Let’s talk about money Y’all! The thing is, what does it cost to do a Disney Program… has been a question that we have gotten from readers quite a few times and I figured I’d take a few minutes to break down the actual cost of doing a Disney Program.
We get it, money is a huge factor in deciding whether to do a Disney Program. Whether you are coming from overseas for a Disney International Program, or just planning to do the Disney College Program, starting this program is not free. There is a Disney Program cost and it’s not cheap.
Lot’s of people ask, “Well, doesn’t Disney pay for everything…?” and the answer to that is, No. Not even close.
Now before you think I’m telling you that you are paying to be there (it can seem that way), you do have to realize that you are paying your own way to relocate for a job. This is the simple thing, and on top of that, you are moving quite a distance.

The Cost To Interview
The thing about any job is that you have to interview, and for many companies this means in person. Just to be able to get the Disney International College program job in Canada, you probably have to fly across Canada (if you’re not from Toronto, Vancouver, or wherever they are holding the interviews). This is the same if you’re from another country offering the program.
The great thing is they conduct phone interviews first, and this weeds out a lot of unsuitable candidates, so you are doing pretty well if you make it to the in-person interviews.
Interview Costs:
This depends on where you live since you will most likely have to travel to the city . This was always a few hundred dollars for us! The cost to interview for the Disney Cultural Exchange for Canadians
So bear in mind:
- Flights
- Hotel
- Transport from the airport
- Food
- Incidentals
Disney Program Pre-Departures Costs
Now, you’re thinking: I Got The Job… What Costs Are There?
Before starting the program itself you will need to be able to cover the following (all prices in Canadian):
- Flights to Florida: This is usually ranging from $400-$700 return
- Program Fees: $400 which includes your first two weeks of rent and additional set up costs
- Mandatory Health Care: $400 for the length of the program
- The money you need to get set up: At least $400 which will cover your first Walmart trip. This is the cheapest way to get groceries and homewares for your apartment and living!
- Visa Fee: $40 to work in the USA
- Criminal Record Check: $50-$70 depending on your local police station prior to the program
- Minimum savings to bring with you: $500 to cover extra outings, unexpected expenses and the time until you get paid the first time!
Total: Around $2200 – $2500
You also want to have extra money to cover anything else. You never know if you’ll need to fly home fast, or if something will happen on your program and you get termed.

Costs During Your Disney Program
Now, you’ve covered your costs to get to your Disney program, here is our breakdown of your money after you start working!
You will get paid around $10 / hr USD, and you will work at least 30 hours a week. You are guaranteed 30 hours a week, and some places that will be all you will get, while other roles (like mine) will see you at 60+ hours a week.
The minimum amount of money you will make a week (minus tax): $225-$250
Mandatory Costs:
Rent: $110-$140 per week
You get to put preferences on the number of roommates you have, and the more bedrooms and roommates you have, the cheaper the rent. See how you can save money on your Disney Program?
This means to cover everything else you will usually have $120 per week for groceries, food and fun! You might have more though! This seems low, and it is, but it is doable.
Last Comments on Disney Program Cost
1. You get discounts on merchandise and some food locations
2. FREE PARK ADMISSION! (So you can watch the fireworks while you are poor)
3. Also, Walmart is cheap in the US!
The last thing I want to mention is this is not the type of summer work that lets you save for school in the fall, but it is the program of a lifetime and you only live once, and it might as well be at Disney World! So, if you can swing it, the Disney Program cost is worth it!