TXST Students Gain Real-World Experience at Walt Disney World Via Disney College Program

With students who are friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic, it makes sense why Texas State University is a consistent producer of Disney College Program (DCP) alumni at Walt Disney World every semester.

That’s how Ashley Baldwin, recruiter for College and International Programs at Walt Disney World, describes her interactions with Bobcats during her recruiting visits on the San Marcos Campus Quad. TXST is one of about 80 universities nationwide that Disney actively recruits from and averages about 20 students in the program each semester. The program is open to current students and alumni who have graduated within the last 24 months.

When current students return to TXST after their program ends, they might have the opportunity to apply to become a seasonal Disney Programs representative, where they help recruit other students and mentor future DCP participants.

Once on campus, Baldwin plans a “Disney Day” with Jessica Alva, career experience coordinator for Career Services. Students get to participate in classroom presentations, information sessions, tabling, office hours and career-topic workshops to better understand DCP before applying in addition to career readiness preparation.

“The students who come by are very kind and approachable,” Baldwin said. “Those who are brave enough to make that initial conversation often articulate their excitement about the program and ask questions about it, and that confidence really sets them apart.”

If a student is selected for DCP, they have the option to commit to programs lasting four to seven months and can extend their stay up to one year. Students from across the globe then relocate to Orlando, Florida, and can choose to live in Flamingo Crossings, Disney’s largest apartment-style housing complex. They work a minimum of 30 hours a week, with rent conveniently taken out of their paycheck each week. Students are also able to opt out of the offered housing and find their own accommodations. 

Students are assigned roles in various departments based on company needs, including operations, entertainment, recreation, lodging retail and sales, and food and beverage where they gain transferable skills, such as communication, time management, and adaptability.

“Getting to spend a semester at Disney World, live independently with other students from around the globe, and learn from one of the most known companies in the world is an exciting opportunity for our students,” said Ray Rogers, director of Career Services at TXST. “Our students possess a remarkable work ethic, and they truly value the hands-on, foundational experience the program provides, leading to a variety of career opportunities following graduation.”

She believes that Bobcats possess the resilience and comfortability to interact with everyone, which make them the perfect candidates for the program.

“There’s a different aura around Bobcats,” Garcia said. “We have a different kind of work ethic and we’re hard workers. These are hard jobs, but we lock in and try our hardest to make someone’s day magical. My time at Texas State gave me the opportunity to become comfortable talking with higher ups and leaders, and that alone set me up for success in my role at Disney.”

Brittany Davis, a senior integrated studies major and communications studies minor, grew up going to Disney World in the summertime. She knew she wanted to eventually give the same experience she received as a child to other families who visit the park. 

She was part of the Bell Services Dispatch team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa during her time in DCP. Outside of assisting guests during their check-in and check-out process and handing out Mickey Mouse stickers, she took the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills she learned in the program and applied them to her communications courses when she got back to San Marcos.

“I loved my time living there, and I met so many people from all over the world,” Davis said. “I even met one of my best friends during the program. Besides the endless skills you’ll make, you will also make endless memories.”

While students find the free visits to the park during their down time attractive, the real benefit of the program is the learning component of DCP. Bobcats have the opportunity to participate in various career readiness workshops in Career Services at TXST, and they can continue doing so through Disney while hearing from high-ranking executives of the company at their Endless Possibility Showcase.

Taking so many hours of workshops will earn them a Ducktorate, Goofy Graduate, or Sorcerer’s List Learning Certificate. 

This is something that alumnae Lauren Green, who received her bachelor’s degree in theater with a minor in communications studies in 2022 and her master’s degree in communications studies in 2024, focuses on.

Green chose to enroll in DCP after graduating because it’s difficult to take theater classes while not on campus. Rather than apply and get assigned to a role, she was able to apply directly for an education presenter role at Animal Kingdom due to her background in education and communication. In the Wilderness Explorers program, she leads guests through education stations through the park and provides information on nature, animals, and conservation. 

Alumna Arabella Holguin, who received her bachelor’s degree in public relations with a business administration minor in 2025 and was a member of the Gold Star Society, heard about the program while working for Holly Hirsch, executive director of Presidential Events and Projects and DCP alumni. Hirsch encouraged her to apply because of her interest in event planning and building customer service and people skills. Holguin also wanted to meet people from different places and experience living outside of Texas for the first time.

She works at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Enchanted Tales with Belle where she helps operate the ride and interacts with thousands of guests at the attractions.

With that interest in building her customer service and people skills, Holguin takes advantage of the leadership classes and special engagements with Disney figures to learn from their industry experience. 

She credits her experience in various family-like organizations at TXST for preparing her to be successful in DCP.

“Being a part of the Texas State community is like being part of a family,” Holguin said. “At Disney, it’s kind of the same thing where they want their guests to feel like family. In the program, you’re growing a family with the new people you work with.”

Holguin plans to return to TXST in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in digital media communications.

Visit the Disney College Program website for more information on eligibility, role exploration and more.