For those unfamiliar with the Disney College Program application process, it can seem a little daunting. Not to fear! It’s only meant to help you showcase yourself so that Disney can truly pick the best applicants for the program. Each stage in the process should be completed carefully and thoughtfully in order to give you your best chance of being accepted. Truthfully, the most important advice I received before going through the application process was BE HONEST. It is so so important to be completely honest throughout your entire application process, because Disney can always detect a phony. I will explain this a little later as it relates to the application, but just take my word for it!
The steps of the application process are as follows:
1. Application
2. Web Based Interview
3. Phone Interview
4. Offer
One of the biggest things I can stress to you throughout the application process is to be PATIENT. Every application moves at a different pace, and it can be discouraging to see others moving at a quicker pace than your own, but trust me, just have faith (& trust & pixie dust)!! The applications are typically open for about 4 months, which means you have plenty of time to go through the process. Some people will move on to their Web Based Interview immediately after applying, and some might wait a month before getting it (me) so remain patient. Thousands of people apply each season, and each application is carefully examined and considered. With that said, I will go through some of the details of each step in the application process.
1. Application
The first step in the process is a more generic application. This will include your basic contact information (name, phone, email, address, education, work experience, eligibility) as well as more specific questions related to program interest.
You will be asked to rank your interest in specific roles within the program on a scale of No Interest to High Interest. This is where honesty is crucial. Do not express interest in roles in which you actually have no interest. You may think that willingness to do all the jobs will make you seem more eager or marketable, but don’t do it. You may end up with a job that you didn’t really want in the first place. Instead, carefully consider what roles are your highest interest, and be honest with your answers. The highest demand roles will be listed first (Custodial, Housekeeping, Lifeguard, and Quick Service Food & Beverage) followed by the remaining roles. I had no interest in most of the high demand roles, and I was still accepted (I had low interest in Lifeguard). You will also be asked about interest in both the Walt Disney World (Orlando) program, as well as Disneyland Resort (California). For those interested in both, express interest in both, but know that WDW typically accepts more and has more roles to fill so it is likely that you will be placed at WDW.
Carefully examine each of your entries in this area as it cannot be reopened or resubmitted. You will also be allowed to attached a resume or cover letter. I, personally, submitted a resume pdf with it, but not a cover letter. Neither are required, nor do they assure acceptance or denial. It is merely a personal preference.
After applying, your Dashboard status will read ‘Applied.’
2. Web Based Interview
After your application has been carefully reviewed, your dashboard status will be changed to ‘Under Review.’ This change can happen almost immediately after applying or it can happen more than a month after applying. Once again, be patient! As long as your dashboard does not read ‘No Longer In Consideration’ you are still very much in the running. You will most likely receive another ‘Thank you for applying email.’ Do not be alarmed, this simply means that you are about to receive your Web Based Interview (WBI) email.
This email will come with a link to the WBI. The term ‘interview’ can be used loosely, as it is more of a personal survey/questionnaire in order to gain more information about you. You are not speaking with someone directly on the other end, but rather selecting answers that match your personality and views. I highly recommend going into a quiet room to take this, as it is best to focus carefully on the questions you are asked. Honesty is important here as you can get caught for dishonest answers.
This questionnaire is timed, so be sure to be giving it your full attention. I believe you have about 30 seconds for each question (it could be more or less). They recommend taking between 20 – 45 minutes to fill it out. There are a few different sections (I believe 3 or 4) so pace yourself and be sure to have plenty of available time. These questions allow Disney to get a deeper look at the kind of person you are.
Don’t overthink the answers. Take your time and answer them truthfully. You may be asked a question, and then a few questions later you may be asked the same question but it is worded differently. If you are honest, your answers will be consistent.
Some questions may be on a ranking scale (Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree) and you must rank statements, for example:
I like group projects
I don’t mind a messy work area
I am always on time
Just read each question carefully, and it should be a fairly simple process.
3. Phone Interview
You will most likely be informed immediately after your WBI whether or not you’ve passed. If you fail, you are unable to apply for the DCP for 6 months. However, if you pass, your application will be moved to the Interview stage. You will receive a message to your dashboard that will invite you to schedule a time for your PI (phone interview).
CAREFULLY, select a specific date and time during which to take your interview. They recommend double and triple checking the time and making several notes of it, so that you don’t miss it. Be especially careful of the time zone in which you schedule your PI, to ensure that they are calling during the time you’re expecting. Jot it down in your planner, or calendar, and be sure to have an alarm, perhaps an hour before the interview so you are thoroughly ready for it.
This interview will be with an actual Disney employee, and they will ask you numerous questions about hypothetical situations, previous experiences, and handing interactions with guests. Be sure to select a quiet place with good reception to receive the phone call, to ensure that you are not interrupted. They recommend allowing between 30-45 minutes for the interview.
My next blog post will go more in-depth with phone interview preparation and will offer multiple questions that I was asked during my PI.
Stay magical & stay tuned!
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Be sure to watch my roommate’s vlog on the Application Process!!
Link here: https://youtu.be/j2AO3_U2FmE