The Biggest LIES About Getting into the Disney College Program

Can you believe that one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is basically run by a bunch of college students? Thanks to the Disney College Program, students can apply for an “internship” of sorts with The Walt Disney Company and work in the most magical place on earth…Disney World!

The AllEars team is full of former Cast Members and Disney College Program participants, so we know a thing or two about what it’s like to work for the Mouse. Spoiler alert: it’s one of the most fun, unique, and EXHAUSTING experiences out there! But there are a lot of misconceptions about the DCP, so we’re here to dispel some rumors and correct some lies.

For context, Disney College Program applications open on a rolling basis, and programs can last anywhere from a few months to a year. The application process isn’t easy, as Disney is looking for hardworking, enthusiastic students willing to do some tough jobs. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, people!

That said, working in Disney World can be so rewarding: you are the magic! There’s no better feeling than being able to make someone’s vacation a little better.

But now that we’ve covered the basics let’s talk about some of the most common lies we hear about the DCP.

“You’ll be able to get into the parks whenever you want!”

As a Disney World Cast Member, you are given a special Main Gate pass to enter the Disney parks. This pass works similarly to a regular park ticket, but there are some restrictions.

If a new attraction is opening, or Disney expects larger-than-normal crowds in one of the parks, Cast Members may be “blocked” from a park. When Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened, for example, Cast Members could not visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a period of time.

Additionally, when Disney eliminates the park pass reservation system for date-based park tickets, Cast Members will still need to make a park pass reservation before entering a park.

Some Disney College Program participants are scheduled to work six days a week throughout their program, which doesn’t leave much free time to visit the parks. So, while technically, DCP Cast Members may be able to visit the parks whenever they want, they may have to work around a busy schedule.

“The custodial role is the WORST job in Disney World!”

You may have heard that Disney’s janitor team, officially known as the “Custodial Cast Members,” are tasked with one of the worst jobs in the park.

And yes, the custodial role requires Cast Members to do some dirty work, but it’s not all bad! In fact, we’ve heard from several custodial Cast Members who have said that they LOVE their jobs.

Between the freedom to roam the Disney World parks, the opportunities to make magic for guests, and the positive team of coworkers, many Cast Members end up loving their time in the custodial role. What other job allows you to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade or see the fireworks while you’re on the clock?

“If Disney rejects your application, you can’t apply again.”

We know TONS of Disney College Program participants who applied several times before being accepted. Be patient, and don’t give up! You can re-apply every time Disney re-opens its applications, as long as you meet Disney’s requirements.

If you’re worried about your application, do some research ahead of time! There are countless videos, websites, and social media posts that answer every question you can think of when it comes to the application process. Pretend it’s a test and study, study, study! Oh, and be yourself because recruiters are looking for passionate, authentic participants.

“You RUINED that family’s vacation!”

Remember how we said it feels amazing to help make people’s vacations better? Well, it’s true! But, you may run into a family or two who will say, “You RUINED my vacation!“ We’ve heard people say this over the smallest problems, and as a College Program Cast Member, you literally do not have the power to actually ruin someone’s vacation. Leave those kinds of problems for your boss.

If you forgot to give someone their cup of soda or had to turn away a family after a ride closed, please do not take these kinds of statements to heart. You did not ruin that family’s vacation; they’re just hot, tired, cranky, stressed, or hungry. The point is, the phrase “you RUINED my vacation” is a lie, so don’t fall for it.

Well, we hope this little list helps ease your fears about the College Program! It really is one of the most incredible experiences you can have — so soak up every moment and enjoy it! In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

A Word of WARNING from a Former Disney College Program Cast Member

Have you ever been in the DCP? Let us know in the comments!