In the wake of the Disney parks closures, the College Program Cast Members were sent home in March in the interest of safety.
Today, Disney announced that all Disney Internships & Programs for Disney World and Disneyland are being suspended effective April 18th, and that participants will not be welcomed through early June.
With the recent furlough of “non-essential” Disney employees and uncertainty about when the parks reopen, it is just the next step Disney has taken in managing their workforce during these closures. According to the statement by Disney, future Disney Internships & Program participants who were due to arrive through “early June” will not be welcomed. These participants will have their program fees waived.
Additionally, participants in the Cultural Representative Program are set to return home by April 17th. Disney is working with Representatives on a case-by-case basis to help with travel arrangements. Cultural Representatives will continue to be paid through April 18th and will receive a lump sum payment on April 9th. All Disney Program housing deductions will be waived immediately.
Disney reminds participants that these decisions were not made lightly and that they would like to see them back to experience Disney Programs in the future. Cultural Representatives will be invited back to finish their programs and all programs — including the College Program — will receive amended eligibility requirements so that those who have already been accepted can reapply even if they have already graduated.
We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you updated on the suspension.
Want to learn more about the Disney Parks closures?
- The Disney Parks Closures: Here's Everything We Know
- Here's Everything That Disney World is Refunding Due to the Temporary Closure
- Here's Everything That Disneyland is Refunding Due to the Temporary Closures
- Here's Everything That the Disney Cruise Line is Refunding Due to Suspended Itineraries
- Should I Cancel My Disney Trip? Taking a Closer Look at Our Most FAQ
- Flattening the Curve: Why Disney is Closing Everything
- All the Times That Disney World and Disneyland Have Closed Throughout History
My daughter was accepted in the college program for August-January. Is there any word that this group of students will be pushed to another semester to accommodate the summer group to allow them to have their opportunity? I feel terrible for the college kids who are losing their chance at such a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime internship.
If a student was to arrive in May for the internship can they come at a later date?