From the classroom to the Magic Kingdom, the Disney College Program(DCP) takes college students and allows them to live and work at Disney World in Orlando Florida.
The Disney College Program is a paid internship that provides college students the opportunity to work full-time at any Disney park, water park, or resort. Starting with an application process that includes submitting a resume, filling out the application, and a phone interview. The program has an average acceptance rate of 20% but can differ depending on the semester and the number of roles available. Once you get accepted you will receive your role, which can range from custodial, merchandising, performer, food and beverage, to many more. You also get the option to live in Disney housing, Flamingo Crossings Village, an apartment complex built for any of the Disney Program participants. I would highly recommend living at Flamingo Crossing during your time in the program, not only is it a beautiful campus to live on but you also get multiple different perks. Great amenities include a gym, lawn, gaming room, and two large pools and hot tubs. Living at Flamingo Crossings is also a great opportunity to connect with other people on the program since this apartment complex is exclusive to Disney employees. 
Once you have been accepted and received your role you also get to choose the length of your program. The typical program length is 5-7 months but you may also choose to extend your program up to 12 months. They have a selection of arrival dates to choose from and then you will choose your end date. However, once you arrive and start your program you may choose to change your end date to a later time.
As a DCP participant, you receive perks such as free admission to the parks/water parks. You receive employee discounts at all eligible locations/shops. Participants are also allowed to attend special events such as seminars, backstage tours, and exclusive networking events.
SWOSU sophomore Libby Carter was a DCP participant from January 2024 to July 2024 working at Magic Kingdom in attractions. When asked about her experience Carter said “The Disney College Program was a life-changing experience where I worked on the iconic attractions Dumbo, The Barnstormer, enchanted Tales with Belle, and Tiana’a Bayou Adventure. It gave me the chance to meet people from all walks of life and create lasting memories.”.
I (Kimmy Jones) attended the DCP from January 2024 to May 2024. I worked in Hollywood Studios on Sunset Boulevard in merchandising. I would recommend the DCP to any college students who love Disney or are just interested in taking on a new adventure. The program allowed me to grow as an individual by branching out to try new things and meet new people. Learning to balance working a full-time job and commuting in Flordia traffic, a new environment, new roommates, and living in an entirely new state was definitely a learning experience for this small-town Okie.
The DCP is overall a very fun and rewarding experience for any adventure-loving college students!
