https://jobs.disneycareers.com/professional-internships

The Walt Disney Company

Merchandise Intern

January - May 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

This company brought a more than an amazing experience. I interacted with people from so many different cultures it was almost a shock. I was able to interact with not only families, but older couples, single people going to the park for the day, groups of kids with their schools, and more. I learned how to talk and make connections with people of every shape, size, age, and background. They also taught us the importance of leadership and what it meant to be part of such a prestigious company. I learned how to be even more outgoing and how to work with many different types of people (from all across the country and even internationally). The Walt Disney Company prides theirselves in how they treat their employees and how important the "cast" is to the "show" of working there everyday, and I believe they deserve to.

What I wish was different

The only thing I wished was different were the hours. It was very inconsistent, as one week you could work 40 hours and the next only 17.

Advice

I would advise anyone going into the College Program to do so with a very naive heart. The best part about working there is using what the company offers you, the parks! The more you go, the more you know about the brand, the products, even how to navigate through the parks to better assist customers that need help.
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Cashier

May 2017 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

They always have shifts to pick up.

What I wish was different

I came into a higher position.

Advice

Do not sell yourself short. Let the company know all of your talents and do not stop moving around until you found a position that you love to attend everyday at work.
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Intern

January - August 2017 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

The Park Entrance Team for Epcot was an amazing team to work with. They were all very friendly and the job itself, taught me a lot about customer service and the importance of communication and teamwork.

What I wish was different

I wish there were more opportunities to excel in my field of study.

Advice

I would say, take every opportunity that is offered. Go out and network with the other cast members and learn all that you can during your program.
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Quick Service/Food & Beverage Intern

January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

The Disney College Program was the best decision I have ever made. This was my first time ever applying for the program and I knew how competitive it was and how difficult it was to get accepted, and I thank my lucky stars every single day that I was able to get accepted on my first and only try. A lot of my friends, and people that I have spoken to have applied 3-5 times, which I think is incredible. When I got assigned the role of Quick Service, people said I was just working in a “glorified Mcdonalds,” which made me feel sort of discouraged. Although it kind of feels like that at first, I remembered that I am working in DISNEY, a Fortune 500 company and a business with some of THE BEST customer service in the whole world. What I absolutely loved about this program is that there were so many chances to grow. I see so many people quit or decline this role because of what they assume it to be or because it seems hard or too overwhelming or they’re just plain ole embarrassed, but I PROMISE YOU: if you keep an open mind, you will have so much fun. I know more people who absolutely loved this role than people who didn’t. Quick service definitely has its difficult moments and in the beginning, you will feel overwhelmed and flustered and may want to quit, but everyone truly is there to help you and you will get the hang of everything and quickly find your groove. You will meet a lot of people, and there’s a good chance you’ll work with a lot of fellow CPs which is awesome because that’s like giving you automatic friends. Im still in awe of the chance I was given and I would push anyone to consider the Disney College Program. No matter what I decide to do in life, the Disney College Program gave me amazing skills that I can utilize anywhere. It’s not easy, and I will stress that more than I can possibly make you understand.

What I wish was different

Being able to change roles throughout the program. I think this would allow you to better understand the hospitality industry and what Disney as a whole has to offer.

Advice

Definitely apply because these were some of the best times of my life
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Cast member

May - August 2017 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Making guests vacation magical was the best part.

What I wish was different

I wish I had experienced a lot more of what Disney provides for their cast members.

Advice

You may work long hours, it may be too hot outside, and it might be hard to live across the country but it is the best decision you’ll make. Not only will you have a great experience, but you’ll be able to create great experiences for others.
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Character Attendant

June - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I really liked the variety of locations that I was able to work at his job. I was able to work all over the park with many different characters in many different kinds of interactions. I loved getting to talk to people from all over the world, and I liked learning how different people view the company and their vacations.

What I wish was different

I wish I was given more experience training with my radio. I was not given much guidance on how to use it, so I was not completely prepared when I did have to use it.

Advice

My advice for this experience is to go in with a very big open mind. Every cast member in Disney is completely different, and no one had the same experience with the job. Anything can happen, so my advice is just to try to be prepared for anything.
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Walt Disney Cast member

August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I love the access to all the parks and resorts and interacting with our guest. I love hearing the guests stories and see where they are from!! I love working for Disney!!

What I wish was different

I wish we would get more hours and be trained in more areas than just one attraction.

Advice

Reach out to your leaders or coordinators to see what opportunities there are.
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Wireless Network Services Intern

May - August 2016 • Celebration, FL

What I liked

It was challenging and being apart of the Disney family is a wonderful experience.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have had more experience prior to contribute to the wireless team more and have a better understanding of the tasks at hand.

Advice

Don't be afraid to apply to anything and everything. I was looking for scholarships when I came across the job posting and decided to apply on a whim and it turned out to be such a great experience.
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Cast member

August 2017 - December 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Making magical memories for all of the guests that come into the park.

What I wish was different

That I was able to earn college credit from my experiences.

Advice

If you have the opportunity to do this internship, take it! It is a fantastic experience.
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Merchandise Cast Member

May 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

The people I work with, the company I work for, and the day to day connections I got to make.

What I wish was different

Nothing!

Advice

Apply to Disney College Program!
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Lifeguard

March - July 2018 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

The coworkers, the job, the benefits

What I wish was different

Small enforced rules, like shaving. Some managers not being more helpful.

Advice

Disney means Family, YES! However be aware of what they'll act you to sacrifice for this "family", because for me, it meant to actually sacrifice my own time with family for other family/guest that is very very ungrateful .
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Financial Accounting & Reporting Intern

May - August 2018 • Burbank, CA

What I liked

The people were great, lots of opportunities to network, learned a lot, supportive culture, fun perks

What I wish was different

Wasn't always super busy

Advice

Take advantage of how encouraging they are of networking and meet as many people as you can
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Business Intelligence Analyst Intern

June - August 2018 • Seattle, WA

What I liked

Disney is a fun and fantastic company to work for. You have to love working for Disney. The employees and atmosphere are great.

What I wish was different

At times, there was little interaction between myself and my team. I would have preferred a stronger team, collaborative environment.

Advice

Really network within the Disney company. Being a big company with so many different segments (ESPN, Marvel, LucasFilms, etc.), you can find lots of employees with your desired career path. Reach out to them before your internship is done!
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Service intern

August 2015 - January 2016 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Independence from home and customer interaction

What I wish was different

Wish I had my finances in order

Advice

Learn to take a breath and remember what it more important in the moment than how you feel
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Hotel Front Desk Clerk

August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I liked the atmosphere of working in a hotel.

What I wish was different

I wish I had a higher pay rate.

Advice

Take every opportunity as a chance to learn. You can always find something new to learn every day.
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Photographer

June 2018 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

The job location and benefits, along with coworkers and the job itself

What I wish was different

Advice

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Entertainment performer

October 2017 • Anaheim, CA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Auditions for any job or position can be really scary and nerve-wracking but I would encourage everyone to just try! You have to go for it and keep trying. Always be your best self and never let comparison stop you from having fun with it!
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Disney College Program

January - August 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

Got to work and play at Disney World! I got hands on experience doing the thing I love most and got to make a little magic along the way as well.

What I wish was different

I wish I had taken the job offer and stayed longer!

Advice

Anyone who is looking for an internship or a little work experience this is definetly the best program out there for students.
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Disney College Program Intern

August 2017 - January 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

It was a lot of fun and a great way to get your foot in the door with the company. You can utilize career exploration seminars that are awesome and it helps you learn where you want to be in a company.

What I wish was different

I wish that I could have spent more time learning from people who work in my major.

Advice

Take advantage of every networking opportunity you never know who you will meet or who you can help or who can help you.
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Quick service food and beverage

January - May 2018 • Orlando, FL

What I liked

I liked working for this amazing company with driven people.

What I wish was different

I wish my role would have pertained to my major more.

Advice

Make friends and network and enjoy
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