I gained knowledge in the field of food and beverage. In addition to the experience gained in the hospitality industry, I also learned a lot about professionalism in the workplace. I learned how to handle difficult situations. How to work with a team. How to work with different personalities and individuals that were from different countries and different backgrounds.
What I wish was different
I felt that the work-life balance wasn't the best and I often felt stressed out and on edge.
Advice
I would recommend taking the job if offered. Overall the experience was once in a lifetime.
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Sales associates
October 2018 • Tucson, AZ
What I liked
Engaging with guests and making sure they receive the most magical experience.
What I wish was different
Advice
Watch and learn.
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Cast Member
January - August 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
I loved everything, the people, the atmosphere, our managers, our program directors it was all a wonderful experience
What I wish was different
I wish there were more opportunities for behind the scenes events, they didn’t make it feasible for people to go.
Advice
Have the absolute best time of your life. The Disney College Program was the best 7 months of my life so really enjoy it.
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Disney Cast Member
June 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
It’s a very fun and amazing experience. I love how the idea of the company is just to make people happy.
What I wish was different
I am still working here and everything is great.
Advice
Always drink water.
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Cast Member
May - August 2022 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
Free park admission
What I wish was different
Almost everything. This program is not an internship and offers next to no classes like they promise. It is merely a way for them to import cheap labor from across the country where you essentially pay them to work insane hours. I was regularly scheduled 13+ hour shifts and had the most inconsistent hours.
Advice
Know what you're signing up for. There is next to no info on this program online, but it is NOT an internship. You will NOT be placed in a role relating to your major, there is no classes, and you won't get college credit.
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guest services
June 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
I love the work I do, greeting guests, assisting them in the park with directions, chatting about their experiences and backgrounds, and helping to resolve unsatisfactory situations they’ve experienced.
What I wish was different
I wish the pay was higher and the living the company provides wasn’t taken out of our pay check. For the work we do, we come away with very little in our pockets.
Advice
Plan a very strict budget and stick to it if you care at all about taking away savings!
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Barista
May - October 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
The cost of living and my wages didn’t line up. I was making $2 less than the full-time baristas (I was a College Program Participant)
Advice
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Disney College Program Participant
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
The opportunity to work for such a large company who is world renowned and creates unique experiences for people of all ages.
What I wish was different
I wish networking opportunities had been greater and more easily available.
Advice
If you are a hard worker, and enjoy creating positive experiences for others, this would be a great fit for you. The opportunities are endless with The Walt Disney Company.
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Entertainment Costuming
May 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
At my work location I was able to work on high quality and some Equity productions in the entertainment tside of things at the Walt Disney Parks. The people I've met here are some of the greatest humans.
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to choose my work location, fortunately I was lucky enough to be put on productions unlike many others with the same internship who end up only working Ops.
Advice
Do not expect everything to go your way and for people not to listen to every word you have to say. Learn from your encounters with fellow cast and crew and apply those lessons accordingly.
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Network Engineer Intern
May - August 2017 • Celebration, FL
What I liked
Fantastic networking and learning opportunities
What I wish was different
A little more variation in work
Advice
Network network network, you never know who can help in the future.
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Parade Performer
January 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
Performing everyday
What I wish was different
The weather
Advice
Have a positive attitude
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Disney College Program Participant
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I met a very large diversity of people from all over the world. I loved meeting and learning about these people and being able to create incredible experiences for them and their families. I also loved the number of genuine connections I was able to make with so many friends also in the program and in the company.
What I wish was different
I would have liked to have had more opportunities to learn about the company and about my areas of interest. The classes offered were often focused toward marketing and event planning and very few classes were offered on environmental and scientific aspects despite Disney being very involved in those fields.
Advice
This was the most growing experience of my life and it was incredible even on hard days. There were a lot of hard days but with a positive attitude, those days have become very fond memories. My advice would be to take each day of the program as a new day and put your best self forward. Try to enjoy the little things. It makes the experience just that much better. Bottom line: appreciate your time and stay positive.
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Merchandise
May - July 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved the connections I was able to make with people from different cultural and backgrounds.
What I wish was different
Advice
I would tell anybody that does then Disney College Program to go in with an open mind and do everything. Meet new people and make new friends. Explore living in Florida.
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Software Engineering Intern
June - August 2019 • Seattle, WA
What I liked
interesting work!
What I wish was different
return offers were tricky at first
Advice
talk to recruiters about full time options
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Vacation Planner
February - March 2020 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved the benefits you get as a Cast Member such as admission to the parks and admission to fun events specifically for Cast Members. It was also super fun meeting so many different people from all over the world from guests to your own co-workers. It also felt like an actual family, one of the most enjoyable jobs that I've held.
What I wish was different
Had the pandemic not happened, I would have stayed longer but Disney World shut down and the program has been suspended until further notice.
Advice
Every Disney College Program is different and what you make of it. There are youtube vlogs and blogs you can read and watch about but don't expect so much because depending on your role it can really change your views, experience, etc. But live it in its moment and do what you want during your program, don't wait.
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Merchandise Displayer Intern
August - December 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
It was overall an mind opening experience.
What I wish was different
I wish I when to more opportunities and events for interns.
Advice
Keep your mind open and don't forget to have fun.
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Disney College Program
August 2017 - May 2018 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I liked being away from home and being a part of the Disney magic
What I wish was different
I wish I could've stayed longer.
Advice
Do not be afraid to stick it out and put yourself out there especially when times get rough.
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Disney College Program Intern
January - July 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
This was a very hands on work experience that took place in Walt Disney World. There are many different fields within the company that you can be placed based on your prior work experiences and education. I was placed in a food service position and then a ride operator position, both of which gave me the opportunity to receive Disney's first class customer service training and have amazing guest interactions. You get the chance to have a once in a lifetime behind the scenes look at how Walt Disney World is operated.
What I wish was different
Courses in a variety of different fields are offered to interns, however, they are on a lottery basis because of the large volume of participants who are interested, making it difficult to get into the courses. I would have preferred if more courses were offered so everyone had the chance to take them.
Advice
The acceptance process can be long as you go through multiple stages of interviews and profile reviews before hearing back from the company. It took me three attempts before being accepted. I would recommend anyone looking to apply to do research on the program and get to know Disney's values as a company before completing your application.
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Disney College Program Intern
January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I got to network with higher ups within the company and learn a good work ethic
What I wish was different
I wish I could have been reimbursed for meals
Advice
Be careful which roles you preference when applying
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Character Attendant
May - October 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
I liked interacting with people from all over the world.
What I wish was different
I wish the hours spent outside in the Florida heat had been less!
Advice
Always do your best to serve your guests/people around you. You never know when you’ll meet those people again!
