Disney College Program returning to Walt Disney World Resort this June

May 03, 2021 in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Posted: Monday May 3, 2021 2:03pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has today announced that the Disney College Program will be returning to the Walt Disney World Resort in June 2021.

Disney is preparing for its 50th anniversary in October

On the official website, Disney said, "As our industry and community continue to bounce back, we have welcomed back thousands of cast members to work and have also restarted our recruitment efforts amid a tight labor market at Walt Disney World. Both of these measures are important indicators toward fully reopening our businesses and getting more people back to work. Right now, we are also ready to welcome back students and are excited to announce the relaunch of the Disney College Program this June. We are inviting participants whose program ended early or was suspended in 2020 to reapply and join us. Today, May 3, these participants will receive exclusive communication via email about this exciting opportunity.

Disney has also today commented on other programs, including the International Program, "Right now, we’re focused on bringing the Disney College Program back to Walt Disney World Resort and will have more to share about Disney International Programs, Disney Culinary Program, and those at Disneyland® Resort later."

Disney sent its vast workforce of College Program Cast Members home on March 18 2020 as the pandemic began to impact the world. The Disney College Program, Disney Culinary Program, Disney Cultural Exchange Program and Disney Academic Exchange Program were suspended from March 16.

The temporary suspension was then extended in July 2020 to "until further notice."

In 2020, Walt Disney World's College Program comprised of more than 5500 Cast Members deployed to a variety of roles from attraction hosts to character performers.

Flamingo Crossings Village apartments

The new Disney College Program participants will also be among the first to stay at the new Flamingo Crossings Village complex which was built to house Disney's college workforce.

Discuss on the Forums

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PiebaldApr 07, 2023

I was paid $15 in 2003 to work at a little theme park/museum in South Florida. It was like a miniature city for kids to roleplay jobs and careers. It was wild. 3 years later in college I worked at Disney making $7.25 lol

ToTBellHopApr 06, 2023

I also dressed up like a clown for kids’ birthday parties in college, but the parents didn’t pay because I just showed up without an invitation. This time of year was really special:

MagicHappens1971Apr 06, 2023

Oh gotcha, it's also no longer mandatory, you can live off campus if you choose.

CaptainAmericaApr 06, 2023

That's my point. In the past, people have alleged nefarious schemes that Disney was running some kind of scam by funneling CP paychecks back into their coffers through the mandatory CP housing program.

MagicHappens1971Apr 06, 2023

Disney doesn't run CP housing period. There's also no way American Campus isn't making a profit. the 2x2 Apartments have 4 people in them paying over 800/month. The 4x4 and 4x2s are nearly 1,000/a person.

CaptainAmericaApr 06, 2023

Disney also isn't running CP housing at a profit.

TouchdownApr 06, 2023

Assuming they work 40 hour weeks, they are still getting a raise. It only takes 50 hours to break even.

cranbizApr 06, 2023

CP's get $2 increase, CP housing goes up $100 per person.

MisterPenguinApr 06, 2023

If I got $16/hour in college I wouldn't have had to I told you it was censored! for a few extra bucks. Just kidding, I didn't need the money.

ToTBellHopApr 06, 2023

If I were paid $16/hr in college, I could’ve upgraded from Natty Light to Bud Light!

DCBakerApr 06, 2023

Beginning June 4, all Disney College Program participants will receive an hourly starting rate of $16 (an increase of $2/hr) - this applies to current and any future participants.

SirwalterraleighJan 09, 2023

I’m gonna use the force and predict 1900 park fare is open by 3/15 👍🏻

DCBakerJan 09, 2023

Character Performer Auditions return for the Disney College Program - details at the link below. https://sites.disney.com/lifeatdisney/disney-programs/2023/01/09/character-performer-auditions-return-for-the-disney-college-program/