“You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world... but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” — Walt Disney.
Most internships have you stuck behind a desk, crunching numbers, and watching the clock. But working at the Magic Kingdom? Totally different story. You’re out there creating unforgettable experiences and adding something special to every guest’s visit.
So, it’s no surprise that everyone wants a piece of that magic.
The Disney College Program is competitive. A copy-paste resume you’ve sent to every other internship? Not going to cut it. Disney is after specific qualities and a healthy dose of enthusiasm to earn that coveted Cast Member name tag.
Find out how to take your resume to infinity and beyond (sorry, had to). This guide will cover:
- How to create a winning Disney College Program resume.
- What a real, successful Disney resume example looks like.
- If including the Disney College Program will look good on your resume.
Check out our professional Disney College Program Resume template for inspiration, and use our free AI Resume Builder to add your own experiences and skills.
What Is the Disney College Program?
The Disney College Program is a hands-on internship where students live, learn, and work at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience, make friends, create memories, and have a lifelong “fun fact” for those first-day introductions.
During the program, you work across Walt Disney World’s theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. There are over 20 roles, including attractions, food service, retail, entertainment, lodging, and operations. You could be operating rides, serving Mickey-shaped treats, or helping guests find the perfect overpriced souvenir.
The Disney College Program also offers learning opportunities, including career-focused workshops, networking events, and leadership classes. Plus, the connections you make could lead to advantages beyond the parks.
The program lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 months, but if you’re craving an extra dose of Disney escapism, you can extend your experience up to a full year.
Disney College Program Resume Example
Don’t just take all these tips and tricks from me. We got in touch with MacKenzie Robertson, a DCP Alumni Program participant, whose resume earned them a place in the Disney College Program — multiple times!
Now, we usually recommend sticking to under two-pages, but Mackenzie has a bunch of relevant jobs and skills, including prior experience at Disney — so this resume is slightly longer than the standard job application.
Take a look at her successful DCP resume:
We spoke with Mackenzie about how she got into the program and what qualities to emphasize in your resume.
Here’s what she shared with us:
I tried to focus on my overall experience in education, storytelling, and customer service. Emphasizing what you feel are admirable qualities in yourself could give you an edge to be selected. Being versatile works in your favor, as well as storytelling and creativity. I also emphasized that I can gain new skills quickly. It’s a fast-paced environment, and you have to show you can keep up.
Mackenzie also gave us some insights into the realities of the Disney College Program:
If you want to work for Disney, understand that not everything is magic. Many forget the long hours, uniforms, strange questions, and rude guests. Being optimistic is wonderful, but being programmatic is better. This helps most in the interview process, as you answer questions about real-world situations. A year of working in the DCP has equipped me to not worry about anything that comes my way. But for someone new, it can be jarring. Showing you’re prepped for the realities of the program is key.
What to Put On Your Resume for the Disney College Program?
Including a resume for your Disney College Program application is optional. But you don’t want to miss a chance to stand out. You’re up against thousands of applicants, so going that extra mile can make a big difference.
So, where do you submit your resume? Once you’ve completed the online application, head to your dashboard, click “Add Files,” and upload your resume.
You can find all the deadlines and program details on the Disney Programs website. Fall applications usually open in January, and spring applications in August — so mark your calendar and get ready to turn on the charm.
Here’s a full lowdown of what to include in your Disney College Program to give you that all-important edge:
1. Start with your name and contact information
Let’s begin with the least daunting task — your contact details. This usually goes at the top of your resume, so recruiters can instantly spot how to reach out to you. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:
- Name: Take a note from Walt and include your full name in big, bold letters.
- Phone number: Add an updated number so recruiters can easily reach you.
- Email: While it’s tempting to use your old “disney4lyf@hotmail.com” email address, it doesn’t exactly scream professionalism. Stick with a simple email that features your first and last name.
- Location: Unless you’re inviting the recruiter over for a tea party, you don’t need to include your full address — just the city and state are enough.
- LinkedIn or portfolio: Add a link to an updated LinkedIn profile or portfolio. Bonus points if your portfolio has nods to Disney, such as character designs or short video clips.
If you’re applying while at school, include both your campus and home addresses and emails. This helps Disney understand your current location for potential work or relocation needs.
2. Expand on your education section
Thinking about the Disney College Program? Chances are, you’re still in school. If your paid work experience is light, let your education section steal the spotlight. Place it proudly at the top of your resume and show off your academic achievements.
List your school, location, and dates. If you’re still in college, include your expected graduation year. Once you’re a sophomore or beyond, you can drop your high school information (who even remembers 9th-grade algebra anyway).
Once you have the basics, it’s time to sprinkle in some extra details to impress Disney recruiters. Here’s what you can include in your education section:
- Courses: Relevant resume coursework isn’t limited to the ‘Disney Dream Factory’ (yes, that’s real) — you can include anything that shows valuable skills or is related to hospitality or entertainment. Stick to 3–4 courses that show expertise or potential to work in any of the 20 roles in the Disney College Program.
- Projects: Focus on experiences that show off teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. For example, leading a group project or volunteering at a campus event can show you’re ready to work as part of a team.
- Language exchange: With guests from all over the world, extra languages are a huge plus. Just be real about your level — if you can’t confidently help someone find the churro cart in Spanish, leave it off.
- Study abroad: Did you spend the summer partying (sorry, studying) abroad? Disney appreciates it when candidates have experience engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds — it’s a huge part of the guest experience.
No worries if your major isn’t directly related to the big mouse. Disney values your skills and experiences way more than your major. Yes, your degree matters more if you apply for senior-level internships down the road, but for the DCP, it’s all about your potential and passion.
Here’s a full education example for a Disney College Program resume:
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida | Expected Graduation: May 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
• Relevant Coursework: Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Intercultural Communication
• Projects: Led a group project to organize a campus fundraiser, raising over $2,000 for a local charity.
• Study Abroad (Summer 2024): Gained cross-cultural experiences while participating in an international marketing program in Barcelona, Spain.
Just don’t clutter your resume with all the extra details just to fill space. Stick to relevant highlights. Once you gain more work experience, you can cut down your education section and move it below your job history.
3. Include work experience and volunteering
Trust me when I say: Recruiters don’t expect you to have a long job history. Instead, they focus on your qualifications, campus involvement, and part-time roles — they know that’s where most students gain their skills.
That said, take full advantage of the jobs you do have under your belt. Whether volunteer experience or part-time work, it’s your opportunity to show how your skills, achievements, and experiences make you the perfect fit to create some Disney magic.
Begin by listing your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job or volunteer role. For each position, include 3–4 bullet points detailing your experiences.
But don’t just give a boring list of duties and roles. Take a look at this underwhelming work experience example:
- Brewed and served coffee
This is the bare minimum and doesn’t tell the recruiter how successful you were in that position. Anyone can serve a drink, but what about serving it with a friendly smile and some fancy latte art? Now compare that example to one that focuses on results:
- Helped develop over ten new coffee recipes to improve our menu and maintain high customer satisfaction.
What does that tell Disney recruiters? You’re creative, driven, and prioritize making customers happy — not bad qualities to have in the ‘Happiest Place on Earth.’
Here’s a full work experience example that would look good on a Disney application:
Barista | Café 123
Orlando, Florida | January 2024 – December 2024
• Developed over 10 new coffee recipes to improve the menu and maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Trained and mentored five new team members, ensuring they met customer service standards.
• Served an average of 100+ customers per day, maintaining a positive, friendly atmosphere and ensuring repeat business.
Volunteer | College Event Planning Committee
Orlando, Florida | January 2024 – July 2024
• Coordinated and organized a successful fundraiser that raised $1,500 for local charities.
• Managed communication with event sponsors, ensuring timely setup and execution.
• Worked in a team to deliver engaging event experiences for over 300 attendees.
Focus on achievements that connect to Disney roles, such as solving problems, creating memorable experiences, or working as a team. And whenever possible, use numbers to show your impact. Did you serve 100 customers a day? Train new teammates? Quantifying your work helps recruiters see the value you bring.
You should also avoid generic terms, like ‘responsible for,’ and use strong action verbs to start your bullet points. Here are some examples:
- Led
- Created
- Assisted
- Achieved
- Identified
- Resolved
- Introduced
- Developed
And remember: As you gain more experience, you can trim older roles or unpaid jobs and shift the focus to your professional achievements.
Struggling to fill out your resume? Find out more: How to Write a Resume With No Experience
4. Add a concise skills section
If you think tossing in “communication skills” or “team player” in your skills section is enough to wow recruiters, you’re living in Fantasyland. What does that tell the recruiter? You can hold a conversation and work well with others? You’ll have to go beyond that to make an impression.
Don’t get me wrong, Disney absolutely values skills like teamwork, enthusiasm, and top-tier guest service. But don’t just say you have those skills — show them. Highlight those qualities with concrete examples throughout your education and work experience.
Instead of adding generic and overused resume buzzwords, your skills section should focus on technical abilities and job-specific skills that set you apart for the Disney College Program. Keep it short and relevant — a simple list of 4–6 key skills is all you need.
And if you’re fluent in another language, that’s a huge plus. Just be honest about your level — are you conversational, proficient, or fluent? Trust me, you don’t want to end up as the designated Spanish speaker if your skills stop at “Hola, Mickey!”
Here are some top skills related to the Disney College Program roles:
Learn more about showing off your linguistic skills: How to List Resume Language Skills?
5. Mention notable certifications, achievements, or extracurriculars
Disney is no place to shy away from the limelight — especially if you have a collection of shiny certifications, awards, or achievements to show off. If you still have some white space to fill, adding extra sections can give recruiters more insight into your abilities (and glowing personality).
If you’ve earned certifications or awards, consider creating a dedicated section called “Certifications” or “Achievements.” This is the perfect spot to show you’re willing to go the extra mile and brag (a little).
Here are some examples of what to include on your Disney resume:
Were you the president of your sorority, a sports team captain, or a campus tour guide with a knack for making strangers feel welcome? Add a section called “Leadership & Involvement” or “Extracurricular Activities” to highlight these experiences.
Just make sure you focus on your contributions and how you made an impact rather than just listing your responsibilities. Your achievements and extracurricular activities are also great talking points during your interview — especially if they taught you teamwork, leadership, or how to handle a line longer than Space Mountain’s on a Saturday.
If you’ve got several of these experiences, placing them in their own section helps them shine. But if you’re short on space, just add the most impressive ones to your education or experience sections.
6. Wrap up with a concise resume summary or objective
Your resume summary is a 2–3 sentence statement that covers your most impressive and relevant skills and accomplishments. A resume objective is the same length but focuses more on your strengths, career aspirations, and professional goals.
My advice? Write this section last. Once you’ve built the rest of your resume, you’ll have a clearer idea of your highlights, making it easier to sum it all up.
Since you’re still in college, an objective makes more sense if you’re light on professional experience. Here’s an example:
Motivated college student with a passion for creating memorable experiences and a strong desire to grow within the hospitality and entertainment industry. Seeking to join the Disney College Program to develop my customer service skills, connect with guests from around the world, and contribute to that famous Disney magic.
Make it unique — don’t add overused statements you could send to any old job. Tailor it for Disney, highlight your passion, and tell them why you’re enthusiastic about working at the Magic Kingdom.
Learn more about customizing your resume: 5 Hacks to Tailor Your Resume to Any Job
Disney College Program Resume Tips
The Magic Kingdom isn’t just a park — it’s a global icon loved by kids, Disney fans, escapism-chasers, and overly nostalgic millennials. It’s no surprise that so many want to work there. But with only 20% of college applicants making the cut, standing out is a must if you want to turn your Disney dream into a reality.
We spoke to Bobby Ring, a previous Walt Disney World employee, about what recruiters are looking for in their student applicants:
They want to hear about how much you'd love to work at Disney, but they also want to know you can give the Disney level of service — positive, a team player, friendly, adaptable, and empathetic. It could be a disadvantage if you don't have work experience as it's quite competitive, but if you’re in a range of clubs where you've shown leadership, this can 100% suffice. I was in lots of societies in college, and I think this played a big role in why I got selected for the program.
Here are some more Disney resume tips to give your application some extra sparkle:
Dive into the Disney College Program page
When you picture working at Disney, you might imagine twirling around in a Cinderella dress or showing off your moves dressed as a duck. But there’s so much going on behind the scenes, and it’s those roles you need to focus on when tailoring your resume.
What you can do:
- Review the Disney College Program job list and role descriptions and include skills they highlight (like public speaking or teamwork) with examples from your experiences. Emphasize roles where you worked with people, especially kids.
- Disney values customer service and a positive attitude above all, so include any experience where you helped guests, solved problems, or worked in a fast-paced environment. Even college activities count — just frame them with Disney’s guest-focused mindset.
Stick to a professional format
The Disney parks are bursting with color, elaborate designs, and plenty of overcrowding — this is not what you want to do with your resume. Disney recruiters prefer to focus on your qualifications without distraction or clutter.
What you can do:
- Use reverse chronological order and bullet points to keep everything organized. Stick to one page if possible (recruiters understand you’re still a student) Keep resume fonts, headings, and spacing consistent for a professional look.
- Save your resume as a PDF and name the file with your full name. Skip elaborate graphics or colors — an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) might not read them correctly. Want to show Disney flair? Add a subtle, professional touch, like a small Disney-themed logo.
Learn more about the best resume formatting: How to Create an ATS Resume
Highlight examples of Disney’s Five Keys
Disney’s Five Keys guide every cast member’s actions: Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show, and Efficiency. They’re also your personal cheat sheet for what qualities Disney is looking for. Showing how you’ve embraced these principles helps recruiters see you’re ready to become part of the team.
What you can do:
- Connect your experiences to the Five Keys. Highlight times you ensured safety, created welcoming environments, or worked efficiently. This could include taking on a leadership role at college or helping out at a community event.
- Be specific and results-focused with examples like “Promoted inclusion by assisting at campus diversity events” or “Maintained safety by enforcing pool rules as a lifeguard” to make your experience shine through the Disney lens.
Focus on results over duties
The big bosses at Disney aren’t just looking for you to make sales or serve drinks — they want you to create unforgettable moments, connect with guests, and do it all with a smile. These are perfect examples of focusing on impact, not just listing tasks.
What you can do:
- Highlight specific outcomes and examples of how you contributed to the success of a project or team, like boosting sales, leading your sports team to success, or organizing a successful college event.
- Which sounds better? “Sold Mickey Mouse ears” or “Sold an average of 100 Mickey Mouse ears every day.” Numbers always make your achievements more impressive and help create a clearer picture of what you can do at the theme park.
Sprinkle in some Disney magic
Yes, your resume is a professional document. But you’re also applying to work at a place where it’s perfectly acceptable to wait an hour to meet a giant talking dog. So yes — you can afford to inject a little fun and personality into your resume.
What you can do:
- Include any Disney-related clubs or extracurriculars, such as Disney society, film club, or theater group. It shows your enthusiasm for Disney’s culture and values, making you stand out to recruiters.
- If you have extra space, add an “Interests” section. Things like “creating movie magic” or “hosting Disney-themed parties” can show your personality and spark conversation during your interview.
How to Put the Disney College Program on Your Resume?
You’ve completed the Disney College Program — made magical memories, lifelong friends, and mastered the art of smiling through anything. But should you put the Disney College Program on your resume? Absolutely — if you include it in the right way.
Your time at Disney wasn’t all snapping photos or signing autographs. It was about building transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, sales, and problem-solving. On your resume, show how you used those skills to make an impact and how you’ll bring that same energy to your next role.
Here’s how to add the Disney College Program to your resume:
- Include your job title, location, and dates: List your position under the work experience section and note that it was part of an internship program. Include all the roles and locations you worked at during your Disney College Program.
- Demonstrate transferable skills: Use bullet points to highlight relevant skills and experiences from Disney that apply to your new role. Highlight areas like customer service, sales, hospitality, or safety standards. Choose experiences that reflect the skills your future employer values.
- Add classes and certifications: Did you take Disney seminars or classes? List their titles and what you learned. Mention workshops, guest speakers, or volunteer programs (like Disney VoluntEARS) and share their impact. If you earned certifications (e.g., “Ducktorate”), explain how you achieved them.
- Keep your resume updated: As you gain more professional experience, it’s common to replace college roles and internships with career-focused positions. However, if your Disney experience could be a strong conversation starter in interviews, don’t remove it — just condense it to highlight key skills and achievements.
Summary
Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about creating a resume for the Disney College Program:
- Keep your resume simple and professional. Stick to a one-page format with clear headings, readable fonts, and bullet points for easy reading.
- Tailor your resume to Disney by using keywords from the program description and aligning your experience with Disney’s Five Keys: Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show, and Efficiency.
- Expand your education section by including relevant courses, projects, leadership roles, and college activities to highlight your skills and growth.
- Focus on results, not duties. Use action words, concrete examples, and measurable outcomes to create a clearer image of your impact and potential.
- Check the job list and highlight relevant skills, like customer service, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, that align with the roles at Disney.
- Add additional sections such as achievements, languages, and certifications to show your dedication and to stand out from other applicants.
- If you have some white space left, sprinkle in Disney Magic by including Disney-related activities or interests, like theater experience or participation in a Disney club.
- Keep it honest with real experiences — you never know when a recruiter might ask you during your interview.
FAQ
How to apply to the Disney college internship program?
Applying is a simple process involving an online application and a web-based interview. Here’s how to apply for the Disney College Program, step-by-step:
1. Complete your application: Go to the Disney College Program site and select “Apply Now.” Read the eligibility requirements and fill out every section thoroughly, highlighting work, volunteer, and extracurricular experience. Upload your resume by selecting “Add Files” in your application dashboard.
2. Highlight relevant experience: Use your resume to showcase customer service, teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving skills. Emphasize experiences that demonstrate guest service and adaptability.
3. Show flexibility: Be open to various roles and shifts, including nights and weekends. Express your willingness to learn and contribute anywhere needed.
4. Prepare for the interview: Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and our free AI Interview tool. Research Disney’s values and the College Program to show your passion.
5. Stay positive and persistent: Bring enthusiasm and a positive attitude to every step of the process. If you don’t get in the first time, up your game, reapply next time, and in the words of Dory, “Just keep swimming.”
Does the Disney College Program look good resume?
Yes — the Disney College Program is a recognized internship, showing you’ve worked for a world-renowned brand. It highlights valuable skills like customer service, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Plus, employers may appreciate seeing experience with a company known for its high standards in hospitality and guest service.
That said, only include the internship if you can highlight transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the role you want. As you gain more experience, you can remove or cut down internships in favor of professional achievements.
What are the odds of getting into the Disney College Program?
The Disney College Program is competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 20%. Rates can vary depending on the semester and available roles. Once accepted, your role could be anything from merchandise or food and beverage to attractions or character performing.
How will the Disney College Program help you professionally?
The Disney College Program helps you build valuable, real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. You’ll gain experience in a fast-paced environment and learn from industry leaders. Plus, Disney’s strong professional network and alumni community can open doors for future opportunities. The program is especially useful for those looking to pursue a career in hospitality or sales.
Is it hard to get into the Disney College Program?
Yes, the Disney College Program is competitive, with over 12,000 applicants each year and an acceptance rate under 20%. You also need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 18 years or older when applying.
- Currently enrolled and taking classes (or graduated in the last 24 months) at a US college or higher education program.
- Completed at least one college semester.
- Have US work authorization (Disney doesn’t accept sponsor visas).
- Meet specific school requirements (GPA and grade levels).
