**This is not my FAQ, it is updated a bit, I just thought I covered everything incredibly well. I got it from this girl's blog (which is a fantastic read, I highly recommend it)
The DCP is the Disney College Program. It is a paid internship for college/university students in which they work either in the US theme parks or hotels for several months. It is comprised of three parts: living, learning, and earning.
The DCP can be done for college credit, work experience, a chance to network within The Walt Disney Company, or simply for the fun and experience of living and working in Disney. You don't have to have a specific major to participate, all majors are allowed.
What are the requirements to apply?
Students must be currently enrolled as full-time or part-time college student and be taking classes. They must also must have completed at least one semester and be 18 or older by the arrival date. College seniors are eligible as long as they are currently enrolled and taking classes at the time of the application and phone interview. Graduate students as also eligible, however, the program is intended for undergraduates. Some colleges have additional requirements related to GPA. Check with your academic adviser to verify your eligibility.
You are not eligible if:
What kinds of classes are offered?
There are four types of classes offered: collegiate courses, seminar offerings, the Disney Exploration Series, and Professional Development Studies.
You can find the full list of all classes and their descriptions here.
Where are these classes?
They are held at either Disney University (there is a bus that can take you there), one of the housing complexes, or online. Classes are usually only one day a week for two or more hours and require you to pay for any necessary materials, such as books.
EARNING
The primary reason for the Disney College Program is for you to work! Sure, you get to meet awesome people and go to the parks for free, but you're there to do a job, one that is full-time.
How often do you really work?
Anywhere from 30 to 50+ hours. The latter will most likely occur during busy holidays, such as Christmas/New Years. You can work less if you choose to by giving away your shifts to other Cast Members or asking for time off, but I do not recommend doing this unless you need to have those days off. In QSFB, I usually worked about 38-42 hours a week.
How much do I get paid?
For the most part, Florida minimum wage. Anything above that is based on your role and location, but won't be a lot higher. If you work over 40 hours in a week or over 8 hours in a day you will receive overtime pay. However, CPs do not receive holiday pay.
When do I get paid?
Paychecks come out every Thursday. They reflect the work you did the previous Sunday - Saturday week.
Does Disney do direct deposit?
Yes! You set that up when you're emailed your new hire paperwork. If you don't set it up then you can do it at check-in
Can I get a raise?
If you extend (which is when you stay for another few months) you'll get a small raise. You also get one if you've been working there for over the end of a calendar year.
Okay, well, what about cash tips?
The only CP roles that accept tips are Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique fairy godmothers in training and Pirate Masters at the Pirates League. If you are at another position and a guest offers you a cash tip you must refuse it. Note: American CPs are not placed in tipped waiter/waitress roles in Full Service restaurants.
What other roles are there?
I've listed them here, along with a quick description.
Can I choose my role?
On the DCP application you indicate interest levels (ranging from High to Moderate to Low) and then further reiterate them during your phone interview. However, the final decision is made by Disney and it cannot be changed once an offer is made.
Do I get to take my full paycheck home?
Since Florida does not have state income tax, the only thing regularly taken out of your paycheck is rent for your apartment. But if you lose your nametag the cost for a new one is taken out of your paycheck, as are costuming penalty fees.
PERKS
Because you put in so much hard work with the Company, you do get some nice perks. They include:
The DCP can be done for college credit, work experience, a chance to network within The Walt Disney Company, or simply for the fun and experience of living and working in Disney. You don't have to have a specific major to participate, all majors are allowed.
What are the requirements to apply?
Students must be currently enrolled as full-time or part-time college student and be taking classes. They must also must have completed at least one semester and be 18 or older by the arrival date. College seniors are eligible as long as they are currently enrolled and taking classes at the time of the application and phone interview. Graduate students as also eligible, however, the program is intended for undergraduates. Some colleges have additional requirements related to GPA. Check with your academic adviser to verify your eligibility.
You are not eligible if:
- You are in high school but have dual enrollment with a college (such as AP students).
- A college freshman who has not yet completed a semester at their university. However, they may apply during their first semester to participate in the program for their second semester.
- You are "taking time off" from school.
- You do not have unrestricted work authorization.
- There is a program for international students that requires a visa.
There is a Disney College Program for both the Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. Due to its size, Walt Disney World accepts more students into their program, including international students.
There are also different times of year you can do the program and with different lengths of time.
Spring - Mid-January or early February through early May
Spring Advantage - Mid-January or early February through mid-August
Fall - Mid-August through early January
Fall Advantage - Mid/late May or early June through early January (this was my program!)
When you apply, you apply the semester before the one you want to do. So when I applied for Fall (ended up getting Fall Advantage) it was at the end of February, but if you wanted to do Spring or Spring Advantage you would apply in early September.
LIVING
If I get into the Disney College Program, where will I live?
If you are with Disneyland, you are provided housing only if you are in the advantage program, their housing complex is Carnegie Plaza. I really don't know much else about this so you'd have to talk with someone who did the DL program.
I do know a lot about WDW Housing. When you accept your offer you have to make a $300 housing deposit fee, which covers your first two weeks rent and the housing events that will take place during your programs. Once you start, rent, which ranges between $78 and $109 per week depending on the complex and number of roommates, is automatically taken out of your paycheck each week. This amount is all inclusive so you don't have to worry about separate electrical and cable bills.
There are four different Disney housing complexes in which you may be placed:
Vista Way- The oldest, and therefore cheapest complex. It has a reputation of being loud, but it isn't that bad. Rather, everyone is just friendly. It's also the best place to live if you don't have a car since it's close to many restaurants and a Walgreens.
Chatham Square - The next step up in both quality and price. A major draw is that every bedroom has a bathroom. It is a farther walk to food and shopping, however.
Patterson Court - The newest housing complex. Pretty nice, but comes with a high rent price. Because it is so quiet, it can have the reputation of being a "nursing home." The biggest downside is that there is no bus stop. You must walk to Chatham.
The Commons - up until Fall 2013, this complex was only for international students, many of whom stay for up to one year. This is the reason that most apartments have a washer and dryer inside, as well as access to garages. Now it is open for anyone. The downside is that one of the Magic Kingdom buses (and sometimes a few others) do not stop at this complex. You'll have to walk ten minutes to Chatham.
You may have between one and seven roommates. In the past, roommates and apartments were not decided until check-in. In 2013, Disney created a housing form, called DORMS similar to one that students fill out to determine housing and roommates for college. On this form you may indicate your apartment preference, as well as specific roommates if you have them. To learn more click here
Do I need to bring anything for my apartment?
The apartments are completely furnished, including dishes, silverware, and pots and pans in the kitchen. There is a cable hook-up, but no TV. There is internet, but no wifi unless you bring your own router. There is a bed and bathrooms, but no linens, towels, or nice shower curtain. Bedrooms contain a closet and dresser with mirror to share (three drawers each), as well as a nightstand for each bed, if it is a 3 person bedroom the lofted bed will also have more storage drawers underneath. Inside each closet is a locker for each person in the room to store valuables, so bring a combination lock.
Can I decorate my apartment?
To an extent, yes. You can't put anything up that can/will damage the walls, that includes nails and sticker hooks. Each person is provided a cork board in the room that you can hang pictures off of. You cannot paint. You cannot have candles. You cannot decorate the outside of your apartment beyond a welcome mat. Also you are not allowed to have weapons, not even toy ones, like plastic swords and lightsabers.
How will they know if I put stuff on my walls?
At least every month you will have an apartment inspection, and they happen whether you're home or not. If the apartment does not pass, everyone is fined and a cleaning crew has to come in. This is also when they are making sure you do not have anything illegal in your apartment. Just follow the rules and you'll be okay.
Am I allowed to have alcohol in my apartment?
If you live in an over-21 apartment (non-wellness), yes, you may have alcohol in your apartment. If you are in an under-21 apartment (wellness) obviously you can't. If you are 21 and live in an under-21 wellness apartment you still cannot have any alcohol in the apartment.
Do I need to bring my car?
Techincally, no. Since all of these apartment complexes are outside of Disney property, they provide to busing to all Disney parks, hotels, and the Downtown Disney Area so you'll be able to get to work. There is also busing to the Florida Mall, as well as Walmart, Publix, and the post office. Like the apartments themselves, these buses are only available to CPs living in the Disney apartments. You will need your Housing ID to board.
The downside to taking the buses is that they are often late and because they must make so many stops, trips often take at least 20-40 minutes.
Having a car isn't necessary, but it's nice. You can go by your own schedule, not the buses, and you can go more places in general.
What if I don't like my roommates?
If it is to the point that you cannot stay there any longer, you can move. After so many weeks you can pay a fee and then move to another apartment as soon as one is available.
LEARNING
Do I have to take classes while I'm doing the DCP?
If you are at Disneyland, yes, it is required. If you are at Walt Disney World, no unless your college requires it for you to get credit. Credits from certain classes may or may not count towards your degree. These are things you should talk to your adviser about.
Spring Advantage - Mid-January or early February through mid-August
Fall - Mid-August through early January
Fall Advantage - Mid/late May or early June through early January (this was my program!)
When you apply, you apply the semester before the one you want to do. So when I applied for Fall (ended up getting Fall Advantage) it was at the end of February, but if you wanted to do Spring or Spring Advantage you would apply in early September.
LIVING
If I get into the Disney College Program, where will I live?
If you are with Disneyland, you are provided housing only if you are in the advantage program, their housing complex is Carnegie Plaza. I really don't know much else about this so you'd have to talk with someone who did the DL program.
I do know a lot about WDW Housing. When you accept your offer you have to make a $300 housing deposit fee, which covers your first two weeks rent and the housing events that will take place during your programs. Once you start, rent, which ranges between $78 and $109 per week depending on the complex and number of roommates, is automatically taken out of your paycheck each week. This amount is all inclusive so you don't have to worry about separate electrical and cable bills.
There are four different Disney housing complexes in which you may be placed:
Vista Way- The oldest, and therefore cheapest complex. It has a reputation of being loud, but it isn't that bad. Rather, everyone is just friendly. It's also the best place to live if you don't have a car since it's close to many restaurants and a Walgreens.
Chatham Square - The next step up in both quality and price. A major draw is that every bedroom has a bathroom. It is a farther walk to food and shopping, however.
Patterson Court - The newest housing complex. Pretty nice, but comes with a high rent price. Because it is so quiet, it can have the reputation of being a "nursing home." The biggest downside is that there is no bus stop. You must walk to Chatham.
The Commons - up until Fall 2013, this complex was only for international students, many of whom stay for up to one year. This is the reason that most apartments have a washer and dryer inside, as well as access to garages. Now it is open for anyone. The downside is that one of the Magic Kingdom buses (and sometimes a few others) do not stop at this complex. You'll have to walk ten minutes to Chatham.
You may have between one and seven roommates. In the past, roommates and apartments were not decided until check-in. In 2013, Disney created a housing form, called DORMS similar to one that students fill out to determine housing and roommates for college. On this form you may indicate your apartment preference, as well as specific roommates if you have them. To learn more click here
Do I need to bring anything for my apartment?
The apartments are completely furnished, including dishes, silverware, and pots and pans in the kitchen. There is a cable hook-up, but no TV. There is internet, but no wifi unless you bring your own router. There is a bed and bathrooms, but no linens, towels, or nice shower curtain. Bedrooms contain a closet and dresser with mirror to share (three drawers each), as well as a nightstand for each bed, if it is a 3 person bedroom the lofted bed will also have more storage drawers underneath. Inside each closet is a locker for each person in the room to store valuables, so bring a combination lock.
Can I decorate my apartment?
To an extent, yes. You can't put anything up that can/will damage the walls, that includes nails and sticker hooks. Each person is provided a cork board in the room that you can hang pictures off of. You cannot paint. You cannot have candles. You cannot decorate the outside of your apartment beyond a welcome mat. Also you are not allowed to have weapons, not even toy ones, like plastic swords and lightsabers.
How will they know if I put stuff on my walls?
At least every month you will have an apartment inspection, and they happen whether you're home or not. If the apartment does not pass, everyone is fined and a cleaning crew has to come in. This is also when they are making sure you do not have anything illegal in your apartment. Just follow the rules and you'll be okay.
Am I allowed to have alcohol in my apartment?
If you live in an over-21 apartment (non-wellness), yes, you may have alcohol in your apartment. If you are in an under-21 apartment (wellness) obviously you can't. If you are 21 and live in an under-21 wellness apartment you still cannot have any alcohol in the apartment.
Do I need to bring my car?
Techincally, no. Since all of these apartment complexes are outside of Disney property, they provide to busing to all Disney parks, hotels, and the Downtown Disney Area so you'll be able to get to work. There is also busing to the Florida Mall, as well as Walmart, Publix, and the post office. Like the apartments themselves, these buses are only available to CPs living in the Disney apartments. You will need your Housing ID to board.
The downside to taking the buses is that they are often late and because they must make so many stops, trips often take at least 20-40 minutes.
Having a car isn't necessary, but it's nice. You can go by your own schedule, not the buses, and you can go more places in general.
What if I don't like my roommates?
If it is to the point that you cannot stay there any longer, you can move. After so many weeks you can pay a fee and then move to another apartment as soon as one is available.
LEARNING
Do I have to take classes while I'm doing the DCP?
If you are at Disneyland, yes, it is required. If you are at Walt Disney World, no unless your college requires it for you to get credit. Credits from certain classes may or may not count towards your degree. These are things you should talk to your adviser about.
What kinds of classes are offered?
There are four types of classes offered: collegiate courses, seminar offerings, the Disney Exploration Series, and Professional Development Studies.
You can find the full list of all classes and their descriptions here.
Where are these classes?
They are held at either Disney University (there is a bus that can take you there), one of the housing complexes, or online. Classes are usually only one day a week for two or more hours and require you to pay for any necessary materials, such as books.
EARNING
The primary reason for the Disney College Program is for you to work! Sure, you get to meet awesome people and go to the parks for free, but you're there to do a job, one that is full-time.
How often do you really work?
Anywhere from 30 to 50+ hours. The latter will most likely occur during busy holidays, such as Christmas/New Years. You can work less if you choose to by giving away your shifts to other Cast Members or asking for time off, but I do not recommend doing this unless you need to have those days off. In QSFB, I usually worked about 38-42 hours a week.
How much do I get paid?
For the most part, Florida minimum wage. Anything above that is based on your role and location, but won't be a lot higher. If you work over 40 hours in a week or over 8 hours in a day you will receive overtime pay. However, CPs do not receive holiday pay.
When do I get paid?
Paychecks come out every Thursday. They reflect the work you did the previous Sunday - Saturday week.
Does Disney do direct deposit?
Yes! You set that up when you're emailed your new hire paperwork. If you don't set it up then you can do it at check-in
Can I get a raise?
If you extend (which is when you stay for another few months) you'll get a small raise. You also get one if you've been working there for over the end of a calendar year.
Okay, well, what about cash tips?
The only CP roles that accept tips are Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique fairy godmothers in training and Pirate Masters at the Pirates League. If you are at another position and a guest offers you a cash tip you must refuse it. Note: American CPs are not placed in tipped waiter/waitress roles in Full Service restaurants.
What other roles are there?
I've listed them here, along with a quick description.
Can I choose my role?
On the DCP application you indicate interest levels (ranging from High to Moderate to Low) and then further reiterate them during your phone interview. However, the final decision is made by Disney and it cannot be changed once an offer is made.
* The only ways a role change can be made are if you have a medical issue that prevents you from doing that job, you were issued a background check in which a felony or misdemeanor arose and they had to change your role, or sometimes (very rarely) if your top choice has available spots Disney might switch you to that, but this would come from a phone call from Disney.
Do I get to take my full paycheck home?
Since Florida does not have state income tax, the only thing regularly taken out of your paycheck is rent for your apartment. But if you lose your nametag the cost for a new one is taken out of your paycheck, as are costuming penalty fees.
PERKS
Because you put in so much hard work with the Company, you do get some nice perks. They include:
- Free admission into the theme parks
- A merchandise discount (varies during the year, but is the most from November to February)
- A discount on Full Service restaurants
- Discounts on Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
- Discounts on park tickets and hotels
- Maingate passes, which allow you to bring in three people into the parks for free on six separate days
- Access to Disney networking events
- Really cool Disney CP Housing events that feature catered food, a DJ, and characters
- If you do the Fall / Fall Advantage program, a huge winter formal dance; If you do the Spring / Spring Advantage program, a pirate party at Typhoon Lagoon complete with fireworks.
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