Earningland and Learningland: The Disneyland College Program
To some young people, working at the Happiest Place on Earth would be a dream come true. “It’s a lovely job manufacturing happiness” as Danny Kaye says in the “Disneyland 25th Anniversary” special. But what if someone could work at Disneyland, get networking experience, and a chance to turn a summer job into a career?
Enter the Disneyland College Program (DLCP), which welcomed its first participants in 1989. [Point of disclosure: I was one of the lucky group who worked in the program in the summer of 1998. You can read more about that here.]
The program has evolved since its inception (and even since I was a member); the opportunities have changed as has the leadership.
John Van Winkle, who has been with the resort for 19 years in a variety of roles—from custodial to human resources—took the team leader position because it “matched what I valued: getting people excited about working here,” he said. “I’ve always appreciated and enjoyed that.”
DisneyInterns.com],” Van Winkle said. “Some that require DLCP completion… if someone has that, it is going to set you apart from someone who doesn’t. You understand service expectations and expectations guests have.”
The benefits work both ways, as Van Winkle noted the postive feedback the program receives.
“What we see and hear that ‘we are getting a quality CM in there,'” he said. “Leaders appreciate those that are coming through.”
Another change is the focus on community service with Disney Volunteers: “[We] let people know that being a good neighbor is giving back to the community—rather than just portfolio work,” Van Winkle said
The best part is that there is no limit on the number of DLCP participants, which opens it up to a diverse group of students—from a variety of majors.
“We try to work with specific schools and programs to make sure their students are getting the type of program they need. We also have great partnerships with culinary programs,” Van Winkle said. “There is opportunity for us during the interview process to understand where this CM will be the best fit for us.”
For those who absolutely fall in love with the role they are given, Van Winkle said that there is an opportunity to extend a stay.
At that point, students can also decide if they want to look into an internship, or transfer to another department.
A job that makes its workers want to stay on? Sounds like a fairy tale. But it is true, as the alumni who speak at the campus presentations (and this writer) will attest to.
“I do honestly believe that we’re giving people an opportunity to change their life and to be part of the magic of being a cast member,” Van Winkle said. “It is a great experience regardless of the role. Every CM believes they work in the best role. I know the resort have given me friends, wife and growth with the company. I’m thankful for it.”
Disney College Program Web site. All interested students will need to attend an on-campus presentation or watch the 30-minute virtual one in order to apply. There will be a College Program presentation at the Team Disney Anaheim auditorium on January 16 from 6-9 p.m. If you are interested in signing up for the program, this is a great way to learn about it.
For more information on what it is like to work at Disneyland, read the many articles in the MousePlanet Cast Place section.