What is a "Cast Member?" Do Disney's Animal Programs Professional Interns wear "costumes?"
Many of the cornerstones of Disney have been built on ideals and traditions that originated with Walt Disney himself. Walt believed that the Disney experience should transport visitors to another place or time apart from the real world, a place where all their dreams could come true. Through this tradition, each employee of the Walt Disney World® Resort is a "Cast Member in the Disney show;" they each wear costumes (rather than uniforms), and refer to their work location as "on-stage." Also, visitors are called "Guests," and through exceptional service and attention to even the smallest of details, they are transported again and again through the themed areas of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney's Animal Programs interns work in a variety of roles and locations, which may or may not include work "on-stage" and/or wearing a costume. All Disney Cast Members are required to comply with the "Disney Look."

For examples of Disney's Animal Programs Professional Intern costumes, click here.

When and how do students find out if they were chosen for a Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internship?
Once a candidate applies online for a Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internship, the application will be forwarded to the Review Team within Disney's Animal Programs for consideration. Candidates will receive an e-mail with detailed information about the selection process and when they will be notified of the team's final decisions.

Applications for Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships are accepted for approximately three months at a time (i.e. March, April and May; September, October and November).

Once a candidate has submitted his or her application, it can take up to 12 weeks for the team to notify him or her of the final decision.

Are Disney's Animal Programs internships full-time positions?
The Walt Disney World Resort is open 365 days a year and runs operations 24 hours a day. Disney's Animal Programs Professional Interns are expected to provide full availability seven days per week during their internship and flexibility in scheduling is a requirement of employment. Professional Interns typically work 32-40 hours per week.

How competitive are Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships?
Each term, the review team receives between 400-500 applications for Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships. Roles are highly competitive.

Can Disney's Animal Programs Professional Interns receive academic credit for their experience?
Some colleges and universities offer credit for Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships. Candidates are advised to work with their school to determine if credit can be awarded.

Are candidates permitted to apply for multiple Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships?
Candidates may apply for up to three Disney's Animal Programs internships. However, candidates must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered.

What are career options upon completion of a Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internship?
Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships are not designed to be permanent, full-time positions, nor do they change into permanent, full-time positions at completion. As many candidates are aware, positions in the zoos, aquariums, plant science and entomology fields are very competitive. Participants in the program will have a direct leader who can assist them with planning career options.

At the completion of a Disney's Animal Programs internship, can participants apply for a second Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internship or for the Disney College Program or Disney Professional Internship Program?
Yes, participants may apply for a second internship experience provided that it is only the second consecutive experience in which they will participate. Students may not participate in more than two programs consecutively. If a candidate is accepted for a second consecutive program experience, the requirement of completing the second internship within one year of graduation is waived.

As a Disney's Animal Programs Professional Intern, will there be any hands-on experience working with animals?
Each role posting has a complete job description that outlines the responsibilities of the internship opportunity. All of our Disney's Animal Programs Professional Internships are unique and provide a very enriching and exciting look into the professional side of this work. Animal contact is not a given in all opportunities. We do not offer an Animal Keeper internship at this time.