Many Disney fans and lovers who want to have a career at Disney typically start when they are in college, thanks to Disney offering the Disney College Program at Disney World and Disneyland.
Credit: Disney
The Disney College Program allows students in school to get credit for working at Disney, all while experiencing the magic, and getting their foot inside the door with Mickey Mouse! It also allows anyone who is enrolled in college courses or who is a recent graduate to work for the Disney Parks and start their career with The Walt Disney Company at either Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California, Due to COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic, the College Program had to make an abrupt stop in 2020 at both Disneyland and Disney World. But now at Disney World, we can finally welcome CPs back to Walt Disney World Resort property as the Florida version of the Disney College Program is returning this June!
Along with much of the world, we’re encouraged by the progress made possible by rising vaccination rates and recently revised guidance around health and safety measures. And while we’re seeing some additional positive signs, we still have a ways to go to a full recovery. This summer we are opening more Disney hotels, sports and convention groups are returning and we are reintroducing some of our guest-favorite offerings.
As our industry and community continue to bounce back, we have welcomed back thousands of cast members to work and have also restarted our recruitment efforts amid a tight labor market at Walt Disney World. Both of these measures are important indicators toward fully reopening our businesses and getting more people back to work.
Right now, we are also ready to welcome back students and are excited to announce the relaunch of the Disney College Program this June. We are inviting participants whose program ended early or was suspended in 2020 to reapply and join us. Today, May 3, these participants will receive exclusive communication via email about this exciting opportunity.
The Disney College Program has always been a source of optimism and pride for our company with participants who each bring new ideas, talents, and perspectives to the table. While that won’t change, we are evolving our Disney Programs to reflect the new world around us.
Applying to the Disney College Program will be even easier with a simplified application process, a concierge team of recruiters you can engage with on social media, and year-long arrival dates. We have temporarily modified some of our eligibility requirements so that many of you can still apply, even if you’ve already graduated. We’re also developing new ways for participants to shape their future careers, exploring a variety of roles and connecting with Disney professionals as they make magic.
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We have also been thinking of other college and university students who may be eagerly awaiting their own Disney experience. Right now, we’re focused on bringing the Disney College Program back to Walt Disney World Resort and will have more to share about Disney International Programs, Disney Culinary Program, and those at Disneyland® Resort later. The good news is that there is much to come in the future of the program, and we can’t wait to share more information with you when that time comes. Keep an eye out here on the blog, follow us on social media, or opt-in for email updates to stay in the know.
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We want you to know that we’re relaunching the Program in a thoughtful and responsible way, with the safety of our participants and our working cast always at the forefront of our planning, particularly as we consider a new approach to housing at the new, state-of-the-art Flamingo Crossings Village complex. Those who return to a program this summer will be the first participants to call this beautiful new community home.
Similar to what we’ve done to help reduce risk in our theme parks and resorts, we are also putting in place a combination of measures for our participants. Participants will receive pre-arrival communication regarding our enhanced safety measures, including updates that promote physical distancing, required face coverings in all common areas, and a new contactless, curbside move-in experience. Like many colleges and universities, we’re also modifying the occupancy of our units, giving fully vaccinated participants the opportunity to live with other fully vaccinated participants.
We’re looking forward to bringing you even more details in the coming days.
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And now, future College Program participants will be able to see more information on the Disney Careers site — click here to take a look!
The Official Disney Programs (@officialdisneyprograms) Instagram posted the news as well, stating:
We are thrilled to share that the #DisneyCollegeProgram is returning! Today, our 2020 participants will be the first to be invited to reapply. We also have a brand-new look!
Considering so many 2020 College Program participants had their DCP cut incredibly short, depending on what program participants were in, it makes sense that they will be the first to reapply for the position.
As a Disney College Program participant, you’ll become part of the magic that is known worldwide. Gain valuable, on-the-job experience working in our parks and resorts, participate in college coursework, and have the opportunity to meet and live with people from all over the country and potentially the world in company-sponsored housing. This truly unique five- to seven-month program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.
DCP participants can work anywhere on the property including all the Walt Disney World Resorts, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon.
The timing is also perfect because Flamingo Crossings Village, which will act as the new housing center for DCP participants, is ready to go, so all members will have stunning as well as brand-new housing options at an affordable cost.
Here is a description of Flamingo Crossings Village from their official website:
Flamingo Crossings Village provides Cast Members and Operating Participants with spacious 2 and 4 bedroom apartments at a range of rates conducive for various budgets. All apartments feature hardwood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, a washer and dryer, a flat panel TV and a free furniture package.
Enjoy the expansive Community Center, including a 12,500 sq ft state-of-the-art fitness center, multipurpose lounges, and indoor recreation with ping pong, billiards, arcade games and more! Take a step outside to explore the resort-style swimming pools, basketball and sand volleyball courts, and The Great Lawn courtyard space. Flamingo Crossings Village is how you want to live.
Credit: Screenshot Hilton
It is great to see Disney World returning to the magical state that we know and love and considering College Program students are returning, we can expect to see a lot more Cast Members making magic shortly!
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