The Disney College Program hasoffered many college students the opportunityto be a part of a uniqueexperience and diverse community since 1981and has exponentially grown in popularity over the years.With thousands of participants bringing such special talents and skills to The Walt Disney Company, we are thrilled to welcome back the Disney College Program.
This past month, wehad the chance to talk totheseincredible studentson the return of the programto get their thoughts and feedback on working at Walt Disney World Resort:
Amina, Epcot Merchandise
- What do you think of the Disney College Program so far?
How do you measure what you imagined toactually havingit? There’s nothing to say beyond just that I amgratefulto be here. I am taking every day as it comes, soitfeels magical.
- What do you find unique about the Disney College Program?
It invites college students to go beyond the classroom and we get to experience the world after graduation. I was able to study abroad and work in different places likeNew York and London, so I was able to have that work experience. Now that I’m here, it gives me the opportunity to see whatI enjoy and react to situationsto getmore ofthatreal-world experience.I think this isreally greatfor college students who are still trying to figure out what they want to doin life. This program gives you a more concrete idea, especially since we get to network with so many different people.
- What inspired you to share yourexperienceon social media?
I started my YouTube and Instagram channels because I didn’t see anyone that looked like meor see that representation as intensely. I wanted tobe that representation and inspiration for others.Plus, I went to school for film so that interest was already innately there.Ialsoobsessively researched what the Disney College Program experience was likeandhow people feltabout it.I want people to see that there’s a lot to experience and I want to be able to share it.I wantedthe inside scoop, soImake videos as they interest me that I hope interest others. This is a great time to have magic and give it back, and I want to give as much of it back as possible.
Mikey, Magic Kingdom Parking
- How does it feel to be a part of the Disney College Program?
Itfeelssogreat to be here, especially after my program last year was canceled due to COVID. I feel like I appreciate being here ten times more.When I first heard I was able to do parking as my role, I didn’t know what to expect, but now that I’m here I love it so muchand every guest interaction is very memorable. Becauseguestsare not inside the park yet, everything is so unexpected and that makes itso great.Italsofeels great to be here because I came with people I knew from home. Having them here has given me more confidence to go out and meet other people. I know I’ll always have them by my side.
- How are you liking your role so far andworking for The Walt Disney Company?
My role has been awesome, I’ve loved every second of it.Working for Disneyhasbeen an amazing opportunity and I’m veryveryhappy to be here. Parking isn’t necessarily what you would associate with Disney Parks,but we get to do so much for our guests when they first arrive. It’s nice to see the workand effortmy team haveput into this job when guests first arrive. We all have one common goal:to getguestsinto the Parkas fast and safely as they can so they can begin their Disney trip.
- If you could describe the Disney College Program in one word, what would it be?
If I could describe The Disney College Program in one word, I would use astounding. I’m from Arizona, so moving all the way across the country to Florida was a big lifestyle change for me, but I’m thankful Imade the move because I would have never met the people I have so far and never would have had this job experience. Everything is still so new and surreal—I’m so thankful for this opportunity.
Tailei, Disney Springs Merchandise
- Why did you want to join the Disney College Program?
I basically grew up going to Disney and from a very young age, I knew I wanted to work for the company.Because of social media, I discovered this program and it’s been a dream of mine ever since to be a part of The Disney College Program, so I am very excited I am finally here.
- What are you most excited for during your Disney College Program?
I’m excited to observe and learn, to see the operations and how Disney works behind the scenes.It’s beenreally interestingto see everything from a different perspective. I’ve been wanting to get into hospitalityand communications, so working in a merchandise role I’m in the perfect positionto learn and grow.
- What do you find unique about the Disney College Program?
Not only do you have a paid internship with one of the most respected companies in the world, but you also get to live in Flamingo Crossings, the newest housing complex.You make can make friends very easily and hang out atthe pool or community center. It’s an amazing complex all around, they’ve done an amazing job!
The magic is within these college program participants as they embark onthisnew journey with The Walt Disney Company. Spreading a bit ofpixie dust wherever they can, these students areoptimistic and proud to be making magic—whether it be their first program orthird.We are excited to see where this journey will lead eachstudent andlook forward to hearing and featuring more of our college program participants.
For more on The Disney College Program returning, read about Disney College Program Recruiter, Sherrell, and his time as a College Program participant himself and his continued journey at The Walt Disney Company.
We want tospotlightmoreour best cast—that’sYOU!Search for #DisneyCastLife on socials and for fun GIPHY stickers to feature on your posts.
Questions on how to apply and be a part of The Disney College Program, visit the officialDisney Programs siteto get more details.
