The Disney College Program is a unique experience with numerous networking opportunities and opportunities to move forward with the company. Days off from work are filled with potential for fun in the Disney parks and the surrounding Orlando area.
What I wish was different
Being a Disney College program participant is a very different experience from the typical internship. Some of the difficulties include long hours and physically demanding jobs. The important thing is to recognize what it is that you're getting into before you start.
Advice
There are many exciting things about the Disney College Program from the networking opportunities, future jobs, free Disney park access, discounts, and more. However, this internship does have the ability to take a large physical and emotional toll on many of the participants. My piece of advice would be to weigh the pros and cons of the Disney College Program carefully before making your decision.
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Ticket Greeter
May 2016 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I really like the people that I work with. Pretty much everyone is willing to lend a hand because sometimes the job can be overwhelming and we all understand that.
What I wish was different
Having more confidence in my abilities on my part when I was starting out.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about something or need help.
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Disney College Program Intern
August 2017 - January 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
It was a lot of fun and a great way to get your foot in the door with the company. You can utilize career exploration seminars that are awesome and it helps you learn where you want to be in a company.
What I wish was different
I wish that I could have spent more time learning from people who work in my major.
Advice
Take advantage of every networking opportunity you never know who you will meet or who you can help or who can help you.
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Disney College Program
January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Got to work and play at Disney World! I got hands on experience doing the thing I love most and got to make a little magic along the way as well.
What I wish was different
I wish I had taken the job offer and stayed longer!
Advice
Anyone who is looking for an internship or a little work experience this is definetly the best program out there for students.
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Entertainment performer
October 2017 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Auditions for any job or position can be really scary and nerve-wracking but I would encourage everyone to just try! You have to go for it and keep trying. Always be your best self and never let comparison stop you from having fun with it!
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Cast Member
January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I liked everything about it! The structure was great and Walt Disney World treated their cast members wonderfully.
What I wish was different
I wish the pay would have been higher.
Advice
I’d recommend everyone do the Disney College Program, it was a wonderful and life-changing experience.
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Back up dancer
May - July 2019 • Salt Lake City, UT
What I liked
It was very professional and I learned a lot about movie making. It was a very positive environment filled with some of the best people. This made me want to work hard and be my best.
What I wish was different
I wish we would had more flexible hours and days. One of the choreographers was also unnecessarily rude at times.
Advice
To always act professional no matter how much criticism you get. And to also never let the criticism get to your head.
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Disney. College program
January - May 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Working with people from all over the world. My job experience.
What I wish was different
The bus system. More benefits
Advice
It is a great experience to connect with people and to network
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Hostess
May - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
It was a fascinating new job to learn the ins and outs of one of the most successful businesses out there. I was working as a hostess at one of the "signature dining" or high-end restaurants and it was so much fun to learn about different foods and cultures that the food was inspired by.
What I wish was different
I wish that the hourly wage was a bit higher, considering housing in Florida is not cheap, but it was doable.
Advice
Soak it up and really participate. There are parties that the company hosts to get Cast Members involved. Network with those around you, and meet new people. I met so many that truly have a special place in my heart because of our time there.
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Photographer
June 2018 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
The job location and benefits, along with coworkers and the job itself
What I wish was different
Advice
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Disney College Program
January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
training process, benefits of working for the company (free admission), learning backstage magic, basically everything other than the pay
What I wish was different
More compensation, school credit
Advice
Keep an open mind about your role
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Hotel Front Desk Clerk
August 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I liked the atmosphere of working in a hotel.
What I wish was different
I wish I had a higher pay rate.
Advice
Take every opportunity as a chance to learn. You can always find something new to learn every day.
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Service intern
August 2015 - January 2016 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Independence from home and customer interaction
What I wish was different
Wish I had my finances in order
Advice
Learn to take a breath and remember what it more important in the moment than how you feel
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Business Intelligence Analyst Intern
June - August 2018 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
Disney is a fun and fantastic company to work for. You have to love working for Disney. The employees and atmosphere are great.
What I wish was different
At times, there was little interaction between myself and my team. I would have preferred a stronger team, collaborative environment.
Advice
Really network within the Disney company. Being a big company with so many different segments (ESPN, Marvel, LucasFilms, etc.), you can find lots of employees with your desired career path. Reach out to them before your internship is done!
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Restaurant Manager Intern
January - July 2019 • Kissimmee, FL
What I liked
Absolutely nothing. It was terrible.
What I wish was different
Less hours, better employees, better location.
Advice
Don’t work for this company, they’re horrible.
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Financial Accounting & Reporting Intern
May - August 2018 • Burbank, CA
What I liked
The people were great, lots of opportunities to network, learned a lot, supportive culture, fun perks
What I wish was different
Wasn't always super busy
Advice
Take advantage of how encouraging they are of networking and meet as many people as you can
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Lifeguard
March - July 2018 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
The coworkers, the job, the benefits
What I wish was different
Small enforced rules, like shaving. Some managers not being more helpful.
Advice
Disney means Family, YES! However be aware of what they'll act you to sacrifice for this "family", because for me, it meant to actually sacrifice my own time with family for other family/guest that is very very ungrateful .
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Merchandise Cast Member
May 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The people I work with, the company I work for, and the day to day connections I got to make.
What I wish was different
Nothing!
Advice
Apply to Disney College Program!
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Assistant housekeeping manager
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Working for the Walt Disney company and meeting all sorts of different people
What I wish was different
The organization at times could have been better. But it was a beautiful hot mess
Advice
Do it.
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Cast member
August 2017 - December 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Making magical memories for all of the guests that come into the park.
What I wish was different
That I was able to earn college credit from my experiences.
Advice
If you have the opportunity to do this internship, take it! It is a fantastic experience.
