My Love of the Parks is Dwindling. Not sure what to do.

[PiratesMansion]

Visit new Disney parks or experiences (Cruises, ABD).

 

[HappyHaunt97]

For most of my life, Disney has been the thing that keeps me going. I was bullied for it when I was younger, which was hard, but I was committed to the wonderful worlds Walt and his successors created.

But it’s become increasingly harder in the past few years. I’ve learned more about the company’s past and what used to be. I’ve noticed a further distancing from Walt’s ideals. The cynicism in the community has also gotten more intense. I always wanted to work for the company I loved the most, but this made me even more committed to do so than before.

I was supposed to work in Florida this summer. It would have been my foot in the door to a potential dream come true. I’m sure it would’ve been the same for many others as well. Perhaps it’s selfish of me to be upset or foolish to think this could’ve led to greater things, but it seems like this may have been my only chance for a lifelong goal of mine. I understand why things were cancelled, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

I don’t know if I should be sharing this or not, but I just feel like I need to talk about it. I still love Disney. I don’t think that will ever change. It’s such a huge part of me. But it’s becoming increasingly painful to think about it and what could’ve been. Every time I go to Disney, I feel so much pain leaving. It feels like it’s the only thing I have.


(Note: Moderators, if this isn’t the right board, feel free to switch it. Just please don’t delete it.)

You remind me very much of myself, as I relate to much of what you've said here. I was part of the Spring 2020 DCP group who was sent home in March and I am also a Spring 2019 alumni. I absolutely think that suspending Disney Programs was the right thing to do for everyone's safety in the midst of this horrible pandemic, however, the way Disney handled the situation was incredibly poor. My family and I have visited WDW every year since 2002 and we have all noticed a steady decline in the quality of the resort. I can honestly say after two college programs that WDW is much better to visit than to work for. It has taken me a while to realize this, but much of what made Disney special to me personally simply isn't there anymore. It sounds like you are in a similar position and there is nothing wrong with that. I will always be grateful to Disney for giving me something to be so passionate about through the years, but trust me when I say that if Disney isn't the career path we end up taking, we will make magic in our own way wherever we go. Truly sorry that your opportunity was cancelled the way it was. It sucks and there is no way to sugarcoat that. Better days are ahead!

 

[lazyboy97o]

Not sure if any of these options are mentioned but Florida also has a school that specially caters to themed entertainment called Ringling and there's also plenty of similar companies that do what Disney does with themed architecture and entertainment.

Wet Design, Efteling or the other european parks, zoos and museums, and a bunch of other things. Disney does not have to be the only employer if you truly enjoy the field.

I might be considering a minor in engineering/architecture but have no experience or started college yet (But spent quite sometime on Planet Coaster and Minecraft) and absolutely love architecture as an art form and it's my favorite thing about WDW.

Ringling is a private art school, so expensive. UCF outside of Orlando has also started a themed entertainment MFA program. The Savannah College of Art and Design started the Themed Design MFA trend but it’s a high cost for a field that is not yet run by graduate degree holders so cost definitely something to consider (do not saddle yourself with debt).

There are a lot more companies than just those who are specialized like Wet or other parks in other countries like Eiftling. You have big names like Thinkwell, Hettema Group, Forrec, Falcon’s Treehouse and do on, but also lots of smaller companies and freelancers.

While they often get lumped together in popular discourse, architecture and engineering are not really the same. Legally, architects can perform a wide amount of engineering but that is now more the realm of residential work and definitely not large commercial projects like themed entertainment. Engineering has also become very specialized. Architecture, as in actual design, is not really something offered as a minor. Architecture is a regulated profession in all 50 states (meaning it is illegal to call yourself an architect if you are not licensed) typically requiring a Master’s degree, work experience and several licensing exams. The curriculum is built around intense design studio courses resulting in architecture often being ranked as one of the hardest majors. That’s not intended to scare you away but to let you know that architecture is very much it’s own thing and the architects like it that way. Both architecture and engineering are also specialties in the world of themed design, so the people doing the show set design and art direction don’t often have a formal background in either, not to say that being understand other disciplines is not beneficial.

 

[rk03221]

I’m in school for Engineering. The (unrealistic) dream was Imagineering or something in Park management. I see how much these parks mean to everyone else, and I’ve learned so much from the older fans about some of the stuff that I never got to experience. I just want to make a difference to these people, however small it may be.


Thanks. I needed to hear this. I suppose I shouldn’t throw in the towel if I’ve gotten this far already. It’s very disheartening, but it’s a disheartening time for everyone in the world right now. We’ll get through it.

I worked at Disney for a few years and my wife was a manager. I am personally friends with two imagineers and even they started at the very bottom. They did college programs and eventually worked for Disney while Going to school for a few years. In order to get into imagineering you need to network like crazy and know the right people. You could have all the right credentials and even a degree from MIT but if you don’t know the right people you aren’t getting in, that’s how Disney works. They also had more than one masters degree, in both engineering and art. It’s one of the hardest places to get in at Disney and they mostly hire from within for those positions. Don’t get down on yourself most people have no idea how competitive it really is. There are other jobs at Disney though that you could use your degree for

 

[Club Cooloholic]

I think of WDW as a toned down, PG version of Las Vegas. The parks (casinos), specifically the rides (tables), are the main draw for most people, but not for me. Don't get me wrong, I love the rides (and the tables...actually, sportsbook for me), but the ambiance is what I enjoy the most. I'm just as happy, arguably happier, with walking around World Showcase at night and grabbing a few beers than I am while on a ride. I love being in Animal Kingdom when the sun is just coming up, and while I most certainly enjoy a morning safari ride followed by a climb of Everest, I feel most relaxed (isn't that what vacation is all about) when the Dawa Bar opens and I can grab a 10a Safari Amber and take in the Harambe streetmosphere. I love the Mountain Range, but there's nothing better to me than once the parked has closed, my wife and walking around a nearly empty Magic Kingdom, taking in a dark and quiet Frontierland and Adventureland, until a CM tells us that we need to head back to the hub. And, while everyone is either exiting or shopping on Main Street, we grab a corn dog nugget meal at Casey's, find a seat, and watch the "Kiss Goodnight" a few times while the park empties. While everyone else is rushing to ToT or Slinky at 8:59p, you'll find me ordering a beer or two at Tune-In Lounge, and either sitting around Echo Lake or strolling down Sunset and/or Hollywood.

I haven't even mentioned the resorts, and how much fun it can be to explore them while the parks are at their hottest and most crowded point, or just heading back to your own and getting in some much needed pool time.

Difference is, you can grab a decent room in Vegas for $100 and never spend a cent on the tables and still soak in the ambiance. Meanwhile WDW keeps raising the price of walking through the doors and placing your head on a pillow. And let's not mention dessert parties, are the Vegas equivalent of a nightclub?

 

[Brer Oswald]

Not sure if any of these options are mentioned but Florida also has a school that specially caters to themed entertainment called Ringling and there's also plenty of similar companies that do what Disney does with themed architecture and entertainment.

Wet Design, Efteling or the other european parks, zoos and museums, and a bunch of other things. Disney does not have to be the only employer if you truly enjoy the field.

I might be considering a minor in engineering/architecture but have no experience or started college yet (But spent quite sometime on Planet Coaster and Minecraft) and absolutely love architecture as an art form and it's my favorite thing about WDW.

I’m Canadian. I don’t have the funds to move out to Florida and go to school there (as much as I would love to).

 

[lazyboy97o]

Thank you so much for the reply! I haven't really looked deeply in what credentials or education is needed and this is great information! I believe at the very least it'll always interest me and have as a hobby.

I plan on going to community college in the fall while being employed at a bigger Cedar Fair park and eventually transfering to a more specialized college/Uni but definitely feel I would like to go into some sort of entertainment (Performing, music, architecture or behind the scenes stuff). But have my eyes open to pretty much anything involving in that.

You’re welcome. Community college is a very smart idea, especially if you do not yet know your major. It gives you time to figure things out while still making progress. Depending on your major and school, there are also programs where you earn an Associate’s degree that essentially guarantees you admission to a larger university.

I’m Canadian. I don’t have the funds to move out to Florida and go to school there (as much as I would love to).

The programs are still relatively new and nowhere near being required, so don’t feel like you’re missing something huge. Even after university if you want to do Imagineering type work you don’t have to deal with the process of emigrating as companies like Forrec, Trio-tech, BaAM, Cavu Designwerks and Dynamic Attractions are just a few of the Canadian firms doing themed entertainment and attraction work

 

[Brer Oswald]

You’re welcome. Community college is a very smart idea, especially if you do not yet know your major. It gives you time to figure things out while still making progress. Depending on your major and school, there are also programs where you earn an Associate’s degree that essentially guarantees you admission to a larger university.


The programs are still relatively new and nowhere near being required, so don’t feel like you’re missing something huge. Even after university if you want to do Imagineering type work you don’t have to deal with the process of emigrating as companies like Forrec, Trio-tech, BaAM, Cavu Designwerks and Dynamic Attractions are just a few of the Canadian firms doing themed entertainment and attraction work

Thank you. That’s good information I can look into.

 

[disney4life2008]

Difference is, you can grab a decent room in Vegas for $100 and never spend a cent on the tables and still soak in the ambiance. Meanwhile WDW keeps raising the price of walking through the doors and placing your head on a pillow. And let's not mention dessert parties, are the Vegas equivalent of a nightclub?

The problem with Vegas is yiu will pay 100 per night then get charged 60 per night on a meaningless resort fee. Though, if you know how to navigate Vegas, it can still be cheaper than Disney. The issue with Disney is they claim premium experiences and saps pay for it. Any desert party is pointless. I can watch for free on the sidelines. Disney morning or after dark, only saps would pay.

 

[manmythlegend]

Difference is, you can grab a decent room in Vegas for $100 and never spend a cent on the tables and still soak in the ambiance. Meanwhile WDW keeps raising the price of walking through the doors and placing your head on a pillow. And let's not mention dessert parties, are the Vegas equivalent of a nightclub?

I started another thread about this but the rising cost is a huge issue of why DL is now my go to park. I also really like that you can combine other things into the trip such as Vegas or Hollywood or whatever. I like diversified trips.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Thank you so much for the reply! I haven't really looked deeply in what credentials or education is needed and this is great information! I believe at the very least it'll always interest me and have as a hobby.

I plan on going to community college in the fall while being employed at a bigger Cedar Fair park and eventually transfering to a more specialized college/Uni but definitely feel I would like to go into some sort of entertainment (Performing, music, architecture or behind the scenes stuff). But have my eyes open to pretty much anything involving in that.

Popping in this thread to mention to you that attending community college is a very wise and money-saving decision.

If you’re looking to go into entertainment, I would consider looking into USC (University of Southern California). Not only do they have a themed entertainment minor, but they have some serious connections to the world of entertainment (USC’s film school alone has churned out some big names in Hollywood and is very well-known). One of my friends who is set to graduate in May has the themed entertainment minor and, due to such, has already been in contact with multiple Imagineers, has visited WDI here in California, and I believe has been offered an internship to work at WDI. Because of USC’s location in Los Angeles and connections, they are able to invite Imagineers to speak to the students. They also have some sort of competition where students are placed in teams and asked to create a themed land. I’d have to ask my friend, but I believe the winning group gets an internship offer with WDI. I could be wrong, I’d have to ask her. Something to look into!

 

[lazyboy97o]

They also have some sort of competition where students are placed in teams and asked to create a themed land. I’d have to ask my friend, but I believe the winning group gets an internship offer with WDI.

Imaginations is open to junior or senior level college students in select majors throughout the US.

Disney Imaginations

Dream Design Diversify

disneyimaginations.com

 

[Californian Elitist]

Imaginations is open to junior or senior level college students in select majors throughout the US.

Disney Imaginations

Dream Design Diversify

disneyimaginations.com

Yes, I know. Of course internships aren’t only offered to Angelenos, but USC does have connections that I imagine a lot of other schools don’t have.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Yes, I know. Of course internships aren’t only offered to Angelenos, but USC does have connections that I imagine a lot of other schools don’t have.

The design competition is called Imaginations. That is what is not unique to USC.

 

[Brad Bishop]

I am sure you are getting a slew of encouragement and positivity from other posters, some saying don't give up the dream, WDW will reopen and it will, eventually. But on another level, you should never look at a place, or job, or even another person as your everything. Jobs are rarely permanent, companies and places change, people do too. The only thing in this world that you have, is you. Embrace that, put your pain, your feelings your energy into YOU. Whatever the magic you find in WDW, you can find in you, and your interests. Is it the food? Work on cooking. Is it the shows? Start trying to get into your local theater(when they are back). Is it just the parks themselves? Look into architecture, or working at a place closer to you when this is done.
Overall, invest in you, not WDW. It's not going anywhere, and when you are able to go back, WDW will be lucky to have you not the other way around.

As a kid, I always wanted to work at Disney. They were a technology company:
- Monorails
- Peoplemovers
- Audioanimatronics
- unique rides
- computer rooms running all of the rides
- etc.

Around age 20 I realized: A whole lot of people want to work at Disney. As such, I probably can't command much of a price there as they can just say, "Nuts to you, there's a guy standing right behind you who'll do the job and is eager to work at Disney!" There's nothing wrong with that but it's not in my best interest.

That being said, if your love of the parks is dwindling outside of that, which is what your original post seemed to be leaning towards, yep, I'm there with you. The love and care that they used to put into the parks for sight lines, keeping themes correct (except Tomorrowland) , keeping things working, etc. seems to have fallen by the wayside over the last few years and everything they can do to try to pry another nickel out of the customer (or just cut costs in general) is the way forward and it's definitely soured me to them. Cabanas in Tomorrowland was probably the worst offender. Charging for resort parking is another one. Quality declining while prices keep going up.. I used to go several times a year. Not any longer. I haven't been in about 5 years now. I find other things to do with my off time now.