Walt Disney World Experience

Program participants will have the opportunity to work in front of the house or back of the house operations at Disney’s theme parks and resorts and obtain real-world experience working for a world-renowned entertainment company. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience where students will meet and work with people from all over the world and gain valuable experience for their career. Students will learn invaluable business practices from Disney leaders and develop and refine their skills in leadership, guest service, teamwork, and communications.

Disney International Program

Students will work 30 – 37.5 hours per week and be paid $14.00 USD per hour (2022). (Slight variation in hourly pay rate varies by role assigned. Scheduled hours may increase when classes are not in session or during employee transition periods.) Participants will have the opportunity to work at any one of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, resorts, or other recreational areas including the water parks, studios, and Disney Springs® locations.

Disney Total Rewards

UF Disney International Exchange Students also participate in the Disney Total Rewards Program. Here is a small peek into Total Rewards:

• Complimentary admission to Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks

• Discounts on select merchandise, dining, recreation, and resort accommodations at participating locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort

• The chance to take part in special cast member events and activities, such as behind-the-scenes tours, sports leagues, volunteer activities, and sneak previews of attractions

• The opportunity to attend exclusive events and activities including pool parties, trips to the beach, movie nights, and more

Work Opportunities

Participants will have the opportunity to work in the following roles:

• Merchandise

• Attractions

• Lifeguard

• Custodial

• Character Attendant

• Character Performance

• Seater

• Recreation

• Quick-Service Food & Beverage

admission requirements

• Student at one of our partner schools.

• Age 18 years or older.

• English fluency (If English is not your native language, you must have a minimum score of 80 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL or a 6.5 on the IELTS.)

• At least second year level of university study enrolled in a four year degree (sophomore standing) at your home institution.

• Currently enrolled and in good academic standing at your home university (U.S. equivalent of 3.0 GPA or higher (B-average).

• Recommended by your home institution for interviews with UF and Disney.

• Financial support to cover the costs of the program and personal expenses.

• Desire to perform at a high-level in both the academic & work components of the program.

• Positive, professional, friendly attitude and service orientation.

• Engaged in appropriate course of study: tourism, hospitality, recreation, business or a related field.

Admissions Process

• Student submit pre-screening application at the home institution.

• Home institution pre-screens students and submit recommendations to UF and WDW.

• Qualified applicants are invited to a Preliminary application to UF and to a preliminary application to Walt Disney World.

• Qualified applicants are approved and invitated to interview with UF and WDW staff in Canada or virtually on zoom. 

• In-person or video interviews with UF and Walt Disney World Staff in Canada (TBD).

• UF and WDW staff review and send offer letters to qualified candidates.

• Candidates accept offer and formally apply to UF and WDW.

• Formal application to UF and WDW online on-boarding and recruiting systems include, but are not limited to, a non-degree seeking student application, a J1 Visa request, Statement of Financial Responsibility, Proof of English Language Proficiency and WDW Screening and Background Check.

• UF staff approve the formal UF applications, documentations and initiate a DS-2019 form, work with the registrar to issue UF ID numbers, provide directions on how to set up the student UF Gatorlink account.

• Students register for two (2) UF Classes and make tuition payment.

• WDW staff enter student interns into their International Academic Exchange online system, issue WDW ID numbers and access to the WDW employee portal.

• Students gain access to the UF Canvas Online Learning course platform and begin coursework.

APPLY NOW!

Please contact your home institution liaison to obtain more information and receive a pre-screening application and/or attend a program information session. Once your home institution approves of your participation (based on the guidelines set above), the liaison will forward a list of screened applicants to UF and Disney staff who will follow up and provide instructions to formally apply to UF and Walt Disney World. Note that interested students will apply to UF and Walt Disney World (weblink application) separately. Upon completion of the applications, selected students will be invited to attend a program presentation and interviews with UF and Walt Disney World Staff. 

annual dates

WINTER/SPRING GROUP

UF Classes (Online)
Spring Semester (January - May): The first two courses - completed from Canada

• Report to Disney while taking classes

Summer A Semester (May - June): Second two courses - completed while working at Disney

Immersion Week: After classes and work finish, students are transported to UF’s campus

 Walt Disney World Internship

Mid- January - Mid-June (exact dates TBD)

UF Immersion Experience

Students will experience Gainesville and UF campus at the end of their Disney Experience for 7 to 10 days, and will come to the UF campus during a weekend in spring for a sports event.

Program Cost

2023 Program Cost: $4,200

What is included:

• Education tuition and fees for 12 credit hours at the University of Florida

• Housing accommodations, all meals, transportation, tours, cultural and sports excursions while at the University of Florida

• Admission to one UF Sporting Event

• Gator One student ID card

• Orientation and Graduation Reception

• Supervision and support by UF program faculty and staff for the duration of the Academic Exchange Experience

• Limited access to University of Florida’s instructional, technological, and student resources

Payments will be submitted in two installments. Half is due at the start of the program (Spring or Summer) with the remainder due at the beginning of the final semester (Summer or Fall).

Additional Expenses

Students will be responsible for the following expenses:

• Required Student Health Insurance

• TB test and immunization

• DS-2019 ($50 Shipping fee)

• SEVIS I-901 fee;

• J1 visa application fee (for non Canadian or US citizens);

• Any expense related to the application process for Walt Disney World® (e.g., background check);

• Airfare/transportation to and from Florida;

• All personal expenses once arriving to Walt Disney World® in Orlando, FL (e.g., housing, food and beverage, activities, entertainment, and other incidental expenses);

• Linens and Towels (unless student brings them from home);

• Summer and/or business attire

• Work shoes (if needed);

• Textbook and Course Materials; simulation software fee for Knowledge Matters software for Lodging Operations and Management class. (Approx. $70)

Health Insurance Requirement

All participants in the program are required to have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States. If they do not provide proof of insurance they will not be able to register for classes. All students are required to have approved health insurance.

For more information, visit University of Florida Trail Blazer Plan Summary.

Required Courses

The program will require students to take four courses for a total of twelve academic credits. All these classes will be taught by University of Florida professors online. The fourth course is the internship at Walt Disney World® Resort.

The following is a list of required courses, each followed by their respective course descriptions:

*Courses are subject to change for 2023 experience 

HFT3806 -  Introduction to Food and Beverage Management (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide students with a managerial examination of full-service food and beverage operations. It explores the broad range of subject areas that encompass the food and beverage market and its main sectors – quick service, casual and fine dining, beverage and bar, institutional and catering. The course also examines trends and innovations affecting the food and beverage industry, the management process, marketing, labor and product cost control, revenue and pricing strategies, production and service, purchasing and inventory, sanitation and safety, layout and design, and financial analysis.

HFT 4755 - Theme Park & Attraction Management (3 Credits)

An in-depth study of the theme park and attraction industry, focused on historical considerations, industry resources, and organizational and management functions related to the operation of core functions, both employee and patron based.

HFT 3253 - Lodging Operations and Management (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth managerial examination of a full-service lodging firm including each major operating and support departments. This course exposes students to the unique characteristics of managing and operating a service-based lodging product that is delivered by a diverse employee profile and received by an equally diverse consumer profile. The objective of the course is for the student to become familiar with the lodging industry and current principles and management practices of lodging properties.

The course will use a simulation based software where students will manage various departments in a hotel including front office, housekeeping, sales and marketing, food & beverage and will end with the student managing a limited service hotel. 

LEI 4940 - Internship (3 credits)

This course provides students with practical field experience at the Walt Disney World Resort and exploration of tourism and hospitality career opportunities and real-world case studies.  Students in the UF Disney International Academic Exchange Program will commence their internship in July and complete the internship in December. At the completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Gain real-world work experience and explore career options.

• Explore managerial issues and apply critical thinking to form possible solutions to these issues.

• Develop valuable work competencies specifically for the tourism and hospitality industry.

• Gain self-confidence, self-worth, and interpersonal skills.

• Articulate and apply work-related principles learned both in and outside of the classroom.

• Evaluate future job opportunities in the tourism field and learn about available careers.