When you enter college, you are given the option to study abroad, break from your normal daily routine, and explore the world while gaining valuable life experiences along the way. Now, I know you can travel anywhere, but what about joining something called the Disney College Program (DCP)?
Disney, the most magical place on earth. Known for its iconic characters, animated and live-action films, and amazing theme parks worldwide, Disney lives up to its reputation. Operating in five countries worldwide, including the United States, France, Japan, Hong Kong, and China, the Disney College Program offers students the opportunity to work in these renowned parks. Whether that be as a character, in food service, merchandise, or in many other roles, the DCP offers a diverse range of job options for students. Only 13,000 students are accepted into the DCP each year, making the program somewhat competitive. But what experience are you truly gaining for this program?
A family member, Conner Brumley, had the opportunity to hop on this magical journey. When asked, What made him pick the Disney College Program, Brumley responded, “I grew up watching Disney movies, singing Disney songs, and going to the parks with my family. When the opportunity arose during my time at the University of Kentucky to play a role in creating the same magic I had experienced since childhood, I knew I couldn’t turn it down and decided to spend a semester doing just that.” With an opportunity so rare, Brumley knew he couldn’t miss this chance. That is when he moved to Orlando, Florida, to join the DCP.
But the real question everyone is wondering is, What is a day in your life at the DCP? With this, Brumley stated, “I work in Merchandise at The Emporium, the second-largest store on Walt Disney World property, located right on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. In such a fast-paced environment that welcomes thousands of guests each day…” He continues describing how there is “no true typical day on the job” with something new every day, from “helping a family find the perfect pair of ears or piece of clothing, stocking shelves of new merchandise, supporting fellow Cast Members, or making a magical moment for a kid.” However, for Brumley, working isn’t the only benefit of the DCP: outside of work, he claims, “I get to visit the parks and live out the magic as a guest and with my new friends from across the world!”
Continually, Brumley was also asked to share his favorite experience so far through the Disney College Program. He replied, “My favorite experiences so far in the DCP have always been with guests. Each guest has a unique backpack of experiences that has brought them to Disney World.” He proceeds to describe the different types of families he has encountered, ranging from “families that have been visiting for decades” to “the Make-A-Wish organization, which makes it possible for families experiencing the unimaginable, allowing them to experience the magic.” Such exposure has motivated Brumley to share his story in the hope of encouraging others to join the program. Brumley ends by stating, “I came into the DCP knowing that this wasn’t the most career-oriented move as a Public Policy and Communications double major at the University of Kentucky, but came out of it with an incredible network, important transferable industry skills, and stories for a lifetime.”
There are so many different opportunities and experiences in the Disney College Program. With only hearing one person’s story, will it be enough to inspire you to join this magical journey? Will you be the next one to join the Disney College Program?
Like Conner Brumley said, “You never know what you may experience in the Disney bubble!”
