How old is too old?

[momdisney]

I'm retiring in a year or so and all the kids will be out of the house. I'm going back to school and would love to do Disney's college program. Is there an age requirement?

 

[jlg263]

No! not at all. Just as long as you're enrolled in school!

I had a few co-workers that were a good bit older than me doing the program. Of course, you'll be in the minority, but so what? Just as long as you're young at heart that's all that matters Go for it!

 

[glendalais]

You may also be interested in Full Time, Part Time or Seasonal opportunities. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and particularly at the Walt Disney World Resort, is happy to employ many older Cast Members in a wide variety of roles.

For more information, visit http://www.disneyparks.jobs or contact the Casting Services office at the site you're most interested in:

• Disneyland Resort: 800 766-0888
• Walt Disney World Resort: 407 828-1000

 

[Dreamstuff]

I think it really depends on if you're going to be living in housing or not. There is no official age limit but college age people can be annoying to live with. A lot of the kids down there aren't like us here on the boards, they basically join because a semester in sunshine-filled florida seems like a perfect way to party away a semester and still get credit.
And they have no qualms about being rude or downright nasty to people who are different from them. If you really want to do the program instead of doing seasonal employment I think it could be really fun, sans living in housing.
I mean we had a guy who was only 30 living there at the time and some people were really horrid to him ):

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

If you have the dream chase it! You're never too old for Disney!!! Living with younger kids could be annoying to you but you could always try to room with someone in their 30's/40's a lot of mature people do the program though. (By mature I mean a little older)

 

[redrosesix]

omg - I was just wondering about this yesterday (I was watching some disney cm's on a youtube video and thinking "that is so me")

I'm not retired but I'm planning to go back to school in the fall for a career shift - I have a child and my first choice in career really doesn't work for a mom (what was I thinking )

and she would love to live in Florida - this is so do-able for us. Thanks op for asking the question

 

[AllisonMak]

One of my favorite co-workers was 45 and actually had his bachelor's degree already...just took a few extra classes and decided to do the CP. He loved it!

 

[SportsChick]

I did Fall 2010 and I am 31. I had no problems with people thinking I was too old or anything. Then again, I don't look my age.

I lived at Patterson, knowing I didn't want the party atmosphere of Vista, but I wish I had picked Chatham. It's a good blend, and most of my friends lived there.

I am also glad I did a 1 BR. It meant I didn't have to worry about parties as much.

 

[tinkerbellforme]

Next to my apt in Chatham was an apt that we made friends with, They were all 27+ the oldest was a woman who was 45. There were 4 of them, and they had alot of fun with us. all were very "young" at heart, and were helpfull when us "youngins" needed advise, or a ride to Walmart. lol

 

[johndaason]

wow great i have read many articles about this topic and everytime i learn something new i dont think it will ever stop always new info , Thanks for all of your hard work!

 

[thatcrazydisneygirl]

There is no age limit. We have a college program cast member at my attraction (Test Track) and she is in her 50's. I think what others said about the housing is true, you might want to either seek out your own living arrangements or find a roommate in advance that is a similar age.

 

[_givealittlewhistle_]

Don't give age another thought!
I just checked in yesterday. I am 42. My roommate is 49. Are we surrounded by younger participants? Absolutely. Are there others here like us? Definitely.

If I had known about this program when I was "younger", I would have been interested, but I didn't know, and I cannot change that, so all I can do is be present for the here and now.

There are a variety of people here with different motives. Some are here to soak up the sun and have a good time, and that's pretty much it. Some want this for a future resume. Some want to pursue a career with the company, and are extremely serious about their purpose and long-term goals.

Do I get funny looks from some of the younger participants? Sure I do. It is impossible not to stand out, when most people are 18-22 years of age.
I would like to tell them that I am laid-back, approachable and quite normal, despite our 20 year age difference. I want to make friendships like everyone else, I want to have fun like everyone else. By the way...I was 20 once too- and it really does not seem like so long ago.

Don't misunderstand me, there are some genuinely very nice college students here and whether you can connect with them depends entirely on the way you choose to communicate and the maturity level of the particular individual you are dealing with.

I left behind 4 children for 5 months with my husband and every one of them has urged me to follow my dreams and supports me long-distance, as they know that this opportunity is so right for me.

Walt Disney himself was busy weaving his ideas and magic well into the later years of his life, and I really believe he would welcome dreamers of all ages. This concept is exactly what drives the longevity of Disney.

I am sorry to be so lengthy...I just think it is extremely important to follow your instincts as regret can last a lifetime.

Good luck in your choice!

 

[AllisonMak]

^^That made me wanna cry lol..

I do agree with you it always depends on the people...both the "younger" and "older"...the man I mentioned kept lying to me about his age, and I was like I don't CARE, but he said he wanted to avoid age discrimination...I was like who cares, I'm not gonna stop hanging out with you once you reveal your real age?? Lol.

 

[Dreamstuff]

Hear hear! To GiveALittleWhistle,

Honestly the college age crowd who discriminate aren't the ones you want to get to know in the first place, speaking from experience sometimes the people down there who were the most worth it to get to know were the ones you would least expect. This includes the beauty queens and the super nerds. Most times appearances deceived down there.

 

[SportsChick]

Just a thought - if you are older and have a younger roommate, remember that they're your roommate, not your child. One of my friends (she is 22) had a 54 year old roommate. The roommate decided that my friend needed to be parented through her CP. Not cool

 

[figmentsuperfan]

WOW I am so glad to know that some older people like me are out there I have applied for the Fall advantage and was wondering about housing and such. Heck I am 49 and feel like im 19.
sharon

 

[AllisonMak]

I hope I feel like I'm 19 when I'm 49... my birthday is in 2 weeks and I hate to see my number go up lol. (Yeah, I'm THAT girl.)