I liked the opportunity that I had to meet and interact with guests from all walks of life. It was a great experience having to get to know each one of the guests that I checked in, personally and to greet them by name whenever I see them around the hotel. My colleagues became friends then they became my family, there were things that I would've done for them in an instant, just because they were fun to hang out with and they radiated the "Aloha and Disney Spirit" with enthusiasm and class. I learnt a lot from them and continue to communicate with them until this day.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had the opportunity to extend my internship to a few more months. To leave the Disney Polynesian Village Resort was heartbreaking and sad, there never has a day gone by where I do not think of the people that I served with and the people that I served.
Advice
One piece of advice that I would share with those college program students who are planning to do their internship or are preparing to leave for their internship, is to make every day count. Enjoy the place, the people and the culture. Never waste any minute of your time at Disney moping around at home or sleeping. Take advantage of the parks and free rides. Go out make friends and leave the world better than you found it. :)
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Cast Member
January 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Doing the Disney College Program was an incredible experience and blessing. What a thrill to live and work at Walt Disney World (being paid, mind you) for a semester at college. The friends made, the experiences had, the company I worked for -- it was all an awesome ride. In fact, I'm still employed by Disney to this day!
What I wish was different
I wish I knew more of what Disney offers their Veteran cast members. Being a military veteran myself, Disney treats their vets well. I wish I knew that in advance.
Advice
Do the Disney College Program! Regardless of your major, work experience, home life -- this company was a blast to be a part of. It's worth the time and the effort, and has drastically changed my college experience at UNCW.
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Attractions/Operations
June 2019 • Bay Lake, FL
What I liked
I love having fun while doing a job at the same time
What I wish was different
Don’t spend too much money on things I don’t need
Advice
Do everything you possibly can that is offered by the company such as classes and events that are offered
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Customer Service Representative Intern
January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
It seems like a risk, but it will be the best decision of your life. There’s nothing like this experience!
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Disney College Program
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The company was incredible to work for. I had great leadership that showed me the day to day operations of this huge company. I was taught many skills during my internship. I also made amazing relationships with people all over the world, whom I am still in contact with now. It truly was an incredible experience I would recommend to anyone.
What I wish was different
My role for the company was quick service food and beverage. I was put in the kitchen and, even though I had the greatest time, it really has nothing to do with what I want to do in the future.
Advice
If you choose this program, take advantage of everything Disney offers. You can move up fairly quick in the company.
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Front Desk Cast Member
January - August 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
I loved the guest interaction from visitors all over the world. It was very special to be able to create magical moments for all ages. I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes access that comes with being a Cast Member. Seeing in-depth ride operations, character dressing rooms, and being apart of such a caring team was definitely something I'll always remember.
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to stay longer to try for different job opportunities. Many friends that I had made while down in Florida ended up staying to continue their career path. I returned back to New York to finish my degree.
Advice
Go into it with an open mind. Working for such a prestigious company comes with so many challenges and will push you out of your comfort zone. It's one of the greatest experiences I believe one can have, and you will gain so many skills and wonderful memories.
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Disney College Program
January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
training process, benefits of working for the company (free admission), learning backstage magic, basically everything other than the pay
What I wish was different
More compensation, school credit
Advice
Keep an open mind about your role
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Disney College Program
January - November 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I really liked working for a large company in a different state. Most of the people I worked with were really friendly and helpful too. You meet a lot of different types of people while working at Disney World.
What I wish was different
Management is constantly changing and there's no stability in that aspect. Plus, some of the managers were questionable in their practices and power-hungry.
Advice
Go in with an open mind. There's so much to do during the program and so many people to meet. Don't go in with an agenda, whether it be partying, park hopping, professional development, etc. Try everything that Disney provides you with.
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Attractions Cast Member
May 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
You interact with guest from all over the world and you have access to all of the disney perks along with other perks.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
To really think about what you would be happy about doing before applying.
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Full Service Food and Beverage Seater
January - July 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
Meeting people from all over the world, providing world class guest service, working in “the most magical place on earth,” my managers, all the different things I got to do with my roles
What I wish was different
More room for advancement, higher wage, more hours weekly
Advice
It is an absolutely wonderful and once in a lifetime experience filled with hard work, fun, and the best experience you can get in a hospitality internship in my opinion.
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Quick Service Food and Beverage
August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The Disney College Program offered a unique experience to get a look inside the Walt Disney Company. This internship allowed me to figure out through personal experience and talking to other participants for where I want to end up within the company once I graduate.
What I wish was different
I wish there would have been an opportunity to change roles halfway through my program. As much as I loved working QSFB, getting the opportunity to work within another line of business would have given a more broad experience.
Advice
The one piece of advice I can give is to just go for it. The DCP is an unforgettable experience which not only challenges you to be better than you were the day before but to become a better person in the end.
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CP Houseperson
January - August 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
I loved the job, the team I worked with, and the company.
What I wish was different
I wish I had the opportunity to try different roles throughout my college program
Advice
If you don’t want to do a job don’t say you will do it. If you have no interest in a role and say you have even slight interest you might get that role and it is difficult or even impossible to switch roles.
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Assistant housekeeping manager
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Working for the Walt Disney company and meeting all sorts of different people
What I wish was different
The organization at times could have been better. But it was a beautiful hot mess
Advice
Do it.
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Disney. College program
January - May 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Working with people from all over the world. My job experience.
What I wish was different
The bus system. More benefits
Advice
It is a great experience to connect with people and to network
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Back up dancer
May - July 2019 • Salt Lake City, UT
What I liked
It was very professional and I learned a lot about movie making. It was a very positive environment filled with some of the best people. This made me want to work hard and be my best.
What I wish was different
I wish we would had more flexible hours and days. One of the choreographers was also unnecessarily rude at times.
Advice
To always act professional no matter how much criticism you get. And to also never let the criticism get to your head.
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Ticket Greeter
May 2016 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I really like the people that I work with. Pretty much everyone is willing to lend a hand because sometimes the job can be overwhelming and we all understand that.
What I wish was different
Having more confidence in my abilities on my part when I was starting out.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about something or need help.
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Food and Beverage Intern
August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The Disney College Program is a unique experience with numerous networking opportunities and opportunities to move forward with the company. Days off from work are filled with potential for fun in the Disney parks and the surrounding Orlando area.
What I wish was different
Being a Disney College program participant is a very different experience from the typical internship. Some of the difficulties include long hours and physically demanding jobs. The important thing is to recognize what it is that you're getting into before you start.
Advice
There are many exciting things about the Disney College Program from the networking opportunities, future jobs, free Disney park access, discounts, and more. However, this internship does have the ability to take a large physical and emotional toll on many of the participants. My piece of advice would be to weigh the pros and cons of the Disney College Program carefully before making your decision.
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PhotoPass Photographer
January - April 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The diverse group of people I was able to meet
What I wish was different
I wish I would've been fluent in another language. I knew a little bit of Spanish and could get by with nonverbal interactions, but I felt like it hindered the guest experience.
Advice
Take advantage of this opportunity to the fullest. I do not regret going. I enjoyed my time in Orlando! I have many life long friends because of it.
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Cast Member
January - August 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
The overall atmosphere and traditional way of guest service truly makes the Disneyland Resort a magical place to work. Having the opportunity to learn from executives and Vice Presidents about how The Company functions was amazing.
What I wish was different
Nothing. This experience was absolutely incredible and I can’t think of anything I’d change.
Advice
Don’t let the magic die out; it can be a long, and often crazy journey during the Disney College Program, but one guest shouldn’t ruin the magic for thousands of others.
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Quick Service Food and Beverage
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I was able to go into the parks whenever I wanted for free, as long as I was off. I got discounts on most Disney merchandise. I also got to bring smiles to people’s faces.
What I wish was different
I kind of wish I had gotten something other than food and beverage, like merchandise or attractions.
Advice
While you are in Disney, do as much as you can. You probably won’t get another opportunity like it so have fun. You may not like your job, but you’ll love the people around you.
