As many of you already know Disney is a big part of my life and I am beyond grateful to be able to call Florida my home for 7 months. For those of you who don’t know what my journey entitles you’re in luck, I’ve created this blog to update you on my adventures in Florida! Along with trying to take a bunch of pictures and videos of my experience, I thought I would fill people in about all the cool things Walt Disney World has to offer through blogging.

Since first hearing about the DCP and expressing interest in doing it, I’ve had multiple people ask me What exactly is the Disney College Program? 

The Disney College Program is a paid college internship program through the Walt Disney company that allows students to work at either Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California for college credit. Each university is different with how much credit you get (through GVSU’s Hospitality department I will be getting 6 credits) but the main goal of the program is to get experience in the workforce, and what better way to go about that by interning for a brand like Disney?

When applying to the program there is a list of jobs to choose from, you can see the full list here. Jobs can range from working an attraction, being a lifeguard, a vacation planner, or working in merchandise. There is a wide variety of jobs throughout the resort that you can select interest in! I’ll go into these a little later along with a full job description of my role as a Seater once I arrive!

Applicants have two different seasons they can choose from, and how long they want to stay for that season when deciding what works best for them! The first option is the Fall season with the normal program that goes from about August to late December and then the Fall Advantage program that goes from June-to late December. Then the following season there is the Spring program that goes from January-mid May or the Spring Advantage Program that goes from January/February-early August.

The DCP also has there own housing complexes for students to live in while working that are close to the property. Students also have the opportunity to take classes through Disney that pertain to areas that are heavily incorporated throughout the resort like hospitality, marketing, human resources, and leadership. A big part of the Learning aspect of the program is the networking opportunities that are offered to students who wish to further their career with both the company and in the professional world.

 

 

So I hope you leave this page a little more informed about what the DCP is all about. I promise I’ll go more into detail the more I get educated about the process. Once down in Florida I’ll start posting more fun pieces, but any topic suggestions are welcomed!

~Kacey

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney