I hope everyone's days have been super magical and wonderful. It seems like yesterday was 100 days until the big move to Lake Buena Vista and today is already ONLY 85 DAYS! Because my excitement is through the roof today, I wanted to write another blog post. Today's topic is the DCP application and interview process (because we all know I am a pro at this by now).
I've had several people ask me about the application and interview process for this program because it's kind of crazy to think about working for the Walt Disney Company. For as competitve as the program is, the application process is really not as scary or difficult as one would think if you prepare and show Disney what you're made of! Yay!
There are three major parts to the application process: the initial application (OMG no way, really?!), a web based interview, and lastly, a phone interview. Before I begin to explain these three, it is important to note that the only stage of the process that is available to everyone is the initial application. There are several cuts throughout the stages, which I will explain along the way.
Before explaining these three parts, keep in mind, these are the qualifications for applying to the DCP:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must be enrolled in a college or university and be taking classes (yes, this means you cannot apply as a senior in high school, but if you are a 40-year-old mom going back to school, you go for it!)
- Have unrestricted work authorization
1. The Initial Application
So you've decided you want to apply for the Disney College Program. The first step to the process is to keep an eye out for when the apps drop. My advice is to follow Disney Internships & Programs Blog because they post about every aspect of their programs and internships, including when the applications are released. I also suggest finding Disney CP Interns on social media. @DisneyCPInterns is on Twitter. They tweet about all things regarding Disney internships, including how many days are left to apply during the season. You can also like the Disney College Program on Facebook. Typically, the fall applications drop in early January, and the spring applications drop in August.
So what's on the application?
The application is very basic and is nothing to stress about because it's all facts about yourself. It's also fun because you get to talk about what roles you are interested in!
- Your basic info (where you go to school, your major, where you are from, if you are an international student, if you have a valid drivers license, your age, your address... Okay, you get the point.)
- What park you are applying for. You can apply for both Disney World and Disneyland if you would like, but Disneyland is VERY limited because it is such a small park. But if you are considering it, go for it!
- What season you are applying for. There are two main seasons: spring and fall. A typical spring season goes from about January until the end of May (these are all rough dates because the dates vary from person to person), and a typical fall season is August until early January. Then, there are the advantage options, which are longer. The spring advantage is typically January through the summer, and the fall advantage is the summer through January. I am doing fall advantage!
- What roles you are interested in. This is the fun part! Disney will have you list your interest in the roles that are available. Next to each role, there is a drop down menu where you can choose no interest, low interest, moderate interest, or high interest. My advice for this section is... If you would not accept an offer for that specific role, please put no interest. You might think, "It will increase my chances to get into the program if I put interest in every role," and you're right! But it won't help you if you get accepted for a role you would hate.
- Your previous work experience. This is your time to brag about yourself. You can list up to 3 places where you previously or currently work. This can even include volunteering. I recommend listing work experience that will advertise yourself for your top roles. For example, my top role that I was interested in was Children's Activities because I am a future teacher, so I listed three jobs where I worked with kids, one of those being a volunteer opportunity at Riley Hospital for kids. Whatever you list, make sure you can talk about it with your interviewer, and show yourself off!
If you do receive another email after that one, which I did both times and a lot of people do, Disney will ask you to take a web based interview. CONGRATS, YOU HAVE MADE IT TO THE INTERVIEW PROCESS!
2. Web-Based Interview (WBI)
The web based interview is loads of fun!
An actual image of me actually completing the actual web based interview:
In all seriousness, though, this interview is a crucial part of your application process. This interview is where Disney asks you questions and provides responses that you choose. These are like the "not likely, somewhat likely, likely, and very likely" questions that you usually get on surveys. I luckily did not have to take the WBI my previous time applying because if you have completed and passed one within the past six months, it just automatically counts. (Wooh! Thanks Bailie from the past, you rock.) In my opinion, there really is no way to prepare for this interview. But just think about what a Disney cast member consists of. Would you put "Strongly disagree" for a question that says, "I am a punctual person"? (I hope you would know Disney does not want people who are going to be late to work.)
Keep in mind, this interview is timed, so if you are a person who needs a quiet space, make sure you find one BEFORE you start the interview. If you are still freaking out about the WBI....
Here is a video that a kind soul made for hopeful DCP participants!
Now, after the WBI, it will tell you immediately if you passed or not. If you don't pass, you will receive an email that says thank you for your interest, but you are no longer in consideration. If you do pass (which if you think about a Disney cast member, you should be able to), congrats! You will then receive an email shortly after asking you to schedule a phone interview. Make sure that you keep your time zone in mind, then choose a time and day that works for you. You will then receive an email that looks like this:
If you've made it this far, you've made it to the last step before the waiting game and should be proud of yourself.
3. The Phone Interview
The phone interview is the scariest and most dreaded part of the application and interview process. If the phone interview was a Disney character, it would be Darla.
But, like Nemo, you can find a way to conquer it. (Wow, look at me making Disney references. Maybe I should work for Disney or something!) Here's the setup:
- The interviewer calls. Your recruiter can call up to fifteen minutes early and up to fifteen minutes late, so be prepared early, but also know that if it's ten minutes past your scheduled time, they could have had an interview run late before you.
- You answer the phone and the recruiter talks... a lot. When you answer the phone, make sure you say, "Hello, this is _____." This saves time so you can talk more about yourself. The recruiter will say, "Hi this is ________ with the Disney College Program, is this still a good time to talk?" Make sure you take note of the interviewer's name so that you can use it in your conversations! He or she will then explain the basic outline of the interview like I am doing now.
- Your recruiter asks about and confirms your basic information. The recruiter will then ask you basic questions, such as, "I see that you are a sophomore at Indiana University studying education, is that correct?" or "Are you an international student studying on a visa?" These are questions you cannot get wrong. They are yes and no answers, so don't fret yet!
- The questions begin. So this is where questions begin, which may include your previous work experience or possible scenarios you would be put in while working for Disney. When you begin this process, join the Facebook group, and people will post questions. For now, look at this Google Doc where possible questions are listed! I studied this and typed out answers, which really helped, but just know when you interview, do not read off a paper, and let it come from the heart.
- Discuss your top roles. The recruiter will then give you a chance to talk about your top 2-3 roles, so really give reasons why you would qualify for specific roles and, like I noted above, let it come from the heart. Yes, you should be technically speaking about why you qualify, but remember this is a company that is built on magic and making dreams come true for guests. It is 1000% okay to say things that might sound cheesy to a normal person, and I wish someone would have told me that before my interview.
- Ask your recruiter some questions. Your recruiter will then ask if you have any questions for them. Don't say you don't have a question! If you do not ask a question, they will think you do not care. I personally always ask what they think the most important characteristic of a Walt Disney World cast member is, and I get a different answer every time. Asking how they got involved with the company can be a good one too, but I've heard horror stories of recruiters saying, "This interview is about you, not me." Yikes. Regardless, I would have a few questions written down that you would be comfortable asking. Show your interest.
The recruiter if you don't ask a question:
- Lastly, say your goodbyes! The recruiter will then thank you for taking the time to interview. I always say, "Thank you, ______, for taking the time to interview me today. I really appreciate it" and "Have a magical day, ______." When I used my recruiters name last time, you can tell she did not expect it and it was a sweet surprise to her. I honestly think I stood out in her mind because of it.
Once you have completed your phone interview, somewhere within roughly 12 hours (again, it is different for everyone), you will receive an email. This email could be "Thank you for interviewing, you should hear back by..." "Thank you for interviewing, right now your decision is pending..." Or "Thank you for your interest, but due to the high volume of applicants, you are no longer in consideration."
After that begins the waiting game, which can feel like forever.
Hashtag sadness is right. I can guarantee that you will get your acceptance when your time is right, though. Disney knows what they are doing!
So there ya have it, folks! That is the crazy, wonderful Disney College Program application and interview process in a nutshell. Wherever this process leads you, just remember... If you can dream it, you can do it. Thanks, Walt.
Please enjoy this random GIF of Mickey waffles jumping :-)