For a little quick context, I'm nineteen years old and am currently in my second semester of college. This is also my first time posting on these forums, so please pardon any errors that might be made.
But as the title of this thread says, I'm completing applying for the Disney College Program in Florida in 2020 when I turn 20 years old. However, I'm very uncertain of whether or not I should go through with this. I've heard many things about this program, both positive and negative (Though mostly positive). I'm wondering if anybody who has gone through or is currently going through the Disney College Program would be willing to share their experiences and what's it's been like thus far. Do you enjoy working for Disney? Would you recommend this program to people like myself who're considering applying? Are the hours and shifts as bad as many people say it is? (50+ hours a week, closing shifts, ect). How is the living situation for those of you living on campus with roommates? What's the transportation like for those of you who rely on it to get to and from the parks? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.
I've done two College Programs, one in Florida and one in California. I have strong but different feelings on both but since you're looking to do it in Florida, I will comment on Florida.
I absolutely loved doing the College Program, both times. I did Florida first and it was the reason I went back so yes I very much enjoyed working for Disney. It was a dream come true for me and despite any misgivings I have about my experience, it was all worth it due to how many positives there. If you are not like me and have dreamed for some time of working for Disney, this might not be for you since having that mindset alleviates a lot of negatives. If you are like me, 100% go for it.
In regards to hours, it varies by location and role. I worked at Magic Kingdom in Custodial so while generally I got around 40 hours a week, I did get over 50 hours at times and yes almost all closing shifts and know many who got the 50+ regularly, all CPs, especially once the holidays rolled around (probably would go up to 60+ for that) if you are planning to do a Fall program. As a CP, you are almost guaranteed closing shifts and honestly I didn't mind them. I'm a night person through and through so it was no bother even if it does drag at the end. Magic Kingdom is easily the most difficult place to work at WDW just on pretense so I know the worst. Parks are very similar but most will not get to the point of MK and resorts are even more lowkey than that. You are required to work at least 30 hours a week and they definitely try to bump it over so you're not just making enough for rent so it's nice to have all the hours in the end since you will have money on your days off to have fun.
The living situation is actually pretty nice. I lived in Vista Way, which is the most infamous apartment complex for the College Program and I liked it. It really isn't as bad as everyone says it is. My roommates and I had zero issues except for an instance where we had a wasps nest right outside our door but that was taken care of relatively quickly. The few horror stories just get blown way out of proportion, it really isn't bad. If they do worry you, you have options. Patterson Court, Chatham Square and the Commons also exist and everyone has their pros and cons. I could explain all those for each one including Vista, but that would be quite the novel. I think the main thing is you have options with lots of information on each to go through to decide what fits you best. Also, roommates... it's like with any roommate situation, sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not so much. I got lucky and had great roommates and really took the time to ensure that through finding them on the Facebook group and really communicating what I expected of the apartment with everyone living there so yeah, it worked out. Honestly, don't worry about this as much, it is a surefire golden situation.
Transportation... I have mixed to negative feelings on the DCP transportation aka the TranStar busses. TranStar is nice from the forefront since it's basically free and it gets you wherever you need to go on property. However, it is notoriously a mess. Busses break down constantly or are late or leave early or WHATEVER and the recovery on that is not always great. I luckily got around it by making sure I allotted myself more than enough time to get to work or would arrive well prior to my shift starting and hang out in Magic Kingdom. Of course, not everyone has my energy or is working in one of the parks so that might not work. Just know the transportation is not great by any means. Some bus routes are better than others, but you will have many a horror story with TranStar. Just be prepared for that and you should be fine. However, I HIGHLY recommend having a car. HIGHLY.
If you have any other more specific questions, I'm more than happy to talk to you in my private messages. I'm very familiar with this program, with many friends who have done it before me and since. I also will be embarking on my third come June so I know how the system has changed in terms of the application process, housing process, training process, etc.