The Walt Disney Company

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Slide operator and Lifeguard

February - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I loved having guest interaction and my coordinators were great to work with.

What I wish was different

I wish that guests had been more kind. I know this isn't a very realistic request, but I feel that my employer did everything right as a company. I have no complaints against Disney and no suggestions really.

Advice

I would say that this experience helped me grow. You definitely have to be open to moving across the country, being away from home, and living with several people you have never met before. There can also be long hours, but the experience is definitely worth it.

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Hotel Front Desk Clerk

January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

The guests were phenomenal, my coworkers were amazing, and the fact that you can go to the parks WHENEVER you want was literally a dream

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Do it with an open mind because you will he stressed out every now and then, but make a good solid group of friends with your roommates and coworkers so everything will be smooth and happy.

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