Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 Disney College Program!
For nearly 45 years, this internship program at Walt Disney World has launched dream careers for hundreds of thousands of students from across the world. On top of being able to say your job is “making magic,” what makes this program really special are the infinite opportunities to learn new skills, explore different industries and make lifelong connections.
And speaking of connections: 1,500 former Disney Programs participants just reconnected at Walt Disney World for the world’s most magical college reunion — the Disney Alumni Homecoming Weekend!
Picture pixie-dusted networking sessions, exclusive photo opportunities with favorite Disney characters, and glamorous evening soirees in our theme parks and resorts. These alumni even got exclusive tours of Flamingo Crossings Village, the state-of-the-art housing community that is currently home to Disney College Program participants.
While these graduates got to see old friends, make new connections and reminisce on how their experience changed their personal and professional lives, we caught up with them to get some words of advice and inspiration. Here are seven reasons they recommend doing a Disney Program:
1. Become more independent.
“It’s a safe space to grow. I always felt supported by my roommates, coordinators and coworkers. I had a safe environment to learn my job and I had a really wonderful, holistic community behind me as I was growing into adulthood.” — Anna
2. Learn skills you can use anywhere.
“It’s really for anybody. Learning how to sell yourself and communicate with others is important in any major. I worked in food and beverage and learned about the way Disney goes about running its business. I’m more aware of customers’ needs and the importance of exceeding their expectations. This, of course, is merely the appetizer of a great meal!” — René
3. Make your resume stand out.
“Disney introduced me to the world of training. Fast forward 40 years: I am now a consultant in learning, people development and coaching. The doors it opens into your career, and even into your personal life, can be quite magical. To say you’ve been a Disney cast member is something special.” — Stella
“It will set you up for your career. The moment I put Disney on my resume, I had more interviews than I knew what to do with. It’s like having a badge of honor.” — Ken
“I’m doing the program because of my parents and I’m now known as ‘the legacy’ at the Canada pavilion! Hopefully, having Disney on my resume is going to help open doors for me.” — Cassidy
4. Grow your global network.
“I have friends in Thailand, Norway, England and Japan that I still talk to. Meeting and learning from people outside your bubble gives you a different perspective on life and teaches you how to respect others. I don’t think you can get that anywhere else.” — Chyrelle
5. Build your confidence.
“Coming into the program, I was a very shy person. Since working at Disney, I can talk to pretty much anybody and I feel comfortable in my own skin because I got to talk to so many people every day working at Magic Kingdom.” — Maria
6. Find your best friend.
“Even if you’re introverted, there are people out there who will instantly become your friends. If I didn’t have the program, I don’t think I would’ve found my bestie. He’s just like me; we have the same exact interests.” — Mackenzie
“The friends I have from the Disney College Program are my chosen family. It sounds cliché, but it’s true.” — Christian
7. Experience the magic firsthand.
“Our parents and our family saw how much Disney meant to us when we were little. Now, when we take them to the parks, they have so much fun. We get to show them what we work for and the brand we represent.” — Julianna
“You get to make magical moments for people from all over the globe. That’s not something you can say at any other job. It’s so cool to play a role in someone’s life and vacation.” — Carmela
For even more reasons to do a Disney College Program, check out these secrets to success from seven Disney executives and leaders who have their dream careers after starting as interns.
Interested in starting your #DisneyCastLife? Visit DisneyPrograms.com to learn more and apply today!