I would like to start a thread about the Disney College Program. since I am just about to finish my program, I would like to share my thoughts and experiences from it and any questions any of you may have about it. It will help if you're considering doing it.

What is the Disney College Program? http://wdwcollegeprogram.com - it gives any college student who has completed at least one semester at a college the opportunity to work at Disney World for a semester, and in some cases, earn credit/take courses.

I'm going to leave this thread open for any discussion.

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I don't really have a specific question, I just want to hear your best story.

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TV/Event Guide Editor

Probably an ignorant question, but how is this different than any other park (or factory, or any other business) that employs college students in the summer?

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Winter is coming.

The biggest difference between the WDWCP and other amusement park jobs is that Disney offers an education element to their program. Generally, if you want to get internship credit for the program, you will be required to attend either one or two courses offered by Disney throughout your program.

These classes meet once a week for approximately 3 hours, followed up by "take-home" assignments. Disney offers a variety of classes, but you must attend all sessions of your class to pass the course. From what I know about the program, they are college level courses and they are recommended for credit by a national accrediting association, so there is potential to earn college credits while you are working.

Actually, I think you can miss up to two classes, but no more. I started out taking a class here, but since my school doesn't give credit for the program, I dropped the class. They aren't really benefitial to you unless you're getting credit for them or if they actually relate to your major, so if you're not getting credit, I don't recommend taking them.

Unfortunately, depending on what role you get, you may end up with more hours than you'll be able to balance with the class.

In addition to the classes they offer, you can attend a lot of meetings and learning opportunities if you want to. But again, depending on your schedule, it may be hard to actually attend these.

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what classes and/or subjects do they offer?
Ive always seriously considering doing something with disney Imagineering for a career choice, so Im very interested in this program.

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I did my College Program in the fall of 2004 (August to January) in Fantasyland Merchandise, and I loved it, even though it had nothing to do with my engineering major.

I'm going to disagree with Raptor here, but I HIGHLY recommend taking at least one of the ACE (American Council on Education, http://www.ace.gov) accredited courses. Two that relate to ALL majors would be Marketing U (where you learn resume building skills, networking skills, and interviewing skills), and Communications. Both are recommended for 3 credit hours and are actually fun.

Also, you are GUARANTEED to have time off for your Disney classes. When you first arrive at your work location, you'll visit your scheduler and they will ensure that you will never work during your Disney classes and that you're allowed enough time before and after your class to get to your class or work.

Also, make sure to visit the Disney College Program website by checking out the link provided by Raptor, http://www.wdwcollegeprogram.com

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How's this for school? Walt Disney World. Yep, you read that right. I'm here from 8/23/04 to 1/03/05 working in Fantasyland, and sometimes Tommorowland.

^ You are guarenteed to be able to attend your classes, however, depending on where you work, you may be scheduled 6 days a week, leaving not much time for homework, or time to attend extra events they offer.

Thats why I recommend only taking the classes if you'll be receiving credit for them.

The program would be a good way to start. If you complete the program and have a good record, you can apply for an advanced internship, and I believe an internship in Imagineering is possible. However, they are strict on who they let into the Imagineering internships. I'm not sure what the requirements are, but you need to have a certain major, good academic records, and proven yourself a good cast member in your program.

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I'm on my second WDW College Program.

My first I spent Jan - Aug at the Living Seas in Operations. It was a fantastic job. I took the Communications class, which really helps with all majors, since its about Public Speaking. I'm a Comm major, so it I gained alot of benefit from it.

On this CP, I'm in Entertainment, but I'm not taking any classes. My school isn't offering me any form of credit. I have attended some seminars and the such, which have helped a bit. They usually bring in some people in different careers to talk about their jobs and how they reached their position.

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WDW CP - Spring & Fall 2006 - Entertainment Performer
WDWCP Alumni - Spring 2005 - Living Seas/Soarin'

Not to get off topic, but I thought I'd mention a new book that I just found about the college program. I saw it on another Disney site (I think it was miceage.com) a few weeks ago and decided to order it since I was interested in the college program. It came last night and I've read about three chapters of it so far. It seems like a decent book, a more updated version to David Koenig's Mouse Tales. Unlike Koenig's book, it also focuses almost exclusively on CP stories.

The book is called Mousecatraz: The Walt Disney World College Program. I just thought I'd mention it if you haven't heard of it and might be interested. It took almost a month for my copy to come because they sold out the first printing and had it backordered, but so far it is a good book. It's basically a bunch of stories from different CP alumni, along with some details of the program that you already know. I bought it because I am considering the program for next year, but it might be interesting to those already in the program.

The other fun place for cast member stories is www.stupidguesttricks.com. I spent a few hours reading the stories there during the time TN was down and it only makes me want to do the CP more. I just have to find the time to do it.

Here are the links...
Mousecatraz
Stupid Guest Tricks (great for WDW and DL employees)

Anyone here know of any PR majors who got internships through this program? I'm only a freshman but I'd still like to gather information for later.

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Bigger, Stronger, Fatter.

All majors are eligible for the "college program" internship. You'd basically be working in a park or resort for the length of your internship. After you finish a CP internship, you are then eligible for a professional internship, which could place you in a position specific to your major.

^Not all Professional Internships require College Program completion. However, CP Alumni (or anyone else all ready a CM) are usually placed well-above anyone else for these internships simply because of that experience.

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How's this for school? Walt Disney World. Yep, you read that right. I'm here from 8/23/04 to 1/03/05 working in Fantasyland, and sometimes Tommorowland.