Benefits to the Disney College Program are the experience you gain and the earned ability to place the internship on your resume. Admission to the parks is another benefit I greatly enjoy, as well as Cast discounts and events. While I agreed to a starting pay of $14 an hour, I was bumped up to $14.70/hr. I also opted into program housing at Flamingo Crossings Village. I was placed in a 2x2 floor plan apartment, and rent is $185 taken out of my paycheck every Monday. Opportunities within the program include exclusive seminars, events and tours for program participants and incredible chances to network within the company. Notable backstage tours I have been able to do include a behind the scenes look at Pandora, the world of Avatar and the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I have also been able to meet four past Walt Disney World park vice presidents and the 2022-2023 Walt Disney World Ambassadors.
Halloween, 2003
Achievements
Experiencing my Disney College Program, I feel that I have gained more knowledge and insight into working in a resort setting, and feel that I've developed new skills that extend beyond my position as a front desk agent. I learned to navigate new software and have a better idea of how/when to practice guest service recovery. I can also say that I have learned and continue to learn so much about the Walt Disney World Resort. I feel that I've had the ability to apply what I've learned in RPTS to my internship, and combined with what I gain from my college program, I strongly believe I will refer back to my experience as a participant in future endeavors. A personal achievement, I have also fulfilled my lifelong dream of working for Disney, specifically at Disney World!