The DCP Diaries: Tips For Applying and The Process

Tips

Apply early - the earlier you apply the more availability there is.
Put down a lot of options for roles - if you reeeeeally want to do DCP just be open to almost any role and then if you get in you can always do a second program or extend in a role you really want (that’s what I did - QSFB first program and PhotoPass second program). But keep in mind that you cannot change your role once accepted. So make sure you’d be happy working that role for 5-8 months (you don’t have to love it but you don’t want to absolutely dread it everyday).
Just because you’re majoring in something doesn’t mean that’s the role they will place you in.
It is possible to be placed in a role you did not select or put “no interest” or “low interest” in - if they think that would be a good fit for you (usually because of your experiences or because the roles you want are full).
Put down all your volunteer work - it will only help your application.
Just because someone who applied after you got their decision before you doesn’t mean you won’t be accepted.
Ask your interviewer a question (such as: who is your favorite Disney character or ride?) - it shows interest.

Application

You will fill out the application which is very similar to others - name, address, social security number, education and volunteer experience, role preferences, etc.

*As of 2014, not all applicants will advance to the WBI.

Web Based Interview (WBI)

*Not all applicants will pass the WBI.

Phone Interview

This is your moment to shine.
You have a half hour for your interviewer to get to know you and why you should work for Disney.
Don’t forget to share your favorite Disney experience and why.
Make sure you have good phone coverage and are in a quiet area - no distractions.
The call will probably come from a “blocked” or “restricted” number.
Your interview could be as short as 15 minutes and could be as long as 40 minutes.
If you get asked a “what if…” question, try to be as specific as possible and if you’ve ever been in that kind of situation use that as an example (“When that happened this is what I did…”)
If you get asked a general question, make it about your top roles and how you would handle it in that role (“if I was a Character Attendant and there was an emergency I would…”)
Be honest and DO NOT LIE about the Disney Look (tattoos/piercings) or allergies.
SMILE! BE EXCITED AND ENTHUSIASTIC! THINK ABOUT ALL THE MAGICAL MOMENTS YOU CAN CREATE!
Don’t forget to thank your interviewer at the end!*Your Phone Interview is basically the last time to mention anything before it is set in stone - such as: where you would like to request to work, if you can’t work a certain role because of an allergy, if you can’t work a certain season - such as, Fall Advantage - because you’re still in school/have graduation.

The Waiting Game

Expect to be waiting awhile.
You will hear something in two weeks - you might get an email before then or you might get one that says they haven’t made a decision and will get back to you at a later time.
You might be “pended” - that just means they need more time, but don’t lose hope (there are many reasons why you could be pended).

Getting Your Acceptance

You will get an email and it will show up on your Dashboard - check both since sometimes it shows up on one sooner than the other.
You’re accepted for the role, hourly rate, and season (Spring, Spring Advantage, Fall, Fall Advantage) that is listed on your acceptance - there is no switching.
You have seven days to complete the Acceptance Process (accept, pay, choose dates).
Once you officially “ACCEPT!” you will get an email to pay your fees ($304) and after you pay you will then be able to choose your Arrival and Departure dates - you are allowed to change your date ONE TIME and once a date fills up then it is full.

The DCP Diaries