2021: A recap of our great Disney Programs adventure
As we close out another year, we want to take a moment to relish in all that was accomplished. This year began with all Disney Programs still paused due to the pandemic, but we are crossing the finish line of 2021 having relaunched a beloved and thriving Disney College Program – and that was just the start! Let’s take a look back at everything that happened this year!
Relaunched the Disney College Program
One year after many Disney Programs dreams were cut short, we were able to welcome back College Program participants from 2020. With the return of the College Program came many new enchantments to participant experiences such as a simplified application process and recruiter informational sessions. Additionally, participants now have expanded opportunities to experience a Disney Program with year-long arrivals and increased arrival and departure dates to choose from. These enhancements will lead to a truly immersive, one-of-a-kind Programs experience for all participants!
Opened a brand-new housing community
Participants returning from 2020 Programs were among the first to live in the brand-new housing community, Flamingo Crossings Village, built in partnership with American Campus Communities! Located right next door to Walt Disney World® Resort, Flamingo Crossings Village has endless amenities to enjoy. From pools and a fitness center, to fully furnished rooms and blue light safety phones, this community has everything to ensure participants are safe, comfortable, and will always have something exciting to fill their free time!
Disney Professional Internships Time Square moment
On June 30, professional interns across the company received a super-sized surprise. To welcome them to The Walt Disney Company, the first class of UNCF Corporate Scholars and summer Professional Interns had their photos featured on a Times Square super sign. The special moment took place just outside of the Good Morning America studio and featured over 400 interns across all segments of the company such as ABC, Corporate, Marvel and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products! You can watch the full video of this extraordinary moment here.
Celebrated the Disney College Program 40th anniversary with six participant legacy stories
The year 2021 allowed us to celebrate 40 years of Disney College Program magic! To celebrate this special milestone and demonstrate the impact of Disney, we shared six legacy stories of current and former College Program participants. These stories showed just how powerful the magic of Disney is as we met with current magic makers inspired by family and friends who created magic before them. As we wrap up celebrating 40 years of College Program, we are touched and know new legacy stories are being made every day!
All of these stories can be seen on our social media pages!
Offered 58 participants a role with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
This fall Disney College Program participants were given the chance to attend information sessions to help open the upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a two-night immersive experience at Walt Disney World Resort. Among the hundreds that applied and interviewed, 58 were selected for this incredible opportunity. To share the exciting news, they were invited to a surprise reveal disguised as a networking session with leaders of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. During the event each participant opened an envelope containing their golden ticket for an out-of-this-world new experience. Watch this exciting moment here.
Offered participants a uniquely Disney Program Celebration event
College Program participants are invaluable to the Walt Disney World Resort. To celebrate all that they do each day, the Disney Programs team provided participants with a uniquely Disney capstone event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! On Monday, Nov. 29, a private event was held offering participants short wait times on some of their favorite attractions, three DJs and dance areas, character interactions and food and beverage selections around the park.
This was such a full and exciting year for all Disney Programs! We are proud of all that we were able to offer participants, and we look forward to more memories and adventures in 2022!
Learn more about the Disney College Program at DisneyPrograms.com.