Are you a current participant on the Disney College Program looking to understand your options with Disney after your program ends? Look no further! There are endless paths you can take, from internships to extensions to part- or full-time conversion opportunities and more! And don’t worry – we know it’s a little overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a variety of resources for you to help you through this exciting process.
Walt Disney World Extension Opportunities
Want to experience all that your Disney Program has to offer? Extending is a great way to do that! The average Disney College Program lasts 4-6 months, but all participants will be given the opportunity to apply for an extension of their program for up to one full calendar year (12 months).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Opportunities and application timelines will be communicated via email from DORMS.
- Read the job description carefully before applying to ensure you meet eligibility guidelines.
- You cannot exceed more than 12 months on any combination of a Disney Internship or Program.
Toggle between the options to learn more about all of the extension opportunities you may be able to apply for during your program.
Same Role, Same Location Extension
Estimated Posting Date: September 2024
“I’m not ready to say goodbye.” This is an opportunity to apply to extend your current Disney College Program in your same role and same location.
It is open to current Disney College Program participants working at the Walt Disney World ® Resort. While most participants will be extended in their current locations some participants could be transferred to new roles and/or locations, based on operational need.
Basic Qualifications:
In order to submit an application for an Extension on the Disney College Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current participant in the Disney College Program. Please be aware that you cannot participate in consecutive programs totaling more than one calendar year, including any combination of Disney College Program or Disney Professional Internships.
- Be fully available through the departure date you preference on the extension application.
- Participants wishing to extend may not have more than eight points on their record card and/or may not have more than one reprimand. Please see your leader if you have questions about your record card.
- Must adhere to all Disney Look guidelines.
- A non-refundable extension Program Participation Fee will be collected upon accepting your extension offer. In addition, if you have a parking decal, you will pay a parking decal renewal fee. If you would like to purchase a new decal for your extension, you will need to pay a vehicle decal fee. You will receive additional communication about when you can purchase a decal via email. Please know that parking decals are very limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. You MUST have a vehicle pre-registered in DORMS to purchase a parking decal.
- Additional Personal Protective Equipment (face shields, goggles, refillable hand sanitizers, ect.) may be required.
Character Performer
Estimated Posting Date: Audition dates are based on business need. Communication will be sent to those candidates who may be eligible when auditions are scheduled.
For more information on the Character Performer role and processes, please click here.
Job Description:
Character Performers play before thousands of guests each day in character greetings across the Walt Disney World® Resort. Performers pose for pictures, sign autographs, and help to create magical moments with guests of all ages. All Character Performers will perform as our sculpted characters, and some performers may be selected to also perform in our shows and parades and/or as a Character Look-Alike.
All Character Performers, including those in our shows and parades, and Disney Character Look-Alikes, also perform as fully costumed, sculpted Disney Characters.
*A College Program extension-specific audition is required for eligible participants. Results from regular open calls will NOT be considered.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities may include:
- Portraying specific costumed character roles
- Working in hot, confining, heavy costumes with limited range of vision
- Communicating non-verbally to Guests
- Signing autographs and posing for photographs
- Interacting with Guests outdoors and in dining establishments
- Standing for extended periods of time
- Working outdoors in hot temperatures and humidity
- Potential to perform in Character Look-Alike, parade, and/or show roles
- Due to costuming requirements, special consideration may be given to individuals 4′ 8″ – 5′, 5’4 – 5’7”, and 6′ – 6′ 3″
Basic Qualifications:
To qualify for an Extension on the Disney College Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a current participant in the Disney College Program. Please be aware that you cannot participate in consecutive programs totaling more than one calendar year, including any combination of Disney College Program or Disney Professional Internships.
- Be fully available through the departure date you preference on the extension application.
- Participants wishing to transfer may not have more than four (4) points on their record card and/or may not have more than one (1) reprimand. Please see your leader if you have questions about your record card.
- Must adhere to all Disney Look guidelines.
- A non-refundable extension Program Participation Fee will be collected upon accepting your extension offer. In addition, if you have a registered vehicle here, you will pay a parking decal renewal fee for your extension. If you would like to purchase a new decal for your extension, you will need to pay a new vehicle decal fee. You will receive additional communication about when you can purchase a decal via email. Please know that parking decals are very limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. You MUST have a vehicle pre-registered in DORMS to purchase a parking decal.
Convert to a Part-Time/Full-Time Role
Want to stay with Disney permanently after your program ends? Apply to convert to a part-time or full-time role in our Parks and Resorts to begin after your program ends! Placement is not guaranteed and role/status availability is dependent upon business need. You will receive communication from Disney Programs when it’s time for you to apply.
More Opportunities to grow with disney
Disney Internships
Seeking professional opportunities at Disney? There are internships available across the entire Walt Disney Company enterprise, including Lucasfilm, ESPN, Disney Parks. Experiences & Products and more! Applications are typically posted in line with the beginning of the fall and spring school semesters, so continue to check back at MyDisneyCareer.com. Click on the link below to learn more.
Disney Hospitality Leadership Program
On a 12-month Disney Hospitality Leadership Program (DHLP), you’ll learn what it takes to be a Walt Disney World Resort operations leader at one of our parks or resort hotels. Applications open once per year (around June) and you may apply various lines of business including Food & Beverage, Attractions, Resort Operations and more.
Convert to a Part-Time/Full-Time Role
Want to stay with Disney permanently after your program ends? Apply to convert to a part-time or full-time role in our Parks and Resorts to begin after your program ends! Placement is not guaranteed and role/status availability is dependent upon business need. You will receive communication from Disney Programs when it’s time for you to apply.
Already applied?
Keep an eye on your Disney Careers dashboard for updates on your application status.
Get Support On The Journey
Recruiter Office Hours
Connect directly with a Disney recruiter during our weekly Recruiter Office Hours held at Apprentice Hall to get all your questions answered.
Tuesdays from
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
at Apprentice Hall
What’s Next? Sessions
Held when applications are open for extensions, our What’s Next Sessionsoffer an immersive opportunity to learn about your options from a Disney recruiter.
Career Development Sessions
Whether you’re looking to polish up your resume, improve your interview skills or learn how to network, these sessions are held often.
Stay Connected
Our biggest advice? ALWAYS check your email! If you have questions, you can always get in touch with a Recruiter or the Disney Programs team by submitting a request on the Support Site.