The Walt Disney World College Program: Tips

Before You Apply

Before You Interview

Before You Go

Before You Apply

Let's be very clear- Disney is a cool place. You've probably been here a few times before, and you've seen all the cool stuff that goes on at the parks. If you do the College Program, you will be able to live and work and play at Disney, which is really a neat idea. Nonetheless, don't go into the program blind- it's an internship, so you are going to have to work while you are here. That being said, here are some "deep thoughts" for you!

- Make sure the program is right for you. Sure you may like Disney, but remember that you are here for a job, not a vacation. Yes you will spend time in all the parks and go out with friends and all that cool stuff, but Disney is going to hire you for a specific role, and they expect you to perform!

- Can you do the program? So long as you are currently a college student in good academic standing, you meet the WDWCP Requirements. Worried about graduating on time? Keep in mind that you can apply in the spring semester of you senior year for an internship in the fall AFTER you graduate (also known as the "Shannon Dooley method")

- Think about what you want to get out of the experience. I know this sounds so horribly cliché, but its good to get a basic understanding of what you want to get out of the program, be it new friends, broaden horizons (how's that for cheesy?), or a career at Disney. No matter what you come up with, be ready to share your hopes with your interview!

- Do your Disney homework. Chances are you are a Disney freak already, but do you know more about the company than its theme parks? Do some research on the web about the company, check out fan websites, learn about other areas of Disney (i.e. its movie companies, ESPN, ABC networks), and background history. Its not a bad idea to do some research on the College Program too- lots of current and former CPers have websites loaded with information about the program...much like this site, these pages are here to help you!

Before You Interview

- First Impressions Matter! You know that saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"? This is potentially one of the most accurate comments ever made. Whether you apply for the College Program or another job, the whole first impression thing is crucial. Act and look like you belong with Disney. No, this does not mean you should show up as Mickey Mouse (although I'm sure that wouldn't be frowned upon), come nicely dressed to BOTH the interview and information session. Why both? If you are interviewing on your campus, if you standout in a good way from the crowd your interviewer may remember you when you do your interview the next day. If you are interviewing on a campus other than your own, you'll interview immediately AFTER the information session, so you will look good for your interview. My suggestion- if you are interviewing on your own campus, go business casual to the information session (that means a nice skirt/pants and top for the ladies, khakis and a golf shirt for the guys) and in full business attire for the interview. If you've traveled to a school for an interview, go in full business attire. Err on the side of conservatism when it comes to your dress- Disney is NOT big on tattoos, funky clothing, etc.

- Be On Time! Punctuality matters. Be early to everything....showing up late is in bad taste, particularly at Disney. If there is a valid reason for your late arrival, be sure to apologize and personally explain why to the recruiters when the session is completed. Don't be late to your inteview.

- Be Prepared. While Disney requests that you bring a copy of your application with you to the interview, it won't hurt for you to have your resume and cover letter on hand as well. Don't have a resume or cover letter? Talk with your school's career center about developing one tailored to the College Program or check out some "how-to" resume books at your local bookstore. Again, its all about coming off professional and mature...even if you still get giddy over Mickey.

- Mind your Manners. Smile until your jaw hurts. Introduce yourself to those sitting around you, the recruiters, etc. Thank the recruiters for their time and say that you look forward to talking with them more at the interview. Enthusiam and manners are huge in any Disney role, so exhibit those qualities from the moment you get in the room. And of course- leave your cell phone, pager, etc. at home or turn it off. Nothing says "I'm rude and inconsiderate" than having your cell phone go off in the middle of an interview....and if it does go off, don't even THINK about taking the call!

- "Work" the Room. Here's one of those odd balancing act things. I'm not advocating that you schmooze with EVERYONE in the room, because that will look a little cheesy and desparate. What I do advocate is a friendly chat with people near you.....find out what they are interested in, where they are from, etc. Not only will this help you out when you interview (you will most likely be doing a group interview) but its good practice for meeitng all the new people in Disney when you get accepted!

- Leave a Lasting Impression. Okay, so you've dressed well, brought your resume, got to the interview on time, smiled and shook hands like crazy, maybe even left your business card with the recruiter (business cards are easy to make up at home or at Kinkos). What does this all add up to? A good, solid impression of the kind of person you would be if you worked for Disney. Never hurts to send thank-you not to your interviewer as well.....if you can, get it written and sent the night of your interview or the next morning at the latest.

Before You Go

Congratulations, you're going to Disney World! Now all the fun stuff happens, so get excited! These tips should help you out while you are running around trying to get everything ready before you leave.

- Start a Paper Trail. Disney will make you sign a whole bunch of forms and such before you get down- to make matters even more fun, these all will have different deadlines. Follow ALL the deadlines, and make copies of every form that you send to Disney. Because of the volume of paperwork Disney gets for the College Program, they will rarely send confirmation letters back to you when they recieve something. To cover your butt should Disney say they didn't receive something, try and send your forms via certified mail. That way, the Postal Service will send a note back to you verifying that Disney got your mail.

- Don't Stop with the Paper.. While Disney may not send out a lot of papermail, they will send you several emails! Keep them all on your computer....you can delete them when you get down here, but often times there will be important updates and the like in those messages, so its never a bad idea to keep everything.

- Cover Yourself at School and at Home. Be sure to talk with your advisor and school officials about obtaining credit, finanical aid packages, and the like. Talk with your parents about your medical insurance coverage as well as what to do for renter's insurance- you need both while you are in Disney as a precaution, so make sure you have all that in order prior to your departure.

- Keep Your Important Stuff Handy. Whether you fly or drive, you will be bringing TONS of stuff with you to Disney. It won't matter where you put your cute shoes on check-in day, but it will matter where you put your employment forms and medical paperwork. Put all the "must-haves" together in a folder and keep it nearby you in the day or two before you check-in. If everything else is in chaos, don't let those forms get lost!