In January of 2016 I flew from Boston to Florida to participate in the Disney College Program. Beginning this journey was one of the most exciting times in my life, however there are a few things I wish I knew and want to share!

You Most Likely Will Not Get Your Dream Role

When I first got accepted I was beyond thrilled. This experience is truly one of a kind, however your experience can differ based on the role you receive. I received food and beverage and was placed in Cosmic Ray’s in Magic Kingdom. While I did not mind this job, it was not even one of my top three choices. So, just be prepared and know that you most likely will not get your dream role.

You May End Up Working Crazy Hours

Due to the fact that I was so “lucky” to be placed in Magic Kingdom, I often worked crazy hours. Most of my shifts would start at 5 or 6 PM and because of the late end time and crappy bus system I almost always got home at 3 or 4 AM. Just be weary if you are not someone who enjoys staying up that late because it was quite the adjustment.

Your Schedule Will Not Always Line Up With Your Roommates

During my program I barely ever saw or got to spend quality time with my roommates. It just so happened that I was the only one who worked in Magic Kingdom and while I was working most of my roommates were home. This often made me feel left out. If you are ever in the same boat, I would definitely try to become good friends with your fellow Cast Members, that way you can work around similar schedules!

Disney Will Rob You Blind

Let me start this by saying Disney does not literally rob you, however they most certainly overcharge you for the housing provided. When you do not have a car, you are basically forced to live on Disney Property and they take rent out of your paycheck on a weekly basis. Every week they were taking about $90 from me, totaling $360 a month. Now multiply that by 6 people and and they’re making $2,160 a month from us. You’re probably thinking what is wrong with that? Well, the fact is that these apartments were far from luxury. I lived in Vista Way in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with 6 girls…(long story short, it was tight). One time one of my roommates had a cockroach run over her foot while in the bathroom (if that does not give you a good indication of the living conditions then I give up!). But seriously just be aware that housing is not the best if you decide to live on property.

You Will Be Broke All The Time

This is a fact I had to face at the end of every week. I was constantly broke. As soon as you have a day off the first thing you are going to want to do is head straight to the parks. Who can resist buying a dole whip or grabbing dinner with friends? Disney food is NOT cheap people. Also you just cannot pass up on the latest Little Mermaid (or any) merch… just saying! I would suggest saving quite a bit before you go down so you are not living paycheck to paycheck.

You Will Miss Home More Than You Think

Obviously you know that leaving your friends, family and pets behind will be hard. However, you will not realize how hard until you are away from them. I would say the first month of being away from everyone was fine. You are very much distracted by meeting new people, going through traditions and training for your new role. Once you settle in it’ll become apparent just how much you miss everyone. I would suggest planning for family and friends to visit during your program ahead of time so you have something to look forward to (it helps!).

It Is Not A Real Internship

In my opinion, unless you are participating in the professional internship I do not consider it a real internship. Disney very heavily refers to this program as an internship, but on what basis? I was placed in food and beverage when my major in college was biology. Nothing about this program gave any value to my degree. I would say that if you participate in the program, it is for fun and something interesting to add to your resume. It will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

It Will Make Your Future Experiences In Disney Different

Disney has always been a magical place for me growing up. Working there is a different story. Cosmic Ray’s was the farthest thing from magic. You see all the “backstage” secrets, which for some may be very intriguing but for me it lessened some of the magic because now I knew those little secrets. I won’t spoil anything for you guys, but just be prepared to see Disney differently. The only amazing thing about being on the inside is that you can always let non-cast members know about the cool things every day guests do not even realize are happening!

You Can Be Termed (Easily)

Okay so I am definitely not saying that Disney is looking to term anyone, but… it is very easy to be termed. I know someone who got termed for eating a handful of popcorn without permission. POPCORN! I also know someone who was let go from the Disney College Program because they had alcohol in their apartment. If you live on property, your number one concern should be following the rules of the apartments!

The Part Timers Will Hate You

Hate is a strong word, but they will very much dislike you. As a college program cast member you are guaranteed a certain amount of hours per the contract you sign when you accept the position. When they are making the schedules, they schedule full time cast members then the DCPs and whatever is left over goes to part timers. If it is a dead period for the parks, part timers will often go weeks without a single shift. Just be prepared for some resentment heading your way!

If you are considering participating in the college program I suggest doing it! Just go in with no expectations and an open mind. Hopefully some of these experiences I had can help you!

Thank you for reading!

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