A 57-year-old woman is going viral on TikTok after revealing she was accepted into the Disney College Program.
57-Year-Old Woman in Disney College Program
A TikTok user named Cristen (@Imaliveonstage) is documenting the lead-up to her beginning work at Walt Disney World Resort in the Disney College Program.
Back in September, the user revealed that she was always “joking” with colleagues about whether to apply for the program while in her 50s and working to get her Master of Fine Arts in Theater Directing and graduating in December 2026. She will be reporting on January 19, just one day before her 58th birthday.
“When the Spring of 2027 opened up, I applied for the program. I had my interview; I thought it went really well. Then last week I got my email that I was accepted into the program,” she said.
“I’m in a really fortunate position that I’m finishing my MFA and directing program this December, and I’m going to have a lag here where I’m not going to have anything going on. My husband is very supportive; he says I should go for it. What am I doing? I mean, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something that a Disney adult would die to have.”
Since her September video, Cristen has been frequently posting videos discussing the Disney College Program, how she’s eligible, asking questions and advice, and more.
In a recent video, she revealed that she won’t know what her job will be until probably December, and that she will be living in private housing as she is renting a room out of a house near Disney property.
“Disney has alway been something that is important to my life and that I love and is always been a dream and kind of a joke for me to say I want to go to work in Disney. I have four months of my life that I can pick up and leave my husband, my two cats, and go and do this dream. I am excited to get started.“
Disney College Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the Disney College Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Over the age of 18
- Currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the United States or the United States territories and actively working toward an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree.
- Graduated from an accredited college or university within the United States or the United States territories within the last 12 months of the job posting.
- Before the program date, applicants must have completed at least one term at their college or university (or a minimum of six credit hours) towards their degree. Credits must have been earned after graduating high school or earning a GED.)
- Applicants are in good academic standing at their school. Some schools require a minimum GPA or advisor approval before applicants can participate in an off-campus program.
- Applicants must have a valid work authorization in the United States for the full duration of their program. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, green card holders, and F-1 students with valid OPT or CPT authorization may apply.
Check out more Walt Disney World Resort news, including the “Disney Takes a Holiday” exhibit at Walt Disney Presents, a behind-the-scenes look at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets holiday overlay, and more holiday decor arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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