Disney Cultural Exchange Program Summer 2025

[Cenerentola]

Originally Posted by rusty30

My son did it last year and had an absolute blast. He was on merchandising at Hollywood Studios. He’s just applied for the Cultural Rep program (which is 1 year, based at the UK pavilion in EPCOT) as he loved it so much.

This program is much harder to get on and can often take several attempts to get through so his hopes aren’t hugely high for his first go! He will hear in a few weeks if he has got through to the next round.

Good luck to all who are applying or going this year! It will be the time of their lives!

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Thank you, and good luck to your DS too. Xx

[Cenerentola]

Originally Posted by Sara_toga

My daughter was a lifeguard at Typhoon Lagoon back in 2011(where do the years go) she was also a lifeguard at home before going. She had a fantastic Summer.

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I have shown my DD your message and photo, it has made her even more excited, “living the dream” !

[Cenerentola]

Originally Posted by evergreen

DD is going she is very excited, is she correct in saying she has to buy bedding etc… when she gets there.

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I have absolutely no idea, I’m hoping the Dibbers that have been through this will keep us right. It’s very much information on a need to know basis in this house! I’m just hoping she is doing all the paperwork correctly.
Xx

[Cenerentola]

Originally Posted by nanu

DD did this last year, had a fantastic time. Like others, got an Uber to the Target on the 192 to get her bedding. She also bought a new suitcase to bring stuff (mainly ears) back with her and paid for extra checked luggage. As an afterthought, it might have been cheaper for her to take bedding with her and pay for two checked cases there and back.

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That’s an option too, thanks. I can only imagine the stuff she will accumulate xx

[MrsBrown]

Hi

My daughter also did this last year and had a great time. We were out on holiday (already planned) the 2 weeks before the programme started, so we were able to take bedding out with us in our luggage. I am not sure if it saved any money or hassle, but it was one less thing for her to think about getting once she arrived at the accommodation. Although she did have to get it from the hotel over to Flamingo crossing on her own.

Its a great opportunity and experience.

[Floridatilly]

No advice but I wanted to say how fantastic that’s going to be! Well done for getting through 🥰

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by Cenerentola

That is lovely to hear that your DD has made lasting friendships. That’s a shame she won’t be eligible to do the year long program, hopefully they will realise what the change means and reverse that decision. Xx

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The year long programme is only in the shops and food outlets and they need at least 2 years relevant experience to apply for the year long programme. Unfortunately my daughter has never worked in a shop or food outlet (she has worked elsewhere though).

I'm guessing Disney get plenty of applicants for this, so they are trying to restrict numbers so they don't get inundated.

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by MrsBrown

We were out on holiday (already planned) the 2 weeks before the programme started, so we were able to take bedding out with us in our luggage.

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We went over with DD and took some bedding with us. We bought a pillow over there and DD did end up buying a thick blanket because her room mate liked having the aircon on full blast.

I would suggest anyone going selects the option to have their own bedroom (other areas can be shared). Although my DD's roommate was nice, she did seem to like having the room *very* cold and we're sure DD caught Covid (or something similar) from her. My DD felt that she would've liked her own room to retreat to at the end of the day.

[BevS97]

It’s also possible to request a specific roommate if you know someone else going or meet someone at the interviews.

My DD shared with a friend from home. They were in very different shift patterns so didn’t see a lot of each other but I think it was nice to have a familiar face to share with.

[Cenerentola]

Originally Posted by MrsBrown

Hi

My daughter also did this last year and had a great time. We were out on holiday (already planned) the 2 weeks before the programme started, so we were able to take bedding out with us in our luggage. I am not sure if it saved any money or hassle, but it was one less thing for her to think about getting once she arrived at the accommodation. Although she did have to get it from the hotel over to Flamingo crossing on her own.

Its a great opportunity and experience.

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That was great timing for her bedding, you already having planned a break over there. What role did she have last summer? Xx