After suspending the Disney College Program at the start of the COVID-19 closures, and cancelling the Fall 2020 program through January, Disney has given an update today regarding program recruitment.
The following update was issued by the Disney College Program via their @DisneyInterns Twitter account, stating“Disney values the return of Disney Programs. We look forward to sharing more updates as they come.”
DCP went on to clarify that they have still not recruited participants for upcoming semesters and are still uncertain about when they will be able to resume the Disney Internships & Programs division.
When the Fall 2020 cancellation announcement was made, participants were reassured that eligibility requirements for all programs will be amended so those participants who have already been accepted will be able to reapply, even if they have already graduated. All program fees have also been refunded. However, despite this “update”, many who had their programs cancelled midway are still in the dark as to what the next step will be for them as graduation nears.
Our hearts go out to Disney College Program applicants who were looking forward to making magic this year.
It’s sad that the program is still suspended, but it’s understandable under the circumstances. I hope that at some point next year, Walt Disney World will be able to reinstate it. Working for Disney is fantastic business and guest service experience (speaking from my own time as a cast member — my current company hired me specifically because I worked for Disney in the past), and it’s great for any resume. Sure, it may be attraction host, foodservice, or retail, but Disney’s training is renowned and if you’ve worked for Disney, there are companies that want you just based on that.