Cast Members Share the Positive Impact of the Disney College Program

The Disney College Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where participants gain valuable work experience and lifelong friendships.

The paid internship provides on-site living, unique instructor-led offerings, and academic support, creating an educational atmosphere for personal and professional development.

Image: Disney

For over 40 years, experiences like the Disney College Program and Professional Internships have helped thousands of cast members begin their career journeys with the Walt Disney Company.

Image Credit: Disney Programs

This special program is currently open and accepting applications for the spring of 2025.  Are you interested?

Let’s meet a few of the cast members who share how impactful the Disney College Program was for their Disney career path.

Kellen, Lead Technology Initiatives Program Manager, Disney Experiences 

After working in the professional world for 15 years, Kellen decided to return to school to get her master’s degree. After graduation, she utilized the college program and credits it with allowing her to learn about Disney’s culture and determine where her skills best aligned.

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Kellen recommends the Disney College Program for its one-of-a-kind experience.

“You can’t find the unique experience that Disney offers anywhere else. I’ve done different jobs and internships. The level at which the operation runs, the people you meet, the support they give participants, and the personal benefit of getting to experience the magic firsthand are unmatched.” 

Daniela, Guest Experience Manager, Food & Beverage, Magic Kingdom Park 

Daniela credits the Disney College Program with igniting a new passion and kickstarting her career. Her experience working with food and beverage allowed her to quickly realize that this was the career path she wanted to follow.

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Daniela highly recommends the Disney College Program for its unique perks and benefits.

“The benefits are an awesome plus. As a cast member, I got to experience new rides first before anybody else and sign up for fun Disney Programs events like backstage tours. You become the expert for your family and friends, and you get to bring them in to experience the parks.” 

Myles, Event Specialist, Disney Experiences 

Myles fell in love with event planning in college, but the Disney College Program and their internships provided a first step into the company and a great way to explore this career field.

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He recommends the Disney College Program as a great way to ease into full-time roles and explore various career opportunities.

“There are avenues specifically to help Disney College Program participants find full-time roles. There is housing, and there is transportation. You can figure out what you want to do and who you want to be without throwing all the responsibility of adulthood on you fresh out of college.” 

Rebecca, Financial Analyst, Facility and Operation Services, Walt Disney World 

Rebecca chose the Disney College Program as a way to get her foot in the door with the company. After graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s degree, she had jobs lined up but knew she wanted to explore a Disney career path first.

Disney

Rebecca’s biggest takeaway was the amount of education and learning provided through the internships and college programs.

“There is so much about the parks you need to understand in order to work in construction like I do. When I go into conversations about flooring or point of sale systems or walkways and accessibility, I have a perspective that I wouldn’t have had with just a finance degree. I can visualize what we’re doing.” 

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Do you have questions or need more info? Be sure to visit DisneyPrograms.com to learn more about all of Disney’s opportunities and apply.

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