If you are looking for a job in the USA, and are a big fan of Disney, then the Disney Cultural Representative Program may be a great option for you. Disney's CRP allows international workers from various countries to work at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for 12-months. This program provides participants with a full-time paid job, VISA assistance, housing, and more. The CRP has enabled participants to live in the USA, make money, travel, and have a magical experience over all. This post will provide you with information on Disney's Cultural Representative program, how to apply, what to expect from the job, and more.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Fuentes
Table of Contents
Disney's Cultural Representative Program Overview
Program Overview
Walt Disney World’s Cultural Representative Program (CRP) is a 12-month work program for international participants. Participants interview for a position with the Disney company, and upon acceptance, they will work as a full-time employee at the Disney parks while living in Orlando, Florida. The goal of the program is to have the participants represent their home country/culture and create an authentic experience for the park's guests as they "travel around the world" via the Epcot and Animal Kingdom parks.
Eligibility
All CRP participants must be over the age of 18, fluent in English, and meet the requirements for the proper work VISA. There is no upper age limit and this program sees workers of all ages (with the majority usually ranging from 18-25). Each participant must be able to represent their home country while working at their station within the Disney parks. Participants must be from one of the following countries/locations; China, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom, South East Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, India), or Sub-Saharan Africa (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe).
Program Fees & Expenses
Program Fee
Program fees total around $455 USD.
This is broken into two different payments. The first is a $240 fee that you will pay upon acceptance into the program. This fee includes administrative costs, general program fees, and activities and events Disney puts on for participants. The second is a $215 housing fee that needs to be paid 6 weeks before the first week of your program. This housing fee includes the first weeks rent. (You do not need to pay this fee if you find your own housing/apartment.)
One Time Expenses
While prices will vary, be sure to consider the following one time costs;
Transportation and/or accommodation to/from the interview.
Flights to and from the program.
VISA, police checks, and other paperwork fees.
Hotel on arrival to the USA.
Start up costs for your apartment such as bedding, toiletries, and other comforts.
Parking fee of $150 (if you bring your own vehicle).
Weekly Expenses
Insurance: You can find your own insurance or use Disney's provided insurance that will be deducted directly from your paycheck.
Rent: If living at Disney's accommodation, rent ranges from $215-$261/week depending on your apartment. (This includes wifi, water, waste disposal, electricity, and use of facilities such as pool, gym, etc...). This is deducted straight from your paycheck.
Groceries: You need to buy and cook your own food.
Personal activities/travel while living in the USA.
Other Program Opportunities
If the Cultural Representative Program is not for you, Disney has two other programs for international workers;
The Cultural Exchange Program is a summer program for student's over the age of 18 who are currently enrolled in a college or university, can speak fluent English, and qualify for a J-1 VISA. Participants must be from one of the following countries; Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, France, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, or the United Kingdom.
The Academic Exchange Program is for student's over the age of 18 who are currently enrolled in a college or university and can speak fluent English. This program allows participants from around the world to work at Disney while taking college courses. It's comparable to a study/work abroad mix.
To learn more about these programs, visit the Disney website's International Programs page.
Photo Credit: Brian McGowan
How to Apply to the Cultural Representative Program
Where to Apply
You can directly apply to the job on the Disney Jobs website. Once accepted they will walk you through the necessary steps to obtain the proper VISA.
If you are from the United Kingdom, you can apply to this program on Yummy Jobs.
When Applications Open
Program applications will open at different times depending on what roles Disney needs to fill. To find out when applications are open you can go on the Disney Jobs website to see what jobs are currently posted, or sign up for their email notifications to be alerted when jobs open for your country.
You can also keep up to date with the Disney Program Facebook Page to see when new jobs/placements open.
If you are from the United Kingdom and are applying through Yummy Jobs, you can follow their social media accounts or check their website to see when the program opens for you.
The Application Process
Submit Your Application
Click the job you want to apply to on Disney's Career Page.
Create a Disney account.
Upload your CV/resume, cover letter, and other information.
*UK Applicants will do the same via Yummy Jobs.
Attend a Prescreen Interview
If selected you will be given a time/place to attend a first interview.
You will most likely need to attend this interview in person at your own expense.
Attend a Final Interview
If you pass the first interview you will receive an offer to attend the final interview.
They will give you a time/place and you will most likely need to attend in person at your own expense.
Receive an Email Offer
After the final interview you will receive an email with a job offer.
You will need to accept the job and sign your contract.
Upload More Information and Pay First Fees
The next steps will be to pay the first set of program fees (about $240).
You will then be prompted to upload more information/documents.
Follow the Steps Provided
From here, you will be told what steps you need to take to obtain the proper VISA, what other documents you need, how to obtain police clearance, etc...
This process may be different depending on your citizenship, but you will be assisted along the way.
During this process you will be assigned your role, choose your housing, and more.
*If you are from the UK and are applying via Yummy Jobs, the application process is the same, but you will apply via their website.
If You are Not Selected
The application process can be competitive, and it is especially popular for certain countries such as the UK. If you don't get an offer you can reapply the next time applications open. If you are waitlisted be patient, there is a chance a spot will open up.
Photo Credit: Taylor Gregory
Working at Disney as a CRP Cast Member
Training
To insure cast members are prepared, everyone attends training at Disney University. This will be a multi-day training where you will get to meet other cast members in various programs that are signing on at the same time as you. You will attend Disney Traditions, which will provide you information about the parks, company, and more. You will learn the expectations of your role, how to interact with guests, make Disney magic, and get your name tag. Once training is completed you will start your new job!
Work Locations and Job Assignments
Anyone with a job at Disney is referred to as a cast member. As a cast member in the Cultural Representative Program, you are considered a full-time worker. You will be assigned to work at the pavilion of your respective country in Disney's Epcot park. For example, if you are from Italy then you will work in the Italy pavilion. However, if you are from Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and South East Asia, you will most likely be assigned to work in Animal Kingdom or the Animal Kingdom Lodge as these locations are set in Africa.
The majority of program participants will work in Merchandise or Food and Beverage roles. A Merchandise role usually means working in retail at a gift shop, doing tasks such as cashiering, inventory, stocking, etc... Food and Beverage means working in a table service or a quick service restaurant. Roles here can range from seating, serving, food prep, stocking, etc... Both of these departments require guest interaction.
Representatives from Canada, China, France, Mexico, and Norway can also work in Attractions because their locations offer attractions/rides like the Frozen ride in the Norway Pavilion. If you are from Morocco or Japan, you also have the chance to work at the Kidcot Fun Stop, which allows you to facilitate games or crafts for kids. Lastly, if you are from Southeast Asia, India, or Africa, you can also be a park greeter at the Animal Kingdom.
Payment and Working Hours
The wages you earn will depend on the specific job you have. Cast members can earn $18-28/hour in USD. The average pay is about $22/hr. However, if you are in a role where you make tips, such as a server role, you will most likely make around $7/hr.
A normal schedule is a 5-day work week with 2-days off, 8hrs/day, 40hrs/week with the possibility for overtime. You can pick up, trade, and give away shifts if you are looking to work more or less time but you are required to work a minimum of 30hrs/week. Everyone is required to work holidays and weekends. This does not mean you will, it just depends on the shifts you are assigned. Shifts are said to be assigned by seniority.
Perks of the Job
Aside from living in the USA and at Disney World, there are a few other perks that come with the job. As a Cast Member, you get free entrance to all of the parks in Walt Disney World Resort. This means you can go anytime! You also receive three guest passes that can be used a set number of times (they do have black out dates). Finally, you get discounts on park merchandise and some restaurants and hotels/resorts.
A Normal Work Day
Your work day will vary depending on your job and shift assignment. You are able to pick up other shifts and give away your own shifts. While you can request shifts, they are assigned based off of seniority. Your work day(s) could begin in the morning, mid-day, or evening.
To start your day you will take a bus to Epcot (or Animal Kingdom) and then another bus to the backstage area. Once you are changed for work (because guests can't see you going to work in full costume) you will clock in and get your assignment for that shift. Normally you will have a break mid-shift and then receive another assignment for the remainder of your shift.
Working The Holidays
It is possible that you end up having some holidays off. However, working the holidays is a job requirement. In the USA this means Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Independence Day, Valentines day, and a possibly few more.
Photo Credit: Amy Humphries
Living at Disney as a CRP Cast Member
Housing & Accommodation
Cast Members on the CRP program live at Flamingo Crossing East or Flamingo Crossing West. These are large apartment complexes across the street from each other and are only for Disney Program Participants (in various programs), so you can't bring family or friends to live with you. You can choose to opt out of employee housing if you have your own accommodation.
You will need to register for housing. About a month or so before you arrive you will receive an email showing you how to do so. You can rank the type of apartment you want, request a mixed or same gender room or a specific roommate. However, nothing is guaranteed.
Rent ranges from $215-$261 depending on your apartment. The apartment layouts vary (ex: 2 bed - 2 bath, 4 bed - 4 bath, 4 bed - 2 bath) and include a living room with basic furniture and a kitchen with cooking appliances. You will have access to a washer and dryer, basketball court, volleyball court, pool, fitness room, study rooms, and more. Rent also includes wifi, water, waste disposal, electricity, and use of the facilities. This fee is deducted straight from your paycheck.
Get a current tour of Flamingo Crossing on The Disney Prince's Youtube Channel, here.
Food
You will need to buy your own groceries and cook your own meals. There is a free bus outside the apartment complex that will take you to a grocery store. Each apartment has a kitchen area that is equipped with a fridge and appliances that will help you cook. Odds are you will have cooking utensils/pots and pans in your apartment because there are people living there before you arrive. However you may need to purchase items depending on what household items in your apartment are shared.
There are tons of restaurants and quick service stops around your housing and throughout the Disney property. Just know that when you eat in the Disney parks, meals and snacks can be expensive and add up quickly. You probably won't make enough to eat out consistently, depending on how you budget.
Getting Around
There is a bus stop right outside the Flamingo Crossing apartment complex that will take you all around the Disney property. This means to and from work and to visit the Disney parks. It will also bring you to other select locations such as Walmart or Target.
If you have your own car then you can park in the apartment lot for a fee of $150.
Program Participants & Your Community
You will be working and living with people who are apart of the different international programs and other work/study programs. This means meeting people from around the world and getting to learn about and partake in other customs/cultures. It also means you live among a like-minded community. Disney puts on events for program participants that allows you to meet people who work in different departments. While the minimum age for all programs is 18 and the median age is usually 18-25, there are people ages 30 and 40 as well.
Photo Credit: Chingiz T
Reviews from Cultural Representative Program Participants
The following pros, cons, and overall reviews are from past participants of the CRP program who have shared their experiences on Youtube and various podcasts and online posts.
Biggest Program Pros
You're surrounded by a community with the same mindset.
The job looks great on a CV, especially for the hospitality industry.
You're surrounded by different cultures from around the world.
It's a great way to travel around the USA.
It's a great way to live in the USA for a year.
They offer events and nights out for you to meet friends.
It's the perfect job for Disney fans.
Biggest Program Cons
It's still a job and the high expectations can be stressful.
You are confined to a work in merchandise or food and beverage roles.
The heat is a lot to work in, especially in the summer.
You're with the same people 24/7 because you work and live with them.
Overall Feelings of Past CRP Participants
Overall, cultural representatives really loved their experience in this program. It allowed them to explore the Disney parks for the full year and travel around the USA. Many cultural representatives loved the program so much that they quote it as one of the best experiences they have had. However, when the program was over, it was hard to readjust to normal life after living in the "Disney bubble" for so long.
The community of friends you make is wonderful and it is great to always have something going on and someone to do something with. But, that can be a lot sometimes because you live and work with the same people. The money you spend to actually make it to Orlando and start working is a lot, but you can make it back and make enough money to cover your general housing cost and groceries. It is helpful to save up before you go, if you want to spend a lot of time eating out or travel frequently, but you can save money if you are good at budgeting. Overall, the money spent to get to the program is worth it.
This program is especially great for Disney fans as you get to spend lots of time at the parks for free and attend events the average person on vacation would not get to. It is also a great way to live in the USA for a full year and explore American culture as there are not many ways to do so.
Other Resources
For more detailed experiences and behind the scenes looks, check out the following creators;
Wanderlust Wilce on Youtube; to learn about her experience with the CRP starting with her application process, packing to move to Florida, a day in the life, and more.
Lauren's Floating Lights on Youtube; to learn about her application process, program housing, and explore the parks with her on her days off.
The Confession's of a Disney Cast Member podcast on Spotify and Apple; to listen to interviews with past CRP members and other Disney Cast Members.
Conclusion
The Cultural Representative Program at Disney World is a great option for international workers to live and work in the USA for a full year. The program allows you to make money as a full-time employee while representing your country/culture at the Disney parks in Orlando, Florida. The application process can be competitive and extensive but is worth it for the experience you get. Working at Disney World in the USA is a dream for many people, and past CRP member's agree that the program was a dream come true. Have you worked as a cultural representative in the Disney parks? Please share your experience in the comments below!
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