The Disney College Program: Everything to know about DCP ✨
I think it’s every kid who grew up on animated Disney films ' dream to one day work for the mouse himself. The hand-drawn animation, the whimsical worlds that act as escapes from our real lives, and the magic that comes alive inside of us.
Through the Disney College Program, your dream can come true! And today we’re going to talk all about it.
Courtesy if Disney || Disney College Program Logo
So, what is the Disney College Program? Most formerly known as DCP, Disney College Program is a paid internship through the Disney company that provides a semester-long work experience at Disneyland Resort in California, or Walt Disney World in Florida. It’s a one of a kind expierence for college students and recent graduates who want to work within the Disney company.
How does it work? Participants will live and work at Walt Disney World Resort. You will have the opportunity to learn skills to further your career through educational sessions and on-the-job training in a guest-facing role at a theme park, Disney Resort, or Disney Springs.
How long do I have to be in the program? The DCP program lasts 4-8 months, and participants can extend their time for up to 1 full calendar year. The DCP program runs year-round, and participants who wish to choose typically have the option of entering in which season.
What kind of work will I be doing? There is no set job for those who are in DCP. There are over 20 roles for participants. These range from working in food service, retail and sales, attractions, entertainment, lodging, and operations. When applying for DCP, you are asked in what area you would like to work in, but what you answer won’t always be the job you will be assigned to.
Food and Beverage cast members provide guests with quality service as servers or work at a quick-service food and beverage location. Tasks for a cast member who serves might include: greeting and seating guests, managing seating charts, using a reservation system, handling cash, rolling silverware, folding napkins, light cleaning, and standing outdoors for extended periods. Tasks for a cast member working a quick-service position might include: selling food, preparing items, handling food allergens, handling cash, bussing tables, cleaning, dispensing alcohol, stocking, lifting heavy items, and working independently or as part of a team. This role also involves standing for extended periods.
Retail and Sales cast members help guests find the perfect souvenirs to take home and remember their vacations. Merchandise tasks might include: selling products, handling cash, stocking shelves, shipping packages, stroller/wheelchair rentals, lifting and stacking, food/candy prep, selling alcohol or tobacco, and working solo or as a team. This role involves standing outside for extended periods of time.
Operations cast members ensure that guests have safe and enjoyable experiences at WDW through transportation. Tasks for the attraction role might include: maintaining safety, monitoring guest flow, assisting with ride loading/unloading, working at ride entrances, toll plazas, or parking areas, operating the tram, selling tickets, and delivering narratives via microphone. This role involves standing outside for extended periods of time. Cast members who work in Custodial positions might include duties such as: guest interaction, cleaning restrooms, bussing tables, sweeping, mopping, trash removal, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning pool decks, and driving a golf cart. This role involves standing outdoors for long periods of time, and a valid U.S. driver’s license may be required. Tasks for the monorail role may include assisting guests with boarding, answering transportation questions, using a radio, managing audience control, speaking over a microphone, and standing indoors/outdoors for long periods. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required. PhotoPass Photographer duties include: assisting guests with photos, operating digital cameras and technology, carrying equipment, engaging with guests, selling PhotoPass products, partnering with character performers, working in multiple locations, and standing outdoors for long periods of time. Tasks for cast members who work in Skyliner Gondola positions might include: operating the computerized ride system, assisting with boarding/exiting, delivering narrations, providing audience control, and ensuring safety. Duties in this position also involve working at heights, outdoors, climbing stairs, bending, and standing for extended periods. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required. Tasks for a cast member who is working a Watercraft position may include: operating vehicles, using onboard computers, assisting with boarding/exiting, delivering narrations, using radios, answering guest questions, and assisting with audience control. This role involves standing outdoors for extended periods of time. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.
Recreation cast members will go the extra mile to make sure guests enjoy their vacation at one of Disney World's water parks, swimming pools, golf and mini golf courses, activity centers for children, and arcades. A cast member who works in Children’s Activities has responsibilities that may include: maintaining a safe, clean environment, facilitating activities for children, prolonged standing, heavy lifting, working indoors and outdoors, and providing first aid or basic life support in cases of injury or illness. Cast Members who work as Lifeguards are responsible for monitoring guest safety in the water and on the slides, standing for long periods, providing first aid or basic life support, detecting distress signals, and demonstrating strong swimming skills. This job involves physically demanding work and exposure to outdoor elements. Cast members working in Recreation Attractions have responsibilities that may include: maintaining a clean and safe environment; assisting guests in recreational areas; providing first aid; handling cash; booking spa and fitness appointments; assisting with food orders; and standing outdoors for extended periods.
Entertainment cast members will create and maintain the magic on stage, bringing beloved Disney Characters greetings and experiences to a whole new level. A cast member who is a Character Attendant will have responsibilities that may include: providing show info, managing audience control, ensuring safety, partnering with PhotoPass, maintaining character integrity, setting up stanchions, assisting with costumes, and arranging strollers. This rolve revolves standing for long periods of time. A Character Performer will have responsibilities that may include: portraying costumed characters, working in heavy costumes, communicating nonverbally, signing autographs, posing for pictures, and interacting with guests. Auditions are required for this role. Cast members working in Costuming Operations will have responsibilities that may include: issuing costumes via a computerized system, assisting performers, operating laundry equipment, handling soiled garments, heavy lifting, standing for extended periods, and working outdoors. A valid driver’s license is required for driving company vehicles.
Lodging cast members ensure that guests will have memorable vacations while staying at the resorts on the property. Cast members working in Bell Services Dispatch Greeter positions have responsibilities that may include: greeting guests, handling and storing luggage, heavy lifting, using a dispatch system, responding to service requests, tagging luggage, and standing for extended periods outdoors. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required. Cast members who are working in Club Level Lounge positions will have responsibilities that may include: maintaining food and beverage offerings, preparing food containing allergens, bussing tables, serving alcohol, handling cleaning supplies, and standing for extended periods. This role involves heavy lifting and working outdoors. Cast members working within Resort Concierge will have responsibilities that may include: checking guests in and out, assisting with itinerary planning, ticket sales, resolving guest issues, operating reservation systems, handling cash, and standing for extended periods. This role involves working outdoors and heavy lifting. Cast members with a Houseperson role will have responsibilities that may include: Cleaning rooms and public areas, replacing linens, collecting trash, dusting, vacuuming, stocking storage rooms, and driving golf carts. This role involves heavy lifting, standing for long periods of time, and working indoors and outdoors. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.
Where will I live? Participants have the option of living at Flamingo Crossings Village, an apartment complex owned by American Campus Communities. The apartments are furnished, and the complex provides resort-style pools, a fitness center, and study areas.
Courtesy of Disney Careers || Flamingo Crossings Village
What kind of Benefits do you get from DCP? Students involved within DCP will receive educational sessions and career development opportunities, an inside look at how Disney creates the magic for guests, unique cast member discounts, experience towards future career goals, complimentary theme park admission, and previews of new attractions, amongst others.
What kind of requirements does the program have? Applicants must:
Be 18 years old when applying
Currently an enrolled student or a recent graduate of an accredited U.S. educational institute, and have completed one semester.
Have full work availability
Accept the program’s pay rate and appearance requirements.
Have unrestricted U.S. work authorization for the entire program.
If you’re a former participant in the Disney College Program, you must wait at least four months after your last departure before applying again.
Candidates must meet their school’s individual requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA.
Interested in being a part of the happiest world on earth? Apply now for DCP! Like Cindrella says, “If you keep on believing, that dream that you wish will come true,”
