
Disney Paid Internships!
Disney, Inc offers two great programs for ACC students.
- The Disney College Program offers a unique opportunity for paid work at Disney.
- The Disney Professional Internships is a chance to apply classroom studies to practical experiences. This is a highly competitive program.
To earn ACC Marketing Internship credit, you are required to:
- Take one Disney Education Course
- Complete the work experience
- Turn in a written assignment (5-10 pages)
- Submit an evaluation completed by your Disney College Program Supervisor
- Register for the Marketing Internship Course
- Have regular phone/emails contact with the ACC Marketing Internship Instructor
For additional information about these Disney programs, please contact one of the following Marketing Department members:
- Courtney Ahrenholtz, Associate Professor, [email protected] or 512.223.2069
- Ina Midkiff, Department Chair, [email protected] or 512.223.2072


We’re thrilled to share that interest in the Fall Disney College Program is soaring! We’ve already surpassed 15,000 applications, putting us on track for one of our strongest seasons yet.
This incredible momentum reflects the passion and enthusiasm students have for creating magic with us—and we’re not done yet! Our application will remain open through April, giving even more future participants the opportunity to join the adventure.
I have a few important updates to share regarding the Disney College Program and Disney Culinary Program, so I encourage you to read through the full message.
In some exciting news, I’ll be heading out on maternity leave at the end of next week, March 20, and will be back at the beginning of August! While I’m away, the wonderful Jeff Hickman ([email protected]) will be leading this work. He’s excited to jump back into this work, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to him with any questions or needs that pop up while I’m out.
- Application Is Still Open –The Disney College Program application for Fall 2025 is live! Interested students can apply for this opportunity here.
- Application Process – Students will first complete our online application. If they meet our minimum qualifications and are identified as a strong candidate, they will be invited to schedule a phone interview with our team. Selections will be based on application and interview results along with overall business need. For a visual representation of the application process, please refer to this article.
- Arrival/Departure Dates – After being accepted, students are able to select their preferred arrival and departure date range. Many of our May and June arrival dates have already reached capacity and are no longer available. However, we still have plenty of August arrival options open. We will continue to keep our Fall 2026 College Program Dates article updated as availability shifts.
DISNEY CULINARY PROGRAM
- Disney Culinary Program Application –
- The Disney Culinary Program offers students hands-on experience working alongside world-class culinary professionals across the Walt Disney World Resort.
- Open to students interested in culinary and baking & pastry roles.
- Interested students can apply here.
- EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Application –
- Available exclusively to Disney Culinary Program alumni.
- Provides festival-specific culinary experience during one of Disney’s largest annual events.
- Roles are culinary only (no Baking & Pastry).
- Interested students can apply here.
- Disney Culinary Program: EPCOT International Food & Wine –
- Culinary roles directly connected to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
- Positions are culinary only, with no Baking & Pastry opportunities.
- Interested students can apply here.
ARRIVAL PREPARATION
- Pre-Arrival Engagement Sessions –
- Our team hosts a series of dynamic virtual engagement sessions designed to help your students feel confident, informed, and excited as they prepare for their upcoming program.
- These sessions dive into everything from the Timeline to Their Arrival and Program Components to Company Perks, What’s Next, and so much more. They’re a great way for students to get a glimpse of what awaits them and begin building connections early.
- Students will receive email invitations to each session. While attendance isn’t mandatory, we highly encourage them to join—those who attend often say they feel more prepared and energized for day one!
- Arrival Timeline –
- In the months leading up to their arrival, we encourage students to closely monitor their email inbox. Each message will guide them through critical next steps that must be completed for a smooth and successful start to their program.
- To help them stay on track, we’ve created an easy-to-follow article outlining what to expect throughout the pre‑arrival journey. It’s a great resource to ensure they feel supported and ready for the magic ahead.
- Packing List –
- One of the most common questions we receive is: “What should I pack?” To help students feel prepared and stress-free, we’ve put together a helpful article that highlights key packing recommendations—from everyday essentials to items that make life at Flamingo Crossings Village even more comfortable.
- We also remind all students that they’ll need a valid government‑issued ID on arrival day. This is required both for check‑in and for their background check, so it’s important they keep it easily accessible.
LEARNING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
- Disney Programs offers a wide variety of exclusive participant experiences—including character meet‑and‑greets, wellness activities, career development sessions, local trips, and Flamingo Crossings Village events, all accessible through the DORMS events calendar.
- Students can stay up‑to‑date through the weekly Disney Programs Newsletter and monthly printed Flamingo Crossings Village calendar, ensuring they never miss new events, activities, or sign‑up opportunities.
- Attached is the March 2026 monthly calendar highlighting the events and learning offerings available to students currently participating in the program.
As a reminder, the Disney Programs Support Site is an excellent resource for students, offering helpful articles and a direct way to submit questions to our team.
Thank you,

* Google Translations are provided only for your convenience. *
Please contact the department if you have any questions.
