So, you're officially a Disney College Program participant. You've packed up your life, said "goodbye" to your friends from home and school, and have made the journey to sunny Orlando. You've got the next several months stretching in front of you, so the question is: how do you fill your time? Obviously, you'll be working for most of your program, but we both know that's not what you're really there for. You want to explore everything that being a Disney Cast Member has to offer, am I right? Lucky for you, there are plenty of perks as a member of the Walt Disney Company, and here are the top five that I took advantage of and believe you should too!

Park Access.

I'm sure the thing you're most excited about receiving as a DCP participant is free access to all of the parks, right? Well, you should be because it's awesome! As a Cast Member, you'll receive a pass that gets you into the Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks free of charge almost any time you like! The coolest thing about this pass is that because you can go at any time, you don't have to try to do everything in one day! Want to spend a day meeting as many characters as possible, or just a few hours people-watching and eating Dole Whip? You can! With unlimited access, you can do as much or as little as you want each time since you know you'll be back soon!

Cast Discounts

Another great perk of being a CP is taking part in all of the discounts available to Cast Members. You can get lower prices on a wide variety of items and activities, and can even book rooms in most WDW resorts for cheaper prices. One thing to definitely take advantage of while on your DCP is the dining discounts. Many of the full-service restaurants at WDW offer a lower rate for Cast Members, and while I was on my program I was able to try so many different places, including character dining experiences!

Learning Opportunities

The DCP offers its participants a lot of classes and seminars to take in their spare time which is also quite beneficial, and the majority of the programs are completely free! A few that I took advantage of during my CP were Disney Heritage, which taught us about the history of the Walt Disney Company, and professional workshops like Presentation Skills and Resume Writing. There are even classes that are geared specifically toward certain majors, like engineering and theater--there really is something for everyone!

Backstage Tours

Perhaps one of the coolest things you are able to do as a CP is taking part in backstage tours of attractions and shows. Sometimes these are offered as part of a class curriculum; other times your leader may set them up for the people at your location. Either way, definitely take advantage of these moments! I got the chance to go backstage at both The Great Movie Ride and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, and was able to travel through Cast-only areas, walk through ride rooms, and even take a trip on the rollercoaster with the lights on! Since you often have to pay a hefty price to experience these tours as a Guest, go on as many excursions as you are offered while on your program!

Meeting People from Around the World

I know, I know--I saved the cheesy one for last. It's so true! While working for Disney, you will meet so many different Guests, co-workers, and other CPs from all corners of the Earth, who will teach you all kinds of things that you didn't know you needed to know. Between the CPs I met and the Guests I helped, I interacted with people hailing from California, Australia, China, and everywhere in between. The best thing about being a College Program participant is that you are introduced to so many types of people, each with their own stories and life experiences. If you take advantage of listening to them, you will gain so much knowledge into how the world works, and they may even change your outlook on life.