How do I prepare for Disney College Program?

Best Tips and Advice
  1. Be yourself ALWAYS. ...
  2. Remember the 5 Keys and keywords like “guest,” “service,” and “experience.”
  3. Don't be shy! ...
  4. Do your research and come prepared. ...
  5. Be consistent in your WBI answers. ...
  6. Call the interviewer by their name during the interview and even ask about their experience working for Disney.




Preparing for the Disney College Program (DCP) requires a mix of academic eligibility, professional polish, and "Disney spirit." First, ensure you are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and have completed at least one semester. In 2026, the application process begins with a web-based interview (WBI), which uses personality-style questions to assess if you are a good fit for Disney's service culture. To prepare, practice "consistently" answering questions that focus on safety, courtesy, and guest service. If you pass the WBI, you may move to a phone interview; for this, it is vital to research the various roles (such as Custodial, Attractions, or Quick-Service Food) and be able to articulate why you are flexible and excited about any of them. For those interested in "Character Performer" roles, you must also prepare for an in-person audition, which involves learning a simple dance routine. Beyond the interview, start saving money for your initial housing fees and research the Flamingo Crossings Village complex where you will likely live. Showing a high level of enthusiasm, punctuality, and a clean "Disney Look" (professional grooming) throughout the process is key to a successful application.

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Application: Do's and Don'ts Do: Add any experience you feel is relevant. This includes any volunteer work, babysitting, internships, and foreign languages you study. Disney values experience with languages, children, and customer service. Don't: Lie about experiences you do not have on your application.

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The Ultimate DCP Packing List
  • Sun dress.
  • Nicer dress (for holidays/special occasions)
  • 3 going out tops.
  • 3 T-shirts.
  • 3 long sleeve shirts.
  • Sweatshirt.
  • All Disney shirts/race shirts.
  • 7 sports bras.


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Application: Do's and Don'ts This includes any volunteer work, babysitting, internships, and foreign languages you study. Disney values experience with languages, children, and customer service. Don't: Lie about experiences you do not have on your application. It will burn you later.

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Practice. Give yourself some practice through a mock interview with a friend, parent, yourself in a mirror, or possibly best of all, career services. Many college and university career services departments offer interview preparation services. Check if your school offers something to help you prepare.

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Some rooms have bunk beds and each apartment has a full kitchen. If you don't already know how to cook, it would be a good idea to learn before you arrive. Unlike college, the DCP does not offer meal plans and eating out will get very expensive.

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No, you will not need a car while participating in the Disney College Program, but you may find it helpful to have your own car.

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The Disney College Program offers students a combination of on-the-job experience, college coursework, and immersion. In most cases, you'll have the chance to interact with individuals from around the world, reside in company-sponsored housing, and engage in paid internships at Disney theme parks and resorts.

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Having graduated outside of the eligibility window. Not being able to provide unrestricted work authorization in the United States, if required (usually for international students who are studying outside of the United States) Not meeting a minimum requirement as stated in the job description.

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Disney College Program Housing Students who become part of the program can choose to live in Disney-owned housing complexes near the resorts, with rent payments taken directly from the students' pay for working at the parks.

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The Disney College program stands out by offering a starting pay rate of $16 per hour, which is slightly more than the average college worker is used to.

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Participating in the Disney College Program and listing that experience on a resume is sure to get a potential employer's attention.

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You must book tickets as part of your vacation package to qualify for Free Dining. In the past, Disney has required 2 and, most recently, a 4-day minimum ticket and a 4-night minimum stay at a Disney World resort. Every Free Dining promotion is a little different, so be sure to check the details before you book.

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Make sure to highlight experience with working with people, particularly families and children, as well as experience in a fast-paced customer service environment. Develop your skills. The skills of a Disney cast member include guest service, customer service, safe environment, and communication.

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It is a paid internship and participants are guaranteed to be scheduled for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Pay is weekly and housing costs (rent) are deducted automatically from the weekly paycheck. CPs are eligible for overtime (1.5x after 8 hours in a shift or after 40 hours in a pay period.

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I also met some of the most amazing people on my program. The kind of people that you're friends with for the rest of your lives. If you are on the fence about applying or even looking into the program, I say take the leap. I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone to work for Disney and it changed my life forever.

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