The Disney College Program

Participants on the Disney College Program live and work at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Participants have opportunities to learn skills to further their careers both in educational sessions and on the job working a guest-facing role at a Disney Resort hotel, at a theme park or at Disney Springs.   

Participants spend 4 to 8 months on the Disney College Program and have the opportunity to extend the experience up to one full calendar year.  

Program arrivals happen year-round, and participants typically have the option to choose between the following seasons: 

• Spring 
• Spring and Summer 
• Summer and Fall 
• Fall 

Walt Disney knew that however magical a place is built to be, the people make the dream come true. Participants on the Disney College Program help create that Disney magic by interacting with guests in one of over 20 roles as Disney cast members. 

Roles are categorized into six areas: food service, retail and sales, attractions, entertainment, lodging and operations. The exact day-to-day work participants do depends on the role they’re assigned, but each role is fun and rewarding in its own way. 

“We have an opportunity to live in a place that allows us to meet so many people from different walks of life.” – Joshua, Children’s Activities 

Participants on the Disney College Program work hard and get numerous benefits, including:  

• Educational sessions and career development opportunities  
• Experience toward future career goals  
• An inside look at how Disney helps make magic for guests   
• The opportunity to live in resort-like accommodations  
• The chance to meet and form friendships with program participants from all over the world  
• Special cast member discounts  
• Complimentary theme park admission  
• Previews of new attractions  
• Company-provided transportation to and from work and to area dining and shopping  
• Opportunities to join Disney VoluntEARS at community support events  
• Sound exciting? Let’s dig a little deeper into how the Disney College Program works and what makes it one of a kind.  

Participants on the program have the option to live at Flamingo Crossings Village, an apartment community owned and operated by American Campus Communities, with other participants from all across the globe. The apartments are furnished, and the community is fully equipped with resort-style pools, a 12,500 sq. ft. fitness center and study areas. 

“I’ve learned a lot about how to form relationships, how to talk to people and how to make friendships that I’m going to use for the rest of my life.” – Ellie, Concierge 

Exclusive learning offerings on the Disney College Program give participants unparalleled enhancements to their academic and professional careers through experiential learning, in-classroom experiences, professional development and networking opportunities. The program is even recommended for credit by the American Council on Education. 

The Disney College Program also provides a variety of resources and tools for current students on a program, including dedicated time off for school classes and exam proctoring. 

“I will always 100% recommend the Disney College Program.” – Abigail, Quick Service Food & Beverage 

To be eligible to participate, candidates need to meet the Disney College Program’s requirements. Students of all majors or who are undeclared are welcome to apply.  

Applicants must:  

• Be at least 18 years old when applying.  
• Currently be an enrolled student or recent graduate (within 24 months) of an accredited U.S. educational institution with at least one semester completed.  
• 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 date before applying again.  

If applicable, participants must also meet their school’s individual requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA.  

Interested students and recent graduates can apply and get more information on the Disney Programs website. Applications for the fall season typically open in January while applications for the spring season typically open in August.   

After submitting an application, if you’re selected to move on in the application process, you’ll be contacted to participate in a 30-minute phone interview.   

The Disney College Program lets students and recent grads engage in once-in-a-lifetime experiences while forming lifelong friendships and furthering their career goals. Whatever their role, program participants help create that Disney magic that lets guests make unforgettable memories. 

• Disney College Program Information Session – March 2025. See Handshake for more details.
• Application deadline for the Fall 2025 term – TBD
• Departure dates for the Fall 2025 term – Flexible starting no earlier than August 2025