https://jobs.disneycareers.com/professional-internships

The Walt Disney Company

Restaurant Manager Intern

January - July 2019 • Kissimmee, FL

What I liked

Absolutely nothing. It was terrible.

What I wish was different

Less hours, better employees, better location.

Advice

Don’t work for this company, they’re horrible.
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Hostess

May - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

It was a fascinating new job to learn the ins and outs of one of the most successful businesses out there. I was working as a hostess at one of the "signature dining" or high-end restaurants and it was so much fun to learn about different foods and cultures that the food was inspired by.

What I wish was different

I wish that the hourly wage was a bit higher, considering housing in Florida is not cheap, but it was doable.

Advice

Soak it up and really participate. There are parties that the company hosts to get Cast Members involved. Network with those around you, and meet new people. I met so many that truly have a special place in my heart because of our time there.
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Cast Member

January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I liked everything about it! The structure was great and Walt Disney World treated their cast members wonderfully.

What I wish was different

I wish the pay would have been higher.

Advice

I’d recommend everyone do the Disney College Program, it was a wonderful and life-changing experience.
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Cashier

July 2019 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

It was great being able to have a guaranteed job and the ability to come back to my job each season when I returned home.
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Cast Member

August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved being able to fulfill a childhood dream of working at Disney.

What I wish was different

I wish I had a different role in the company.

Advice

Make sure you find people that support you before you leave for Florida because you will need that support system as you’re working. Also don’t build up the experience in your mind before you get there. Be excited and ready but don’t have an idea about what it’s gonna be.
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Costume Attendant

September 2015 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I enjoy the job itself, working backstage at disney with very unique experiences.

What I wish was different

I do wish the opportunity to grow within the company was greater.

Advice

I would advise getting familiar with your cast and leadership and being vocal about what locations/ oppurtunities you want to venture out into!
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Front Desk Receptionist

January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I liked the opportunity that I had to meet and interact with guests from all walks of life. It was a great experience having to get to know each one of the guests that I checked in, personally and to greet them by name whenever I see them around the hotel. My colleagues became friends then they became my family, there were things that I would've done for them in an instant, just because they were fun to hang out with and they radiated the "Aloha and Disney Spirit" with enthusiasm and class. I learnt a lot from them and continue to communicate with them until this day.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had the opportunity to extend my internship to a few more months. To leave the Disney Polynesian Village Resort was heartbreaking and sad, there never has a day gone by where I do not think of the people that I served with and the people that I served.

Advice

One piece of advice that I would share with those college program students who are planning to do their internship or are preparing to leave for their internship, is to make every day count. Enjoy the place, the people and the culture. Never waste any minute of your time at Disney moping around at home or sleeping. Take advantage of the parks and free rides. Go out make friends and leave the world better than you found it. :)
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Cast Member

January 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Doing the Disney College Program was an incredible experience and blessing. What a thrill to live and work at Walt Disney World (being paid, mind you) for a semester at college. The friends made, the experiences had, the company I worked for -- it was all an awesome ride. In fact, I'm still employed by Disney to this day!

What I wish was different

I wish I knew more of what Disney offers their Veteran cast members. Being a military veteran myself, Disney treats their vets well. I wish I knew that in advance.

Advice

Do the Disney College Program! Regardless of your major, work experience, home life -- this company was a blast to be a part of. It's worth the time and the effort, and has drastically changed my college experience at UNCW.
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Attractions/Operations

June 2019 • Bay Lake, FL

What I liked

I love having fun while doing a job at the same time

What I wish was different

Don’t spend too much money on things I don’t need

Advice

Do everything you possibly can that is offered by the company such as classes and events that are offered
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Customer Service Representative Intern

January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

It seems like a risk, but it will be the best decision of your life. There’s nothing like this experience!
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Disney College Program

January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

The company was incredible to work for. I had great leadership that showed me the day to day operations of this huge company. I was taught many skills during my internship. I also made amazing relationships with people all over the world, whom I am still in contact with now. It truly was an incredible experience I would recommend to anyone.

What I wish was different

My role for the company was quick service food and beverage. I was put in the kitchen and, even though I had the greatest time, it really has nothing to do with what I want to do in the future.

Advice

If you choose this program, take advantage of everything Disney offers. You can move up fairly quick in the company.
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Front Desk Cast Member

January - August 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL

What I liked

I loved the guest interaction from visitors all over the world. It was very special to be able to create magical moments for all ages. I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes access that comes with being a Cast Member. Seeing in-depth ride operations, character dressing rooms, and being apart of such a caring team was definitely something I'll always remember.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to stay longer to try for different job opportunities. Many friends that I had made while down in Florida ended up staying to continue their career path. I returned back to New York to finish my degree.

Advice

Go into it with an open mind. Working for such a prestigious company comes with so many challenges and will push you out of your comfort zone. It's one of the greatest experiences I believe one can have, and you will gain so many skills and wonderful memories.
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Disney College Program

January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

training process, benefits of working for the company (free admission), learning backstage magic, basically everything other than the pay

What I wish was different

More compensation, school credit

Advice

Keep an open mind about your role
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Disney College Program

January - November 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I really liked working for a large company in a different state. Most of the people I worked with were really friendly and helpful too. You meet a lot of different types of people while working at Disney World.

What I wish was different

Management is constantly changing and there's no stability in that aspect. Plus, some of the managers were questionable in their practices and power-hungry.

Advice

Go in with an open mind. There's so much to do during the program and so many people to meet. Don't go in with an agenda, whether it be partying, park hopping, professional development, etc. Try everything that Disney provides you with.
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Attractions Cast Member

May 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

You interact with guest from all over the world and you have access to all of the disney perks along with other perks.

What I wish was different

Nothing.

Advice

To really think about what you would be happy about doing before applying.
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Full Service Food and Beverage Seater

January - July 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL

What I liked

Meeting people from all over the world, providing world class guest service, working in “the most magical place on earth,” my managers, all the different things I got to do with my roles

What I wish was different

More room for advancement, higher wage, more hours weekly

Advice

It is an absolutely wonderful and once in a lifetime experience filled with hard work, fun, and the best experience you can get in a hospitality internship in my opinion.
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Quick Service Food and Beverage

August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

The Disney College Program offered a unique experience to get a look inside the Walt Disney Company. This internship allowed me to figure out through personal experience and talking to other participants for where I want to end up within the company once I graduate.

What I wish was different

I wish there would have been an opportunity to change roles halfway through my program. As much as I loved working QSFB, getting the opportunity to work within another line of business would have given a more broad experience.

Advice

The one piece of advice I can give is to just go for it. The DCP is an unforgettable experience which not only challenges you to be better than you were the day before but to become a better person in the end.
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CP Houseperson

January - August 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL

What I liked

I loved the job, the team I worked with, and the company.

What I wish was different

I wish I had the opportunity to try different roles throughout my college program

Advice

If you don’t want to do a job don’t say you will do it. If you have no interest in a role and say you have even slight interest you might get that role and it is difficult or even impossible to switch roles.
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Assistant housekeeping manager

January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Working for the Walt Disney company and meeting all sorts of different people

What I wish was different

The organization at times could have been better. But it was a beautiful hot mess

Advice

Do it.
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Disney. College program

January - May 2017 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Working with people from all over the world. My job experience.

What I wish was different

The bus system. More benefits

Advice

It is a great experience to connect with people and to network
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