The Disney College Program, while an amazing opportunity, can also borderline on predatory and for young adults who are self sufficient, the program, at least in California, is nearly cost prohibitive.
According to the Disney College Program website:
“As a part of the Disney College Program, participants have the incredible opportunity to advance their strengths and interests, meet guests and cast members from around the country and take part in educational opportunities students can't get anywhere else. This truly unique program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.”
This is an accurate depiction of the program but for a young adult, the experience can be less than magical. If a student chooses to live in Disney housing, they must pay over $900 in California for their first month’s rent and $150 a week thereafter for a two bedroom apartment shared with four other people ($350 and $124 respectively in Florida). College program participants are guaranteed to be scheduled 32 hours a week, and often make $10 or less an hour. After automatic removal of rent, participants have around $100 dollars for the week. For a student receiving support from their family, that is likely a survivable amount of money, but for a student who also has a phone bill, car payment, insurance, and infinite other possible bills, they do not have a livable wage. Senator Bernie Sanders asked in a political rally in Anaheim, "Anybody make a living wage working for Disney?" he continued, "Disney pays its workers wages that are so low that many of them are forced to live in motels because they cannot afford a decent place to live." However, there is a constant pressure to feel grateful because, “hundreds of others are waiting to take your place.”
Speaking from my personal experience, as a 24 year-old grad student in the program, I had to take a second job as a substitute teacher to supplement my income. In addition, I found myself calling out of shifts at Disney to take shifts with my other job, as they could nearly pay my rent for the week. In addition, the ability to grow your Disney career varies greatly depending on your role. In entertainment, I met a manager one time in six months, and many of the leads did not see CPs (College Program participants) as more than a nuisance that caused the regulars to complain about hours being stolen. There is no upward mobility. However other roles in hotels and attractions often had over-time opportunities, mentorships, and cross training.
If you are looking for a position in the resort, the College Program can be an asset. I have many friends who have changed roles and moved up within the company in the two years since our program and I had the opportunity to speak with a few professionals in my field of interest. In addition I had amazing experiences (inside and outside of Disney) and met my best friend. The Disney program can be amazing, but to truly be successful, learning, and saving, as much as possible is the key to success.
