College Program Questions Thread, Pt 4

[Geomom]

In what year of high school should you apply? Should my child apply each year?

Note that this is NOT a college, it is a program Disney has for current college students and recent college graduates (within 2 yrs). Generally you would apply 4-6 months before you want to start (when applications are open). You sign up for a 4-7 month time period, based on the dates available for arrival/departure. You may be able to extend the program up to a year, but can't stay beyond that. Once accepted into it, there are program fees to pay.

You are assigned a job at Disney World paying $16/hr, and you won't know your role until a month before. My DD ended up in food and beverage, she was hoping for photopass as that aligns with her degree. The majority of people end up in food and beverage, merchandise, custodial. There are also roles in attractions, parking, house person, lifeguard, photopass , and children's activities.

There is an optional learning component to it where they can sign up for classes in career readiness, leadership, hospitality, guest speakers, and general Disney knowledge--bur none of that gives you college credits.

 

[KimM82]

It amazes me how much the program has changed. I am a CP Alumni (Fall '01). It was SO tough to get into at the time. I was lucky enough to land a job at attractions in Fantasyland. However, I was there for 9/11 and things for us changed drastically. Our hours were cut almost in half, making it barely affordable to pay our rent. Would I do it again? Absolutely. It wasn't just the job I had, but the people that made the experience unforgettable. For reference, I was only 18, turned 19 while I was there and this was my first time away from home ( I am from MA, so 1300 miles away). I saw it as my "semester abroad", as the college I went to was a mere 20 minutes from my house.

 

[rdaky]

For the DCP, they have to be a HS graduate and enrolled in college, 2 or 4 year. They can apply during their first semester, however you should check to see if the school will allow credit for participation. Many colleges do not. If you live locally, your child could apply for a PT position at 16, however you have to be 18 to work attractions and some of the other positions.

As a local, I do not know a single position where Disney is hiring 16 year olds any time recently. Every position that I have seen posted in the last year has been 18+ and the jobs where they place most college program (merchandise, attractions, food and beverage, custodial) haven't hired any PT or FT in months... maybe a year. Because they can fill those spots with cheaper labor of college program where pay is less, and they aren't offering health insurance, retirement, free college tuition, holiday pay, among other things like they offer for regular employees. It's a win for Disney for sure.

 

[rdaky]

It amazes me how much the program has changed. I am a CP Alumni (Fall '01). It was SO tough to get into at the time.

Yeah. I have wondered when they're going to tighten up some of the requirements again. I've heard about and witnessed some CPs who should have never been hired by Disney.

 

[Mle8308]

As a local, I do not know a single position where Disney is hiring 16 year olds any time recently. Every position that I have seen posted in the last year has been 18+ and the jobs where they place most college program (merchandise, attractions, food and beverage, custodial) haven't hired any PT or FT in months... maybe a year. Because they can fill those spots with cheaper labor of college program where pay is less, and they aren't offering health insurance, retirement, free college tuition, holiday pay, among other things like they offer for regular employees. It's a win for Disney for sure.

Never said they have hired 16 year olds recently, just saying they can and have in the past (I managed a few 16 year olds, it’s almost more hassle than it’s worth due to labor restrictions). The DCP does absolutely favor Disney. As most things they do, do.

 

[Newsies]

If you live locally, your child could apply for a PT position at 16, however you have to be 18 to work attractions and some of the other positions.

This is unfortunately no longer true Globally, you now have to be 18 to work for the Disney Company or at Walt Disney World, including PT/hourly.

 

[Mle8308]

This is unfortunately no longer true Globally, you now have to be 18 to work for the Disney Company or at Walt Disney World, including PT/hourly.

Thanks for the update! Probably better off, it was very difficult trying to work with 16 year olds schedule wise!

 

[rdaky]

Thanks for the update! Probably better off, it was very difficult trying to work with 16 year olds schedule wise!

I don't know when you worked there (I'm guessing 2007 at the latest next to your name? Maybe?) but a lot has changed. A lot has even changed since Covid in the hiring and scheduling and so on.

 

[Mle8308]

I don't know when you worked there (I'm guessing 2007 at the latest next to your name? Maybe?) but a lot has changed. A lot has even changed since Covid in the hiring and scheduling and so on.

Yep! It was a while ago. Good catch! And yes, a lot has changed. Still have quite a few friends working there, however after all this time they have moved up quite nicely (and well deservedly so) and aren't involved in the day to day operations anymore.