Walt Disney Program

Ready For a Journey That Will Change You? Discover the Disney College Program

SUNY Schenectady and the Disney College Program are offering you the opportunity of a lifetime. Qualified students can join other college students from across the country and around the world to participate in a paid co-operative work experience at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, or Disneyland in Anaheim, California. As Disney College Program co-operative interns, students can earn six college credits from SUNY Schenectady while gaining valuable work experience with a world-renowned company. This truly unique five- to seven-month program allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.

Will I earn college credit for participating?

Yes! SUNY Schenectady students who major in Business Administration and who complete a cooperative work experience may earn six college credits while gaining valuable work experience with the Walt Disney Corporation.

What are the dates and who may participate?

Please check with Professor Farron (farronmj@sunysccc.edu) for current dates of application. The program is open to all SUNY Schenectady students majoring in Business Administration. To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years of age and in good academic standing.

How will the Disney Program benefit me?

Students who participate in the Walt Disney Program often gain valuable work experience and professional skills that are essential for success in any career. Students will learn how to communicate effectively, solve problems, and complete challenging assignments with other students, often from different cultural backgrounds. Students who complete a cooperative work experience with Walt Disney Corporation may have a competitive advantage when searching for a professional position after they graduate or when they apply to four-year colleges. Some college graduates have even been offered full-time, professional positions with Walt Disney Corporation after participating in this program.

What kind of internship would I get?

More than 20 different positions are available in Operations, Lodging, Food and Beverage, Retail/Sales, Recreation, and Entertainment.  Students may be placed anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Downtown Disney and Disney resort hotels.

How much money would I make?

Salaries vary, depending on the cooperative work experience assignment and the number of hours worked. Students work at least 30 hours per week and may be scheduled for more hours during busy periods. 

Where would I live?

Most students live in the Walt Disney Corporation’s furnished apartments, which are gated communities with one to four bedroom apartments that house two to eight residents. Housing costs are reasonable, and may vary depending on apartment size and location. Some apartment units include free cable and Internet access. 

How would I get around?

Students must provide their own transportation to and from Florida. It is helpful to have a car while in the program.  Disney provides regular bus service to all work locations and nearby shopping areas for students who do not have their own vehicle.

How do I apply?

The following are required for participation:

1. Interested students must consult with Professor Matthew Farron, Program Coordinator, in Elston Hall, Room 315.
2. After the Program Coordinator confirms your eligibility to participate, you will complete the Disney Application online. You should indicate which roles you are willing to perform. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the roles beforehand. Full descriptions are available through the Disney College Program. The Program Coordinator will give you more information about the available roles.
3. If your application is accepted, you will be asked to participate in a web interview. The interview consists of approximately 100 questions, at which point you will be asked to describe yourself.
4. If you complete the web interview successfully, you will be invited to participate in another interview, by telephone.
5. The Walt Disney Corporation will notify you of your admission status 2-6 weeks after your phone interview. If you are accepted, you should follow Disney's instructions and consult with the Program Coordinator should you decide to accept an employment offer.