From the time I first stepped into the Magic Kingdom, like every other five-year-old girl, I wanted to be a Disney princess. So, of course I put this on my bucket list with a star by it, determined to work at Walt Disney World one day and the Disney College Program allowed me to fulfill this dream.
As I got older, I realized that college would be the best time to take time to fulfill this dream, so I started researching and found the Disney College Program. This is a program through the Walt Disney Company where you can go work at Disney World or Disneyland for 4-12 months. Of course, my first thought is this is my chance, I have to apply.
I applied my freshman year, not expecting to get in my first try, but as luck would have it, I got accepted. My first position was in attractions.
I figured if I was going, I might as well try to go to the top. I researched and realized I was too short to be a princess (I’m only five feet tall), but knew I could still be a character performer.
In March I traveled to Atlanta, GA to audition for a role and a month later received an offer to be a character performer. So, before I knew it, I was on my way to Orlando, Florida for eight months to be a Disney character performer.
Now, five years later (WOW) I want to share the things I wish I had know going into the Disney College Program. If you would like tips on your next trip to WDW, click here to read about how to plan the perfect trip to Disney World!
1.The pay is kind of crappy.
I have heard that the pay has increased since I was working, but I got paid $9.07 an hour, $0.07 more than other workers since I was a Character Performer. They also take your housing rent out of your pay check, so your take home is even less. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to pick up extra hours if you really need the money and want to work over time. There were weeks when I worked 50 hours and then weeks where I only worked 35.
My suggestion would be, unless you have to, work what your given and spend the rest of your time taking advantage of the free pass into the parks. You can work and make money the rest of your life, live it up at Disney World.
2. It can get lonely at times.
This fact could have been just me, but I found myself lonely a lot of the time. Because of my role as a character performer, I did not work with the same people every day like other cast members did, so it made it harder to get to know people at work.
I also lived with four other girls and all our schedules were different. I know a lot of people who worked attractions though that got to know their coworkers who they worked with often and became good friends, but beware that you do have to force yourself to make friends.
Fortunately for you, Disney does a good job at fostering friendships and hosts parties throughout your time there for the Disney College Program participants where you can meet other people, get free food, and meet rare Disney characters.
3. Your job is amazing, but can also suck at times.
This applies not matter what role you have at the parks. Your job is amazing because you work at Disney World, the most magical place in the world and you get to make magic everyday and roam the parks for free and never grow up. But your job can also suck because guests are mean sometimes, Florida weather is miserable sometimes, and shifts are long. Everything is a balance.
4. You’re on the bottom of the totem pole
Like most jobs, there is a hierarchy. There is a hierarchy in each role and place, but also in general. Obviously, full time employees are at the top, followed by part time, then seasonal employees, and finally at the bottom Disney college programers. What your job is depends on how obvious this hierarchy is, but is means the worst hours, the least pay, and the least respect.
Although this can stink, it is part of the job. There are thousands of Disney College Programers that work and leave Disney within the span of one year, so with the turnovers and little experience, this is not that much of a surprise.
5. Think you’re getting those days off? Haha
Yes, so the unfortunate truth is that it is very hard to request days off when you are on a Disney college program. If you request off days with short notice, then you will most likely not get them approved.
If you know in advance, then the sooner you put them in, the more likely they are to be approved. This also varied with times of the year and who else is asking off, because of course you must remember, bottom of the totem pole.
When I was there for 8 months, I think I got a total of four days off approved and I put this in far advance because it was a planned trip home in the middle of my program.
There is a points system of calling into work, but do not bank on this for when you need days off, leave these for when you get sick and really can’t come in.
6. The Disney college program housing situation is rough
There is housing provided and in your application/paperwork process, you get to request where you want to stay. I would suggest researching each complex and seeing which one you would rather.
I know people who have lived in each one and some love it and some do not. They all have pros/cons, so find your best fit.
Overall though, you are living with too many roommates in too tiny of a space. There were six, I repeat, SIX girls living in our two-bedroom apartment. Also, it is not the nicest of apartments, but it is all part of the experience, right?
7. You are literally so broke
Like I mentioned earlier, you do not make a lot with the hourly wage, number of hours you are working, and rent coming directly out of your paycheck, but what I did not mention is how you will not be able to save any of the money you make.
Now, you might think, I’ll show you, but being surrounded by Disney souvenirs, with a cast member discount, I guarantee you will spend it all.
On top of that, there are so many amazingly fun things around Orlando to take part it that you want to do, because you only live once (throwback to high school #YOLO). All I am saying is have some savings or budget safely going into your program.
8. Its an experience of a lifetime
Name another time in your life when you get to spend 24/7 in a theme park and get paid. Or when you will ride down Mainstreet USA on a parade float waving at screaming guests. Or when everyone you work with loves their job and you get to make magic every day. I’ll wait…….
Honestly, I often have Walt Disney World withdrawals and wish I could go back again. It is always my fun fact about myself and the best conversation starter. Think of all the stories you will have to tell your children!
9. You’ll look back with no regrets
I will admit there were sometimes during my program that I considered leaving and going home. I am too stubborn to quite though and stayed, thankfully. Although there were rough patches, I would have never forgiven myself for passing up the experience.
I look back at that time in my life with absolutely no regrets, because I learned so much about me and grew so much during those 8 months. Now, this does not mean I would not change anything about my program, because I definitely have advice for those starting the process, but I would never take back doing the Disney College Program.
These are the main things I thought of about the program, that could maybe be taken as warnings also. I would never ever go back and change working at Disney. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever done and everyday I wish I could go back.
If you are ever thinking of working at Disney or doing the Disney College Program, then DO IT! You will love every second and make memories that last a life time.
Download a free packing list for your next adventure by clicking here!
Any other DCP Alum out there? What are things you did not expect or think people should know going into the Disney College Program? I swear once I got back from my program, it was like everyone I knew was going to Disney! Share your stories people!
Lots of Love, Laurel McDaniel
Interested in more information? Check out the link below!
https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-college-program
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I’m not big on Disney but I found this post fascinating! It was really interesting to read about some of the behind the scenes what everyone thinks is the happiest place on earth.
Author
Yes, I know before I was a cast memeber, I was fascinated by the behind the scenes facts.
A couple of my friends had done the program as well when we were at University! They loved it and mentioned most of what you did but coming down to it its all part of the experience and gives you such a unique position to add to your resume! 🙂
Author
100% Every time I have had an interview, they have asked me about it and I have so much to talk about.