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Five Steps to DCP

Recently I was accepted into the Disney College Program. Disney runs this internship program to give college students a chance to work at Walt Disney World and see a glimpse of what keeps Disney’s gears turning. Getting accepted to this program is quite challenging. There are several hoops to jump through before you can get into the program. I have compiled a quick five-step guide as an overview for getting into the program.

Before I start, I would like to give some context on what the Disney College program is and some of the specs. The program allows curious individuals who want to help create and contribute to the magic of Disney. College program participants will be placed in housing right outside the gates of Disney and will work full-time on property. Program participants can work in a variety of jobs ranging from custodial to being a character performer all while having the chance to network and connect with Cast Members in all fields.

Step 1: Research- Before applying to the Disney College Program there is a lot you need to know. The Walt Disney Company has a lot of its own lingo and procedures that are unique. If you were to apply to the program with no prior knowledge you may become very confused. One of the things I learned in my research was that there are no “jobs” at Disney! Everything is instead referred to as a “role” that Cast Members (employees) perform. Besides researching the company, it is important to research the program itself to be sure it is the right fit for you. There are many aspects of the DCP life I was unaware of before I started looking into participating myself.

Step 2: Planning- Participating in the Disney College Program is a huge commitment. In order to participate you have to move into the Disney housing and pay an acceptance fee. Potential participants need to be ready to put their lives and education on hold for a semester. Participants work full time while they are with Disney so many are unable to do school at the same time. Some folks are able to do a few online courses, but it depends on what your college offers. These are all factors that must be accounted for when you decide to do the college program.

Step 3: Connecting- Some of the most important tips I got for getting into the Disney College Program were from current cast members and program participants. I found it extremely helpful to hear first-hand what the interview and onboarding processes were like. Social media made it easy to find people to talk to. There are DCP pages on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit full of cast members so I was able to ask questions. Any questions you may have about the program, or the interview can be very easily answered. Part of being a cast member is being friendly and approachable so don’t be afraid to reach out to current cast.  

Step 4: Applying- Applying to the DCP is super exciting but also super stressful. College students from all over the world are applying for the same position as you and spots are very limited. In order to better my chances of getting an early interview, I sent in my application the day the form opened. The official Disney College Program social media accounts post updates as to when applications will be opening. I recommend following them to stay up to date. It is important to have your papers and resume organized before applications open. If applications fill up too quickly, they may close early, so it is important to be diligent.

Step 5: Interviewing- The interview is the most nerve-wracking part of the process. It takes place over the phone so you must convey your enthusiasm and charisma audibly. The Disney recruitment team is looking for a very specific type of person. It is important to smile through the whole interview and to be open to chatting. Some advice I received before my interview is that Disney is a storytelling company. If you want to stand out during your interview, share personal stories of how Disney has positively impacted you. The more personal connections you are able to make with your recruiter, the better. The most important thing is confidence. Carry yourself like a current cast member would so you can make the best impression possible.

            These are just a few things that I learned on my journey to getting into the Disney College Program. The five steps I have laid out are the broad strokes of what you need to know but it is important to find the answers to any specific questions you may have regarding the DCP. There is a lot of information out there, but this is a great place to start.