Free theme park entry, discounts, exclusive events and merchandise... Who wouldn't want to be a Disney Cast Member?!
The Disney College Program (DCP) is a semester-long, paid internship opportunity that allows college sophomores - seniors, as well as graduate students, to live and work at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland. From attractions, to custodial and children's programs, participants have a wide range of roles to apply for. Sounds pretty amazing, right? As a previous DCP Cast Member, I can tell you that it certainly is amazing; however, life isn't always sunshine and pixie dust - even when you live at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Keep reading to gain some valuable advice from current DCP Participants + Alumni, and learn about what they wish they knew before becoming Disney Cast Members.
On my Instagram account @magikally_marykate, I asked fellow 'grammers in the Disney Community what they wish they knew before applying to the DCP. I had eight amazing individuals share their advice with me, and I am so excited to share that advice with you!
Q: If you could go back in time to the exact moment that you began the application process for the Disney College Program, what would be the one thing that you would tell yourself, given what you know now?
“Be sure to take Vitamin C every day, or else you’ll be constantly sick for a year!”
– @themichellebrinker
DCP Terms: Fall 2016 + Spring 2017
Role: Quick Service Food & Beverage (QSFB)
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
I can personally confirm that this is some of the best advice you can receive before embarking on your DCP. You're in a new environment with new people from all around the world - meaning germs. During my Program, I hadn't even been living in Orlando for three weeks before I came down with some modern equivalent to the plague.
Be sure to start taking supplements before you leave home, and then pack all the vitamins you can!
"I don’t think it ever really registered how much I’d actually be working on my Program."
– @bacmz DCP Term: Fall 2018 Role: Attractions Location: Epcot
"I wish I knew how much work I would be doing, but I don't regret any of it."
– @chevroletdanae
DCP Term: Fall 2018
Role: Custodial
Location: Epcot
One of the hardest parts of any DCP is realizing how much of your time will be devoted to work. It's normal to daydream about spending time in the parks and planning fun things to do in the Orlando area in your free time!
Just remember: you're not going to have as much free time as you think.
“I think it’s important to know that you’re going to work 60-hour weeks while getting paid less than regular Cast.”
– @thesamanthastephens DCP Term: Fall 2018 Role: Character Performer Location: Magic Kingdom
Remember that one time where we talked about not having a lot of free time... Like 15 seconds ago? Yeah, that applies here.
You have to always keep in mind why you're at Disney in the first place: to work. It's easy to get discouraged when you're scheduled to work 6 days straight, but that's the life of a Disney Cast Member. Since you're also hired as an intern, you get "intern pay." However, the average DCP participant makes $10/hour.
The magic isn't going to make itself!
“The DCP won’t always be magic and pixie dust. YOUR JOB IS HARD.”
– @jorgggggiiii DCP Term: Fall 2018 Role: Quick Service Food & Beverage (QSFB) Location: Epcot
Since you have to work so much, your job is guaranteed to be magical, right?! Unfortunately, no. Just like any other job, the life of a Disney Cast Member has its high and low points. Maybe you're just really hungry during a shift, or it rains and you forgot your rain gear.
A positive outlook results in a positive day!
“I thought I would end up being besties with all of my roommates, but that was not the case.”
– @kenzm_ DCP Term: Fall 2018 Role: Attractions Location: Animal Kingdom
You finally make it back to your apartment after a long shift. All you want to do is shower, eat some cereal and go to bed... But your roommate is in the shower, and your milk somehow became communal and is all gone. Pretty rough, huh? Communication is key, but you simply can't be liked by everyone. Just be sure to keep a supportive and calm living space.
"I really had to learn how to BUDGET!!! Budgeting saves your life (and wallet) on the DCP!"
– @jacyblairoliver DCP Term: Fall 2018 Role: Merchandise Location: Disney Springs
Free theme park entry, discounts, exclusive events and merchandise... is this ringing a bell? It's so easy to give Disney back your paycheck through the purchases of snacks, Minnie ears and spirit jerseys. Feel free to occasionally treat yourself, but be strong and budget!
“Time will go by so fast! Enjoy every little moment, even if you think you’re too tired!!”
– @magically_tay DCP Terms: Spring 2017 + Spring 2018 Roles: Character Performer (2017) + Merchandise (2018) Location: Epcot
The most important thing to remember - the DCP is simply what you make of it. Have a bad shift? Go grab a churro after you clock out! Have just one day off? Spend it in the parks doing your favorite things!
Your Program isn't going to last forever - take advantage of every opportunity.
A special thanks to all the alumni and participants who contributed towards the creation of this post - be sure to give them a follow!
AND Best of luck to all Spring 2020 DCP applicants!
Are you a DCP Alumni or a DCP hopeful? Let me know down below!
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