In March 2020, when the novel coronavirus pandemic forced the closure of Disney Parks worldwide, everything shut down including the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. By that summer, it was clear that the college program and the cultural exchange program were suspended indefinitely.

During today’s Annual Shareholder Meeting, Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, stated that although there was “no specific date,” he is hoping to be able to reinstate the program by the end of this year. He went on to say that as COVID-19 vaccines become more available and if cases continue to decline, he was hopeful they will be able to restart the program.

Chapek was asked about those where already participating in the program when everyone was sent home and may be ineligible now. Under Disney’s rules, participants in the Disney College Program must be currently enrolled in a college or university or have graduated within the past year. Chapek responded by saying that he thought it was a great idea to grandfather in those who may have otherwise been ineligible once the program restarts.