Disney College Program Suspended Indefinitely
The Disney College Program has been suspended until further notice due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in both California and Florida. The Disney Programs social media team made the announcement on July 2nd.
An important update regarding Disney College Program Fall Programs for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. pic.twitter.com/09rz6Is1gv
— Disney Programs (@DisneyInterns) July 2, 2020
Why is the Disney College Program Suspended?
Disneyland is remaining closed for the time being. Walt Disney World is set to reopen, but COVID-19 cases are rising dramatically in Florida. There is no way for the program to continue with complete certainty.
Not only is the future of the parks uncertain, but the housing complexes for program participants have remained closed as well. The probability of having participants move in and then suddenly have to leave again was extremely high prior to this decision.
Credit: Disney
Participants will be able to reapply when the College Program reopens. Also, recent graduates will be exempt from normal eligibility rules upon reapplication. Despite all of the efforts that the parks are making to increase safety, there is still so much uncertainty regarding reopening.
Credit: The Tab
What Does This Say About Future Reopening?
The suspension of Disneyland’s program is not as surprising since the park is closed indefinitely. But why are they suspending in Walt Disney World if it’s reopening?
Decisions like this coming from the company can lead us to believe that Walt Disney World could be pushing their reopening date as well. As time has passed, COVID-19 cases have been rapidly rising in Florida. Is Disney preparing for the inevitable?
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The need for extra cast members is not as high. Disney could easily rely only on their furloughed full-time and part-time cast members who already live in the area. Therefore, the College Program participants are not entirely necessary at this time.
This is a heartbreaking announcement that nobody is happy about. As a College Program alum myself, I can only imagine how upset the upcoming participants are. My heart goes out to everyone impacted by their decision.
