Anyone Work For Disney?? (Orlando: jobs, college, closing)

[BobKovacs]

Is there anyone here who works (or has worked) for Disney, either in the parks or in corporate? I'm looking for someone I can ask a few questions- in the perfect world it'd be someone who works in facilities or engineering, but anyone else would be fine too.

Thanks,

Bob

[nickindependence]

hi there, well my mother in law works seasonally in the Emporium in the Magic Kingdon and my father in law works as a manager in MGM studios so if you have any questions id be happy to ask them and get back to you with an answer

Nick

[cmj_fla]

I worked for Disney 5 years ago for 3 years as a secretary. I worked for the ride and show engineers for one summer. My brother is a manager for one of the water parks. Let me know if I can help.

[BobKovacs]

Basically I'm trying to find out if working for Disney is the "dream" that it's made out to be, or if it's "just another company". You know, everyone is always so pleasant when you encounter them in the parks, so you've got to wonder if it's just a facade or if it's really that great of a place to work.

Since I was in college I had wanted to work for Imagineering, but I could never manage to bring myself to live in FL or CA- now that I've lived in several different areas of the country, I realize that I could make FL work if the job was really everything I hoped it was- I wouldn't move down there just to work for another engineering/construction company with the same issues as every other firm.

I've also heard that they tend to pay on the low side of scale compared to other firms- any truth to that?

[cmj_fla]

Every job in Central Florida pays lower scale compared to other places in the country and Disney is no different. However, the upper paying jobs such as Engineers are paid well. When I worked there the ride engineers were getting 75K a year and that was back in 98. If you work directly for the company then it is great. However, for most tech jobs they higher contract workers and they are treated like second-rate citizens. Another thing to worry about while working there is the ever looming possibility of lay-offs. These things said, Disney has amazing benefits. People I know tend to stay with the company for decades and enjoy every moment. However, getting hired for those jobs is a bit tough right now. I know I keep contradicting myself but working for Disney really has its pluses and minuses. I really enjoyed it but didn't get paid very well but the benefits made up for it. Hope this was helpful....let me know if you have any specific questions.

[luvthatmouse]

I just responded to another poster about the same questions. Here is my response:

I work seasonally for Disney (a few times a year) in concierge. I like it because I am seasonal. I would never work in an hourly position for Disney full time. They take advantage with rate of pay, hours and making people work doubles, holidays, etc.. (standard for service industry work though.) I would work in a professional position for Disney (salaried) if I could get one! DH and I have been trying for 3 years now We have three degrees between us and have wonderful work experience (running/managing/owning companies, sales, marketing, IT, web design, engineering, teaching, art, photography, graphic design, library, etc..)

Disney loves to use contract companies (my husband works contract in Internal Communications for WDW) and outsource everything so they do not have to pay benefits. It is VERY hard to get into a professional position unless you know someone or have a very special background! It is a great company to work for if you can win the lottery and get one of the professional positions-but even those pay much less than other areas for the same work. We make about $30,000 less a year than we did up north!

Most Imagineering is project based now so after a project is finished you may be too. That division is based in CA not FL (there are some Imagineers here.) There is a large building called Central Shops that does ride rehab, painting, sign design, etc.. Maybe you could check there? A lot of the workers there have been with the company for many years though (20+.)

[X-Disney CM]

I use to work for Disney. If you have a college degree and a resume that stands out, then you might get that salaried position. If not, be prepared to start at the bottom. You will end up getting the closing shifts.

[lambrettasx]

I saw your note on city data and wanted to ask you a question. My wife, family and I are considering a lifestyle change and moving from DC to Orlando and I was wondering about working at Disney. I am a senior executive with global experience at Ford Motor Company in strategic business development. I am looking at getting a position within Disney but understand, as my experience has taught me, that having someone introduce you goes a long way to helping you land a position. I do believe my experience stands alone, but wanted to see if you had any advice prior to me making contact with the company. I am in my early 40s and my wife is late 30s. We are looking at this as a major change to the stress of living and working in the DC area. My wife is an EPA employee and has good tenure in her position, so making this move comes with some sacrifices. We both would like to have a career as we make this move and thought Disney could provide that opportunity.

I look forward to any advice you can give or any direction you may be able to point us in.

Kindest regards;

Phil
[SIZE=5][/SIZE]

I just responded to another poster about the same questions. Here is my response:

I work seasonally for Disney (a few times a year) in concierge. I like it because I am seasonal. I would never work in an hourly position for Disney full time. They take advantage with rate of pay, hours and making people work doubles, holidays, etc.. (standard for service industry work though.) I would work in a professional position for Disney (salaried) if I could get one! DH and I have been trying for 3 years now We have three degrees between us and have wonderful work experience (running/managing/owning companies, sales, marketing, IT, web design, engineering, teaching, art, photography, graphic design, library, etc..)

Disney loves to use contract companies (my husband works contract in Internal Communications for WDW) and outsource everything so they do not have to pay benefits. It is VERY hard to get into a professional position unless you know someone or have a very special background! It is a great company to work for if you can win the lottery and get one of the professional positions-but even those pay much less than other areas for the same work. We make about $30,000 less a year than we did up north!

Most Imagineering is project based now so after a project is finished you may be too. That division is based in CA not FL (there are some Imagineers here.) There is a large building called Central Shops that does ride rehab, painting, sign design, etc.. Maybe you could check there? A lot of the workers there have been with the company for many years though (20+.)[/quote]

[luvthatmouse]

https://disney.recruitmax.com/main/c...hType=Advanced

[missmychipmunkness]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Basically I'm trying to find out if working for Disney is the "dream" that it's made out to be, or if it's "just another company". You know, everyone is always so pleasant when you encounter them in the parks, so you've got to wonder if it's just a facade or if it's really that great of a place to work.

Since I was in college I had wanted to work for Imagineering, but I could never manage to bring myself to live in FL or CA- now that I've lived in several different areas of the country, I realize that I could make FL work if the job was really everything I hoped it was- I wouldn't move down there just to work for another engineering/construction company with the same issues as every other firm.

I've also heard that they tend to pay on the low side of scale compared to other firms- any truth to that?

I worked at WDW as a seasonal cast member in the entertainment department and had a blast. It was so much fun. My fellow cast members were very friendly and we all banded together to get the job done. I had a very bad experience with one of the managers and left without notice. Since then I miss it terribly and would do just about anything to work there again. The situation with the manager clouded my mind and I had forgotten how much I actually enjoyed my job. Most jobs are not perfect-you will have conflicts with employee's or bosses where ever you go-there will always be hang ups. I wish I hadn't burned that bridge because Disney can be a great place to work if you put it in perspective.