Becoming a Cast Member?

[pyschotropic]

I would like to become a cast member, but I was wondering how much they usually get paid and would I eventually get a chance to work in Imagineering If I was there long enough? The reason I ask is because I beleive Marty Sklar or someone in Imagineering had worked in the park for a long time and evetually made it to that position.

 

[ArchiDanDisney]

Paid? It's more of a volunteer type thing with tips...6 bucks an hour to start, 50 hour weeks. Free entry to the parks though. Try the college program first...

 

[MsSnuzi]

Information?

One of my students (Dance studio) is interested in working in Disney - behind the scenes - we have several dancers working in WDW, some have gone on to choreograph and such - but noone involved in the set up/designing/building areas. I'd love some direction to offer him. Someone mentioned the college program - any idea where to get more information? Thanks!

 

[agdbeanie]

Disney Careers

 

[MsSnuzi]

Thanks!

 

[mkepcotmgmak]

www.wdwcollegeprogram.com is the official CP site.

 

[TURKEY]

CP starts at 6.00, FT/PT start above that. I think 6.50??

It depends on where you work for getting to Imagineering. With the downsizing restructuring of Imagineering, you'll definitely need a BA/BS and more than likely a Masters degree.

 

[MsSnuzi]

He's got the degree - in Architecture and minor in dance/theater. Maybe I should check with my dancer/choreographers in the park for some information. Although "Disney" encompasses a huge company - I know they hear some rumors. It's worth a try. I'll have him check out the websites listed too. Thanks for your help!

 

[pyschotropic]

My ideal position in Imagineering would be having different backrounds in design and enineering so that I could create a feasible concept, but then turn it over to an engineer to make it work. I beleive John Wardley who's an attraction designer in Europe basically creates and designs everything from coasters to darkrides for themeparks and then turns it over to a ride manufacturer to make it work as well.

 

[cm1988]

Skill building to increase your odds

Originally posted by pyschotropic
I would like to become a cast member, but I was wondering how much they usually get paid and would I eventually get a chance to work in Imagineering If I was there long enough? The reason I ask is because I beleive Marty Sklar or someone in Imagineering had worked in the park for a long time and evetually made it to that position.

If your interest in <b>Imagineering</b> as much as or greater than your interest in <b>WDW</B>, you can increase your odds by working as a designer in another company.

Any professional role is going to involve competition for the job. Your experience with a relevant technical skill at another company will make you far more competitive than any experience you might have in a front-line hourly role.

True, Marty Sklar "came up through the ranks". Just wanted to caution you that few find that route into Imagineering.