What You Get
It's a one-of-a-kind,
Disney-designed combination of education and work experience.
With a little hard work and perseverance, participants will have
the chance to:
- Build transferable
skills that include relationship building, problem solving,
plus written and verbal communication
- Explore
networking opportunities at the WALT DISNEY WORLDŽ Resort
- Tap into
educational opportunities that offer new courses based on WALT
DISNEY WORLDŽ Resort management expertise
- Earn real-world
experience with a leader in the industry
- Make friendships
that cover the globe
- Enjoy
privileges of being a Cast Member at the WALT DISNEY WORLDŽ
Resort, including free Theme Park admission and discounts that
cover resorts, merchandise and more
Did You Know?
Top corporations
send their employees to take training seminars on the Disney corporate
philosophy. This is the same type of insight participants can
receive as part of their internship with the WALT DISNEY WORLD
College Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the
application requirements?
To apply, students must be currently enrolled in a college/university
and have completed at least one semester. Students must be in
good academic standing (2.0 or higher). Graduate students are
typically not eligible for the WALT DISNEY WORLD College Program,
but at times, we have advanced programs for which they may apply.
Is the WALT
DISNEY WORLD College Program limited to certain majors?
All majors are considered for the program. The five majors that
best apply to the positions at the WALT DISNEY WORLDŽ Resort are:
Hospitality or Hotel/Restaurant Management, Business, Communications,
Theater/Drama and Recreation.
When will
recruiters be visiting schools?
We visit over 250 schools each Fall and Spring, covering colleges
and universities from all over the country. In the Fall, we recruit
for our Spring program only. In the Spring we recruit for our
Summer and following Fall programs. The campus visits consist
of a presentation that provides more detailed information and
interviews.
Will students
earn college credit for participating in the program?
It is up to each students school to determine if credit will be
awarded. Number of credit hours is also determined by each school.
Students should see their faculty advisors for information about
earning credit at their schools.
How do students
get credit from their schools?
Students should speak with their faculty advisors after they receive
an offer to attend the program. If their faculty are not familiar
with the program, students should direct their faculty to the
Faculty section of the WDW
web site or ask their faculty to attend the presentation .
Both students and faculty will need to determine what types of
courses or projects the students will need to complete in order
to receive credit. If their faculty advisors are unable to help,
students should contact their career services department for additional
assistance.
Do students
need to receive credit from their schools in order to participate?
No. However, all students must receive, at the minimum, approval
from their faculty to be in the program. Basically, this means
that their school recognizes the fact that the students are still
considered full-time for registration purposes.
Can students
attend classes at a local college while in the program?
Many students receive credit from their institutions for the classes
and work experiences on the program (credits to be awarded must
be coordinated and approved by their school prior to arrival).
However, during the Fall and Spring programs, we offer courses
taught by the University of Central Florida, which are held right
at Vista Way, which is a centrally located housing complex on
property. Typically, the Summer program dates don't coincide with
the class dates at UCF. However, students may pursue such interests
on their own.
How do students
get into the College Program?
First, they must fill out the on-line application. There is no
obligation by filling out the form. Next, they must search this
site to find presentations that work for their schedules (a schedule
is posted as it is published). Presentation attendance is required
to interview for the program. Students sign up for interviews
at the presentation. At their interviews, students must bring
their completed applications, printed out from the application
section of this site, and submit them to the recruiter. After
their interviews the students' applications will be considered,
and they will receive word on their applications generally within
2-3 weeks.
When will
students receive an answer regarding their applications?
Generally within 2-3 weeks following their interviews.
Are cover
letters/resumes necessary?
No. However, students may bring them to their interviews if they
wish.
If students
are not accepted the first time they interview, can they try again?
Yes! However, students can only apply once per semester.
Can students
come down to the WALT DISNEY WORLDŽ Resort to interview?
No. We require students to attend the 1 1/2 hour presentation
which is given on school campuses.
Is this a
paid internship?
Yes, the College Program is a paid internship. The starting pay
rate is $5.85 an hour. Beginning October 2000 the rate will increase
to $6.00 an hour with time and a half for any overtime (any time
over 40 hours per week) worked.
How many hours
per week will students work?
Participants are guaranteed a schedule of at least 30 hours per
week. However, during busy seasons, participants could be requested
to work as many as 45 hours per week. Participants are expected
to work the hours they are scheduled; additional hours or days
may not be available or optional.
What opportunities,
other than the WALT DISNEY WORLD College Program, exist at the
WALT DISNEY WORLDŽ Resort?
There are many advanced programs. Most of the Advanced Internships
though, require prior participation in the College Program. However,
there are certain Advanced Internships which do not require College
Program experience.
Can students
apply for an animation internship?
Yes. For information on the internship, call 407-828-1000.
Can parents
be sent information on the WALT DISNEY WORLD College Program?
Most of the necessary information is available on the web site.
Students, parents and faculty are encouraged to attend the presentation
together. A WALT DISNEY WORLD College Program recruiter will be
on hand to answer all questions. If you would like to speak to
someone immediately, please call 1-800-722-2930.
