Applying for the Disney College Program

[justpeachy93]

Howdy!
I'm going to be applying for the DCP in September/October for the Spring 2015! I was just wondering what the chances are for me to get in, and if I should put all my eggs in one basket. I am a 20 year old Tourism Management Major with a business minor about to start my junior year of college. Do they look at things like age and what year of college you are in? If so what do they look for the most? I consider myself a very outgoing person and I have been to Disney so many times I've lost count! Working for this company means the world to me and I would love to see if I have a decent chance...
Thanks and Gig Em!

 

[BobbyT]

Honestly, unless someone on this board works for DCP recruitment, there is no way of knowing what they look for in applicants. Obviously you go through applications and interviews, but in the end they pick what seems to be a random group of people. In my experience i met people in the program age 18 all the way to 65. I really feel like its a random selection because in my experience there were plenty of times where I thought to myself "how the hell did this person even get accepted?" and friends of mine who applied were more than "qualified" didn't even get through to the phone interviews. So I truly believe that it's random. And when i see questions like this i just laugh (not at you/the asker) because there really is no way of knowing what they look for. You'd think they'd look for standard job qualifications like previous work experience, for example but I met at least 5 people who's first job was DCP. You'd think they'd check references, but do you honestly think they check the references of 70,000+ people? No way.

But there is one thing i know for sure. At my housing meeting last year they told my group that the acceptance rate for DCP is less than 10%, and we were extremely lucky to be there. They receive upwards of 70,000 submissions every application period and they accept around 7,000. So there you go, at least you have some idea of how hard it is to get accepted.

sorry if i seem blunt, I'm just trying to be as honest as possible and not sugarcoat it

 

[bethp1968]

My DD did not get accepted on her first try, but did get accepted on her 2nd try for Spring Advantage 2014. Don't be surprised if you don't get accepted the first time around. There does not seem to be any reasons that individuals are accepted or not accepted. Some never even get past the initial online application and are rejected immediately.

 

[I Am What I Am]

I was accepted on my fourth try for Fall 2014



Only thing I can say is that if you make it to the phone interview, make sure to be yourself and smile.

 

[awilliams1109]

I would sign up for emails now regarding the disney college program so, you can apply as soon the applications come out! Disney just wants honest, very friendly, and hard working employees The Disney college program application process is different for everyone. Some people get their web based interviews hours after filling out an application, some get it a few days later.
Just don't wait until the very last moment to apply, I have noticed the later you wait; it's harder to make onto the web based interview or the phone interview. They even said this on the disney college program/internship website.

I'm part of 2014 disney college program/cast member and this semester they only accepted 3,500 people.

 

[ArielLunchBox]

I have no authority to speak for Disney, but in my opinion: While your background and major may help you, I think Disney is looking more for "fit" than anything -- which is the same as most other companies. Do you fit their goals, their values, their vision? Outgoing isn't enough -- do you exemplify their legendary service?

The interview is SUPER important. You want to convey your excitement and your personality. I'd say the interview tends to be one of the most important elements of getting into the college program.

BUT there are also other VERY important elements like:

- Applying EARLY: It is a rolling program; more slots are open at the beginning (and more diversity of roles are available earlier in the season). (Get all of your necessary paperwork from your school and fees together so you can be one of the first to apply.)

- Which roles you choose: by nature, there are some roles that are more plentiful than others. Because there are roles that are considered less "desirable" by the people applying (not by Disney, of course), you have better chances if you agree to do those roles. HOWEVER, know that if you say you are willing to do QSFB or custodial or housekeeping, you will PROBABLY get them (because there's a high demand for these roles in the park but not necessarily a high supply of people to do them). So, you really have to weigh how much you want to be there and what you are really willing to do for 5-8 months. Don't say you'll do something you won't just to get in, don't be afraid to be HONEST about which roles you want, but also keep in mind that most people want Character Performer or Attractions, etc. Which makes them competitive.

(Also, sometimes people say they are "willing" to do those roles but rank them last; depending on what is available, last may not ultimately matter. Anything you say you are willing to do, treat it as a chance of you getting that role regardless of the ordering on your application.)

LONG STORY SHORT: Each role is not equally competitive.

I'd say: keep researching the program (and outside of things like Facebook). There's a ton of information online about interviews, about the roles, about people's experiences. Learn about those and get acquainted with what working at the parks would be like. Then, if it still feels like a great fit, bring your great personality and enthusiasm to the interview. Bring your passion, your knowledge, and your awe. And if the fit and timing and roles are right, I don't see how you could go wrong.

 

[awilliams1109]

I agree that the phone interview is the most important part of applying for disney college program. You want to discuss your strong skills, work experience, and what roles you really want.

Also keep in mind that everyone's phone interview is different. Some last 10 minutes and some last 30 minutes.

Even the phone interview is done through the phone, I actually got dressed and did the interview in front of a mirror. Honestly, it felt like I was talking to a long lost friend that I wanted to impress.

 

[justpeachy93]

Thank you guys so much for your advice and words of encouragement!!! I have a couple more questions!
I go to Texas A&M, and we actually have a way to do the DCP through my school, do you think that gives better chances because they work through A&M?
Also, do they accept letters of recommendations?

You guys are amazing!!

 

[awilliams1109]

Your welcome! I don't think they accept letters of recommendations. Also, to be clear many people do get accepted on their first time applying. I have been accepted on my first time applying.

 

[Melissy]

Wow,they accept applicants who are 65? Maybe I still have a chance, LOL.

 

[::Snow_White::]

Thank you guys so much for your advice and words of encouragement!!! I have a couple more questions!
I go to Texas A&M, and we actually have a way to do the DCP through my school, do you think that gives better chances because they work through A&M?
Also, do they accept letters of recommendations?

You guys are amazing!!

I don't think the school really matters when it comes to the CP. My university had no ties to Disney whatsoever and have had maybe 3 CPers in the last 10 years. It'll make it easier to work with your school but I don't think it'll make you any more hireable for the CP.

I do not believe they accept recommendations. You can submit a resume but it's optional. I did not.

Good luck!