Disney College Program (The DCP)

In my last post I had mentioned that the Disney College Program was the thing that started my current obsession with Disney. So I wanted to provide a little more information about this program if it is something you have never heard of before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6PydcFEJ1Y

 

A Little History about the DCP:

The Disney College Program began in 1981 at the Walt Disneys Magic Kingdom in Orlando FL. A group of 250 students were able to live, learn, and earn while working for Mickey Mouse himself (well sort of). After its initial launch the program only continued to grow in the number of students applying. Today the DCP offers this internship program at Disneyland and Disney World. Tens of thousands of people apply every year. 

My email from the Disney College Program letting me know they received my application in January 2019

The Disney Company offers semester long programs in the Fall and in the Spring as well as offer the opportunity to apply for a Fall Advantage and Spring Advantage programs which allow you stay for a full year. I actually decided that I would practice applying and submitted an application for the Fall 2019 program in back in January. 

How do you apply and what do you even get to do there:

The applications for the DCP come out in January for the Fall Programs and for the Spring program they come out in late November. The applications consist of a 3 step process.

Step 1:

First you start off my making an account on the Disney College Program website and then begin the process of filling out the web based interview. This includes basic information about yourself such as where you go to school and  previous jobs and their descriptions. Another aspect of the online interview was an area where you could state your interest in the various jobs available listed below:

JOB CATEGORIES FOR CAST MEMBERS (Employees) 

(Each hyperlink will bring you to the Disney College Programs website for further information on each role)

• Operations- Cast member jobs revolve around making sure every aspect of the guests visit and there overall experience while on their vacations 
  • Attractions
  • Bus Greeter
  • Convention Guide
  • Custodial
  • Monorail
  • PhotoPass Photographer
  • Watercraft
• Entertainment- Cast members jobs include helping create and maintaining the show, whether it is performing in shows and parades or helping with character meet and greets
  • Character Attendant
  • Character Performer (Audition Required)
  • Costuming Operations
• Lodging- Cast members that help to ensure that the guests stay at the resorts have a memorable and enjoyable time
  • Bell Services Dispatch/Greeter
  • Front Desk
  • Houseperson
• Food and Beverage- Cast members assist in creating a memorable time for guests dining at quick service restaurants up to the fine dining establishments found on Disney property 
  • Seater
  • Quick-Service Food & Beverage
• Retail/Sales- Cast members assist in helping guests have an enjoyable time while buying ticket packages and choosing merchandise
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirate League
  • Merchandise
  • Vacation Planner
• Recreation- Cast members help guests enjoy their vacations whether it be at the pool or water parks as well as at children’s activity centers
  • Children’s Activities
  • Lifeguard
  • Recreation Attractions

 

Step 2:

Once your application is looked at you will hear back with either a congratulations that you have made it to the second round and gained a phone interview or a thank you for applying please try again. Unfortunately for me my application was not considered for this second step but I do know that the phone interview involves going over you web interview and really just getting a chance to showcase why you should be chosen for the program. 

Step 3:

After a long time waiting after your phone interview is complete, you get to find out whether you made it or not. If you made it then yeah! You have the option of either declining or accepting depending on what category you have been assigned in for your role. If accepted you get to move to Orlando for 6 months and meet tons of amazing people and build your resume working for an amazing company! Sounds amazing right?

What I would gain from completing this program:

I can’t dismiss the fact that of course I have dreamed of working with this company for many years and this program would give me the opportunity to do so. It would also allow for to build great relationships with people around the world and also gain a foothold in the company.

I have seen so many videos from some of my favorite Disney College Vloggers that all say the same thing “Do the DCP” they have created life long friendships, made so many magical moments for guests, and experienced the power of laughter and imagination first hand. This makes me even more eager to apply and participate in the program. 

I hope this post gave some insight into what the Disney College Program is all about but I know I definitely did not cover all of it, so to find out more follow this link below!

https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-college-program

Hope you have a magical day and see you real soon!!

– Caitlyn