Working for the Disney company was a dream, and I had so many unique experiences that made me a more confident and marketable person. I’ll never forget the people I met, the experiences I had, and the things I learned. I participated in the Disney College Program, which I recommend to anyone who wants to learn about or climb the ladder of the company.
What I wish was different
The program is very demanding, and participants don’t have much — if any — control over their schedules. Also, the role that you are offered is the only role you can take in the company. I do wish I had more say in what role I would have liked.
Advice
Don’t take it for granted, but also don’t expect a semester-long vacation. The time flies and you have so much fun, but also the basis of the program is very hard work in sometimes unfavorable conditions. Go in with the expectation of an entry-level job with part- to full-time hours.
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Concierge
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I enjoyed always coming into a positive workplace everyday. I also enjoyed the benefits you receive of being a cast member. They also recognize employees for good reviews.
What I wish was different
The length of internship due to missing out on required classes by taking a semester off.
Advice
I would say network as much as possible while you are on any internship. Everyone at this internship were willing to help on anything and everything I had questions or concerns about.
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Disney College Program Intern
January - July 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
This was a very hands on work experience that took place in Walt Disney World. There are many different fields within the company that you can be placed based on your prior work experiences and education. I was placed in a food service position and then a ride operator position, both of which gave me the opportunity to receive Disney's first class customer service training and have amazing guest interactions. You get the chance to have a once in a lifetime behind the scenes look at how Walt Disney World is operated.
What I wish was different
Courses in a variety of different fields are offered to interns, however, they are on a lottery basis because of the large volume of participants who are interested, making it difficult to get into the courses. I would have preferred if more courses were offered so everyone had the chance to take them.
Advice
The acceptance process can be long as you go through multiple stages of interviews and profile reviews before hearing back from the company. It took me three attempts before being accepted. I would recommend anyone looking to apply to do research on the program and get to know Disney's values as a company before completing your application.
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Electrical Engineering Inter
June 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
The freedom and respect they gave me.
What I wish was different
Disney was more transparent with my role and responsibilities before I started the internship.
Advice
Working for a company as big as Disney as a intern isn't as amazing of an experience as you think, other smaller companies you will learn a lot more.
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Barista
May - October 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
The cost of living and my wages didn’t line up. I was making $2 less than the full-time baristas (I was a College Program Participant)
Advice
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Merchandise Cast Member
January 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
I liked the atmosphere and my co-workers. I also liked working with guests in order to create magic in their lives.
What I wish was different
Being able to work more often throughout the week.
Advice
Make the most of your experience and network with those around you!
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intern
June - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved the opportunity I had to live in Disney world and work for one of the biggest companies in the world.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have stayed longer!
Advice
If you love Disney or customer service, do this internship before you graduate.
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Server
May 2018 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
Everything about it
What I wish was different
Advice
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Lead
April 2016 - August 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
I would not trade this experience for anything else.
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Merchandise Cast Member
June 2018 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
What I wish was different
I wish they gave more hours this summer
Advice
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Intern
June 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
The company truly cares about all of its employees. And I have had numerous opportunities to try new things, spend time with amazing new friends, and work my dream job!
What I wish was different
Advice
Spend time with friends, but also time with yourself. Live every moment!!
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Disney College Program
February - August 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
The cast was wonderful and working with different guests and different situations allowed me to expand my customer service skills. I made life-long friends while being able to explore the most magical place on earth for free, all day, everyday! Work didn't feel like a chore, and it was by far, the most amazing and eye-opening experience of my life.
What I wish was different
Leading up to the internship, I had very little information about what I was going to be doing, where I was going to live, and general details about the job I would have. I wish I could have known a bit more because I was getting anxious waiting for information!
Advice
You get what you put into this internship. Everyone is friendly so just go into it with an open mind and always say yes to hanging out with new people. It's great.
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Disney college program
May - July 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved getting to work and make connections with people who worked for Disney full time and getting to do into Walt Disney world parks every day!
What I wish was different
I wish I would have worked harder making connections with different people.
Advice
Make memories and definitely make connections because it could land you a job after graduation!
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Disney College Program Intern
January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I got to network with higher ups within the company and learn a good work ethic
What I wish was different
I wish I could have been reimbursed for meals
Advice
Be careful which roles you preference when applying
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Parade Performer
January 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
Performing everyday
What I wish was different
The weather
Advice
Have a positive attitude
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Merchandise
May - July 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved the connections I was able to make with people from different cultural and backgrounds.
What I wish was different
Advice
I would tell anybody that does then Disney College Program to go in with an open mind and do everything. Meet new people and make new friends. Explore living in Florida.
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Software Engineering Intern
June - August 2019 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
interesting work!
What I wish was different
return offers were tricky at first
Advice
talk to recruiters about full time options
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Disney College Program Participant
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I met a very large diversity of people from all over the world. I loved meeting and learning about these people and being able to create incredible experiences for them and their families. I also loved the number of genuine connections I was able to make with so many friends also in the program and in the company.
What I wish was different
I would have liked to have had more opportunities to learn about the company and about my areas of interest. The classes offered were often focused toward marketing and event planning and very few classes were offered on environmental and scientific aspects despite Disney being very involved in those fields.
Advice
This was the most growing experience of my life and it was incredible even on hard days. There were a lot of hard days but with a positive attitude, those days have become very fond memories. My advice would be to take each day of the program as a new day and put your best self forward. Try to enjoy the little things. It makes the experience just that much better. Bottom line: appreciate your time and stay positive.
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Disney College Program Participant
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The opportunity to work for such a large company who is world renowned and creates unique experiences for people of all ages.
What I wish was different
I wish networking opportunities had been greater and more easily available.
Advice
If you are a hard worker, and enjoy creating positive experiences for others, this would be a great fit for you. The opportunities are endless with The Walt Disney Company.
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Cast Member
January - August 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
I loved everything, the people, the atmosphere, our managers, our program directors it was all a wonderful experience
What I wish was different
I wish there were more opportunities for behind the scenes events, they didn’t make it feasible for people to go.
Advice
Have the absolute best time of your life. The Disney College Program was the best 7 months of my life so really enjoy it.
