It is Time: The DCP Spring 2017 Application

The applications for the Spring Disney College Program 2017 applications have dropped, and here is just a friendly reminder of a few helpful hints when applying. As well as other links as posted prior you may find useful during your application process.

Dashboard Stages
Submission: Application has been completed and sent to Casting
In Progress: (Self explanatory)
NLIC: No Longer in Consideration and it means you did not get the role
Interview Stage: Sometimes changes to this when you are given an interview offer
Offer Stage: Means you were emailed an offer
Post-Offer Stage: Means you accepted the offer

Stages of the CP process
WBI
Phone Interview


Walt Disney World  Roles
Attractions
Bell Services
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Boutique / Pirates League
Bus Greeter
Character Attendant
Character Performer *
Children’s Activities
Convention Guide
Costuming Operations
Custodial
Floral
Hopper
Housekeeping
Lifeguard
Merchandise
Monorail
PhotoPass Photographer
Quick-Service Food and Beverage 
Recreation attractions
Seater
Vacation Planner
Watercraft

Disneyland Roles
Attractions
Cast Costuming
Custodial
Custodial Busser
Disney Desk
Entertainment Costuming
Food Cart Cashier
Food & Beverage Quick Service Restaurant
Front Desk
Food Prep
Guest Services
Lifeguard
Park Greeter
Photopass Photographer
Quick-Service Food & Beverage Cashier
Retail Sales Clerk
Transportation and Parking
Vacation Planner

*These roles are all updated as of August 15,  2016 and are all on the Spring 2017 applications for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. 
**Roles that are italicized are considered high need roles 


Roles Advice

• Vacation Planner, Children's Activities, BBB/PL, Seater, and Convention Guide are very competitive roles as they take very few CPs. 
• Roles such as QSFB, Custodial, and Lifeguard, Housekeeping, and Attractions are going to be popular roles that take on a lot of CPs, so chances are if you choose one of those you will probably get it
• If you notice some of these roles are not offered at each park, so if you want to be a performer but want to do Disneyland that is not going to happen
• Concierge and Front Desk at WDW were pulled as of Fall 2016 it is unknown if they will return for Spring 2017
• Lifeguard, Attractions, Monorail, Transportation, Watercraft, Children's Activities, and Recreation are drug tested roles -anyone not in these roles is subject to random drug testing at check-in 

Tips & Tricks:

• When filling out the application make sure you are being detailed
• Especially during the previous role history section use quality over quantity
• If you lack previous job history experience use volunteer or internship experience as well
• Do not choose both WDW and DL if you only want to be considered for one over the other
• This is true especially if you want DL it is a smaller program, and you are more likely to be placed at WDW if you put both
• Do not choose both Advantage and regular if you only want to be considered for one over the other as again it won't hurt your chances
• Resumes are not needed for the Disney College Program application, so focus your time on the application itself
• Cover Letters are not needed for the Disney College Program application, and I suggest you do not write one
• Do practice some of the possible questions that will be on the phone screening as seen on this posting
• Use the STAR method as this is Disney (and most companies) preferred way of answering interview questions

• Keep in mind for Disneyland taking courses is required for the CP program while at Walt Disney World it is optional
• Keep in mind if you have applied before the Web Based Interview is valid for 6 months as a company policy, so if you failed within the last 6 months you will need to wait until it has expired
• Here is my blog posting about tips for the Web Based Interview
• A lot of candidates do not get chosen their first try, so if you get stuck in submission or are NLICed just try again.

Entertainment Auditions:

• Wear comfortable yet form fitting clothing
• Wear comfortable shoes (tennis shoes would be ideal)
• Do not Disney bound as the princess you want to be
• Keep in minds most princesses are friends with quite a few other characters including sometimes other princesses and fur
• Understand most candidates do not get it on the first, second, or even the third try -do not get discouraged sometimes its just Disney is only looking to fill certain roles
• Know going in majority of the roles are going to be for fur character meet and greets
• Very few will be chosen for face characters  meet and greets or parade performers
• Keep makeup to a minimal and as natural as possible if you choose to wear any
• Have your hair pulled back away from your face especially if you are aiming for face character as they are looking at your face shape
• Keep nails clean
• I would go with a neutral polish, or French tips (kept short)
• You do not need to know how to dance they will teach you a routine (it is very basic)
• Most of the CPs are chosen for fur over anything, so just be aware of that going in
• They are very strict about heights, and they will measure you before the audition
• The cattle call is the worst, and this is where about 80-90% off the candidates are cut out from the process.
• Keep in mind if you are chosen for fur entertainment does do specific auditions within their department for face typing.

Common Questions:

When will I get an email about the WBI?
Typically the first email is a thank you for applying, and that just means they received your application. The WBI invite will come later (if they send you one), and you will need to complete it within a certain time after receiving it.

What do they look for on the WBI?
Consistency! They will keep wording the same question in different ways trying to trick you into changing your answers, so always read the statement carefully before answering. As for strongly, agree/disagree, and neutral my method has always been (for the WBI at Disney and other employers)...

Strongly: occasionally
Agree/Disagree: often
Neutral: minimal

When do I find out if I passed the WBI?
Right after you take it you will read a statement that says basically you passed or you did not pass.

How long is the WBI good for?
6 months as a company policy is how long WBI stay in the system for

Does passing the WBI mean I will get a phone screen?
No, but it does mean you are more likely to be offered one

How long is the phone screen?
Expect it to be about 20-25 minutes

How long does the entire process take?
Depends on the specific candidate for some like myself the entire process took less than 72 hours from applying to getting an offer, while there are some who the process takes 3-4 months from applying to getting an offer.
Does applying at application drop mean I am more likely to be accepted?
Nope! Disney does not care when you applied they look for candidates who are a good fit for the company. So, if you don't apply at app drop it is fine you can still be accepted (I did not apply app drop).

Does when you apply determine the role you are given?
Nope applying in the beginning does not mean you are more likely to not be given QSFB for example, so apply whenever you feel like it.

How are roles determined?
Despite popular rumors of certain backgrounds are chosen for certain roles or locations it is really not the case Disney places people based on their needs as a business.

Can I change to something other than the role offered?
No, unless you have some dire medical need to change roles Disney will not adjust it -the offer is take it or leave it.

Can I change from Advantage to Non-Advantage?
No again the offer is take it or leave it there is no switching.

Is Disneyland different than WDW?
Yes, it is truly for starters location one is in California -which is much more expensive to live in than central Florida. I could do a very long list here, but one of the main difference is where CPs stand on the totem pole. If you notice Florida CPs are not apart of the unions, have no sick days, have no vacation days, and are interns in all sense of the word without seniority of any kind. In California however that is not the case CPs are considered casual regular and therefore receive sick days, and are able to build seniority as well however they also pay the union dues. Now I know you are all asking why the difference? California law ensures that CPs in Disneyland meet certain criteria, and Florida does not have such laws in place.


If you are interested in possible interview questions please check out this posting: Phone screening

Relax I know this process can be very long and drawn out, but Disney goes through this a lot -so calm down. Everyone in the end will find out their decision (unlike PIs -yup for another post though). For those who are accepted welcome to the Disney family, and for those who are not keep trying -Dreams come true remember? They just take time. Best of luck and pixie dust to everyone this application season.

As a note keep in mind if you are also applying for Professional Internships or Management Internships it is 100% fine. One process does not affect the other, and if by chance you receive a college program offer than a professional internship one later you are allowed to accept it without issue (it is considered a promotion).


*You will need to attend auditions in order to be considered for a character performer
**Concierge and Front Desk were pulled from the Fall 2016 rounds and Spring 2017, so accepted CPs were transferred to other roles.

Now Give Me the Secret of the FAQ

Here it is finally the shortened version of all the questions you want answered that is right –the FAQ post is here! For those that read the blog these will be some repeated questions I have already answered, but I figured it was time to do a cheat sheet for those to lazy to read the actual postings.

When do applications drop?
Spring: August/September
Fall: January/February
Summer DCP (Alumni): Sign up with the Disney Alumni Association for emails the app does not drop every year, and when it does the timing is not the same as the DCP regular Fall app.
Summer PI: Most will drop with Fall but some drop before so always check.

When do the programs begin?
Spring advantage: January/February through August
Spring: January through May
Spring PI: January through June
Fall advantage: May/June through January
Fall: August through September
Fall PI: June through January

What are the requirements to apply?
First and foremost always read the job description especially since they changed some requirements in the 2016 rounds. However, the basic requirements are as followed…
Enrolled in college/ or have graduated within the past 6 months
18 years of age and older
Eligible to work in the United States

I need to contact someone from recruiting, how do I do that?
Email PI: wdpr.professional.interns@disney.com
Email CP FL: wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com
Email CP DL: dlr.college.recruiting@disney.com
Phone Number for Casting California: (800) 766 - 0888
Phone Number for Casting Florida: (844) 559 – 2278

What do the stages of the dashboard mean?
Submission: Your application has been received
In Progress (IP): Someone from Casting has opened/reviewed your application
No Longer in Consideration (NLIC): Unfortunately your PI process is over for this application
Interview Stage (IS):  This appears two-four times once for the phone screening, again for the second interview, if the role requires it again for the third interview, and of course for the offer.
Post-Interview Stage: This only appears sometimes, but it comes after any interview.
Offer Stage: Congrats! It is finally over you have received the ‘brief phone call’ and have been given your written offer in email
Post-Offer Stage: The dashboard generally moves here when it is time to fill out employment information such as I-9’s and DORMS

Are interns hired on a rolling basis?
No, unlike other media companies, like Fox and Paramount, Disney does not hire interns on a rolling basis. They hire their interns in sections: Fall, Summer, Spring, so once an application closes it will not appear until the next round (exception of summer they only appear in Summer -although they have Fall/Spring equivalents). Keep in mind some internship applications only appear in certain sections for example there are some that only are available in Fall. 

I failed the Web Based Interview, now what?
Well sorry about failing the web-based interview (WBI), but really nothing comes after that since you will be NLICed. You are also not going to be able to apply for another DCP again for 6 months, so if you fail summer that means no fall applications.

Can I argue my NLIC status?
If you feel you were NLICed due to a technical problem such as entering your social security number wrong, answering you were not eligible for work in the United States, and similar application issues you can contact Casting to let them know about the mistake (this type of NLIC comes right after turning in the application). Now for candidates who did not have application errors, no you are unfortunately out of the running for this for whatever reason.

Why was I NLICed?
Again as stated above sometimes it is a legitimate technical problem, but for everyone else who did not have one it could be anything. Yes, I mean anything from answering a questionnaire problem wrong (this is not the same as technical problems) a prime example is if they ask for SAP experience, and you answer no –then you are probably going to be NLICed –this is just an example. As for applicants who made it past submission it could be a recruiter felt you did not meet the qualifications for the application you applied for, not answering the question fully during the phone screening, not being able to answer technical questions during the video interview, or simply losing the position to a stronger candidate. The list is long as for reasons they did not choose you, but hang in there almost no one gets an internship with Disney on their first try.

How long is the interview?
DCP Phone Screen: Expect it to last about 30 minutes
PI Phone Screen: Generally range from about 12-20 minutes
PI Second Video Interview/Panel/In-Person: Range from about 30-40 minutes
PI Offer: Expect it to be super brief generally about 5 minutes

How many interns are taken for (insert role)?
This really depends on the particular role, but here are some numbers from other interns.

Guest Relations: Generally around 30 interns*
Magic Kingdom: 10-15
Epcot: 5-7
Animal Kingdom: 2-3
Hollywood Studios: 4-5
Disney Springs: 4-6 interns

Management Interns: Generally around 120 interns*
Food & Beverage: Usually around 20
F&B Quick Service: 10-12
F&B Outdoor Vendor: 3-5
F&B Full-Service: 15-17
Merchandise: Usually around 15-25 interns
Park Operations: Generally around 20 interns
Attractions: 6-8
Custodial: 5-6
Entertainment: 6-8
Lodging: Generally around 15 interns
Recreation: 4-6
Housekeeping: 10-13
Front Desk: 10-14
Custodial: 5-6
Catering: 6-7
Culinary: 1-2
Transportation: 1-2
Animal Science/Environment: Generally around 3 interns
ESPN:  Generally 1 intern

Animal Science/Programs Interns*
Education presenter: Usually around 29 interns
Associate: Generally around 5 interns
Living Seas: 3
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 2
Chemistry: 3 interns

As for everyone else internship positions available truly vary some positions have only one role open while others have plenty of openings. (I will keep updating though as I find out how many interns each department has –if you know any not here please feel free to comment).

What factors do they look at for potential candidates?
For the DCP basically can you do a minimum wage job is what they are looking for, but for you PI/MI candidate it is not going to be that simple. Experience is basically what it comes down to what they are looking for, and I am not talking about maybe if you swing it right it could count as experience -actual experience. They are looking for a solid foundational understanding in the area you are applying, so for example if you are applying to finance yet you have never interned in finance chances are you are not going to get it. They want internships, volunteering, work, and classroom experience that stands out in your resume when you apply for an internship. Disney internships in general are very competitive, and the less experience you have the more likely you are hurting your chances of getting an offer. This means for you sophomores/juniors you are going to have to really show off your skills as you are competing with seniors, post-grads, and MBAs.

Are only undergraduates able to apply to the programs?
Nope! As stated above Disney allows MBA and other graduate students to apply for internships as well (unless stated on the actual application) this does not just include PIs and MIs they are also able to apply to the DCP as well.

How competitive are the Disney Internship Programs?
Very, very, very competitive very few are actually given offers on their first try most wind up applying 2-3 times before ever receiving an offer or coming close to one. There are thousands of applicants who want to work for Disney, and they have few positions to offer at their company. That means even if you go in felling 100% qualified you could still wind up empty handed, and it is not on you I want to make that 100% clear -sometimes you just lose to someone with more experience. There is not much you can do about it except try again (it took me 3 times to get my first offer), and keep building up that experience to help you in the future. I will also say if for some reason you do get an offer then decide to decline (as stated in a later question) it will not hurt your chances, but due to the competitive nature of these programs even if you apply to that exact same internship again there is no guarantee of an offer coming again.

Do I have to/should I write a cover letter?
This here is 100% straight forward, and I cannot stress this enough since it comes up a lot during the PI Twitter sessions. Cover letters are not required, and actually should not be written unless the job application says otherwise. It is not uncommon for it to not even have it be read by a recruiter, so spend more time on your resume then anything else.

I want to update my resume will a recruiter /hiring manager see it?
A little complex, but I will try to answer this the best that I can without confusing anyone. A recruiter can see everything on your dashboard, and that includes even things you deleted (found that out once when they found a super old resume). Now I will say I do not suggest editing your resume once you apply, since in theory it should be perfected before you apply. However, if you do I suggest doing it before the phone interview labeled as updated. Now I know why before the phone interview? Simply because the recruiter passes on your information to the hiring manager, and if you turn it in after there is a chance the hiring manager may never see the updated resume. Hiring managers typically only read the resume attached to the application unless Casting has been told otherwise, or of course you bring it for an in-person interview. 

Are all interviews conducted over the phone?
For the DCP yes all interviews are conducted over the phone -no exceptions, and for the PIs the initial phone screening is also conducted over the phone (as suggested by the name). The second/third interviews this is where it varies for the majority if you it will be a video or phone interview (some departments let you choose), but for some roles (MIs is typically the only role to always offer the option) you will also have the option to choose in-person for your second/third interview. This option will be available after you schedule the interview online a few days after scheduling you will be given a follow up email with the option to choose which method you prefer (i.e. in-person, phone, or video). 

Where should I send thank you cards, or should I send any?
Now I want to be clear sending or not sending a thank you card to Disney has no effect to whether or not you will receive an offer. Also I want to be clear even if you have access to the hub I always suggest sending to the general email (it can be found above) As for why I suggest the general email instead is because there are some recruiters with the same name. For example there is a Christina in California and in Florida who does PI interviews, and you would not want to send it to the wrong one. So, instead just send it to the general email, and let them forward it to who it needs to go to.  For those who are feeling a little more you can send it to a Casting address, but this is a little more difficult since you would need to know which Casting your particular recruiter is at. As for those who do in-person interviews you can always give them to the hiring managers after the interview, drop them off at Casting, or drop them off at Team Disney.

Does being an alumni of the DCP give me an advantage?
No, 100% no being an alumni of the Disney College Program does not give you an advantage over any candidate. The only difference between you and any other candidate who is not alumni is they cannot apply for alumni only internships. As for any advantage in other applications –no the Disney PI process is very different from the DCP. For the PI process they care more about relevant experience in your field then they do anything else, which includes past experience with Disney.

Are most applicants who are accepted alumni?
No, actually majority of the applicants who seem to be accepted have no previous experience with The Walt Disney Company.

During the application process do they check your social media?
Yes, they do recruiters will check LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and etc. I want to make one special note here about Facebook, since it seems a lot of applicants haven’t caught onto to it yet. On the Disney pages (yes even some PI, DCP, and def. the Alumni page) Disney Cast Members are on them, so be 100% careful about what you say they are there.

What does post-interview and interview stage mean? Is it a good sign?
Let me be 100% clear what your page says after the final interview whether it be post-interview or interview stage does not actually determine if an offer will come or not. Rather it is more of a sign did someone remember to change your dashboard (I know I hear it now -seriously?) Yes just because your dashboard goes into post-interview does not mean you will get an offer same for those who are stuck in interview stage. At this point do not overthink the dashboard, but instead focus on that brief phone call that will come that is the best sign of an offer -you know since that is the offer.

What is a drop-down? Is this a good sign?
A drop-down on the old dashboard was a literal drop-down now it looks a little more like the picture below. As for what is is a drop-down is a more specific role you are being considered for then the umbrella one you applied for -typically alumni-only get drop-downs. So for example if you applied for alumni-only operations then you could get Magic Kingdom Project Support as a possible drop-down. The drop-down is a still in the area you applied for, but a more specific area then the generic operations/HR/ and etc. you applied for. (Also if you are wondering about alumni-only please go to the specific post) As for is it a good sign or not I will say a drop-down is a good sign I want to be careful saying this though as a drop-down is a good sign (as stated earlier), but it does not mean everyone who received a drop-down will get an offer. For those wondering I will also add if you receive multiple drop-downs Disney decides which one is the best fit for you -not you.

My recruiter told me I would hear by (insert date)?
This answer is going to have two sections:
DCP: the date they told you is date you should hear back by with little exception, since they have a set deadline every round.
PI: while the date they told you may seem pretty accurate honestly there is no deadline like the DCP offers can roll out whenever departments get around to them. In the past Alumni, MIs, and Animal Program offers roll out first then slowly other departments begin rolling out their offers as well. However, for you PIs even after offers start rolling out and seemed to have stop it is not unheard of to get a late offer. This is especially the case if another intern declines the offer, or accepts one from another department instead. So, while some like to say it is not over until the NLIC honestly it is not over until about a week prior to the actual start date. 

What is the rule for 6 months after graduation?
The general rule is you have to apply within 6 months after graduating, and they do go by your graduation date not the month. So if you graduated on May 13, 2016 you cannot apply to any applications after November 13, 2016, since you are officially past the mark of 6 months. However, for PI applications (DCP follows general rule) I always suggest reading each individual application as each one requires something different. Some applications follow the general rule of within 6 months you just have to apply, and others follow the rule where you have to start within the 6 month graduation. So, if if follows that you rule saying again you graduated May 13, 2016 you have to have a PI that starts prior to November 13, 2016. For most that is not an issue however keep in mind some PIs have start dates in November. Some applications prefer that you finish the application process prior to the 6 month period, but these ones are a bit more difficult to find -in general I noticed these ask that you be in school prior to the start of your PI. Which, brings me to the last one if an application asks that you are enrolled in school prior to the start date (January of June typically) then you are unable to apply as a post-grad unless the end of your semester lines up with the start dates of the PIs (typically I noticed this is engineering/imagineering). I will say there is another way around this as well for most post-grads this might be useful. PIs are very difficult to get on the first try, and sometimes people settle for a CP program -I always suggest take it, and here is why. If you are a post-grad and accept an internship (PI or DCP but typically it is DCP) the 6 month rule no longer applies once you start (hang in there I know you are confused) you are allowed to be an intern for one year, so you can apply again the next round as the DCP/PI internship counts as an extension of school almost. However, once the year is over you are unable to be an intern again until you return to school, but it is a way around the graduation date in case you were wondering. 

I have not moved out of in progress what now?
I am going to be the downer –this is very common, and while they may sound like relieving news its not. Disney has been known to leave candidate forever in progress without giving them an NLIC or moving them onto the next stage of the process. They also do this to candidates that they believe are qualified, but do not want to move forward with them in the process. Sometimes they keep certain candidates as back-ups, so if their first few choices decline they do not have to start over.

What if get more then one offer?
This is happening less and less as of 2016 due to Disney streamlining their offers I will say as of the new system two offers will not come from the same department. Also, if you do receive two offers from separate departments you will be given the same amount of time to accept 24-78 hours, and I will also note they will not come at the same time. So, if you do accepted the second offer after taking the first you will give up the original acceptance, and you cannot change your mind about it.

If I do not like my role for the DCP can I reject it, and still go to auditions?
The DCP offers is much like the PI offer it is a take or leave it kind of deal. So, if you are unhappy you got custodial but still want to go to auditions you are going to have to accept the offer to be eligible to go to auditions.

Can I audition to be a character while on my program?
This is another technical problem there is a strictly DCP audition, but it is at the end of your internship. The audition is for the role for the next round, so you will extend into the role if you get an offer.

Can I apply for a PI while on my college program?
Yes you can apply! This includes you post 6-month graduates as well being a current DCP makes you eligible to apply. For you advantage candidates be very careful that you applying for a PI does not make you an intern for over a calendar year, since then you will automatically be NLICed.

I got lifeguarding for the DCP, but I do now know if I can pass the test?
Tends to be a common question with this role, which first off I suggest you figure out how the hours of lifeguarding are pretty sweet. As for the test there is a deep and shallow water test the deep water is for Yacht and Beach Club as well as the Water Parks, and every other resort will take the shallow water test. What is it? Well it is CPR, swimming (obviously), brick test, treading water (egg beater style –deep water only), VAT training (If you do not know what it is do not worry about it), and water rescues. You are allowed to fail the test, but you will be given another shot to try again. If you cannot seem to pass it they will either move you to shallow (if you are a deep water test taker), attempt to find you another role, or you may just be headed home.

I cannot do Food & Beverage I am allergic to  (insert whatever here)?
Well first off allergies will not get you moved from the role right away especially for example if it is a nut allergy they will just move you to a location you won’t be in contact with any. If it is something harder to simply move you away from then it is possible to change roles, but I will say again it is unlikely.

Are classes required?
For the DCP in Florida no classes are optional, for the DCP in California classes are required, as for the PIs classes are built into your schedules. Speaking of classes I would like to mention MIs cannot take the CP classes -no exceptions; however PIs are able to with the permission of your management although it is very rare they give permission. 

Do I have to live in housing (if available)?
For you DCP applicants if you are under 21, and do not bring your own vehicle you are going to have to live in housing. For anyone over the age of 21 who did bring a vehicle you do not. As for you PI applicants, nope not at all you can live wherever you choose.

I have to back out of my offer can I apply in the future?
Disney understands that life happens, and that means sometimes you have to walk away. Rejecting an offer for the DCP or the PI will not effect any future applications you have with the company.

Do I get to choose my check-in date?
For the DCP yes you will get to choose a check-in date that is available for your role, and as for you PI applicants you do not. The date for PIs is actually given to them in an email, and that is the date you are stuck with.

When do I get my check-in time?
Your specific check-in time will come in an email with your itinerary prior to your arrival date. However, check-in begins at 8:00 am (do not line up earlier than 7:00 am) and no unlike prior to 2014 showing up early gives no advantages for housing preferences. 

What is wellness and non-wellness?
A wellness apartment is going to be an alcohol free environment, and will consist of either A) everyone is under the age of 21 B) Mixture of 21+ and under 21 -the 21+ interns decided to live in an alcohol free environment. A non-wellness apartment is obviously the opposite, which is an apartment that can have alcohol, and consist of A) An entire apartment of 21+ interns. As a note since this has come up before if you are an international student even though the legal drinking age is lower where you are from the U.S. recognizes it as 21+. 

I need time of for (insert reason here) when can I ask?
You cannot ask Disney for anytime off until you receive an offer, but once the offer is received this is really going to vary. If the date you need off if close to your start date I suggest letting Casting know, and for you DCP as of 2014 they need ‘evidence of the reason’ for example if you say you need off for a wedding they want the wedding invitation emailed to them. My suggestion though is to wait until you actually start and have access to the hub. I know personally I was able to get all my days off I asked for, since I put them in the first day I had access to the hub. For you PIs time off is not hard to get when you start just talk to your managers they are pretty relaxed about it.

How long can I be an intern at Disney?
You are allowed to be a Disney intern for one year (yes exactly one year) so if you started May 28th, 2016 then you cannot be an intern beyond May 28th, 2017. They are very strict about this rule, and make no expectations to it so timing is everything. Meaning if you know you want to be an intern for a year, and are starting with the DCP do not apply for Fall Advantage then go for regular Fall. As for is there a way around this rule, technically yes, and here is why I say technically. Disney has a rule where you can separate for 6 weeks from the company (no less again exactly 6 weeks), and you can intern again where none of the time earlier is counted in the academic year -it essentially starts over. Now, you cannot change start dates so this is all about timing some people have made it work especially with the summer gap, but it is difficult if you are jumping into a regular term. 

Can I apply to full-time/part-time/seasonal during my internship?
Yes and no, this answer is going to be different for the PI and DCP. So, let’s start with the less complicated one –the DCP. You can apply for any of those 6 weeks before the end of your program. Now, for you PIs you can apply for roles during your program with the permission of you managers. You will also be given the opportunity to apply for those positions 6 weeks before the end of your internship as well.

Are the benefits/discounts different from PI to CP?
No, the discounts for both are the exact same including the new guest pass set-up (which you will find out more during Traditions) 

Will I get hired for a full-time role in my PI department?
Now I want to be clear Disney does not give out statistics on number of interns they retain after every internship. I want to be clear though from my personal knowledge and experience very few interns were kept on as full-time or even part-time for that matter after their program was completed. Most of those who were able to stay on had roles within the theme parks such as guest relations. So, for you post-grads I would not bank on having a career with Disney after your program. MBA applicants though you happen to be in luck most of the MBA applicants I know were offered positions somewhere within the company as well as JD interns.

Now I by no means have covered every single question simply because I would be writing forever, but these are the ones I see most often so I felt I should address them.

Think of a Wonderful Thought: The Dashboard

So, the basics of the DCP and the Disney Professional Internship are now covered in two separate posts. I feel though I should state the two processes are quite different, so before going into the details of housing and what not I feel I should cover this. I just want to list few basic things before we begin though:

• Print the job description it will disappear once the application closes
• If you see a job you like apply right away! Even though the description says it closes a month from now Disney is known for pulling them early without reason
• Again I stress this check the job description not meeting the basic qualifications will end in a NLIC right away
• International candidates always double check as well, also if you are applying for animal programs you need a valid U.S. drivers license
• DCP applicants if you fail the WBI you cannot apply for a CP program again until the next semester of applications (sorry), but if you want to apply for a PI go ahead your WBI does not effect those applications
• “I wanted to apply for (interest internship here) but it is not offered this round” Yes this happens from time to time the same internships are not offered every single semester.

Before we go into the dashboard to be clear (PIs get one as well) you are going to get a general "Thank you for applying" email it means absolutely nothing other then your application has been submitted. Alright then here we go onto the dreaded dashboard!


So, right after you submit your application you are going to go into submission, and you will get an email conforming that your application have been received.

What does this stage actually mean?
Honest answer really it does not mean anything other then your application has been received. If you applied for the DCP after this stage you generally move to in progress then receive an email for a WBI. If you applied for a PI you may go directly to No Longer in Consideration, or you dashboard will move to in progress.

The next stage once a Casting recruiter has actually opened your application your application will move to In Progress (IP). This is where the waiting game truly begins, because from here you could go directly to NLIC or the Interview Stage.

Why haven’t I moved out of in progress?

Let’s be honest about this stage right now, because you will commonly hear “It’s not over until you get the NLIC” which simply is not true. Now, Disney does send out NLIC to candidates but that does not guarantee you will be the one that gets one. Yes, you are understanding this correctly in progress is also a limbo stage where even though you are not NLIC you are. I myself, as well as others, have had applications sit in progress for a couple years without ever receiving an NLIC.

How do I know I’m on of the NLICed candidates sitting in IP?

Well here is the tough answer again you honestly do not know, and will not know until after the internships have started. Although when you start to see offers go out, and you do not have any movement you can get a pretty good idea you are one.

So, is there any good news about being IP for too long?

I cannot be a downer all the time, so yes there is some good news here –trust me. Although Disney leaves interns here for IP some are left without an NLIC on purpose, yes on purpose –why? Well think of it as them leaving back-up candidates in case one of their top choices backs out, or accepts another internship. It is not unheard of for someone who has been sitting IP for months all of a sudden be rushed through the process, and end up with an offer.

Alright! You’ve seen the light and your dashboard has moved to Interview Stage congrats! The first interview is going to be a phone screen*, and most candidates who are qualified receive one. This stage will also appear again for the second video interview**, or the panel interview for MIs.

When will I get a phone screen?
Here is the tricky questions because honestly it really depends on the department you applied for unlike the DCP there are no deadline for offers, so they can really get around to this whenever they want. Commonly though it is shortly after applying usually around 1-3 weeks after, but it is not uncommon to have it almost a month or so after applying either.

Does the phone screen apply to all my applications, or a specific one?
This one is a bit more complicated as of the 2016 rounds of applications in the past, which still holds true for the most part, phone screenings are for everything you applied for (with the exception of animal programs -it is a questionnaire). However, some departments do specific phone screenings on top of the general phone screen this especially holds true for Marketing as of the 2016 rounds. So, do not always assume it is a glitch when you get a second phone screen anymore -just schedule it.

Do all departments do second phone interviews/panel interviews?
No, some alumni roles do not do second interviews they base it off the general phone screen. However, as of 2015 majority of the roles do a second interview of some kind for their department.

My dashboard never moved to this stage?
Honestly, it is fine as long as you can see when you scheduled your interview on your dashboard it does not matter what you status bar says –so calm down.


Congrats! The first part of the process is over (unless you are a DCP applicant then it is), and you can expect your dashboard to move once again to Post-Interview Stage.

Wait my dashboard did not move to post-interview stage?
It is okay calm down it is fine this is a stage where some get post-interview, and others simply move back to in progress.

Now, as for this next stage if you are a PI (excluding alumni and animal programs) you are not going to see this until after your video interview. However, when you do I promise it is a magical feeling. This stage will appear after you receive a ‘brief phone call’ that will be a verbal offer, and once you give your verbal acceptance this is what your dashboard will look like. For you DCP applicants there is no verbal offer, but when you receive an email your dashboard will change to this. Welcome to the Offer Stage!

Great I got an offer, now what?
Good question after this there really is not much other then to follow the directions on the email for accepting. For the DCP that means paying the fees, deciding if you want to live in housing (if you refuse you must be 21+ and bring your own car), and choosing a start date. For the PI that means not much other then accepting, unless you want to live in Disney housing then you will pay the fee, and living in Disney housing if you choose to do so.

You thought the dashboard nonsense was over? No, you still have one more movement on the dashboard, and it will come closer to your start date. It moves into Post-offer, which is the stage where you actually fill out DORMS, fill out 1-9s, and for PIs this is generally the time you receive the email with your check-in time for casting and traditions. For MIs this is where you usually receive an email about your locations, and like PIs you check-in times for casting and traditions.

I have not received my DORMS yet?
Calm down this generally comes out about a month before you actually start, and they roll out slowly so calm down.

The person I want to live with got it, and not me?
Okay, still calm down you are fine. If you know whom you want to live with once you all receive your DORMS ID only one of you needs to fill out the information for the group.

Is there anything else after this?
No, this is it once you hit this stage the magic is permanent just accept your going to work for Disney at this point.
I have to back out of my offer is there any way I can get the fees refunded?
No, unfortunately once you give them the fees they will not be refunded even if you back out of the internship. The only exception is under extreme circumstances as your reason for backing out, and what is extreme I would put death of a family member under that one to give you an idea.

Whoa! I accepted the DCP, and I have an offer from the PI what do I do?
Well good news is Disney considered that a ‘promotion’ so you can accept the DCP, and then accept the PI instead. If you paid any fees for the DCP if you choose to live in Disney PI housing they fees will be transferred, and if you do not the fees will be refunded back (within a certain timeframe usually not right away).

Wait! I accepted a PI and now have another PI offer?
Well congrats that does not happen to often anymore, and when it does they are typically from separate departments. What you do is up to you here you can accept the new PI offer therefore giving up the first offer, or you can decline it to keep the original offer.


Of course though there is one section on the dashboard I did not cover the dreaded No Longer In Consideration (NLIC). This is where the heartbreak happens, and trust me most applicants have been here.

What did I do wrong?
Honestly, at this point it could be anything some people go NLIC from answering a question wrong on their application to you did not fully answer a question during your interview. In the beginning of the progress without  an interview most common reasons are: question on application ruled you out as a candidate, not enough matching key words in resume scan, casting recruiter felt you were unqualified for the role you applied for, or you did not meet the requirements for the job description.

NOTE: This is the old dashboard once I have the new images from the updated dashboard I will update. The information and bars on the dashboard are the same, but the dashboard looks different.
*In a separate post I will list basic questions that have been asked in the past during the phone screen, and what you can expect.

**Alumni only do not receive a second interview decisions are very similar to the DCP in that sense that everything is based off the initial phone screening. Also animal programs is also a tad different they fill out a questionnaire for their phone screening, and do a video interview as their first official ‘interview’. Otherwise almost every other PI can expect a second video interview.