Imagine waking up to Cinderella’s Castle outside of your window or hearing animals in the savannah on the other side of your wall. Feel the music being composed for the next blockbuster in a neighboring studio. Close your eyes and listen to conversations in different languages from all over the world right behind your door.
Is this the reality of the Disney College Program? Not quite, but it sure is close.
The first step in attending the Disney College Program is applying to participate. Here, college students or those who have recently graduated have an opportunity to become a cast member at the “most magical place on earth”. I participated in the summer and fall of 2022 and returned to LSU with four semesters to go.
Since most days are spent behind the scenes, what makes this opportunity appealing to college students, more specifically, LSU students?
Molly Shepherd, an LSU alumna, speaks very highly of her time spent in Orlando. The class of 2022 graduate can’t seem to remember a time in college when this wasn’t her dream.
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“The Disney College Program is an amazing program that helps build college students into young adults and professionals,” Shepard said. “While it’s a lot of fun, your main purpose is to work.”
Many college students expect the internship to be a way out of a semester or two, while being able to get paid to play. This can be true; however, this isn’t the right mindset. Shepherd says her expectations were close to the reality of the program, but she felt as though some people did not expect hard work and long hours.
Upon arriving in Orlando, the Walt Disney Company places its college program participants in a position based on personal ranking and the need that they have within the parks. Your job title could range from a custodial role to a position at the Bippity Boppity Boutique, a lifeguard at resorts or even operating an attraction.
Allie Brunet, a current participant and an LSU alumna, says she has noticed this certain program isn’t for everyone. It can be an exhausting schedule with little to no free time. At around 40 hours a week, this prepares students for a future full-time job.
“I have seen a lot of people drop out very quickly, because they were expecting to go to the parks and play every day,” Brunet explained. “There is a lot of that, but you are there to work and learn as well.”
This is not meant to turn anyone away from this opportunity. In the world of internships and experience, it is a high contender for the most esteemed, while learning as much as you can. Disney has extremely high standards no matter your role or position on the pyramid, so you become prepared for future careers in any field. The program brings people from all over the world to relate and bond over this shared interest.
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“It is definitely an easy place to make friends if you are willing to put the effort in,” Brunet said. “My coworkers have definitely made this experience a memorable one, and I hope to keep in contact with them in the future.”
Program attendees learn a lot about a workplace environment, especially one as renowned as the Walt Disney Company. Free classes are offered to participants in order to learn about the company and to apply the morals and procedures learned into other companies. Shepherd said that she learned to be a good employee, even though her role in food and beverage did not directly relate to her major or her plans for grad school.
“There are a lot of opportunities to network within the company and make connections to your degree,” Shepherd explained. “You are taught company procedures, how to be on time and how to work to achieve a common goal with fellow coworkers.”
You learn much about yourself and others during your time spent in Orlando; however, this program does not only allow students to get a head start on their future careers. The program can be a fun experience with lots of perks. As a cast member, you are allowed free admission to the parks, certain discounts on food and merchandise and even free parking. It can become a wonderful anecdote that you can share with friends and family for years to come.
So why are LSU students so drawn to participate in this program?
Shepherd mentions how a lot of students from Louisiana grew up going to Disney for family vacations since it wasn’t too far away from home. These students had dreamed of becoming part of the magic that they experienced in their childhood.
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Like every experience in life, it becomes what you make it. The Disney College Program is an opportunity to grow as a person and among co-workers turned life-long friends. Some people may say this is an irrelevant way to spend your college time, but these students believe they have never learned more than when they were in Orlando.
If you have any hesitations, Brunet points out that they have a Torchy’s and a Canes, so if you decide to join the program, you won’t feel too homesick.