Would you like to learn about the Disney College Program (DCP)? If so, many Sacred Heart University students have participated and can tell you what the program is all about, what the application process is like, and where the student interest tends to spark from.
“The DCP is a program you can do in college or at least 24 months post-graduation, where basically you will go in and you will work for Disney in one of their many areas, they pick for you,” said senior Juliana Balzano, who is going to be participating in the program in the summer of 2025.
According to the DCP application webpage, the program allows students to “grow personally and professionally through immersive, uniquely Disney learning and career development opportunities,” as well as, “make magic and gain new skills in an operational role at one of the top entertainment companies in the world.”
There is an array of jobs that accepted students can be assigned to in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.
Winnie the Pooh (left) and Tigger (right) at Disney World.
Source: Contributed by Amanda Valency, ’25
Source: Contributed by Amanda Valency, ’25
“Some of the jobs can include food and beverage, hospitality, merchandise, operations [attractions, transportation], recreation [lifeguard, children’s activities], entertainment [performers, character attendant] and custodial/housekeeping. When getting placed for a role/job, it is completely random, and you do not have much of a say or preference,” said senior Amanda Valency, who has previously participated in the program and will begin her next program in summer 2025.
The role of the character performer is in high demand, however, there are a number of jobs available in various departments that aid in the upkeep of the parks and resorts.
“Each accepted student is given different roles. You could audition for a character performer, and if you don’t get that, you will be placed somewhere else,” said Balzano.
“I could be taking your photo in front of Cinderella’s castle, or I could be the one serving you at a quick-service restaurant. I could also be greeting you and swiping you into Magic Kingdom. There are so many different opportunities, which is the really cool thing about the program,” she said.
The DCP is a competitive program, especially in its character performer role.
“They had four cities hold auditions for character performers, and roughly 150-160 people were selected,” said Balzano. “The application process is actually really simple. They will post on their Instagram when the applications are open for the desired semester that you want to do, you just have to fill out a form, and they will review it.”
The program hosts a variety of learning activities designed for participants to make the most of their time at Disney and beyond. With hands-on learning and gaining knowledge for the real world, students are ready for a professional career.
“Overall, I had a very positive experience. I enjoyed being able to spend my days off in the parks with my roommates, and I made some great friends through my job who I still talk to today,” said Valency. “When I did the program, I worked at a hotel food court at the All-Star Movies Resort. At first, I was not sure if I would like this job, but I ended up loving it. My coworkers were great, and I had a lot of fun serving the guests. My favorite part was being able to make the Mickey waffles in the mornings since it is my favorite Disney food.”
Bella Generazo contributed to this article.
