Friendship from Sea to Shore
For more than 40 years, Disney Programs has helped create connections that last a lifetime. For Katelyn and Molly, that connection started years before their Disney College Program – and the program is what brought them back together.
Katelyn and Molly first met in July 2018 aboard a cruise on the Disney Dream, where they bonded in Vibe, the ship's teen-exclusive club. They quickly formed a close friend group and spent their entire voyage together, including an unforgettable beach day at Disney’s Castaway Cay. Although communication was sparse after their Disney cruise, Katelyn and Molly stayed connected through social media. They hadn't seen each other in person since 2018.
Katelyn participated in the Disney College Program in Spring 2023. “My one dream as a kid was to be a Disney Cast Member,” she shared, “Once I found out about the Disney College Program, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” After her program, Katelyn returned home to finish her degree with a goal of returning to The Walt Disney Company.
Molly had always dreamed of the Disney College Program, seeing it as a natural extension of her lifelong love for Disney. “Disney is such a huge part of my life. I made the most memories with my family and friends because of Disney,” Molly explained.
When fall applications opened, both friends applied without even planning it together. “It was right after I sent in my application when Molly told me she had just applied for the program,” Katelyn says. “We didn't talk about it beforehand, so it was a fun surprise.”
With Katelyn being an alum of the program, she shared her experience and best advice with Molly as she went through the interview process. “Once I reconnected with Katelyn, my life began to shift,” Molly says. “She was my biggest supporter through the process. Her friendship helped to calm a lot of my nerves during those days between my interview and getting my acceptance letter.”
After receiving their application letters, they coordinated their arrival dates so they could start their programs together. This eased up some of the nerves and made for a much easier transition as the both of them settled into life in Orlando. The two bonded over every new memory they would get to experience together. “During the few months between getting the acceptance and move-in, we reconnected over text about what we were most excited for,” Molly shared. “We also talked about a bucket list of ideas we wanted to complete before our programs ended!”
After completing her degree and returning for a second program, this was Katelyn's next step down her future career path with the company. For Molly, this program was a chance for her to have new experiences, follow her childhood dream and build new friendships. “Doing the Disney College Program was the best thing I could have done and doing it with a friend makes it 100 times better,” Katelyn reflected.
Katelyn and Molly’s story shows how a friendship that began years ago over a shared love of Disney has now come full circle. The bond they created on their Disney Cruise continued into a supportive friendship that has helped lead both girls down the right path in their careers.
