The Disney College Program recently announced that applications will be excepted up to one year following one’s graduation date! Previously you could only apply within six months of your graduation (and back in my day you could only apply while you were still in school!). I completed both of my programs after I graduated, and am so happy I did!
Since the Disney College Program has gotten so competitive, I do recommend applying while you’re still in school just so that if you do not get in on the first try you have plenty of chances to try again. Still, even if you’ve already completed an earlier program, doing this internship after you graduate can be just as or even more rewarding. Here are four reasons why you should consider doing the DCP after you graduate:
You’ll be over 21
I don’t say this to mean that your program should revolve around partying and drinking, but being over 21 during your program is just easier. We’ve all heard horror stories of CPs being termed because their underage roommates brought alcohol into the apartments and the only way to really avoid this is to be over 21.
Disney used to have wellness/under 21 and non-wellness/over 21 designations for apartments, but they’re getting rid of this within the next program season. Since this is an entirely new concept for the program, the details for how this will work really aren’t clear yet, but being over 21 certainly doesn’t hurt for instances here disciplinary action may be taken and alcohol is involved. Likewise, there are so many ways to enjoy being of age in Disney and in Orlando in general and you may end up just having more fun going out if you wait until after graduation.
Related Post // 10 Tips for Getting Through the Holidays as a CP
You’ll have a better understanding of your finances
For many CPs, the program is the first time they are 100% responsible for their own finances. The older you get (and the further out from school you are) the more experience you probably have in managing your own money. For CPs still in school living by a dining plan, the program can be a real financial wake-up call. But for CPs doing the program after graduation, they’re probably already used to dealing with their own finances and this doesn’t necessarily sting as much.
You can skip classes
During my first college program, I took one seminar-style class just for fun. I wanted the “full experience” of the program but I definitely was not looking to take up chunks of my time in Orlando with a collegiate level course. I took Exploring Marketing, a seminar with no homework or any real commitment outside of class, but I learned a lot about the way Disney markets its products and am so thankful I took the time to attend this class.
That being said, I can’t imagine spending the time on an actual college class if you don’t have to be taking one. Your schedule on the DCP is already all over the place, so if you can avoid mandatory classes that will help you free up some time. And if you do still want to take classes, you can always sign up for a seminar style class like I did.
Related Post // 7 Tips for Finding Roommates on the Disney College Program
It’s easier to stay in Orlando if that’s what you want to do
If you’re looking to continue working for Disney or simply not move back home, it’s easier to do this if you’ve already graduated. Without school at home hanging over you, you won’t need to coordinate making it home in time for graduation or struggle with moving back and forth the extra time. If you want to continue working for Disney, you could always try to go seasonal while you’re still in school, but these positions are increasingly difficult to come by and you would then need to coordinate seasonal housing.
Instead, do the program after you graduate and plan to go part time or full time with Disney (or whatever other companies are hiring when your program ends if that’s what you need to do in the meantime). You’ll save the time and money of moving back and forth the extra time and you’ll be more focused on what you actually want to be doing.
Are you applying to the Disney College Program? Let us know in the comments, and as always feel free to ask any DCP-related questions below or send an email to: brittany@https://thedisneyoutpost.com.
I’m planning too next year in Aug for Jan to Aug. I’m excited and I’m 31, but do you have to in school? This is my dream job and I’m waiting to save up money and get in shape because the role I want to do is merchidse on main Street in the empiroum…im scared about buses I don’t own a car and can’t find videos on dcp buses and how it works.
You either need to be at least in your second semester of college or within a year of graduation– if you aren’t in school just keep checking the Disney Careers site as regular part time and full time jobs in the parks always pop up on there. And if you’d definitely like the Emporium be sure to mention that when you interview! If you’ve ever taken public transportation before the CP buses will be a breeze, if not you may have to take some time to adjust to it but they’re mostly not as bad as people tend to say and a good alternative if you don’t have a car.
I’ve always regretted focusing on graduating in four years and getting my dream big girl job ASAP, and now that I have that job, I’ve decided I want to live my younger life for awhile before coming back to my dream adult job (I’m only 22- it’ll be there still when I’m 30 lol). The only thing I’m super concerned about is making a livable wage and being able to pay off my student loans and my car payments. I’ve heard wages are livable but not the largest while in DCP. Did you find this to be true? I loved this blog, though- it helped me solidify my thoughts of doing Disney after graduation!
That basically sums it up–wages are livable (depending on what you have for bills and things like that of course and your ability to budget). I wasn’t paying for a car during my program, so I saved some money there, and was able to defer my loans since I had recently graduated. But other smaller bills like a cell phone and some credit cards and things like that were doable for me during my program. I’d still recommend saving up some extra money beforehand if you can to be on the safe side, and if you need to you are able to get a second job (your schedule with Disney just needs to come first). So some people drive for Uber or Doordash (or I freelanced) and that’s all okay to do as you make your own schedule for those.