Disney College Program FAQs

General Questions

Question: What are the program seasons?
Answer: There are several programs available.
Spring - Jan- May
Spring Advantage - Jan- Aug
Spring Advantage Quarter (only for those on a Trimester system) - April - Aug
Fall Advantage - May- Jan
Fall- Aug-Jan
**There is no summer-only option, with the exception of a Summer Alumni Program which may or may not be offered***


Question: When do applications open?
Answer: Applications for Fall/Fall Advantage will be available in early February until March.  Applications for Spring/Spring Advantage will be available September to November.

Question:  What are the application requirements?
Answer: To apply, students must be enrolled currently in a college or university and taking classes. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and meet his or her school's requirements for participation. Participation in this program requires unrestricted work authorization.

Question:  What are the fees associated with the program?
Answer: For the FL program the fees are $300 which must be paid at the time your accept your offer. This includes a $100 program fee and $200 housing deposit to cover your first week's rent.

For the CA program the fee is $860 which must be paid at the time you accept your offer. This includes the $100 program fee, $200 security deposit and $460 for housing, which covers the first several weeks of rent.

Question:  Do I need a car?
Answer: At WDW you are not required to have a car, but many find it is a huge advantage to bring one. Transportation is provided to the parks and resorts as well as Walmart and the Florida Mall. Bus schedules may or may not work well with your work schedule, so you may spend a lot of time waiting for a bus before or after work. Many strongly suggest you bring a car if you have one.

At DLR the company does not provide transportation so you must use public transportation, so it's high suggested that you bring a car. However, a complimentary bus pass is provided.

Application Process

Question:  Is Disney College Program participation limited to certain majors?
 Answer: All majors are welcome to apply.

Question:  If students are not accepted the first time they interview, can they try again?
Answer: A student may reapply in the following semester if six months have passed from the last interview.

Question:  If a student needs to decline an offer will this hurt his/her chances of getting into the program in the future?
Answer: Not at all. Although we are sorry it won't work for them at this time, they are free to apply again during the next recruiting season. These students will have to re-apply, and interview again.

Question:  When will students receive an answer regarding their interviews?
Answer: Students hear from College Recruiting generally within two weeks following their interviews. Everyone who interviews will receive notification.

If the time frame after your interview has exceeded two weeks, please send an e-mail to College Recruiting at wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com or dlr.college.recruiting@disney.com with your full name, the email address used on your application, and the date of your interview. Please include "Notification Response" in the subject line.



Working

Question:  Where will I work?
Answer: Participants work a various locations across the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resort property. Students will find out their exact work location as part of the on-boarding process.

Question:  If I do not like my accepted role, can I change it once I arrive?
Answer: Once you accept the role that has been reserved for you, you make a commitment to that position for the duration of your program. If you have questions about the role you have been offered or your program dates, please contact the Disney College Recruiting Office at 1-800-722-2930.

Question:  What will my work schedule be like and when will I have days off?
Answer: Your work schedule and days off will vary from week to week and will also vary depending on the time of year and your specific work location. Your days off will typically be on weekdays and may or may not be consecutive. Plan to work at least 40 hours a week, sometimes more during busy season.

Question: When Will I be paid?
Answer: Paychecks will be received via a temporary debit card given to you at your arrival every Thursday. You can also have the option to set up direct deposit.


Housing

Question:  Where do participants Live?
Answer: For WDW, students live in 4 private complexes, Vista Way, Chatham Square, Patterson Court, and The Commons. Apartments range from 1 to 4 bedroom apartments with two students in each room. Complexes have a swimming pool, workout facility, and other recreational areas.

Question:  Can I choose my roommates?
Answer: Some arrival dates will have a "roommate matching" service available, others will not. You can try to find roommates on facebook. You can Utilize the DORMS system to setup roommates and housing preferences. The DORMS system log in will be provided to you 1-2 before check in.

Question: Is one complex better than the others?
Answer: Each complex has its own advantages and disadvantages but are roughly about the same.

Question:  Are the apartments furnished?
Answer: Yes, each apartment is furnished including dishes and cookware. Students can bring other small appliances such as toasters as well as bedding and towels.

Question:  Where do I do laundry?
Answer: There are laundry facilities at each complex. . There is a fee to use them, with the exception of The Commons which has washers and dryers in the units.