Applications for the Fall 2024 Disney College Program opened on Monday, January 22, and through Stockton’s Career Education and Development, anyone interested in the DCP was encouraged to attend the online seminar “Get to Know the Disney College Program.” During these recurring Zoom sessions, recruiters from Disney Programs speak to people from all over the country, whether they are interested college students, faculty wanting to learn more for their schools, or even DCP alumni looking to reapply. These seminars last 45 minutes and at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, recruiters Brandon Konrardy and Dave Tucker gave attendees insight as to what exactly happens when one interns at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

The Disney College Program has been turning college students into Cast Members since 1981 and as of 2024, is only being offered at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. A program can last anywhere from 4-7 months: Fall 2024 arrival dates are between May and September with departure being January of 2025. With over twenty types of roles — which is Disney lingo for jobs — to perform, the DCP is a paid internship where, according to Tucker, “relationships, professional skills, and memories” are made.

Konrardy and Tucker are not only recruiters, but they are also DCP alumni. The two consistently referred to the DCP as an “amazing, life-changing program,” and they began the session by sharing their own experiences working for the Disney company. Tucker “started his Disney journey” as a Jeep driver at the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in the Animal Kingdom park, and having worked with the company for 15 years, he has been in numerous positions from a Food and Beverage manager to a hiring agent at Disney Casting. Konrardy has been with Disney for 19.5 years, and as a self-described “Disney Guy,” he loved working in Epcot Attractions and even did a professional sales and business internship after his DCP. Both are genuine lovers and advocates of the program, and Konrardy even said, “[he] wouldn’t be here without the program.”

Though there was no open Q and A session, many questions regarding the DCP were answered in this meeting. Tucker said the program was a “land of opportunity” because of the potential connections and networking the DCP brings. He mentioned that “[he’s] known many people in the DCP who ventured off to work at Pixar and LucasFilm,” as well as other Disney-owned companies that one could fashion a career in. They explained that part of the program’s allure is the future outside of it, and according to Konrardy, “having Disney on your resumé makes you stand out [to future employers].” The recruiters were passionate about relaying the importance of working with people from all over the world, and how the DCP can better a person’s time management, public speaking, and guest service capabilities amongst other skills.

The DCP is founded upon three pillars: Earning, or “creating the magic,” Learning, which is “studying the magic,” and Living, which is “experiencing the magic.” The meeting’s time was mostly spent explaining these three terms, with Konrardy first covering the Earning aspect. Here, he discussed the various roles available to programmers, including Attractions, Merchandise, Food and Beverage, Custodial, Lifeguarding, and Entertainment. Konrardy mentioned that “70% of program students are in Attractions, Merchandise, and Food and Beverage,” however, a person’s preferred role will be taken into account, but not guaranteed, after the phone interview portion of the application.

If the Entertainment department, specifically being Character Performer, interests a person, they must go to an audition in either Philadelphia, Austin, or Orlando. Following the audition, if they are not cast to perform, they will be given a new role, but they can keep auditioning if they please. Once accepted, a person will learn which department they “make magic” in 4 weeks prior to their arrival date, and their specific role and location will be released about 7-10 days before the start of their program.

In the DCP, it is expected for a person to have full availability, as they will be working 30-50 hours a week earning upwards of $16 per hour. A program student is also expected to have the “Disney Look” which is an appearance guideline that Konrardy said, “Walt Disney personally helped create.” More information about the “Look,” roles, and scheduling will be revealed once a student is accepted into the DCP.

Tucker explained that the Learning aspect of the program is essential for networking, and he recommends “[taking] advantage of as many offerings as possible.” These offerings include Instructor-Led courses, which teach about the Disney brand and business, and Experiential Learning, which allows programmers to get a “behind the scenes” look at their favorite attractions and shows. There is also Career Path Development, which focuses on post-program career opportunities, and Academic Support, which helps students who are balancing the program with courses from their home institution. College classes are not required on the program, but if they are being taken, Tucker “recommends a maximum of 2 online courses” in order to make the most of living in Disney. As an added bonus, if a person completes any of Disney’s learning programs, they can receive a “Mouseters” or “Ducktorate” degree. The DCP is also accredited through the American Council on Education, so there is potential for students to receive college credit while on their program.

The Living component includes the Flamingo Crossings Village, where programmers are housed. Konrardy describes Flamingo as “resort-style living,” and the complex is complete with a large pool that is home many movie nights, a 12,000 square foot gym, and basketball and beach volleyball courts. It is not required to live at Flamingo to complete the program, but both Tucker and Konrardy recommend staying on-site. Rent ranges from $202-$246 per week and is taken directly out of a person’s paycheck, and that cost depends on the type of room received. There are three options: a 2×2, where a person will share a room and bathroom with their roommate, a 4×2, where there is a private bedroom but shared bathroom, and a 4×4, where each person has their own room and bathroom. At Flamingo, programmers can meet characters, go on local trips to places like Buc-ees and the Kennedy Space Center, and personal vehicles are permitted, but permits come at a “first come, first serve basis” according to Tucker.

Tucker and Konrardy also highlighted the benefits of being a Cast Member, including free, self-admission to the parks and 20% discounts on food, merchandise, Disney Cruises, and Disney resort stays. Before rounding out the session, they reviewed what the application process is. A person must be 18 years old and have completed one semester of college, as well as be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a U.S. institution within 24 months of applying. They must schedule and complete the previously stated phone interview, where Konrardy said “[recruiters] want to know your interests” and “want you to succeed.” Upon acceptance, there is a $240 program fee and a $202 Flamingo housing fee.

Though the DCP is an ultra competitive internship, Tucker ended the session with this inspiring message: “the biggest risk is not taking a risk at all.” All are encouraged to apply to the DCP, and if the program is as magical as they say, a person can further their time at Disney by extending their program, becoming a part-time or full-time Cast Member, or looking at internships more specific to their major. To learn more about future “Get to Know the Disney College Program” sessions, visit the OspreyHub and register here.