Recently, we learned that Disney World will begin to call back Cast Members in the coming weeks ahead of several Disney Vacation Club Resorts reopening on June 22nd. This will be the first time that these Cast Members have been able to return to work since they were furloughed after the resort closed in mid-March.
Eric Clinton, the leader of the union Local 362, mentioned that while many Cast Members will be returning to work soon, other positions will not be filled for a considerable amount of time.
In an Orlando Sentinel article, Clinton noted that Disney will not be bringing back the Disney College Program immediately upon reopening. Clinton commented that “If anyone thinks that college program workers are coming back anytime soon, they are mistaken.”
The Disney College Program brings thousands of college students from around the country and even the globe to Disney World each semester to work in the theme parks. Many of these students are also able to earn college credit while in the program.
Most of the students in the Disney College Program work in frontline positions in the theme parks, including attractions, retail, and food & beverage. Many go on to participate in Professional Internship programs with Disney.
We have also noticed that Disney may be looking to bring back International Cast Members soon, many of whom are given jobs in their “home” Pavilion in World Showcase. Disney’s career website is currently posting jobs for Representatives for Mexico, Germany, and Norway.
The Disney College Program represents a significant portion of Cast Members across all four theme parks as well as the resorts, and it will be interesting to see how this impacts the Guest experience when the parks reopen.
Have you or someone you know participated in the Disney College Program? Let us know in the comments!
Want to learn more about the Reopened Disney World?
- We’re Answering Your BIGGEST Questions About the Reopened Disney World!
- We Went to Magic Kingdom for Disney World’s Reopening — Here’s What You Need to Know!
- Everything You Need To Know About the Reopening of EPCOT!
- We Went to the Reopening of Disney's Animal Kingdom -- Here's What It Was Like!
- We Went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Its Reopening Day -- Here's What You Need to Know
- Here Are ALL the Changes and Cancellations That Disney World Just Implemented for Their Reopening!
- Everything You Need to Know About Disney World's Face Mask Policy
- Everything You Need to Know from Disney World's Reopening!
- We’re Answering Your BIGGEST Questions About Disney World’s New Disney Park Pass Reservation System!
- The Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Relaxation Stations
- 6 Tips You Aren’t Thinking of for Your 2020 Disney World Trip
- Tips to Remember When Wearing a Face Mask in Disney World
- Here’s What It’s Like to Wear a Disney Face Mask All Day Long in Disney World!
- What You Need to Know About the Transportation Options at a Reopened Disney World
My boyfriend was supposed to start this August. Any guesses on if this will hold or not?
The total number of DCP participants per program is a much lower percentage than people think. They only make up about 4% of the workforce. It’s also worthwhile to note that Seasonal CMs aren’t being recalled to begin with either, but is another resource than can be utilized if the need arises for more help. The guest experience is not going to be impacted by not having DCP in place upon reopening.
My daughter is supposed to start DCP this August.
Mine too! We are looking to hear something offical to help us plan accordingly.
My daughter was in the DCP this Spring until it was cut short. Not surprised if the DCP doesn’t come back immediately, but we certainly hope it’s not gone permanently.
As a former CP (Fall 2000) this is very sad. 🙁