The College Program: When to Attend

So, you want to attend the Walt Disney World College Program. That's great! This leads to a few questions. When in your college career should you attend? What time of the year should you attend?

Disney thankfully says that you must spend your first semester at your school. This is a good choice, as I don't recommend people fresh out of high school to go to the program. I think you should wait until junior year or later, as it will give you a chance to focus on school and determine which degree you want to aim for. That way, you can take advantage of Disney's classes if they fit in. (As an English major, my college would not have given me credit for attending any of the classes. Sigh.)

As far as age goes, I wouldn't attend until you are about to turn 21 or you already are 21. That way, you don't have to worry about whether you're with a minor or not. Focus on having fun, growing up, and working... not whether you'll get caught being an idiot. (If you're drinking underage, then yes, you are an idiot. You WILL get caught and Disney is -not- tolerant on stuff like that. So just don't do it. There are many yummy non-alcoholic drinks, trust me.)

So, to sum up, I think you should be almost or over 21, and at least in your junior year.

But now, when should you attend in the year? Fall or spring semester? 

I attended during the fall semester, so for spring semester advice I asked my friend Agent R from The Best Days Ever: "...not as many busy holidays, so it's a bit more relaxed."
I have to agree, especially if you're one who tends to get homesick. I was miserable on Thanksgiving because I missed my family so much. Besides, Christmas crowds are insane. 

But then there are the benefits of fall semester: seeing Disney during the holidays. ... I'm not talking about Christmas, either. While that's magnificent, they pull out all the stops during my favorite holiday: Halloween!

Halloween, in my opinion, is not only the best time to visit Disney, but the best time to work there. September leaves the parks pretty much empty, which allows guests and cast members (especially during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) the feeling of having the park all to themselves. Plus, the parade music is catchy (even after hearing it about seventy times) and if you're a villain lover... you'll have a blast. 

Spring:

+ Not as busy

+ Not as many emotional and family-oriented holidays 

- You don't get to see the parks during Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas

Fall:

+ Celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas at Disney

+ The season cools down as opposed to heat up

- Holidays away from family

- Insane hours during the holidays

- Parks super-crowded during the holidays

The choice is ultimately up to you, but when I go back it'll be during the fall. Halloween is just too magical a time to miss!