I Was In Disney’s College Program — Here Are 6 Things You Should Know Before You Join

Did you know Disney World is run by a bunch of college students?

The Disney College Program is a program for college students that allows them to work at Disney World for a portion of their school career. Although the program has gone through some changes over the years, it is a really unique way to experience Disney World. I was lucky enough to experience the program, and here are 6 things you need to know before doing the DCP.

The Disney College Program is such a special and unique experience — but that’s not to say it’s without its challenges. I worked during the Spring 2019 session, and I adored it so much I extended through the summer, as well.

During my 8 months in the program, I learned quite a bit. Here are 6 of the most important things I learned. 

1. It’s Hard Work

Knowing that it was hard work wasn’t necessarily news to me, but it was news to a lot of the people I went into the program with. For one of my jobs, I worked at the Boardwalk Bakery (now Boardwalk Deli) and I often worked the late night shifts and then turned around and did the opening shifts as well.

I was exhausted frequently, but I truly loved my position so I didn’t mind. Since the DCP participants are at the bottom of the totem pole as far as Cast Members go, that means you probably have some of the worst shifts. Many DCP participants think they are coming just to have fun in Disney but forget there is a job attached to it. 

2. You Will Most Likely Have The Worst Job

Now I say this with a grain of salt because I loved my jobs! I had roommates who worked custodial and loved their jobs as well. However, a lot of participants have hopes and dreams of being characters.

Now don’t get me wrong, it is a possibility! They even brought back character auditions for participants in January 2023 but for a majority of college program participants, you won’t be a character. If you’re open-minded to any job, you will love this program. But if you only want one of the flashy jobs, this might not be for you. 

3. Housing Can Make Or Break Your DCP 

I was lucky enough to have amazing roommates during my time in the college program! They are still some of my best friends and they made my experience even better. However, I was one of the lucky ones. I know people who left the program because of their housing situation! 

Roommates are hard no matter where you are, so if this is your first experience with roommates, just be prepared. If you’re willing to compromise with your new friends, everything will be A-OK! Just remember that your living situation is a huge part of your program, and you should care about it just as much as your job.

4. You Have To Grow Up 

The DCP forced me to grow up in ways I didn’t even realize I needed to. I was a sophomore in college when I attended the program, but it was my first time being more than just a few hours from home and people I knew.

I had to grow in my confidence, my money and time management skills, and even my professional skills. It was a long period of learning, but I’m so grateful for the confidence and independence this program gave me.

5. The Job Is What You Make It 

As we discussed before, you probably won’t have the role you’ve been dreaming of your entire life. I think though, that no matter what role you work in, the job is what you make it!

Just like any job in the world, there are positives and negatives to every role in the DCP. However, if you come in with a good attitude and you’re prepared to make the most of it, all of the jobs can be fun! Even my friends who worked the less desirable jobs loved it because of their fellow cast members and having good attitudes.

6. This Is A Very Rare Time In Your Life 

My favorite thing about the DCP is now, even years later, I still think of it as one of the best periods of my life. I enjoyed my jobs, I had amazing roommates, and I went to Disney World every day!

It was easy to tell myself I was too tired to take advantage of my free time, but I’m so glad I did. I only had 8 months of working for the Mouse while still in college, and it flew by so quickly. Don’t forget, even on the hard days, that this period isn’t forever. Take advantage of this special time of your life! 

Luckily, I found an amazing job after college that still lets me go to Disney World every day so we can let you know all of the latest Disney news and updates! If you want to learn more about the Disney College Program, check out my video here.

Don’t forget to keep following AllEars for all of your latest Disney College Program news and updates!

Learn More About The Return Of Character Auditions Here! 

Have you ever done the Disney College Program? Tell me in the comments!