There are many reasons that people choose to do the Disney College Program. But the perks are really amazing and today I’ll be listing those perks. Maybe this will help you if you’re preparing to do a Disney College Program so you make sure to utilize the perks, or perhaps this will open your eyes to reasons you should consider doing a Disney College Program!
Magic Backstage
You can enter to win prizes or be able to join backstage tours of attractions. You can access Magic Backstage through the Hub (website just for cast members). Be sure to check back every week for new contests to enter!
Resort Discounts
You can look up what discounts are available on the Hub (website for cast members), or just call and ask the cast members at the resort you want if they have any cast member discounts that they can provide for you. This is really great for if your friends/family come to visit you, or for staycations with your roommates/friends during the DCP.
Free Parking
You get to park for free at all of the parks by showing your blue cast member ID card (Blue ID). This saves you $20+ every time you go to a park.
Water Park Access
You get free entrance to both Disney water parks when you use your Blue ID.
Park Entrance
You get free entrance to all the Disney parks when you use your Blue ID. You will receive your Blue ID after you complete Traditions.
Cast Connection
This is a store just for cast members and their escorted guests to shop overstocked or slightly damaged merchandise for amazing discounts (up to 75% off). You can also get some grocery items here, or furniture from the resorts. And they have a great Black Friday sale, depending on your interests!
Discounts on Park Tickets
If you need to buy park tickets for your friends/family, you get 10% off if you buy them at Company D stores which cast members can access on Disney property.
Discounts on Annual Passes
You also can buy Annual Passes for 10% off at Company D stores. This is popular for DCP participants to do at the end of their program if they plan on visiting Disney several times in the next year.
Merchandise Discounts
You get 20% off merchandise in the parks if you scan your Blue ID.
Seasonal Discounts
If you’re working for Disney between October-February, you’ll be mailed a coupon booklet for the Disney Holiday Family Celebration with insane coupons for dining and resorts, as well as free snack coupons. Also, during these months you get a 40% discount on merchandise instead of the usual 20% discount.
AMC Theater at Disney Springs
The AMC Theater gives cast members a 10% discount if you go see a movie.
Dining Discounts
Dining discounts for cast members change periodically. Make sure to check The Hub to find the current list of Disney Dining Locations that offer discounts for cast members.
Mickey's Retreat
A Disney clubhouse area that is only open to cast member and their families. You get free access and it is right near most of the housing complexes.
Guest Passes
After working 150 hours, you’ll be mailed a set of 3 one-day park hopper guest passes to get friends/family into the parks for free. You’ll earn another set of 3 passes for every 150 hours you work (up to 9 passes in one calendar year).
Inexpensive Housing
DCP housing is extremely inexpensive. For just over $100 per week, which is automatically deducted from your paycheck, you’ll get to live in a large apartment with all utilities included. You also get 24-hour security, free bus transportation to/from work at all hours (and to all Disney locations), pools, events, laundry facilities, gym facilities, etc.
Check out my Guide to DCP Housing Complexes for more info!
Event Tickets
You can get extremely discounted tickets at Company D stores for seasonal events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, on certain days.
Local Business Discounts
Many local businesses also provide cast member discounts if you show your Blue ID. Just ask!
Flexible Scheduling
You can easily trade shifts not only at your assigned work location but with cast members who work at other locations as well!
I hope this has helped you realize the perks you can experience as a cast member during the Disney College Program. If you’ve already done the DCP, let me know what your favorite perks were in the comments!