Disney College Programs and Internships: Application Process

Step 1: Research

Before applying to any Disney Internship or Program, it is important to do research. Some majors and colleges at Butler have more strict academic schedules than others, as a result it is essential that you pick the correct time or times to apply. As you consider this, reference your individualized major plan and see when the best time for you to apply will be.

Next, in your research, you need to consider what roles may be most beneficial to your major and if you wish to get academic credit. If so, looking at your major specific plan and outline of roles that may serve you best as well as argumentation for class credit will be included. However, if you do not wish to earn academic credit, you may skip this step.

Lastly, you must ensure that you speak to your advisor about the possibility of the Disney College Program. Though this Guide lays out what may work for a given program, each student is different and may need a differently tailored plan.

Something to Consider: If for some reason you cannot participate during your time in college, the Disney College Program allows applicants to apply for up to a year after graduation and there are many Disney Professional Internships that are available to graduates.

Step 2: Check your Eligibility

In order to complete any of the Disney Internships of Programs, you must:

-Be 18 years or older.

-Have unrestricted work authorization.

-Currently be enrolled in an accredited institution or have graduated within the last 12 months.

-Meet any school mandated requirements (at this time, there are no Butler specific ones).

Step 3: Know When to Apply

In reference specifically to the Disney College and Culinary programs, there are two main recruiting windows: one in the Spring and one in the Fall. If you intend to apply for the Fall semester, application season will begin in January and carry through to March. Similarly, if you wish to apply for the Spring season, you should apply between August and October. Professional Internships and the other programs will fluctuate depending on when they are being offered and available. In order to check these application windows, it is important to reference the Disney Professional Internship website. If you would like a reminder of when to apply, you can sign up for information about Disney’s programs and get a notification when some of the specific programs open (Disney Professional Internships, Disney College Program, Disney Culinary Program, Disney Technology Management Rotation Program). Please Note: Dates for this year’s Disney Imaginations competition have not yet been set. 

Additionally, it is important to consider the Disney College Program has five different types of seasons:

1. Spring: January-May

2. Spring Advantage: January-August

3. Late Spring: March-August

4. Fall Advantage: May-January

5. Fall: August-January

If you are accepted for a program, you will be asked to choose between a few arrival date options. Arrival dates for each session typically fall within a span of a few weeks.

Step 4: Submit your Application

Once applications for your preferred program sessions have opened, prepare to submit yours. Your application status can then be checked at any time on your dashboard. After you’ve applied, begin preparing for your web-based and phone interviews.