First things first let’s talk general application for the college program, and nowhere better to start then how do you even apply. The application (again exception of alumni) will be offered in fall or spring, and there will be two separate “drops” for the applications that will appear on The Walt Disney Company career site.
When the applications drop
Spring: August/September
Fall: January/February
*Summer: check the alumni page as the date changes, in the past has only been open for 24 hours, and does not happene very summer. To past DCP/PI interns to get updates sign up for the Disney Alumni Association.
When the programs begin
Spring advantage: January/February through August
Spring: January through May
Fall advantage: May/June through January
Fall: August through September
Now I know that was a little complicated, and some are wondering does it really make a difference which one they apply for –yes. For those who are attempting to apply for a professional internship going for the advantage program can make things a little complicated. Disney has a strict rule on how long someone can be an intern, and as for how long that is the answer is one calendar year. So, before applying this about what your future internship plans are with Disney. Also I would like to state if you are living in Disney housing it also matters** for choosing roommates.
As for where to find it exactly that is pretty simple it will appear on the Disney career website, and the posting will look the picture as shown below.
You will then simply click on it, and fill out the information on the form then submit –simple enough. Now in the form though you are going to see a section that has a large amount of roles to choose from, and below are the selections available as of 2016.
Attractions
Bell Services
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique / Pirates League
Bus Greeter
Character Attendant
Character Performer ***
Children’s Activities
Concierge
Convention Guide
Costuming Operations
Custodial
Floral
Front Desk
Hopper
Housekeeping
Lifeguard
Merchandise
Monorail
PhotoPass Photographer
Quick-Service Food and Beverage
Recreation attractions
Seater
Vacation Planner
Watercraft
The roles that are bolded are considered “high need” lines of business, and the non-bolded roles are lower need lines of business. Now let’s break down what some of these things mean for the newer applications. You will need to put a level of interest on the high need lines of business either high, medium, low, or none then for non-high need lines of business you will check a box in things that interest you. As for what does that mean for someone who wants to work as a character, and not in custodial well it could mean the difference of an offer or no offer (not set in stone but likely). When you apply for the Disney College Program they hire based on need, and sometimes the easiest way to get an offer is to agree to have interest in some high need role. Now that does not mean you will need to check all the boxes as high, but you may want to check at least one before submitting. I want to make this clear though that you will be considered for any role you have interest in even if it is low interest. So, even though you put high interest in front desk you may be offered attractions there is 0% guarantee when it comes to role offers. Also once the offer is in whatever role is on your email is the role you have been offered, and it will not change it is a take it or leave it type deal. The only exceptions to that is medical reasons, or you have attended auditions and have been chosen to work as a performer.
*Summer is for former PI, MI, and DCP participants who successfully completed their program, and are still currently enrolled in college/graduated within the post six months
**I will get into the specifics about housing in another post
***Any who wish to be a character performer will need to attend an audition to be considered for the role