Dreamers Wanted- The Disney College Program

A few years ago, we shared here the story of Zack and his dreams of growing up to dance with Disney. Back then, he had just been accepted into the week long Disney Performing Arts Conservatory where he gained valuable training and insights as to what the life of a Disney Performer is like for those that live that dream each and every day. Throughout that week long program, each day brought about new surprises and behind the scenes glimpses into the life of those that create the magic both on stage and behind the scenes, all culminating with performing in front of a live audience in Disney California Adventure Park.

Several years have passed since then and now in just a few short weeks, the dream becomes a reality as Zack sets off on the next part of his journey as he heads for Walt Disney World as a part of the Fall 2015 Disney College Program as an entertainer and character performer at Walt Disney World®.  Over the next few months, we’ll be bringing you an insider’s view of the program and what it’s like to be a part of the Disney magic.

An Overview of the Disney College Program

As a part of the Disney College Program, participants have the incredible opportunity to advance their strengths and interests, meet guests and cast members from around the country and take part in educational opportunities students can’t get anywhere else. This truly unique program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication. With programs at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, as well as Disneyland in Anaheim, California, this unique learning opportunity allows participants to explore and work in a wide variety of specialty areas from merchandising to marketing and communications, to attractions to entertainment and beyond, all while earning college credit.

Requirements

Application Requirements
In order to submit an application for the Disney College Program, applicants must meet the following requirements.

1. Be Enrolled as a Full-Time or Part-Time Student and Taking Classes
   Students must be currently enrolled and taking classes in an accredited college or university in the United States and have completed at least one semester.

• Students who have not yet graduated from high school but have dual enrollment with a college are not eligible to apply.
• Those who have taken college courses, but are currently taking “time off” from school are not eligible to apply.
• College freshmen may apply during their first semester of school to participate during their second semester. The Disney College Program cannot serve as your first semester of school.
• College seniors may apply for the program and participate immediately after graduation, but must be enrolled in school at the time of their interview. Seniors graduating in April are eligible to apply for either the Fall Advantage or Fall programs.
• Graduate students may apply. However, it is important to note that this program and its educational components are designed for undergraduates.

3. Meet Any School Requirements for Participation
   Students also must meet any additional criteria their school requires for participation in our program. This may include G.P.A., grade level, and number of credit hours earned. Schools will be contacted to verify eligibility.
4. Be at Least 18 Years of Age by the Time the Program Begins
   All participants must be at least 18 years of age by their arrival date.
5. Possess Unrestricted Work Authorization
   Participation in this program also requires unrestricted work authorization

 Over the next month we will be taking you through the entire process of what it was like to apply for the Disney College Program as well as what it’s like to audition for a performing role with Disney. If you, or someone you know has always dreamed of being a part of the Disney family and is of college age, you’re in luck because applications for the Spring 2016 Disney College Program are right around the corner.

Spring and Spring Advantage Programs

• Students should apply/interview late August – late October
• Program begins mid/late January and ends in early/mid May

Fall and Fall Advantage Programs

• Students should apply/interview February – late March
• Program begins mid/late August and ends in early January

These time frames are only approximations and may vary slightly from year to year based on business needs. The best way to receive notification when our recruiting season begins is to subscribe to the Disney College Program for email updates. You can also find great information on the Disney College Program and Internships by heading over to the Disney Careers Website as well as their Facebook page once the recruiting seasons begin.

Up next, the application process for the Disney College Program.