Step 1: What is Disney J1 Australia & New Zealand CEP?

Most of the following information is from the Disney Careers website but I thought to briefly explain what the program is about and why you would want to apply. You need to be a minimum of 18 years of age to apply and a minimum of 1 year of full time study University/TAFE at an accredited institution, fluent in english and an Australian, New Zealand or USA citizen. You can also apply within a year after your graduation date and there is no maximum age requirement. The program allows people from Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to work at Walt Disney World for 6 to 12 months. The areas which you can work in include:

- Attractions
- Character Performer
- Concierge
- Costuming
- Custodial
- Front Desk
- Full Service Food and Beverage
- Lifeguard
- Main Entrance
- Merchandise
- Recreation
- Quick Service Restaurants
- Vacation Planner

Each area has a range of responsibilities and you could work in any of the worlds or resorts within Walt Disney World. The pay starts from $9 USD per hour and a minimum of 30 hours a week.

You are probably wondering why would I want to travel to the other side of the world to work ridiculous hours for very little money? Well, one of the perks of being a Disney 'Cast Member' (employee) is that you can go to Walt Disney World for FREE and there are discounts and other fancy stuff. Also, (and this was a main one for me) that you LOVE Disney, that you are living so close to one of the most magical places on earth, and you are part of the experience which the guests will talk about for years to come. And finally, you will be surrounded by other people from across the world who express the same love for everything Disney as you.

I'm just keeping it positive and there are some general negatives across the internet about this program. But one thing I have noticed is that if you do not extremely love or obsessed with the Disney Company, not a fan of following so many rules, not very optimistic with what this program entails, hate working nearly all the time and believe you are brainwashed during the training, then you won't enjoy yourself.  Other than that, don't freak out about the concept of earning little money as the fact that you could proudly say "I worked at Walt Disney World" is very unique for us who live no where near Florida.