My Stressful Experience Applying For The Disney College Program

Working for the Walt Disney Company has always been a dream of mine. Ever since I was a child, going to Disney World has always been a tradition at least three times a year. When going to the parks, I am always the happiest I have ever felt in my entire life. I knew right then and there that I wanted to work for Disney World. I was made aware of the opportunity to do so when I entered high school. All I had to do was be a college student. All throughout high school, I would dream about becoming a cast member at Disney and what it would be like to live there. Well, that is when I discovered the Disney College Program.

The Disney College Program is a program that gives college students an opportunity to intern with the Disney Company. This program gives students the ability to work in a professional yet fun setting. From what I heard from many of people who have done the program in the past, it is truly a life changing experience. Well, I want to experience that life changing moment for myself. So on January 23, 2017 I applied to the Disney College Program.

I applied not really thinking I would make it to where I am today. I applied to see what the application was like in hopes to actually make my dream come true. I have always wanted to do the program in the fall because that is my favorite season, especially during Halloween time!

After applying, I started to read about the application process. What I found wasn't inspiring. Most people said it is the hardest process you will go through, it is very similar to applying to college in general. You have to fill out a chart of specific roles you would be interested in while being in the program. Well, I am a very picky person and I filled out "not interested" for most of the roles, except for the fun ones. From what I heard and read, that is the wrong way to do it. Disney wants you to be open to anything. After that, I knew I wouldn't be moving far in the process at all.

I ended up being in Submission. Submission is when you are basically stuck in a hole. A hole where you might not make it out but if you do, you are lucky. I was unaware of what "Submission" was and I thought, 'Okay Disney saw my application and they are looking it over!'

That wasn't the case. Many people have been receiving emails saying that they moved onto a web-based interview meaning they get to take a personality test. I joined a Facebook page where everyone was in Submission and at times, people would be moved out of Submission and into "In Progress."

A month after I applied and was put into Submission, I was randomly placed into "In Progress." I was beyond excited and I couldn't believe it was happening. I took my web-based interview and passed with flying colors. Yes it was a personality test, but you don't understand how hard it is until you take for yourself. Even Disney can fool you.

I scheduled my phone interview a week after I passed my web interview. I prepared so much for my phone interview with the help of the internet. I am now in the process of waiting to hear back. It is a painful process that is known as the "Waiting Game." April 14th is the deadline when all will know about the applications. If I don't make it now, I will keep trying. Walt Disney failed many times before he finally succeeded.

Overall, the process for the Disney College Program application was a stressful experience, but I know it will be worth it. If you do not pass the first time, keep trying. 8,000 students are selected to do the program and about 15,000 students applied. If you are placed into Submission don't be discouraged, I was in it for a month and just got out. Just have faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust!