The Disney College Program – Questions Answered

Disney World is often regarded as the happiest place on Earth, but is working there all magical?

Anna Beck, Managing Editor, Reflector
October 14, 2022

I did the DCP in Spring 2022, and since applications are open now for college students looking to escape for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, I thought I answer some common questions about the Disney College Program.

What will you be doing?

As of right now, once you have applied and been accepted into the program, the role that you are given is completely random. This caused a lot of controversy and disappointment during my program, as you could not rank what roles you wanted and did not want. Someone with experience and preference for an Attraction role might be placed in a Custodial position.

Being given a role you did not want does not mean your program will be terrible. I was placed in Quick Service Food and Beverage and I worked at the All Star Movies Food Court. This was not my first choice of roles, (my dream being a Jungle Cruise Skipper), but the friends and coworkers I had there made the experience enjoyable.

Where will you be living?

Participants of the Disney College Program have the option to opt-in to Program housing or find their own place to live. I chose to live at the DCP-provided housing, so I do not have any insight into what it’s like to live elsewhere.

Flamingo Crossings Village is where participants of the DCP will stay if they choose to live in program housing. This is basically a glorified apartment complex, complete with 2 swimming pools, a gym, basketball court, volleyball court, and community center. Residents will be assigned to either a 2×2, 4×2, or 4×4 apartment, with 2×2 being that you share a room and a bathroom with someone, 4×2 being that you have your own bedroom but share a bathroom, and 4×4 being that you have your own of both.

Flamingo Crossings Village has buses that go to all work locations, as well as the Target. Parking is limited, and some residents will not receive a parking pass, so the buses are a necessity when you cannot bring your car with you to the program.

Will I Make A Lot of Money?

To be frank, no, you will not make a lot of money on this program. Rent is taken out of your paycheck weekly, and most people spend the remainder of their paycheck on groceries, buying merchandise and food at the parks, or at Universal Studios. (Yes, you qualify for a Florida Resident Annual Pass at Universal Studios with your DCP Housing Address).

Now, that is not to say that you cannot be frugal and save money, just most people tend to spend it.