4. When you’ll work

Many new College Program cast members are surprised to learn that they are at the bottom of the totem pole. In short, you will work when the full-time, part-time, and seasonal cast members don’t want to. Expect early mornings, late nights, or both. You will normally be scheduled for 30 to 40 hours per week, but this could soar much higher during busy holiday periods. It is not unusual to end up with two regular days off per week, but they are subject to change. Having a holiday off is extremely rare.

However, Disney does encourage you to take classes as part of your program, and you will not be scheduled during your class time. In addition, many locations have fairly flexible scheduling. You may be able to switch shifts with someone, give away unwanted shifts, or even put in for a few days’ unpaid vacation. There are a lot of rules governing the process, so talk to your managers before you begin taking on or giving away additional shifts.

5. Where you’ll live

College Program cast members live in any of four conveniently located apartment complexes. Each has its own pros and cons, so it makes sense to research them carefully before choosing your new home. In addition, apartments range in size from one to four bedrooms, each holding two or three same-gender cast members.

If you are under 21, you will be placed in a Wellness apartment, meaning that no alcohol is permitted. If you are over 21, you can decide whether to live in Wellness or non-Wellness, but if you choose Wellness, you can be terminated if alcohol is found on the premises.

Naturally, rent prices vary by complex and the number of people in the apartment. You are responsible for your own personal rent, which is deducted from your paycheck, and are not on the hook if your roommates move out or don’t pay. If you want to live with one or more specific roommates, you can link to each other in the pre-registration system. Depending on availability, you may be able to link with as many as seven other people to fill up a four bedroom apartment. This is a huge advancement from recent years, when people who wanted to be roommates had to line up together on check-in day and hope for the best!

6. College Program perks

Most College Program cast members work hard and play hard. You will receive free admission to the parks, discounts on everything from food to hotel nights and even Disney Cruise Line cruises, and access to unprecedented opportunities to learn more about Disney and your possible future with the company. Sign up for backstage tours, take a free class or two, and attend networking events. You just might find your after-college career!

7. The downside

Like anything else in life, the College Program has a definite downside. Long hours, hard work, and brutal heat or cold can be physically draining. Being away from your family over the holidays, living with a bunch of strangers, and the lack of status in your job location can be emotionally challenging. Some people have trouble adapting to the Disney way of doing things, others chafe against the housing rules. Whatever happens, though, if you can make it through your program, you will go home with a valuable credential on your resume, a newfound realization of your own inner strength, and some of the closest friends and best memories you will ever find.