Do you like Disney? Well, if that is a yes, “Oh Boy” as Mickey would say. I have news for you! Before I start, I would love to tell you about this astonishing program. The Disney College Program is a semester-long paid internship at the Disney World or Disney Land Resort. You will work in the Parks, doing a variety of roles that you can be assigned to, including food and beverage, merchandise, lifeguard, attractions, character attendant, costuming operations and many more. You can also live in company sponsored housing, or opt to live off campus. This unique, once in a lifetime opportunity allows you to connect with leaders, enroll in career developing classes and much more.
Now, on to the fun part. I participated in the Disney College Program January through July 2018. At the time, I took the semester off, so i was not taking any classes. However, you can take classes during your program. I was offered to work in Quick Service Food, in Animal kingdom. I was not fond of working with food despite having no experience in that field. In addition, I also got to work in merchandise, which I did have experience in.
I stayed in Disney’s company sponsored housing. There are four apartments within the program. I was placed in a complex called, ‘Vista Way’. My apartment was one of the oldest apartments, but very inexpensive and convenient if you do not own a car. Furthermore, there was also bus system that took CP’s ( that is what college program participants are called) to work, the parks, mall and Walmart.
Working at Disney, was exhausting. Nonetheless, it was quite amazing. It felt really cool to be able to say, “Yes, I do work at the wonderful Walt Disney World”. Even though, we work tremendously, long hours, and sometimes even six days a week, it was worth it. You grow so close in relationship with your co-workers. The parks make sure they give back to their wonderful cast members. I am so happy i was able to enjoy the cast party for the 20th anniversary of the park.
Now moving on to my second favorite thing. Getting into the parks anytime you want is a plus! No matter what age you are, everyone loves Disney! The magnificent thing about being a cast member, is being able to get in the parks for free. You recieve discounts on all merchandise items and on certain food places. Disney vacations,are usually around the range of $800, so the fact you get can get in for free and earn tickets to bring friends and family is a premium perk.
Did I also mention, the cool Meet and Greets that the Disney Housing team organizes and “CP’s get to attend ! They are so pleasant and exhilarating.
Last but not least, the best part of the Disney College Program is the people you will meet. They say you meet your best friends in college ,(uh no) actually you meet them in the Disney College Program. You literally get to meet people from all over the world. Disney has plenty of international programs, so you are able to meet friends from all over Planet. I have met wonderful friends from Turkey, France, Japan, China, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Spain, Thailand, and that is all I believe. It’s so magical and incredible to learn about different cultures, picking up a few new words and being exposed to those outside of your norm. They become life long friend. I cannot thank God enough for this opportunity I got to journey!
BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC! WE ALL HAVE DREAMS, LOOK INSIDE YOUR HEART AND UNLOCK THE MAGIC WITHIN. REACH OUT AND FIND YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!