The Walt Disney Company

Professional Intern

August 2017 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Excellent pay, great company, monthly learnings, encourages interns to try different departments

What I wish was different

A bit more flexible with class schedules. The internship was full time so it is hard to take classes in person

Advice

Take advantage of all of the knowledge available from professionals in the company more than 30 years

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Landscape Architecture Intern

August - December 2017 • Lake Buena Vista, FL

What I liked

The entire internship was incredible and taught me so much about my industry and opened my eyes to a lot of aspects of my major that I would have never considered. The people you meet here and the network you build will be so helpful for the future and I cannot wait to see where the network I built will take me. Disney has a unique system of "meet and greets" where you can set up a time to meet with almost anyone in the company. I was able to set up meetings with some executive directors and project managers who I never thought would have time to talk to an intern.

What I wish was different

I wish it had been longer, I had the opportunity to extend but didn't want to miss any more school.

Advice

Apply over and over again, I applied 6 times before receiving this internship. Also apply knowing it is very competitive and don't be hard on yourself if you don't get it. Once you make it into the office, network with as many people as possible and try to reach out to other teams that could have possible future positions for you.

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Quick Service Food and Beverage

August 2017 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I liked the work experience I gained. The internship is also paid so that was a nice benefit.

What I wish was different

I wish I had been doing something a little bit more relative to my future job aspirations.

Advice

Be prepared to work your butt off because working in the parks is not an easy job.

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Custodial

June 2016 - August 2017 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

Working at disneyland is an amazing experience. The atmosphere is fun and you meet a lot of cool people.

What I wish was different

The pay

Advice

Enjoy the experience make use of all the benefits you get being a cast memeber.

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Software Developer Intern

June - August 2018 • Seattle, WA

What I liked

The environment was more open and relaxed yet still efficient.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Photopass Photographer

February - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved the work environment and the work i was able to do. It really felt like i was able to make a difference.

What I wish was different

I wish I had the option to do specialized training for different departments, but even without that it was a great skill building experience.

Advice

Do research in advance and prepare yourself for the travel and living abroad experience.

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Attractions Host

August 2017 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

Learning the ins and outs of operations within the Disneyland Resort. I’ve always been a huge Disney fan, and being a part of the magic making will stay with me forever.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Concierge

January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I enjoyed always coming into a positive workplace everyday. I also enjoyed the benefits you receive of being a cast member. They also recognize employees for good reviews.

What I wish was different

The length of internship due to missing out on required classes by taking a semester off.

Advice

I would say network as much as possible while you are on any internship. Everyone at this internship were willing to help on anything and everything I had questions or concerns about.

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Software Engineering Intern

May - August 2018 • Seattle, WA

What I liked

There was a small group of interns in Seattle, so we formed a very close-knit group and they were a joy to be around. The work I did was very applicable and impactful, and the managers really valued my final recommendation for the project.

What I wish was different

More guidance especially in code design for such a large scale project, especially because I was so new to the technology.

Advice

Ask questions and ask if you can potentially experiment with multiple projects rather than one summer-long one.

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Park Operations/Custodial Guest Services

January - July 2017 • Lake Buena Vista, FL

What I liked

Everything. Disney only hires the best, so naturally you'll meet some truly amazing people that will become like family to you. Getting to eat, sleep, live, and breathe in Disney World for 7 months is a truly life changing experience and is a lot of fun, too. You learn a lot about how a mega-business runs from the inside, and have so many tools available to you for personal and professional development. The culture at Disney is great, and you get to work in the warm Florida weather. You're empowered to make magical moments for guests and to do whatever it takes to make their vacation be their own fairytale.

What I wish was different

Sometimes CPs get overloaded with hours and it takes a lot out of you working 8 to 12 hour shifts in the Florida weather. Also, all work in a place that should be all play is very mentally draining, so make sure to take advantage of your free time, and trade for shorter shifts if you start to feel overwhelmed from work and use that free time to play in the parks, or explore the many things to do in Central Florida.

Advice

Take advantage of all of the opportunities that the DCP has to offer. Enroll in Disney classes or seminars, attend events put on by Housing, never miss an opportunity to make a connection or talk to somebody new.

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intern

June - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved the opportunity I had to live in Disney world and work for one of the biggest companies in the world.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have stayed longer!

Advice

If you love Disney or customer service, do this internship before you graduate.

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Cashier

July 2019 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

It was great being able to have a guaranteed job and the ability to come back to my job each season when I returned home.

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Merchandise Intern

January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I enjoyed having the opportunity of learning about the company through hands on experience. It was a lot of vigorous work, but it made me have a better understanding of the working of Disney World. I also loved the perks they offered the cast members (ex. getting into the park for free and 30% discount on certain Disney items). I also loved how the Disney College Program offered seminars for students looking to work for either a higher position in Disney for the future, or want to know the ins and out of the company through either a media and communications perspective, environmental, financial etc.

What I wish was different

Definitely the guests, but that is way out of my control. I also wish our leaders were not so strict about what was required, and assumed that we weren't doing out jobs if we weren't doing anything at that very second. I also wish I had done the internship in four months rather than signing up for the six month program.

Advice

Definitely apply, because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to work for such an amazing and loving company. Don't worry about what others say about the internship, because it is worth it. Work hard, smile, and have fun.

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Cast Member

August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved being able to fulfill a childhood dream of working at Disney.

What I wish was different

I wish I had a different role in the company.

Advice

Make sure you find people that support you before you leave for Florida because you will need that support system as you’re working. Also don’t build up the experience in your mind before you get there. Be excited and ready but don’t have an idea about what it’s gonna be.

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Photopass Photo

May 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Make sure you’re willing to adapt to any situation that’s thrown your way.

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Merchandise Cast Member

January 2019 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

I liked the atmosphere and my co-workers. I also liked working with guests in order to create magic in their lives.

What I wish was different

Being able to work more often throughout the week.

Advice

Make the most of your experience and network with those around you!

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Attractions Hostess

January - July 2016 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Gaining knowledge of the Walt Disney Company and how the cast members intereact with the guests is something I found interesting. Learning about how the company was started is a unique story- unlike any other company!

What I wish was different

Advice

Make the best of your Disney College Program experience. You will meet people from all over the world and gain connections. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience!

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Disney Intern

May - August 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved working for such a well know company where I got to interact with guests from all over the world! my team was amazing it was such an amazing experience to make magic for people!

What I wish was different

I wish I had had a bit more training however I had wonderful fellow cast members who helped me along the way!

Advice

come in with an open mind. Disney does things a certain way in order to achieve their high level of success. in order for you to achieve great success in this company you have to have an open mind and a hardworking attitude.

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Retail Salesperson

January - May 2019 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved the atmosphere of the company. I was surrounding by so many inspiring, uplifting, and happy people. I loved being able to help people every day & make their vacation memorable for them.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Marketing and Content Creator

July - September 2017 • Singapore, North Region

What I liked

I loved the work environment at Disney, it was a very happy and high energy environment. I also enjoyed being exposed to a variety of projects ranging from different departments within the company.