Confirmed: Disney College Program Gets Pay Raise

Students participating in the Disney College Program received good news this morning! Shortly after Walt Disney World officials were able to come to an agreement with Cast Member Unions over an increase in pay, the Disney College Program announced that its working students would be getting a pay raise of their own!

DCP officials confirmed that the starting pay would increase this summer, stating,

“We are happy to share that the hourly rate of pay for the Disney College Program is increasing. Beginning June 4, all #DisneyCollegeProgram participants will receive a starting hourly rate of $16, an increase of two dollars per hour. This increase will apply to participants currently on the program and any future participants.”

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Read More: Cast Members Approve New Union Contract, Getting Much-Needed Raise

This news comes after UNITE HERE Local 737 finally secured a deal to increase the minimum wage of Food and Beverage and Housekeeping Cast Members from $15 an hour to $18 an hour by the end of this year after reaching what seemed to be a stalemate. And it was hoped and speculated by many that Disney College Program Participants would soon also be the recipient of a similar raise.

Devoting a year of their work towards a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree, Students in the Disney College Program tend to work lower-rung positions in the Theme Parks, ranging from Merchandise to Character Performers. It also works with Disney World’s cultural exchange program. While The Walt Disney Company provides the housing locations at the Flamingo Crossings Village, many complain that the cost of living remains extremely high and see the pay raise as a much-needed blessing.

At the time of this article’s publication, Disney is currently “recruiting for program arrival dates between May 2023 and October 2023,” and program stints are expected to last no shorter than at least January 2024, but durations may vary.  Disney describes the experience, in part, as the following:

This unique program spans four to seven months (with opportunities to extend up to one year), and allows participants to network with professionals throughout The Walt Disney Company, take part in Learning and Career Development Sessions, and live and work with people from all over the world. While you work in your role, you will build transferable skills such as problem solving, teamwork, guest service, and effective communication.

Click here to learn more and apply! It should be noted, though, that all participants working before June 4 will receive the current starting rate of $14 an hour, and the application has not yet been updated with the new information.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Parks news and stories as more developments come to light.