Walt Disney College Program - Program Information

Program Information

At the beginning of the program in the early 1980s, three "experiences" were emphasized: "The Learning Experience", which involved participation in Disney's "Leisure Time Business Management Studies", "The Work Experience" which included work in 4 major areas of the resort, and "The Recreational Experience" which emphasized recreational activities and Disney-sponsored events. Since that time, the experiences have changed slightly to "living", "learning" and "earning".

The "Living" experience is similar to the program's original "Recreational" experience. Once the student has accepted their position with Disney, they can stay in one of four, company sponsored housing units near Walt Disney World Resort during the duration of the program: Vista Way, Chatham Square, Patterson Court, and The Commons (which houses mainly international Cast Members). At the Disneyland Resort, participants stay in the Center Street Promenade complex approximately two miles north of the Disneyland Resort. Each participant has the opportunity to choose to live in a one, two, three, or four bedroom apartment with two people sharing a bedroom.

The cost of housing is deducted automatically from the student’s weekly salary. The cost of housing varies depending on the location of the student’s program. There are fees the student must pay upfront upon acceptance into the program based on housing, and these too vary between locations. In Florida there is a program assessment fee of 100 dollar as well as a housing and administration fee for 200 dollars. In California the program assessment fee is 100 dollars, and a security deposit of 200 dollars as well as 560 dollars in housing and assessment fees.

Students are expected to follow certain guidelines in the housing complexes, and the Disney Company has set up certain policies. Roommates are assigned by gender and age. If a student is under the age of 21 they are placed in a “Wellness Apartment”, or one that is deemed dry. All of the apartments are non-smoking in all areas. For students located in Florida the Disney Company provides transportation to and from the Disney parks to the housing complexes. Transportation is not provided for students located in California. Those students are encouraged to bring their own cars, and are given free bus passes for the public transportation system.

The "Learning" experience began in the early 80s as a group of 9 seminars on the "philosophies and operating practices" of the various sections of Walt Disney World's business. It has grown to include 8 different courses, each focusing on a Disney topic, rather than a business area. Students are required to do textbook readings, write term papers and participate on projects. Students attend "Traditions" which is a 4 hour long session that analyzes students looks and makes sure they are in compliance with the "disney look" which includes no dye in hair color, no painted nails, and business casual for all sessions. The traditions demonstrates everything about Disney World Resort and the company. The program also offers "job shadowing" for students on days they are not working. Students can follow and witness Disney employees whose careers are similar to the student's major. Each course offers participants the possibility to earn college credit during their program. The decision to award credit is made by the participant's college or university.

The "Earning" experience consists of students working within the Walt Disney World Resort. At the program's inception, students were expected to work in one of 4 "major operating areas": Food, Merchandise, Attractions, and Custodial. Currently, Disney College Program students work in more than 20 different roles.

Depending on the requirements of a student's school, internship credit may be earned.