Walt Disney has a program for college students. The Walt Disney college program is a co-op with Walt Disney Resort. College students get work experience, and college credit, for coming to work for Disney.

Eliza Carpenter, a student at OCC is taking part in this program and I asked her a few questions about the program. The first question I asked Eliza was:  What is it that you do? Eliza told me that she works at the Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. Her job in the Frontierland is themed as midwestern. Disney tries to be true to the time period of their theme. Eliza said, ”It was nice to know a lot about the midwest from history classes. It helped me stay true to the theme and be better at my job.” Her job is merchandise. She works at the gift shops and outdoor merchandise stands.

The second question I asked her was: What did you do to get into the Walt Disney program? She told me that to get into the Walt Disney college program you have to apply online, then go through a series of interviews. Once you are offered a position you then have to go through a background check to start working.

Another question that I asked Eliza was: What are some parts that you really liked? Her favorite parts are that she gets into all five of the parks for free! On Eliza’s days off she’s able to go meet princesses at the Magic Kingdom, or she can go to Epcot where they have attractions from around the world. You can tour the different countries of the world and try food and soda for each country.

The last question that I asked Eliza was how will this affect your future?

Eliza’s answer was that Disney is a major company. This job will look excellent on her resume. To be able to work for a company that is so well known is an amazing experience. “Everyone knows Disney. It is world known, so this job could set me aside from my peers,” said Eliza. It can offer her new possibilities if she stays with the Disney company. “Disney makes my future a lot brighter,” Eliza said.