The DCP Application Process

One of the questions I get the most frequently is how one actually gets involved with the Disney College Program, so I figured it was about time to write a blog post on this.

Now it's important to remember that the process does not look the same for everyone, but I will do my best to generalize here and give as many tips as possible.

For reference, here are some specifics about my programs:

Spring Advantage 2018:

Custodial in Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom

February 5, 2018 - August 2, 2018

Applied: Not sure of the exact date, but the day the application was released in late August 2017

WBI Notification: Within 24 hours of applying

WBI: About two days later

Phone Interview: Within two weeks of my WBI

Audition: October 1, 2017

Offer: October 4, 2017

Fall Advantage 2019:

Character Performer CG Location TBD

May 20, 2019 - January 2, 2020

Applied: January 22, 2019

WBI Notification: 1 hour after I applied

WBI: January 22, 2019

Phone Interview: January 27, 2019

Offer: February 5, 2019, for Character Attendant

Audition: March 2, 2019

New Role Offer: March 19, 2019

Whenever you begin to think about maybe applying for the DCP:

1. Sign up for email updates on the Disney College Program website: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/college-program-opt-in.

2. Explore the DCP website and look at what roles you might be interested in applying for:

https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-college-program.

3. Follow some DCP recruiters on Twitter for updates. My favorites are @ChristyRecruit (more general DCP) and @StefanieDCP (lots of entertainment DCP info).

When applications go live:

1. You will get an email from the email list. Generally this happens in August for spring programs and in January for fall programs.

2. FILL OUT YOUR APPLICATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!! Both times I have applied, I have put in my application within 24 hours of it being released.

3. I don't really know anything about what the recruiters look for on the applications, but I have a gut feeling that they want to see some previous work experience.

4. When they ask about what roles you might be interested in, know that this is very important. The less roles you list, the less likely you are to get cast! If you really don't care what job you get as long as you're working for Disney, make sure to put interest in some of the less glamorous jobs that they need a lot of people for: think Quick Service Food and Beverage, Custodial, Housekeeping, etc.

5. Unless you put "No Interest" for a specific role, you will be considered for that role. Therefore, if there is something you ABSOLUTELY refuse to do, put down "No Interest." Even if you put "Low Interest," you might get that role.

6. Make sure you have done your research on the roles before applying so that you can make wise decisions at this application stage.

7. Submit that application, and your dashboard should say app received!

The Web-Based Interview (WBI):

1. From the application, some people will be pushed through to the next step. It is important to note that this step might happen at any time during the recruitment process. Sometimes it takes an hour, sometimes it takes two months. It is different for everyone, so don't stress out.

2. The Web-Based Interview is basically a computer-generated personality exam to see if you would be the right fit for Disney and more specifically for the DCP.

3. You only have a few days to schedule and complete this interview, so don't miss the deadline. Also make sure you have reliable internet!

4. Answer the questions truthfully rather than trying to say what you think the right answer is. Similar questions are asked many times to look for consistency in answers. You will be consistent if you answer as yourself because you already know how you feel about things like living with others and working with guests. Knowing is better than guessing because ultimately you want to end up at Disney if you will be a good fit there.

5. This interview is automatically "graded," so you will find out immediately if you are moving on to the next application step.

The Phone Interview:

1. Shortly following passing the WBI, you will get an email to schedule a phone interview. Once again there is a deadline for scheduling here, so pay attention.

2. Pick a time when you will be able to totally focus, aka not driving, and make sure you have a backup phone number in case it is necessary. They will ask you about this when scheduling! I used my roommate's phone number the first time and my mom's the second.

3. You pick a specific interview time, but the actual interview can begin anywhere between 15 minutes prior to that time up to 15 minutes after that time.

4. The number will usually come in as private, and make sure you have your ringer on while waiting for the call. However, remember to turn off the ringer when you answer so as to not be disturbed.

5. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube about how to prepare for these interviews, so I won't go into too much detail.

6. They generally ask you to rank your top three roles, so remember what you marked down during the application process.

7. Be honest when the interviewer asks about tattoos, piercings, accommodations, etc. They just want to find the best fit for you!

8. Remember your interviewer's name so that you can thank them at the end!

9. Feel free to ask them any burning questions. The interviewers are very knowledgeable and can often find the answer for you.

10. They will generally sign off with telling you about the next step in the process, the waiting game.

The Waiting Game:

1. This lasts different amounts of time for different people, so don't stress.

2. If you want to stay in the loop with waves of offers, follow the recruiters on Twitter and join the Facebook page for applicants in your season. I would suggest not doing this until this waiting period because it could be extra disappointing if you see people getting good information when you didn't.

Character Performer Auditions (If Interested):

1. For applicants who have interest in doing the DCP as a character performer, you must attend an audition specifically for the College Program.

2. For information about audition dates, cities, and frequently asked questions, visit the Disney Internships and Programs page. Here is the page about spring 2019 auditions for example: https://disneyprogramsblog.com/disney-college-program-auditions/

3. Come prepared for a long day! There will be lots of people there, but remember that the casting director wants you to succeed.

4. Once again, there are lots of YouTube videos on the audition process, so I'm not going to include a lot of specifics here in order to preserve the magic.

5. Look like yourself for the auditions and come prepared to move, though you by no means have to be a dancer. Mostly, just make sure to show off your spirit!

6. Following auditions, you will be told whether or not you are still "In consideration" for a character performer role. If you are still "In consideration," you will be given more information about notification dates and next steps.

7. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have received a No Longer in Consideration (NLIC) message during any part of the DCP application process prior to you audition date, you CANNOT attend the DCP auditions for that recruitment season. However, if you are still in any part of the process (Application, WBI, Phone Interview, or Offer), you totally can attend an audition.

8. If you have been accepted for a different role and you later get accepted for character performer, you can switch to character performer. I also believe that if you turned down your original offer, you may still accept a character performer role if one is extended.

Results:

1. After you have made it to the waiting game, the next step is to either be offered a role or to be given a No Longer In Consideration (NLIC) message.

2. If you get a NLIC, don't fear. So many people apply multiple times before getting into the program!

3. If you get an offer, congrats! Make sure you follow all the steps carefully to make sure you actually get to work for Disney. Pay attention to deadlines because I think you have to make a decision about your offer within seven days. At this point you will be able to view your specific role, pay your housing and program fees, select program dates, etc.

4. I have heard of some people getting wait-listed in case spots open up later on after the normal cut-off date.

5. Remember, no news is good news! You will receive communication either way, so don't stress.

6. If you are going to turn down your offer, make sure to do it in a timely fashion so that maybe some other lucky kid can take your place!

Next steps:

1. Definitely join the Facebook group for your program.

2. Start your roommate search via GroupMe and Facebook.

3. Pay attention to all messages from Disney so that you don't miss onboarding tasks and the like.

4. Book your travel plans.

5. Get ready to make the magic! :-)

If I failed to answer any questions you might have, please feel free to leave a comment, and I will try to address your question. Also, the Disney Programs Support site is full of great information! You can find that page here: https://support.disneyprograms.com/hc/en-us

Great luck, everyone!