Disney Career?

[Gunga]

Hello Guys and Gals,

From what I can tell this forum is mostly young hopefuls, so I hope you don't mind a 40 something jumping in here for some information. Ok here goes!! Myself along with my wife are looking to change careers, we live in the Atlanta area and have so for the past 20 years. I've owed my own business for those past 20 years (insurance business) and my wife has been in the banking/financial industry for the past 20 years. We are both avid fans of the Disney company and have always dreamed of working there. I was raised with Disney, even ate in the Contemporary in 1971 shortly after the parked opened. Niether of us was fortununate enough to obtain college degrees, but what we do bring to the table is 40 years of combined work experience, both of us now have several years of middle management/customer service/public relations. Now that you have a small glimpse into our history. Here is my question. I'm 43 and my wife is 39, is the dream of a career with Disney still possible for us. Naturally, we realize we would have to start at the bottom and climb the ladder again, but mainly what I'm looking for is sound advice,,is a career with Disney still possible at our age?

Thanks for taking the time to read my question and for those of you just starting out,,,FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!!!

Sincerely,

Joe

 

[disneygirl746kt]

I really can't see why not, but then again this is coming from a 19 yr old. If you dream it, I believe it can happen...we all know that disney is where dreams do come true. But I know this isn't much help, so all I can do is wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide.

 

[LAPVLB]

well i don't work at disney, but if you think about it, there is a permanent "Now Hiring" sign attached to the casting office, and disney actually does constantly hire for just about everything. with the experience you mentioned that you both have, disney shouldn't have any reason not to at least seriously consider your applications. they are always looking for those people with that special gift of great guest service, and you could prove to be a valuable asset, and they will realize that. best of luck to you and your wife

 

[Gorjus]

I am in my 40's and left my business, or rather turned it into a part time venture, to move up to Orlando and work for the Walt Disney Co. at WDW. You have to understand that you are going to have a severe drop in pay but it is liveable if you budget. You will also have managers that are younger than you are. Hopefully they have something in your careers, because they will pay a bit more for experience...a bit.

I made the move and I'm thrilled I did. I LOVE my job!

 

[cm1988]

Sabbatical

...40 something... looking to change careers. ... avid fans of the Disney company and have always dreamed of working there. ...raised with Disney...middle management... dream of a career with Disney... start at the bottom and climb the ladder...

Joe

Hi, Joe -
Been there, done that, got several t-shirts.
Also got a bankruptcy, wiped out a retirement plan and went from owning a home to renting.

Followed the dream, made the magic.

After all is said and done, your memories are your most precious possession. Along the way, you buy stuff, but when you are not driving that car or enjoying the view from that house, you are remembering it.

I have a zillion WDW memories from an onstage and backstage perspective. But you know, if I had the option to do it over, I would have worked there for maybe six months and then gone on to something else.

Having said that, I'm at peace with the decisions I made and I still like the co. I would just caution you (and anyone considering this) against being too stubborn about forging a career path. The co. will put you to work; various managers will move you if there is a need and you want to try another area. You may get a promotion once in a while but unless you are somehow mentored (which is extremely rare) your income will flounder.

But especially since you are married, and even if not, I'd have to say you'd be far better advised to just plan a six month sabbatical. Enjoy! Have fun; make memories; see it all. Then move on.