Q&A

What is the Disney College Program?

The Disney College Program is an internship at Walt Disney World that includes, living, learning, and earning. As a student I will be working in an entry level position within the resort, taking educational Disney Seminar's, networking with potential employers, meeting hundreds of people, and making magic happen each day! The program goes from January untill May, however you do have the option of extending untill August. The College Program is available to any college student and includes a three-part application process. In order to apply you must fill out a general resume, take a web-based interview, and then complete a phone interview. You may be chosen to work in a vairety of areas including attractions, entertainment, merchandise, or hospitality. If you are curious about the program or interested in applying check out this website.

Where will I be working?

I will be working in attractions...my number one choice!!! I considered auditioning to be a character performer and I may still audition once I am down there, however I am not sure how I feel about wearing a suit all day. I won't know my exact role or location within the parks when I am down there, but I can't wait to find out!

Where will I be living?

All members of the Disney College Program live in Disney sponsered apartments. We have an option of three different apartment styles, all which differ in price, style, and location. These include Vista Way, Chathum, and Patterson Court. You can room with 2-8 people, and the rent is taken right out of your paycheck. I am really hoping to live in Chathum as it is right by the bus stop and is one of the newer complexes. I have met three girls already on facebook to room with. They seem like awesome people and they come from all aroudn the U.S! I can't wait to meet them:)

Will I be taking classes or getting college credit?

Although you can take the Disney College Program as credit for college, I will not be as I don't need the extra credit, therefore it would be wasted money. However, I am taking two online classes while I am down there in order to maintain my status as a part-time student. I will be taking a communication class and a Leadership Field Experience class. However, the classes I am really excited for are the Disney Seminars. As a part of the College Program Disney offer's a vairety of professional education courses and seminars. They range from guest services, to environmental, to entertainment. They are all taught by Disney employees and they include interactive experiences, tours, and lessons within and behinds the scenes of the park. I will be taking a Disney Heritage course, and an Environmental Education course. I am so greatful that I got both of these because they filled up really quick! The Disney Heritage course is all about the history of Disney worl and the behind scene secrets of the parks. I am really hoping to network a lot in this class and arrange some interviews or meetings with park personnel that I meet. The Disney Environmental class is all about how Disney embrace's the environment and works to sustain it's health within the parks. We get to go behind the scenes of Animal Kingdom and talk with Disney's Wild Life Conservation workers. I am super excited for this as I hope to someday get my masters in Environmental Education.

What are you most excited for?

I am most excited to finally get to be a part of the magic! I have been watching it for years and now I finally get to make it! I am also really excited to network and make connections in order to further my chances towards securing a job or career after college. Of course I am also excited to be living in the most magical place on earth and having the ability to go to the parks whenever I want!

What are you most nervous for?

I am most nervous about training and learning to do my job good! Disney has high expectations as it is the best of the best and I hope I am able to live up to it's standards. I am also nervous about being away from home for six months! Although I live up at school this will be the longest I have ever been away from my family. However my mom and sister are coming to visit in February for the Disney Princess Half Marathon!!!

What is your favorite park?

This is such a tough question! I would definetly have to say that my favorite park is the Magic Kingdom because it's the original and there is nothing like the feeling of wathching Wishes, or the opening of main street. It is such an incredible place! My next favorite park is probably Animal Kingdom. I love the scenary, and the African style of all the stores and architecture. However, I would have to say that Epcot is a close third or maybe even a tie. I absolutely love the countries (Morrroco is my favorite!), and Illuminations is such an awesome night time show (I love to listen to the sountrack when I run:)). I would have to say that Hollywood Studios is my least favorite, but I still love it! I am not a big fan of thrill rides...like Rockin' Rollarcoster and Tower Terror, but I love Fantasmic and Beauty and the Beast.

What is your favorite ride?

This is an even harder question?!!! I think my favorit ride is Splash Mountain:) I sing the song all the time and can probably recite the entire narration. However, I also love Expedition Everest, It's a Small World, The Great Movie Ride, and Phillhar Magic:)

Do you have any suggestions for applying to the program?

Plan, Prepare, Plan, Prepare! You want to make sure that you know your stuff going into the interview! Make sure that you really think about why you would be a good candidate, why you feel that you can make Disney a better place, and where you would be most effective. The interviewer really wants to know why you would be good and effective for your top role choice. Also make sure that you show your passion and enthusiasim! To work at Disney you need to be a special kind of person and Disney wants to hear that durring the interview. Even though it is just a phone interview, dress up, put on your Disney wear, and emote that Disney excitement!

*Feel free to post any quesitons that you have an I will do my best to answer them!