Walt Disney World College Program Roles - 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 original program's "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 as well as a housing and administration fee for $200. In California the program assessment fee is $100, and a security deposit of $200 as well as $560 in housing and assessment fees.

Students are expected to follow certain guidelines in the housing complexes. Roommates are assigned by gender and age, except in the case of a married couple. If a student is under the age of 21 they automatically 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 theme parks. 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 their resort's business. It has grown to include 8 different courses, each focusing on a Disney topic, rather than a business area. the Students are required to do textbook readings, write term papers and participate on projects. Additionally, there are now Disney Exploration Series courses, which are more focused on business areas as they relate to Disney. Participants, just like every Cast Member attend Traditions, which is a 4 hour long orientation that demonstrates everything about the Resort of employment and the company in general. The Disney Look is required for attendance at Traditions, which is counted as the participants' first official day of work. The program also offers "job shadowing" for participants on days they are not working - the participant can follow Disney Cast Members whose careers are in fields similar to the student's major. The course offers participants the possibility to earn college credit during their program, however, the decision to award credit is made by the participant's college or university.

The "Earning" experience consists of students working within their 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.