A 57-year-old graduate student is sharing her path to the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World Resort, offering a high-profile example that the program’s published eligibility rules do not set an upper age limit.
Cristen, who posts on TikTok as @Imaliveonstage, said she was accepted for the spring 2027 program after applying while completing a Master of Fine Arts in theater directing. She said she expects to finish her degree in December 2026 and report to Walt Disney World on January 19, a day before her 58th birthday.
She told followers she will not likely learn her job assignment until December. Rather than program housing, she said she plans to rent a room in a house near Disney property during her four-month program.
According to the Disney College Program eligibility criteria cited by WDWNT, applicants must be at least 18 and either be currently enrolled and working toward an associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree at an accredited U.S. college or university, or have graduated from one within the 12 months before the job posting. Applicants also must complete at least one academic term or six credit hours toward their degree before the program begins, be in good academic standing and have valid U.S. work authorization for the full program period.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Walt Disney World tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
Cristen said her husband supports the plan and that she will leave him and their two cats temporarily to pursue what she described as a longtime Disney dream. Her TikTok posts have covered her eligibility, application process and preparations for the move to the Walt Disney World area.
