Welcome to The Disney College Program Podcast! Each season, we’ll feature current participants, alumni, recruiters and more who will join our hosts to discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program. For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. If you want to learn more about living, learning and earning on your DCP, this podcast is for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to our new miniseries where we will discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Discussing his unique Disney College Program experience, magical moments, and important lessons, you’ll hear from Colin Hooper, a current Disney College Program participant working as a Resort Concierge and Trainer at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. You’ll also hear from Taylor Barfield, a Disney College Program alum whose program helped her begin her career with Disney. Now, she is paving the way for future participants and connecting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with meaningful opportunities as an Outreach and Engagement Manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
We’re there because we care! Today, we’re chatting with the team that brings uniquely Disney experiences to life for our Disney Programs participants. We go over everything from exclusive activities and learning offerings to academic and career support. On this episode you’ll hear from Quan Spratley, a Program Experience Associate who recently completed the Disney College Program and is now beginning his career helping current participants make the most of their program. You’ll also hear from Ryan Geno, a Program Experience Manager with a decorated 15-year career at Walt Disney World® Resort who focuses on bringing a variety of experiential and instructor-led learning offerings to life for thousands of participants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No matter where you start, there's a place for you within The Walt Disney Company! That's what both of our guests in this episode discovered through their Disney College Program experiences. First meet Emma, a current Disney College Program participant working in merchandise at Dinoland U.S.A. within Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Through her program she's developed friendships, working relationships, and leadership skills as well as discovering her dream of building a career with Disney. Then hear from Jose, an alum of the program and seven-year cast member currently in a role with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He speaks about his own Disney College Program experience, how mentors and leaders helped in his journey, and why inclusion is important to him, especially as he now gets to be an integral part of so many other's Disney career journeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Some of the greatest things in life can come from taking a chance and trying something new. Applying to the Disney College Program helped both of our guests discover just that and gain new confidence in themselves. From viewing each day with a positive outlook to daily “pinch-me moments,” the program experience can lead to exciting opportunities and lasting memories. Our first guest is Javier Moreno, a current participant working at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort that made a big move from California to begin his Disney journey. Then you’ll hear from Alexis Rojas, an ad integration and strategy coordinator with ESPN who started her career on the Disney College Program, making the most of each opportunity she received and continues to do so today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to season two of our miniseries where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Kicking off episode one of the season, you’ll hear from Reese Tate, who is following in her mom’s footsteps by participating in the Program. She’s currently working in attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® with the hopes of merging her theater background with leadership opportunities. Then, you’ll meet Kamrin Williams, who enjoyed her Disney College Program so much, that she’s back for round two. This time, she’s getting extra pixie dust as part of the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Cohort powered by Disney on the Yard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From uniquely Disney learning opportunities and experiences to covering college credit and so much more - you won’t want to miss this episode! Our first guest is Josh Brasher, a Disney College Program alum who is giving back to the Program in a BIG way with unparalleled opportunities and knowledge from his journey with the Company. You’ll also hear from Nick Warner, who is participating in the Disney College Program and truly making the most of the learning component while also developing impactful connections for his future Disney career. But that’s not all! You'll even discover a few fun facts along the way like which Disney legends recently joined as guest speakers. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Walt Disney first said, “It requires people to make the dream a reality.” Today, we’re we’re kicking back with Disney College Program alumni who not only made those dreams come true during their programs but are also bringing their professional wishes to life since then! First, hear from Stephanie, who shares how her experience and transferable skills from the program helped her reach her dream role with The Walt Disney Company! Then, listen as Ruben shares how his Disney journey has taken him from volunteering at The Walt Disney Family Museum to working in custodial at Disney California Adventure Park to most recently, supporting the Disney+ Original Series "Obi-Wan Kenobi” with Industrial Light & Magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Making candy apples? Check! Tossing a coin in Cinderella’s Wishing Well? Absolutely! No matter what’s on your Disney College Program bucket list, we're ready to help you achieve it all and more. And today, we have two guests who are living their best lives at Disney! Tune in as our first guest Edwin Diaz, an aspiring Disney animator all the way from New York, shares how he’s living on his own for the first time and loving it. Then, hear from Diamond Gaston, a Merchandise cast member at five unique Disney Springs shops, who spends her free time making memories with her coworkers and building lasting friendships. Get ready to discover all the magic you can experience on your own Program! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Disney College Program recruiters are BACK on campus! Recruiter Savone, Disney Programs Representative Maya and their team might just be visiting your college or university. Welcome to season three of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Savone kicked off her Disney career as a maid at the Haunted Mansion during her Disney College Program and then transitioned to a leadership role at EPCOT through the Disney Hospitality Leadership Program. Now she’s a College & International Programs recruiter and gets to visit campuses across the country. Maya completed her Disney College Program in parking during the Fall 2023 season before transitioning to her current role as one of our new Disney Programs Reps! You can catch her recruiting for Disney Programs at University of Central Florida. The pair are reminiscing on their programs, giving tips and tricks for future applicants and answering some questions from our social media followers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Our participants know that the opportunities are endless on the Disney College Program! Just ask our guests, Kendall and Andre. Welcome to season three of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Kendall is a recent graduate from Winthrop University and a merchandise hostess at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where she recently became a trainer. Andre is a recent graduate from Five Towns College and a park greeter at Magic Kingdom. Andre has dreamed of working for Disney since he was a kid. Meanwhile, Kendall applied for the Program on a whim. Now they’re both planning to stay in Florida to continue their careers with Disney! Learn about how they are making the most of their Disney College Program, what it’s been like moving away from home, what they love about living in Florida and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
So what’s the Disney College Program really like? We’re sitting down with two current participants to find out! Welcome to season three of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Tasia works in merchandise at Magic Kingdom and recently became a trainer. She’s an Alabama A&M alumna and started her journey through the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort. Isaac works in outdoor foods at Magic Kingdom. He’s a current student at Modesto Junior College and a first-generation college student. They talk building connections to further their careers, the perks of extending their programs, living with roommates at Flamingo Crossings Village and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Started on the Disney College Program and now they’re AMBASSADORS! Walt Disney World Ambassadors Shannon and Serena join Holly and Destiny to talk about their Disney career journeys how they still use the skills from their College Program in their roles today. Welcome to season three of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Shannon completed her first Disney College Program at Disneyland in parking and transportation. Then, she came over to Walt Disney World for a second program in attractions before landing a Disney Internship in recruitment. Serena completed her Disney College Program at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. After graduating, she came back to Florida for a Disney Internship in sourcing. Today, Shannon and Serena make up the 2024-2025 Walt Disney World Ambassador team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Disney College Program participants get access to exclusive learning offerings designed for professional and personal development. We’re talking to Zac and John, two participants on the road to 100 learning hours, to discover what makes these unique offerings special. Welcome to season four of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. John works at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn as a concierge host, where he helps guests in the Innkeeper’s Club Lounge. Zac is often the first cast member guests encounter when they go to Magic Kingdom. He works in parking and can often be found telling jokes on the back of the trams. Both John and Zac have taken advantage of the many learning offerings and are breaking down the types of offerings, certificates and how learning has made a positive impact on their future Disney careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How do you make friends on the Disney College Program? What about professional connections? We’re sitting down with Carson and Brandon, two current participants, to find out! Welcome to season four of The Disney Colllege Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Carson works in attractions and can be found driving boats and telling jokes on the world-famous Jungle Cruise. Brandon works in custodial and helps keep EPCOT clean while helping guests all over the park. In this episode, they’re telling stories about the friends they’ve made, the professional connections who have helped them and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meet Gabbie and Abby, two current Disney College Program participants! Hear about what inspired them to apply for their programs, what arrival week is like and how they feel the program is positively impacting their professional development. Welcome to season four of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Gabbie works in merchandise around the World Showcase in EPCOT but loves picking up shifts all around Walt Disney World Resort. Abby works in custodial at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and loves the freedom and guest interaction her role brings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What’s it like moving from Puerto Rico to Florida for the Disney College Program? Hear from current participants Roschelle and Mei to find out! Welcome to season five of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Roschelle works in merchandise at the World Showcase in EPCOT. But she also loves picking up shifts, so you may see her at any shop around Walt Disney World Resort! Mei works attractions in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. You’ll find her at Mickey’s PhilharMagic or at Princess Fairytale Hall. Both are proudly from Puerto Rico and are sharing stories about moving away from home for the first time, finding culture and community and Florida and why they are thrilled to be working for Disney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chris, a Disney College Program participant studying marketing, joins Kayla, a Disney College Program alumna working in marketing, to talk about how their programs have helped them on their career journeys. Welcome to season five of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Chris started in merchandise at the Creations Shop in EPCOT, but due to his desire to learn, passion for his work and persistence, he landed a new role as a logistics specialist since recording this episode! Kayla is started as a character attendant in Magic Kingdom and now works as a manager within the Talent Acquisition Marketing team. Though they completed their programs over ten years a part, both Kayla and Chris agree that their Disney College Programs made a big impact both personally and professionally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meet Tasia and Tyreah, two alumnae of the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Powered by Disney on the Yard who are currently continuing their Disney careers as Guest Experience Managers at Walt Disney World Resort. Welcome to season five of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Tyreah is a two-time DCP alumna currently supporting attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tasia, who you may remember from season three of our podcast, currently supports merchandise at EPCOT. Both hail from Alabama A&M University! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meet Kylea and Andre, two Disney College Program participants with creative backgrounds and big dreams of continuing their careers with Disney after their programs. Welcome to season five of The Disney College Program Podcast, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Andre works as a seater at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Kylea extended her program and works in VIP Tour Support. They discuss why they decided to apply for the Disney College Program, their career goals, soft skills they have learned on their programs and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices