During my junior year of college, I participated in the Disney College Program. I worked in quick-service food and beverage in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. I have been a lifelong Disney fan and always wanted to be a part of the magic. While making the decision to move across the country was jarring, it was the best decision I ever made. Here are a few reasons why you should take the leap and do the Disney College Program.
1. Friendships that last a lifetime
When on the college program, it is likely that your closest friends will be your co-workers. Moving to Florida, I did not know anyone but, a month into my program, I made a group of friends that I will treasure forever. Every night after work, my co-workers and I would get dinner and hang out. It was the perfect way to debrief after a long night of work, and it brought us closer. On days off, we would go to the parks and go on rides, try new food, and take lots of pictures. The hardest part was leaving each other as our programs came to an end. Although we are all scattered around the world and likely will 8777775never be in the same room all together again, we are still so close.
2. Career development opportunities
Having the Disney College Program on your resume is a great talking point for job interviews, no matter what career you want to pursue. After your program is complete, you can apply for a Professional Internship, or a part-time or full-time position. There are also professional development events like the Endless Possibilities showcase, a networking event where participants can learn about career opportunities in the Disney Company. There are many learning opportunities offered as well; I attended a session with Disney Archives leads and a Disney Heritage class about Roy O. Disney. Completing 10 learning hours in any topic earns a Daisy Degree certificate. I received a Daisy Degree in Disney Heritage. Depending on the college or university you attend, you may be able to receive college credit for your time as a Cast Member. After your program is completed, you will receive a certificate and a transcript to send to your university for credit.
3. Living in the Most Magical Place on Earth
Upon arriving to Flamingo Crossings, the residential complex for cast members, new arrivals receive self-admission passes. These passes are completely free and allow admission into the parks for the cast member using it. Every day before work, I would choose a park to go to for food and coffee with a friend. My favorite was nachos in the Mexico pavilion in EPCOT with a Joffrey’s cinnamon latte. EPCOT is only a 10-minute drive to Hollywood Studios cast parking, so it was very convenient. I was also able to explore resorts I had never stayed at before. I loved taking the boat to the Boardwalk resort from EPCOT to look at their Christmas decorations. If you are a Disney fan like I am, this is enough of a reason to apply for the College Program.
4. Magical Perks
Cast members receive a 20% discount on select food and merchandise. However, for the cast member holiday celebration, which typically lasts from the end of October to the beginning of January, a larger discount is offered. For the last two and a half months of my program, we had a 40% off discount. Additionally, we received holiday celebration coupons for food. This included free snacks, one 30%, 40%, and 50% off coupon for select dining experiences. Cast members also get discounts at locations outside of the “Disney bubble”, as many businesses around Orlando offer cast member discounts. The USPS store offers 15% off package deliveries, and Culver’s offers 10% off orders, to name a few. Aside from food and merchandise, there were entertainment discounts. AMC offered discounted tickets, popcorn and food, and Cirque Du Soleil in Disney Springs offered ticket discounts. We were also given free theme park and water park tickets based on the number of hours worked for family and friends to use. These can be used in any Disney park all over the world; I was able to take my entire family to Hollywood Studios for free!
5. Behind the Scenes opportunities
Disney Cast Members are given the opportunity to enter to win experiences through Backstage Magic. This is a lottery system that allows you to enter giveaways for resort stays and backstage tours. I won a Backstage Magic behind-the-scenes tour of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. As a lifetime Disney fan, the opportunity to go behind the scenes in this way was extraordinary. Throughout my time as a cast member, I was able to see the parks completely empty, go through the utilidors in Magic Kingdom, and go backstage. There are also behind-the-scenes opportunities open exclusively to college program cast members. Flamingo Crossings hosts special engagements with celebrities like John Stamos and Jojo Siwa. I attended a special engagement event with Jordan Fisher, and he and Angie Kay performed Happily Ever After. This was by far the highlight of my program, as I am a huge fan of Jordan Fisher and Happily Ever After is (in my opinion) the best Disney nighttime show.