Disney College program visits SAU

by: krista helling
Staff Writer

Be a princess for a day. Get Mickey Mouse’s autograph. Have your photo taken with Buzz Lightyear. Ride Space Mountain. Scream on the Tower of Terror. Get splashed on Splash Mountain. All of these things sound familiar? “Welcome to the wonderful world of Disney!”

On Nov. 10 representatives from Walt Disney World will be here at St. Ambrose University recruiting for internships.

“The Disney College Program allows college students to go to Florida and work on the front line at the Walt Disney Resort,” Natalie Sacco, SAU campus representative for the program, said. “When on the program, students have the opportunity to take classes, participate in mentoring programs by Disney professionals, and many other things.”

Disney representatives will come to SAU and give two presentations at noon and 5 p.m. in the Rogalski Center Ballroom. Students of all majors and levels, freshman through seniors, are invited to apply for this program. Attendance at a presentation is required to be considered for the program. Also, anyone interested in obtaining more information about the program itself should also attend a presentation.

“This is a program which gives students great expose to the Disney culture, which is recognized by many people all around the world,” Angela Grafton, SAU faculty contact person for the program, said. “It’s a chance to travel to Florida, work on Disney property, and get school credit while you are enjoying the experience.”

While not many Ambrose students are currently involved in the program, Sacco has already been a part of the experience.

“I was on the Disney College Program in the Fall of 2004,” she said. “I was there from August 2004 through January 2005. While I was there, I worked at both Blizzard Beach water park and at the Magic Kingdom. I worked in food and beverage in the parks and had the opportunity to interact with people throughout the parks everyday. I have been involved with the program on campus since I returned in January.”

SAU recognizes the paid internship program as a great opportunity that the campus and Disney company provides.

“Students get great opportunities to live with students from all over the world, receive training from a world-renowned company, learn marketing techniques and business strategies from a successful corporation, and it adds a great deal to your resume,” Grafton said.

The experience of working for Walt Disney World Resorts creates many opportunities for all people of all majors. Sacco hopes that the interest in the program will continue to grow at Ambrose and people will take the time to attend a presentation to learn more information about the program.

 “The program helps you grow in so many ways,” Sacco said. “You get to meet such a variety of people. While working for Disney, you gain so many opportunities you wouldn’t normally have in the classroom and many opportunities you won’t really be able to find locally. This program helps you grow a lot as a person and shows you that you can do anything you put your mind to.”