Disney College Program Will Not Resume “Anytime Soon”, According to Union Leader

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.

©Disney

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.”

©Disney

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.

Disney College 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.

Disney Cast Members

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.

Germany Cast Members
International Cast Members at Germany Pavilion 

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!

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6 Replies to “Disney College Program Will Not Resume “Anytime Soon”, According to Union Leader”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.