The Disney College Program is a paid internship with the Walt Disney Company. Designed to give college-age students an opportunity to build their career skills while living in the most Magical Place on Earth, this is a popular, well-known internship. Are you thinking about the Disney College Program? If so, here are your DCP bucket list must-dos.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for EPCOT
- Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Magic Kingdom
- Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Hollywood Studios
- Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Animal Kingdom
- Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Typhoon Lagoon
- Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Blizzard Beach
Living in Disney has its perks, but it can feel hard to “do it all” while working for the Mouse. The semester-long internship lets you live just outside of the Walt Disney World Resort while earning college credit, but what are the best bucket list activities? In this guide, a former Disney World cast member shares her top tips for creating your own Disney College Program bucket list.
Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for EPCOT
First, EPCOT is one of the most unique theme parks in the world. First designed as an experimental planned community, it was supposed to feel like a permanent world’s fair. Today, it’s separated into the World Showcase, World Celebration, and World Nature and Discovery.
1. Attend a festival
No DCP would be complete without attending an EPCOT festival. From the famous Food and Wine Festival in the fall to the Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, at least one of these should line up with your program.
Pro tip: Building a food bucket list? Make sure to hit up the most hyped stands at the Food and Wine Festival!
2. Visit Club Cool
Recently remodeled, Club Cool is a Coca-Cola store that features tasting stations with flavors from across the globe. You can try Thai Fanta, Peru Cola, and so much more. Take a “shot” of the infamous Italian Beverly if you dare!
3. Dine at Space 220
Opened in 2021, Space 220 restaurant is quite literally out-of-this-world. Designed to look like dining in the space station, this is an immersive experience you can’t miss.
4. Thank the Phoenicians
No trip to EPCOT would be complete without riding Spaceship Earth and thanking the Phoenicians. This ride also has an interactive feature to find out your future!
5. Visit a hidden bar
While not “hidden,” there are some bars in EPCOT that are hard to find. This makes them the perfect place to escape from the Florida heat (and crowds).
Pro tip: At the back of the Mitsukoshi Department Store (Japan), you’ll find a mini sake bar which might just be the best-kept secret in the World Showcase.
Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Magic Kingdom
Home to Cinderella’s Castle, the Magic Kingdom is home to enchanting paradise, fireworks, and attractions. Here are your Magic Kingdom must-dos during your DCP!
6. Attend a holiday party
Magic Kingdom is home to some of the best parties. Whether you get spooked at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours, this is a fun way to experience the seasons.
7. Make a wish
Cinderella’s wishing well is in an alcove along the path between Tomorrowland and the castle. If you make a wish here, it might just come true.
8. Become a Galactic Hero
If you score the highest score (999,999) on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, you become an official Galactic Hero. If you achieve this infamous feat, don’t forget to snag your free sticker.
9. Try a dole whip
There are few snacks as picturesque as the Dole Whip. Found at Sunshine Seasons in Adventureland, this snack is as refreshing as it is tasty.
Pro tip: Tired of waiting in crowded Magic Kingdom lines? You can head over to the Polynesian Resort to grab a dole whip at the Pineapple Lanai.
10. See the Kiss Goodnight Show
Did you know there’s a second show after the main firework show? Known as the “Kiss Goodnight,” this is when the park wishes guests a good night before closing.
Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Hollywood Studios
Designed to look like a Hollywood set, there is a lot of new stuff to explore at Hollywood Studios. Whether you’re a fan of blockbuster hits like Star Wars or thrill rides, there’s something here for you.
11. Join the resistance
Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan, no trip to Hollywood Studios is complete without riding Rise of the Resistance. This almost-20-minute attraction is much more than a ride. May the force be with you!
12. Have the PB&J Milkshake
The Prime Time Cafe is one of the best places to dine in Hollywood Studios, and it really feels like stepping back into a 1950s sitcom. However, if you can’t make reservations, don’t fret. You can stop at the Tune In Lounge in Echo Lake to enjoy an adult beverage or the famous PB&J milkshake.
13. Take the service elevator
At the end of Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll see the infamous Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Challenge yourself to take the service elevator—if you dare.
14. Have a Fuzzy Tauntaun at Oga’s Cantina
Located in Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is a great stop to escape the heat of the double suns. While all the cocktails are excellent, few beat the Fuzzy Tauntaun.
Pro tip: Can’t make a reservation? Oga’s frequently accepts walk-up reservations through the My Disney Experience app.
15. Take the Skyliner
One of the best ways to get to Hollywood Studios isn’t by car, bus, or boat. It’s by the new Skyliner! Take the Skyliner all the way to EPCOT, or visit one of the many resorts along the way.
Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is the largest park in Walt Disney World, so set aside a lot of time to explore this one. To get to know your wild side on the DCP, check out these bucket list ideas.
16. Ride a Banshee
If you’ve ever wanted to step inside the world of Pandora from Avatar, now’s your chance. The Flight of Passage 3D flying simulator really feels as if you’re in a whole new world.
17. See the frozen yeti
Wave at the frozen yeti on Everest, which has been notoriously broken since first opening. Located toward the end of this quick-flying attraction, the yeti is always there to say hi.
18. Take the Maharajah Jungle Trek
One of the best parts of Animal Kingdom is the hidden nature paths. Explore the Maharajah Jungle Trek at the back of the Asian section of the park to see tigers and other wildlife up close.
19. Go on a safari
The Kilimanjaro Safari is always different every time. Because you’re driving through a wide, open savanna, you never know what animals you might see on your next adventure.
Pro tip: The best times to go on the safari are first thing in the morning or after dark. Have your camera ready!
20. Travel back in time
Though this ride feels similar to getting whiplash, there’s a special charm to Dinosaur. While in the queue, try to spot the ketchup, mustard, and mayo tubes.
Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Typhoon Lagoon
Perfect for your summer bucket list, Typhoon Lagoon is designed to look like a tropical oasis after a hurricane. Great for a day in the sun, here’s everything you must do at Typhoon Lagoon.
21. Ride a water coaster
Typhoon Lagoon is home to one of the only water “roller coasters.” The Crush N’ Gusher propels you with water jets, sending you flying through the different tubes.
22. Take a surf lesson
The Typhoon Lagoon surf pool is one of the most powerful wave pools in the world. Aside from floating in the waves, you can even take private surf lessons early in the morning.
23. Unwind at Castaway Creek
There are few things more relaxing than taking a peaceful drift along Castaway Creek, the lazy river. Float past grottos, waterfalls, and rope bridges.
24. Rent a private cabana
Though not for everyone, renting a private cabana (or Beachcomber Shack) at Typhoon Lagoon takes the relaxation up a level. With an exclusive menu, secluded shade, and more, this is not your typical water park experience.
25. Get a slushie
Last but not least, visit Let’s Go Slurpin’ for some Margaritaville vibes. Order a Sunshine Margarita, lemonade, or other frozen drink to cool off on a warm day.
Disney College Program Bucket List Ideas for Blizzard Beach
Finally, Blizzard Beach is Disney World’s other water park. Created to look like a melting ski resort, this is your place to find unique thrills.
26. Drop 360-feet
Want to experience a serious thrill? Summit Plummet is a show stopper vertical water slide at 360-feet tall. Almost fully vertical, you fly down this at 60 mph.
Pro tip: If you’re brave enough to take on Summit Plummet, be prepared for the wedgie of your life at the bottom.
27. Race down the Double Dipper
These two enclosed slides create the ultimate race to the finish line. This dark plummet is more intense than it looks, but you might just win!
28. Luge downhill
If you’ve ever wanted to try winter lodging, the Snow Stormers is the next best thing. This face-forward mat downhill is a family-friendly thrill.
29. Pig out on Mini Donuts
Doughnuts at a waterpark? It might just work. Disney World’s waterparks have some of the best mini doughnuts, and you can top them with cinnamon sugar and dipping sauces.
30. Take the chairlift
Lastly, take the Blizzard Beach Chairlift to climb to the top of Mount Gushmore. Though this is a way to get to some of the bigger slides, it’s also an attraction in itself. Who expected to see a ski lift in Central Florida?
Take Your College Program by Storm
The Disney College Program is more than an internship. It’s an opportunity to experience one of the Happiest Places on Earth in a new way. Not only will you make amazing friends and see behind the scene of magic, but you’ll also have a ton of new memories. Now that you know how to make a travel bucket list, you’re ready to build your own DCP must-do list.
Every day at Disney World is an adventure. If you’re able to take part in the Disney College Program, you’re in for a treat. Take this magical place by storm!