What is the College Program?
The Disney College Program (DCP) is a paid internship involving a unique Living, Learning, and Earning experience at either Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. You can earn 4 elective credits for successful completion of the internship. It is an exciting opportunity for students of all majors and backgrounds
Housing & Amenities
While at Disney, you will live at our brand-new, state-of-the-art living facilities which include upscale living spaces, a resort-style pool, a full-service fitness center, community-building common areas, and exceptional educational facilities. Housing costs vary depending on the type of apartment a participant selects to live in during their program. Learn more about DCP Housing Costs and Information.
During your Disney Program, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and create long-lasting friendships. But don’t just take our word for it.
Uniquely Disney experiences are a huge component of all of our programs. From character sightings to exclusive events, there’s no shortage of magic to experience on your Disney Program!
Learning
With exceptional new educational facilities, you’ll have the opportunity to experience courses that not only interest you, but also benefit you throughout your career journey.
Connect with experienced Disney professionals and learn more about their career journeys. You may be surprised how many started their career on one of the Disney Programs!
With so many unique experiences to be had, you will learn transferable skills within the classroom, at your workplace, and in your living experience to take with you on your next adventure.
Earning
Participants may work indoors and outdoors at the theme parks, Disney Springs, water parks, and/or resorts. They will earn an hourly rate based on their specific role. Beginning June 2023 Disney College Program Interns will earn $16.00 per hour. At the time of application, participants must be receptive to all program roles.
Participants could work the equivalent of a full-time schedule, so they must have full work availability, which includes working days, nights, weekends and holidays. Participants must also be flexible to work any time of day, including early morning or after midnight.
No matter the role offered, the Disney College Program provides a unique and diverse learning and working experience. Participants are encouraged to be flexible about the role offered to them. Each role truly gives each participant the opportunity to develop their communication and problem solving skills while working on their confidence and self-reliance.
Disney's Participation Requirements
Below are Disney's Requirements to participate in the Disney College Internship Program:
- Be at least 18 years of age at time of application.
- Possess unrestricted work authorization.
- Meet your college's academic requirements.
- Former DCP participants must wait four months after their last departure date before applying.
MCC's Participation Requirements
- You must be currently enrolled at MCC at least one semester as a full-time or part-time student for that semester. (The Disney College Program cannot serve as your first semester of college.)
- Your cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0 by the time you leave for Florida or California. (a 1.999 is not acceptable).
- In the semester prior to participation in the College Program, you must be registered for, and passing, at least two academic courses (excluding TRS courses) with a C or better grade.
Will I have a personal interview?
No. There are2 steps in the application process.
- Fill out the on-line application. If selected to move forward...
- Complete aweb-based interview.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, the Disney College Program is a paid internship. You will work the equivalent of a full-time schedule so you must have full work availability. This means that you must be available days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Days include early morning and evenings and may include after midnight hours. Generally, students work between 30 and 40 hours a week and may have opportunities to pick up additional hours.During peak times you may be required to work as many as 60 or more hours per week.
Will I need a car?
No, you will not need a car while participating in the Disney College Program, but you may find it helpful to have your own car. Otherwise, you will have to depend upon your friends to transport you to the places you wish to go. Bus service provided by Disney is available from your Florida housing complex to work daily, and at least once a week to a grocery store and a shopping mall. There is no charge for this service.
Will I receive credit?
That is up to you. To receive credit you are required to participate in an internship. The internship consists of taking one Disney course from among several that are offered and working at a location assigned by Disney. You will earn a grade for the course and a performance grade at your work location. Upon successful completion of the internship, you will receive a final grade and three or four (3 or 4) elective credits.
Will I be a full-time student while in the College Internship Program?
If earning credit, you could be but it is not advisable. To be full-time means that you would be enrolled in courses totaling twelve (12) credit hours. This would involve your taking an additional six (6) credit hours while at Disney. In addition to the MCC internship requirements (six credit hours), some students in the past have taken additional courses. This, unfortunately, has not always worked out because of the demands of the internship responsibilities.
What if I'm not accepted?
If you are not accepted the first timeyou apply to Disney, you can apply again. A student in good standing may apply immediately when the next recruiting season begins.
What expenses will I incur while at Disney?
Starting from the time you leave home, you will be responsible for all expenses that you incur (transportation to Disney, housing, food, entertainment, etc.). You will be paid at least minimum wage at your work site. While the pay is modest, you will be given "perks" such as free admission into the parks, discounts on food and merchandise you buy while in the parks. Because of your Disney status, some Orlando merchants will offer discounts to you as well. In addition, your family is entitled to a discount on their hotel room when visiting you.
