A Magical Opportunity

 By Micayla Cook
Staff Writer

Disney is known as being one of the world’s top corporations, and right now they are providing an opportunity for students to get a head start in their career for the Disney Company.  

 “ Disney has been rated one of the most desirable places to work, and the experience you gain there is very recognizable on any application,” said Marcie Lemke, a college recruiter for Disney.

The Disney College Program is open to anyone who is over 18, enrolled in a College or University, and who pays the program assessment fee. This opportunity allows students to travel for five to seven months to either Florida’s Disney World or California's Disneyland to intern into a cast member role and get first hand experience that would get their 'foot in the door' for the Disney career.  "There are three major components of the Disney College Program: living, learning, and earning," says Lemke. Living is refereed to as the more specific details for the residential aspect of the trip.

"A student can choose to have one to seven roommates from around the world, in a one to four bedroom apartment," said Lemke. The housing is offered in both Florida and California, with the rent being anywhere from $82-$184 per week. The price varies based on location and the number of room-mates in the apartment. Disney will provide bus passes for public transportation, but students are also encouraged to bring their own vehicle.

There are specific apartments for different age groups. Anyone under the age of 21 will be placed in a "dry apartment", where no alcohol is permitted. Disney will also provide participants with Internet access, free admission for the student as well as their friends and family to all Disney theme parks, Disney discounts, and free cast activity events.

"Students will also be able to leave the apartments to go on trips to the beach, the mall, and even our competitor, Universal Studios." said Lemke

The learning aspect of the trip allows students to earn college credit while working for Disney.  Lemke says that they offer eight courses that are very structured and are like taking classes at LCCC. There are midterms, exams, class projects and group discussions. These classes promote self-discovery, teach students how to be leaders, and help the students network with some of the Disney corporate presidents in question and answer sessions.

The earning component of the Disney College Program is also a big subject. Students will be working 28-50 hours per week, with a pay rate of $7.25 to $11.50 per hour. Hours and pay rate can fluctuate depending on if it is 'peak' season, which location the student chooses to participate in, and what casting role they want to participate as.

Molly Spinks, a student who has already participated twice in the Disney College Program, said, "This a wonderful opportunity. You'll have so much fun and meet some of the greatest people in the world."

Disney is the place where dreams come true, and every day feels like magic. This program will help train students to become a part of the Disney experience for guests, while gaining college credit and building their resume. Students can receive more information and apply to the program at disneycollegeprogram.com.

Like Jiminy Cricket said, " Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true."