How long do you have to wait to reapply for the Disney College Program?

Disney's Participation Requirements Meet your college's academic requirements. Former DCP participants must wait four months after their last departure date before applying.



In 2026, the waiting period to reapply for the Disney College Program (DCP) depends on why you are reapplying. If your application was "NLIC'd" (No Longer in Consideration) during the current season, you must wait until the next application cycle opens, which is typically about six months later (e.g., if you were rejected for the Fall season, you can apply for the Spring). If you have completed a program and want to do another one, you can apply as soon as the next season's window opens, but you cannot spend more than one year consecutively in the program. For 2026 applicants, the most critical "pro-tip" is to ensure you still meet the eligibility requirements: you must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or have graduated within the last 24 months. If you were terminated or left a previous program on bad terms ("No Rehire" status), you may have to wait indefinitely until your record is cleared by Disney's HR department.

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With thousands of eager students applying to the program every year, the competition is fierce. The Disney College Program acceptance rate currently rests at about 20%. The good news is that students who are rejected are always welcome to try again when the next round of applications opens up.

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Acceptance waves are the days (typically once a week) that another round of applicants get accepted into the program. A few people get accepted outside of these “waves,” but for the most part acceptances will roll out several at a time once or twice a week.

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Students who are registered for a single class must successfully complete that class to remain eligible. All students must have completed 12 credit hours and maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA. These credentials must be fulfilled by the conclusion of the semester that precedes the DCP internship.

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Disney College Program has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, based on over 361 reviews left anonymously by employees. 81% of employees would recommend working at Disney College Program to a friend and 13% have a positive outlook for the business. This rating has decreased by -5% over the last 12 months.

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The program is aimed towards that 'average' college age, 18-23, but non-traditional students are welcome to apply and do get accepted!

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Everyone that leaves the company is given a rehire status that is then checked in the event you apply for a position in the future.

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Even if you avoided becoming an internet laughingstock, you are forced to deal with some repercussions of your actions, which in this case, includes a lifetime ban from Disney Properties.

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Laid off or downsized employees who are rehired are often fully reinstated with their seniority and benefits, including PTO eligibility. They can continue as though they never left. For some, employees who were on the job for less than 6 months (or a year) are considered “new hires” if brought back to the organization.

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After leaving the program, participants are invited to join the Alumni Association and receive special information and items. If your child has not received this invitation, they may sign up here. They are also invited to apply for Alumni-Only Disney Professional Internships and other roles within the organization.

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Program participants get free admission to the parks. After working 150 hours, they earn One-Day Park Hopper tickets to share with friends and family. Students will spend every working hour at Disney parks and resorts. Many of them will even live in Disney housing.

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Participants may work indoors and outdoors at the theme parks, Disney Springs, water parks, and/or resorts. They will earn an hourly rate based on their specific role. Beginning June 2023 Disney College Program Interns will earn $16.00 per hour.

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Additionally, it is important to consider the Disney College Program has five different types of seasons:
  • Spring: January-May.
  • Spring Advantage: January-August.
  • Late Spring: March-August.
  • Fall Advantage: May-January.
  • Fall: August-January.


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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 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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Credit is earned primarily for the work experience. There are no Central Michigan University classes that you attend while participating in the Disney College Program. Each student earns credit for the entire Disney College Program experience at Disney, which include work, education, and living components.

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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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After working 150 hours, you'll be mailed the first set of 3 One Day Park Hopper Disney Guest Passes to use to get friends and family into the Parks for free!

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Once housekeepers “earn their ears” and complete their training period, they are officially welcomed into their new role with a Housekeeping Graduation Ceremony! Unique to Disney, these ceremonies commemorate cast members' end-of-training milestone with a big celebration.

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