I loved that I could work in any park for Disney World. I loved making magic in as many places as I could. I also loved the living arrangements that Disney had to offer as well as all the friends I made while down there!
What I wish was different
Even though I did love my job, i do wish I could have tried another role or position on Disney property.
Advice
Open yourself to as many possibilities as you can and just go with the flow!
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Attractions Operations Cast Member
April - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved having the opportunity to work for a widely known company in experience sector of the economy. It was very eye-opening to go through new-hire orientation and learn about the focus and vision of the Walt Disney Company. It made me realize the key values that make it such a successful company. I loved my coworkers and leaders, and my overall experience was amazing! Another perk was getting to go to the parks for free on my days off.
What I wish was different
I wish the housing and bus system had been a little more accommodating. Other than that, it was great.
Advice
My best advice is to have a positive attitude with everything. It can be a difficult adjustment moving to a new place where you don't know anyone. It can also be hard to deal with guests that are rude or disrespectful. However, if you have the right attitude, you will have the time of your life!
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Drama Development Intern
June - August 2022 • Los Angeles, CA
What I liked
The team and supervisor were extremely supportive! I got access to a lot of scripts and projects and felt like my voice was heard and my value was ackgnowledged.
What I wish was different
n/a
Advice
Take initiative, be open-minded and speak up!
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Recreation Trainer
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I had the chance to work with such a diverse group of individuals from across the globe, and I learned so much. I had the privilege to explore a variety of locations, and I was encouraged to ask questions. I learned so much about myself and how Disney is able to run such a successful business.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have stayed there longer, but I decided I needed to finish school before I return.
Advice
Be open to new ideas and don't be afraid to try out your own. They won't always work out, but regardless you will learn so much that will transfer to the next project.
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Merchandiser
March - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Do not expect to go to the parks all the time
Advice
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Quick Service Food & Beverage
June 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
The opportunity to work for a leading company in the hospitality industry.
What I wish was different
I wish I had the opportunity to try out different roles within the company.
Advice
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Lifeguard
January - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I enjoyed being able to work for a wonderful company. Disney provided most of your daily needs, and the pay provided for the rest. I was able to participate in a fun and exciting work place while sharing the Disney magic.
What I wish was different
I wish that I would have done the Fall program. I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of my job, but I wish that I could have been there during the Holiday time.
Advice
If you have debated participating in the Disney College Program, do it. I have been asked about my time at Disney before any of my other job experiences. The overall knowledge you learn while working for the company is huge. I have been able to apply many things to my current life back at UA.
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Quick Service Food and Beverage
May 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Its an amazing experience that lets you network for future careers. You make a lot of amazing people that you eventually call friends and family. Some of the people you meet are from all over the world. Theres so much to learn from the program and its a lot of hard work thats worth the reward. You get to go to the Disney parks for free and get discounts, overall would do the program multiple times if i could.
What I wish was different
I do wish i could change my role but overall i loved it.
Advice
I would say dont sit around and not experience everything the program offers, theres events only for interns and amazing learning opportunities, just take advantage of all the resources.
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Front desk/ club level concierge
May 2019 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
I did the Disney College Program and it was amazing but it is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My best piece of advice would be to learn what you enjoy so you can take care of yourself when life gets busy.
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Workforce/Staffing Analyst
May 2017 • Lake Buena Vista, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Do everything in the parks, you will never be able to do this again!
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Cashier
October 2018 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
Working for the company was great and a new learning experience.
What I wish was different
It was pretty easy, I wouldn't change anything.
Advice
Give yourself another time to park at the cast member parking lot.
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Park Operations Cast Member
May - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I loved being able to work for a company known around the world, with people from all over the world.
What I wish was different
While I was working there I was also taking online classes through marywood. I wish I hadn’t taken these classes so I had more time to take advantage of all the opportunities disney offered outside of the work day.
Advice
Use your time as a student to gain all kinds of experience, because opportunities like this aren’t always available outside of college.
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lifeguard
February - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
I liked the experience of working for a Fortune 500 company and getting to learn the company's core values and how to train their employees. I also liked that my job was important and made a difference in people's lives everyday.
What I wish was different
I wish the leadership was more understanding and not as demanding as they were. I also think that we deserved more breaks than we we're getting because of the demand on our bodies and mental health from this job.
Advice
Advice I would give for anyone with this job is to be comfortable in their skills they learn from training and try to make it fun and different every time you work because it is extremely repetitive. I would also be ready to work outside for all hours and be able to engage in physical activity for very long periods of time.
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Security
August 2018 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
Good to work while going to school.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Retail Sales Intern
May - August 2019 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Work hard while still taking time to appreciate the benefits of working for a company of this size. Getting your foot in the door at this company is a great way to move so many different directions. Any job in the real world exists within the Disney company.
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Strategic Sourcing Professional Intern
June 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
I enjoyed the team I was placed on and the multitude of different opportunities that I was exposed to! I had a chance to work on projects with Food & Beverage, Services, Design & Construction, and Material Repair Operation (MRO).
What I wish was different
I can't ask for anything different, other than I wish that I would have been applicable for the 6 month extension that I was offered.
Advice
For anyone who receives this opportunity, I would suggest that they take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to them as a cast member whether it is for work or for play.
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College Program Participant at Old Key West Resort
January - May 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
Working as a Disney College Program Participant taught me how to live in a big city, how to manage a full-time job when surrounded by amazing activities, and how to create connections with important individuals in a Fortune 100 company. The experience impacted my confidence, work-ethic, and connections positively.
What I wish was different
I struggled to connect with one of my four managers. I wish we had been able to become closer, but the other three remain in contact with me!
Advice
Expect sleepless nights (full of Disney fun) and do not take a heavy course load on your first program!
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Vacation Planner
August 2019 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
People are awesome
What I wish was different
I wish i stayed longer
Advice
The Walt Disney Company is the best so far.
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Attractions Hostess
September - December 2017 • Orlando, FL
What I liked
All the workshops I can attend to help with my future. There are many events to do around the city. Lastly, I like the meet and greet opportunities I can have with leaders.
What I wish was different
Taking advantage of the meet and greet sooner.
Advice
Do the meet and greet as soon as possible to be considered for professional internships.
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Quick Service Food and Beverage
January - August 2017 • Anaheim, CA
What I liked
It was great being able to network with disney executives and learn from them. The management team at my location was interested in getting to know me and what I wanted to do and the amount of opportunities that you get to showcase yourself and explore your interest is numerous.
What I wish was different
Advice
Take advantage of all the meetings you are offered. Make the most of your time but also enjoy yourself because I was there for 8 months and it felt like half of that.
