What's it like working at WDW?

[DisneyEspo]

Hey guys,
Forgive me if this has been asked before, but I figure there are some CMs who could answer this question. I own a business in New Jersey. It's pretty successful, and hopefully if all goes well, I plan on selling and moving to the Orlando area for semi-retirement. This won't happen anytime soon, but I like to plan ahaead! I've always wanted to get a full or part-time job at WDW. I really don't care what kind of job, even garbage collector would be great!!
Anyway, I've heard all kinds of stories about working for the mouse. Some people love it. Some hate it. Some say it's like working for BIG BROTHER. Then again, I've met CMs from the north that told me they packed up and moved to Florida to work at WDW and never regreted it.
So which is it? Is it fun? Is it a high pressure job? Does management force all the smiles on CMs faces or is it really the Happiest place on earth to work?
Any input is appreciated.
:wave:

 

[raven]

As long as you keep loving the company as much as you love it now, you will have no problems. However, you will have your eyes opened to some things that you never wanted to see (as goes for any job). But just keep a possitive attitude and you will be great! :animwink:

 

[Michael72688]

yea, I really want to get a job there too!

 

[the_rich]

i would love to work at wdw, but i love living in new york too much

 

[Pixie Duster]

I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Life is what you make of it. Any job can suck if you let it. There are things at Disney which are not what it used to be, but I have the power to make magic, obviously I can't do it across the entire property, but I make the personal choice to give the best I can to every guest I encounter. And I try my best not to complain backstage because that just brings me and those around me down. If you want to be happy in anything in life BE POSITIVE!!!!!! I learned that a while ago in my life, I thought I was being "realstic", but being positive it realistic too. It doesn't mean you ignore the bad thing, you just accentuate what is good and makes you happy.

Working fr Disney can be magical but you have to make it that way. It is fun and heck I get paid to be in one of my favorite parks. It's gonna stink that I will leave it behind if I go into Resorts, but I will still be in love with my job.

 

[SlideOperatorCP]

I LOVED working for Disney! I am going back this summer to do it again!!! I worked for Blizzard Beach and I could not have been any more happy!

When I first got down there I didn't like it though, I love all things disney, but I let the miserable people get in my head ... I started thinking "HEY, this is like big brother" and all that kinda stuff... but then one day I just realized that it didn't matter if people watched my every move (where in my case, they never ever ever ever did!) ... I was working in an amazing place and I was part of something so amazing! It was neat to work out side of the 4 parks for me because it kept all the magic alive for me... I don't know all the "behind the scenes" things that everyone else seems to know about.... and that is fine by me!!!! That is why I think I am going to work in a hotel or recreation or something this summer so I don't have to be in the parks.

But then again, I met some of the most MISERABLE people I have ever met in my life down there. You have to keep in mind that Disney is NOT a money hungry company who doesn't care about you or anyone else... they are makers of magic and need at the CM's to help create that magic... and if chewing gum gets in the way of a four year old's magic, well grow up and spit it out! hahahaha.... that's the way I looked at it and I loved being part of it!... so it is all what you make it!

 

[Pixie Duster]

People who get upset over not being a loowed to chew gum need to quit and work elsewhere because if you deal with the public you won't be allowed to chew gum no matter what company you work for.... why? Because it is RUDE!

 

[Jungle Skipper]

I absolutely LOVED my time working at WDW! In fact, if I didn't love living here so much I would probably still be there.

My suggestion is make sure you enjoy the work you do. Always keep a good attitude, don't let yourself get burnt out. But that's just common sense with any job really. I thought it working at the MK would ruin the magic for me. I know it did for some of my co-cast members....but for me it only enhanced the magic. I saw things in a whole new light and learned to enjoy the little things about the parks, the scenery, the smells, the sights...

My favorite thing about working at WDW was seeing the smiles on the guests faces. Both when I was creating magic for them on Main Street, making the laugh on the Jungle Cruise or assisting with Fast Pass. AND the smiles on peoples faces as I wandered around the park on my own free time. I learned to appriciate the magic to a whole new extent.

Jungle Josh

------------------
Only 2 1/2 more days till POR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Matchieu]

Its so much fun! Just think of playing everyday at work... thats pretty much what I did when I was there.

I know that I will be back working there in the future!

 

[Djali999]

I love my job!

I think for retirement / supplimentary income it's a pretty good choice. I can't exactly imagine living off it, but I'm not there much, either.

it can get pretty exhausting, but come the end of the day I'm actually reluctant to leave. I mean, how often do you not want to leave your job? :lol:

give it a shot.

 

[mkt]

Imagine climbing up 2 steps, and then going down one...

that was my last experience with the Walt Disney Co.

 

[1disneydood]

I'm sure it's just like every other job in at least one aspect. There has to be postions that are great to work, and positions that are really stressful to work.

I had a GREAT job once managing a major chain petstore, but I sure felt sorry for the lower level employees.

 

[bucklmd]

I have also wanted to work for Disney for a long time and now it seems like only a dream. Does anyone have experience with the resorts? I have been in the hotel industry for 6 years in guest services and now sales management. The thought of going down there and having to start at the bottom is a little scary. If you have experience in the industry do you still have to start at the bottom in a resort? If so, do you have opportunity to move up quickly? If not, I will just wait and work for Disney after retirement, which is about a hundred years from now....

 

[Pixie Duster]

In almost any aspect of Disney they prefer you to have worked with Disney and now the culture since it is sort of a different world. However, you could put your resume in and see what happens. I am going for an interview for Saratoga Springs, the next Disney resort. I have no resort experience, but I do have hospitality exeperience (obviously), and I am going to school for a degree in Hosp. Management. I want to become a manager member for one of our resorts, and I obviously have to start from the bottom.

 

[bucklmd]

Is there a seperate resort department where I could send my resume. It just seems impossible to break through all of their general employment stuff. If you call the job hotline, it's just a recording with mainly entry-level jobs posted. And the internet is just a big black hole for resumes. If I had an actual fax number or specific mailing address, at least I would know it got there directly.

 

[kurros]

I work the dock at the Downtown Disney Marina, and love my job. Though I can agree with some about the Disney Company being strict on Cast Members "preserving the magic." It is especially annoying since at DTD the only place I can buy lunch is the cast member section of McDonald's. Wolfgang Pucks, Ghirardelli's, even the popcorn and churro stands are off limits while I am in costume. Even though my costume is a plain white shirt and blue shorts that say Recreation. I envy the CMs that have access to the revamped Aramark food service centers... I hear one even has a Subway counter.

 

[Djali999]

Originally posted by kurros
I envy the CMs that have access to the revamped Aramark food service centers... I hear one even has a Subway counter.

Mousekateeria under Fantasyland has a Subway in it, I can't speak for any other parks. and yes -- the food is good and a good deal cheaper than the MK counter service eateries. there's better selection, believe it or not.

 

[TURKEY]

Originally posted by Djali999
Mousekateeria under Fantasyland has a Subway in it, I can't speak for any other parks. and yes -- the food is good and a good deal cheaper than the MK counter service eateries. there's better selection, believe it or not.

I believe Epcot has one as well.

 

[kurros]

Bah. Rub it in will ya

Maybe when Earl of Sandwich finally opens in DTD Marketplace it will have a Cast Member area as well? Has anyone heard when it is supposed to finally open?

 

[kurros]

Originally posted by Djali999
there's better selection, believe it or not.

Yeah, bringing in Aramark was a good decision for Disney. Though I have only eaten at the one at Disney University.