unless you take online classes or get the program credited. I ended up transferring to a different school which acknowledged the program as an internship. However, I also took classes online so I could maintain my scholarship. I firmly believe in the saying, "everything happens for a reason" becasue my second time applying, I was offered a role as a merchandise CM in Magic Kingdom and I could not have been happier. It was truly meant to be!

I moved down to Orlando in January of 2015 and stayed until my program ended on June 5, 2015. I worked in Tomorrowland merchandise, which means I worked in the gift shops of the Space Mountain ride, Buzz Lightyear ride and Stitch's Great Escape. I won't get into the details of my experience with this program, but I will say that everyone should participate in this life changing program at least once. The program introduced me to some of THE most important people of my life. This program helped me realize my true passion for the Walt Disney Company and how much I wanted to make it my forever home.

While I feel that the program is amazing, and certainly life changing, I will say that you should keep in mind that it is not for everyone. The Disney College Program is a tough and draining program. You will be working long and tiring hours. Guests may frustrate you. Leaders may upset you. But that is real life. I definitely had my fair share of tears. My last shift as a program participant, I worked 14 hours and cried almost every other hour due to exhaustion, frustration and sadness. Even still though, I would not trade my experience for anything. It taught me to be independent, strong, professional and respectful. Regardless of the hard times, there were so many amazing times that made the program one of the best experiences of my life.

If you decide to participate in a program, Enjoy the memories you'll make and live in the moment so that when it is over, you can look back on the time you spent there with feelings of fondness. If your dream is to work for Disney professionally, learn as much as you can, network, and gain that real life one-of-a-kind work ethic that employers admire. It will certainly pay off if you put in the effort!