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Former name | University of Disneyland |
|---|---|
| Established | 1955[1] in Anaheim, California, United States |
| Founder | Van France[2] |
Parent institution | The Walt Disney Company |
Disney University (DU), formerly known as University of Disneyland,[3] is the global training program for employees of the parks and experiences divisions at The Walt Disney Company also known as Cast Members. Many college students can participate through the Disney college program. The Disney college program is a full-time paid internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Students can receive academic credit while building their resume.[4]
Although Disney University is a non-accredited institution, courses are primarily designed, developed, and delivered by experienced professionals. However, in order to enroll, one needs to be enrolled in an accredited college that will allow the student to take classes and work at Disney. Most colleges allowing it have internships available, and give college credit to do the internship while taking Disney classes. Disney University has traditionally provided learning instructor-led classroom sessions, but eventually expanded delivery methods to accommodate Disney's diverse and growing audience with the advent of eLearning and virtual classrooms.
All new Cast Members are required to attend 'Traditions' on their first day of work; this class imparts the importance of Disney culture, heritage, values, and policies through media and group activities. This is the day where new Cast Members get their first sight of backstage.
- ^ Yearout & Miles 2001, pp. 193.
- ^ Lipp 2013, pp. 1.
- ^ Sotto, Eddie [@boss_angeles] (May 25, 2023). "Disneyland Summer 1970 Wallet Fact Card" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 25, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Disney College Program". Tompkins Cortland Community College.