My Disney College Program was hands-down one of the best experiences of my life. So many incredible memories, lessons, and friends have come from it and it's hard to think where I'd be or what I'd be doing if I hadn't pursued that dream. So if you're thinking about doing the Disney College Program, do it.

The Disney College Program (DCP) is a highly polarizing experience that participants generally either love or find incredibly grueling. On the "Pro" side, many students value the program for the unmatched networking opportunities, the "magic" of working behind the scenes, and the lifelong friendships made in the "Flamingo Crossings" housing complex. It is a prestigious addition to a resume, showing that the individual can handle high-pressure, customer-facing roles for a global leader in hospitality. On the "Con" side, many 2026 reviews highlight the low pay, long 50+ hour work weeks, and the physical toll of working outdoors in the Florida heat. Participants often function as "entry-level" labor, performing tasks like sweeping, operating rides, or working in quick-service food, which can feel less like a "career internship" and more like a service job. Ultimately, the program is a "rite of passage" for Disney fans; those who enter with realistic expectations of hard work and a desire for social connection usually find it a life-changing positive experience, while those expecting a "paid vacation" often end up disappointed.