Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Powered by Disney on the Yard
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 1326894BR Location Orlando, Florida, United States / Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney World Resort Date posted Jan. 05, 2026Job Summary:
For the fifth year, the Disney College Program is excited to offer the HBCU Cohort powered by Disney on the Yard for summer 2026! As a part of this paid internship experience, you can create meaningful connections and develop your own sense of community. This Program is specifically for those who are attending or have recently attended a HBCU (Historically Black College or University).
This program is an exciting, unique opportunity for college students and recent graduates to work at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. While on a program, participants will:
- Receive valuable professional experience while working at our world-renowned theme parks and resorts.
- Meet people from around the globe and create friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
- Take part in uniquely Disney learning and development opportunities, exclusive program events and more.
- Front-line roles: Guest-facing positions directly interacting with visitors in our theme parks, resorts and Disney Springs locations.
- Attractions, Bell Services, Character Attendant, Custodial, Lifeguard, Quick Service Food & Beverage, Recreation Attractions, Merchandise, Seater, and Photopass Photographer
- Starting pay: $18/hour
- Program length: 3 months, with potential to extend up to 12 months (one year)
- Arrival date: May 18, 2026
- Departure date: August 6, 2026
- Program participants have the option to live at Flamingo Crossings Village, the fully furnished apartment community owned and operated by American Campus Communities, just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort.
- The community includes double-occupancy, shared apartments with amenities like resort-style pools and a 12,500 sq. ft. fitness center. Various special events and activities are also hosted every month exclusively for residents on the program.
- Bus transportation provided by Disney Programs connects you to Disney parks and resorts as well as local grocery stores and shopping.
- Discover career paths and build your network – there are endless opportunities with Disney to explore after you complete your program!
- Attend Disney Programs learning sessions where you can gain new skills, meet industry professionals and Disney leaders and more.
- Actively enrolled in school? The program offers academic support resources and is recommended for up to nine college credit hours by the American Council on Education (Note: all credit decisions are at the discretion of your college/university, please speak to your school to understand your options).
• Weekly pay
• Complimentary theme park admission
• Cast-exclusive discounts
• Housing and work transportation are offered
• Exclusive events, trips and activities
NOTE: Current Program Participants must have a departure date of January 9, 2026 or earlier to be eligible to apply
Basic Qualifications:
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled and taking classes at an accredited US* HBCU (Historically Black College or University), OR have graduated from an accredited US* HBCU within 24 months of the application posting date
- Must have completed at least one semester at an accredited US* HBCU by the time of the program arrival
- At least 18 years of age at the time of application
- Possess unrestricted work authorization within the United States*
- Be open to a starting pay rate of $18 per hour
- Be fully available to work Sunday through Saturday, including days and nights, holidays, weekends, and overtime
Be receptive to complying with the Disney Look appearance guidelines
Students who have not yet graduated from high school but have dual enrollment with a college are not eligible to apply. Prior to applying, please review the detailed eligibility requirements found here.
*United States includes all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and all other U.S. territories.
Additional Information:
What's Next?
- Selected candidates will have a 30-minute phone interview with a recruiter.
- If offered and accepted, a non-refundable Program Participation Fee is due within 7 days.
- Housing Fee (for Flamingo Crossings Village) is due 3 weeks before arrival.
- Role placement will be shared ~4 weeks before arrival; confirmed ~1 week prior (subject to change).
- Stay connected with Disney on the Yard by visiting DisneyOnTheYard.com.
About Walt Disney World Resort:
Since opening in 1971, Walt Disney World Resort has played an important role in many childhood and family memories. Today, hundreds of millions of guests from around the globe visit this magical place to enjoy a Disney vacation. Through a combination of creativity, innovation and technology, the resort immerses guests in classic Disney tales and new kinds of family entertainment. Drawing from a rich heritage of storytelling, Walt Disney World Resort cast members bring Disney magic to life through unmatched attention to detail and superior guest service.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
