How much do you get paid at the Disney College Program?

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.



For the 2026 term, participants in the Disney College Program (DCP) at Walt Disney World typically earn an hourly wage of approximately $16.00 to $18.00, depending on their specific role and the current Florida minimum wage adjustments. While the national "average" listed on some career sites might be higher due to specialized internships, the standard frontline roles (such as Attractions, Quick Service Food & Beverage, or Custodial) fall into this range. It is important to note that a significant portion of this paycheck is automatically deducted for weekly housing costs, which range from $227 to $275 per week for a shared apartment at Flamingo Crossings Village. These costs include utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and transportation to the parks. After housing and taxes, most participants take home a modest "stipend" meant to cover groceries and personal expenses rather than significant savings. While the pay is competitive for entry-level hospitality work, most participants view the DCP primarily as a professional development experience and a "resume builder" rather than a high-paying job, as the true value lies in the networking, training, and exclusive "backstage" access granted to Disney Cast Members.

People Also Ask

100% of tuition paid up front. Required books and fees are reimbursed. With a broad network of schools and hundreds of programs to choose from, find the Disney Aspire opportunity that's right for you. Flexibility with online enrollment, online learning and a choice of schools and programs.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Tuition Assistance Includes Educational reimbursement and Disney Aspire, which pays 100% tuition upfront at network schools for full-time and part-time hourly employees.

MORE DETAILS

The Walt Disney World College Program is a national paid-internship program owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company, and it could be your ticket into a career at the Magic Kingdom.

MORE DETAILS

Will my cancellation affect my future with The Walt Disney Company? As long as you let us know ahead of time, we can cancel your program. You are welcome to apply for other positions within the company, including another Disney College Program (as long as you still meet eligibility requirements).

MORE DETAILS

The average salary for a Cast Member is $35,829 per year in United States, which is 12% higher than the average Disney Parks salary of $31,879 per year for this job. What is the salary trajectory of a Cast Member? The salary trajectory of a Cast Member ranges between locations and employers.

MORE DETAILS

Theme Park Experiences Complimentary theme park admission for full-time and part-time positions after two weeks of employment.

MORE DETAILS

Complimentary Tickets If you are at Walt Disney World Resort, you will have the opportunity to earn additional complimentary One-Day Park Hopper tickets so you can enjoy the parks with your family and friends, too. After working your first 150 hours, you'll earn your first set of complimentary tickets.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Flamingo Crossings Village | Disney College Program Housing.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Whether you purchased a Park Hopper ticket, single-day ticket, or multi-day ticket to Disneyland or a Disney World Park, you can always leave a Park and reenter. If you glimpse the Disney World map, you'll see how many miles you'll cover during a theme Park day. So, taking a break is a great idea.

MORE DETAILS

Getting a Disney job is no easy task. Working at Disney is a highly coveted job for the high-quality work experience and benefits, and the company's cast members (employees) are held to the highest standards of customer service and family entertainment.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS