What Working For Disney Was REALLY Like | From VIP Tours To Merchandise
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- long video today, but thats because we have a lot to talk about. A Disney cast member story video today, my journey, what cast member roles I had and of course Disney vip tours fun! This what is was like to work for Disney In a way, I could get more detailed on each role, however I don't want to go into to much detail simply because It's my former employer and I would never talk bad nor give away any Disney secrets. Obviously I did quit my Disney job awhile ago, here is sort of a look at a day in the life of a cast member. I close look at what it is like to work for Disney AND my experiences.
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I worked at Disney during high school and college. I started two months after opening. My first job was as a Monorail Operator for 3.5 years. I was the youngest in the Monorail position, at 17. I was selected, along with five others, as opening trainers and leads at Space Mountain. We arrived in September 1974, four months before the official opening on January 15, 1975. It was still a construction site. We wrote an SOP, qualified ourselves, and then Tomorrowland management. We had to train about 180 cast members before opening. I stayed there for one year. A friend who had been an hourly Monorail Operator was now a Tomorrowland Supervisor. She suggested I might want to go to work for her brother, who was the Manager of Cash Control. I was a teller and Vault Teller.
I left in April 1979 to begin a 37-year career at American Airlines.
Now, forty-six years later, on December 24, 2023, I received a Christmas card from my friends at Disney.
“Working for Disney is not all roses and butterflies.”
That true with working for any company.
I used to work for Comcast -- can tell you some stories that would make your hair stand up on your arms...
@@Steve_in_NJ spill
It's because he was a really shitty employee. I worked right beside him and watched him break literally every single rule. Not any one at work actually enjoyed working with him. I'm actually surprised he wasn't outright fired.
Wonderful insight. Thanks for sharing
Idiot
@@Steve_in_NJ I work for a biotechnology company that does not show up on any google maps or have much info. Pretty sketch if you ask me. I just needed some work I didn't really think about what they did😅
My mom and I got to meet you when you were working merchandise and you were so nice to talk with us and take pictures and make a video for my niece. You definitely added some Disney magic to our trip, cast members like you are so appreciated by us!
The Weeknd 🖤💝
Alicia Keys ♥ ✨ 💖
Justin Bieber 🖤💜🧡
Harry Styles 💜🖤💖
Masked Woif 💖🖤❤
Great advice about leaving for better opportunities. The days when workers were rewarded for loyalty and longevity are pretty much a thing of the past in any company.
You're great Kyle. I was a VIP guide at Disneyland in 70's as well as entertainment. Opened EPCOT in 83!
Great video.Kyle! I was a VIP Tour guide in 96/97 and a MKGR host on my college program. Best time ever!
I must admit when this came across my feed yesterday I refused to click on it... because I don't want to hear anything bad about Disney... I am planing my first ever Disney experience soon and I want it to be beautiful in my heart and mind... so to see that you loved it and you have nothing really bad to say makes my heart very happy... Thank You!!!
My daughter did the college program in fall of 2019 and finished Jan 1 2020 and then Covid hit so she was so happy she did take the position and not delay it a semester. She got her dream job as well! She got costuming.
Your video was so interesting, I wish it was longer. Lol I love that you didnt bash Disney for your expectations. Every job has its disappointments and tasks that no one wants to do. Stay safe.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey in Disney . You showed it in a positive light , but you are telling us some of the reality of the position. I have a cousin who worked for Disney from the mid 70s to 2008. She started as a Monorail operator and finished in Casting. I think she met her husband there. He worked as a chef in Biengarten. They did not choose to leave, they were laid off in 2008 during the economic slowdown at the time. I am happy you were and still are pursuing a career that you have a passion for. Nothing worse than to be in a job that you hate and dread everyday. I know, I have been there. Again, thank you for sharing. Looking forward to your next vlog and enjoy yourself in my home away from home, Saratoga Springs.
A lot of ppl do meet their significant other here working at Disney
Casting is a good job to have here at Disney
I love how honest this was!!! It all sounds like such an amazing experience!🥺🤧
Thank you, Cast Members, for making every visit to Disneyland I ever made MAGICAL.
I like to thank you cast members like you help make dreams comes true at WDW positivity goes a long way!
It does go a long way I remember making a ton of Kids happy working ODV
I made it. As a former cast member from the late 90's it seems things haven't changed too much. You got 2 of my dream jobs (mansion and VIP), but I really loved working The Great Movie Ride. Thanks for sharing! Remember kids, it is not WHAT you know, but WHO you know!
That was a really nice video without giving away the Disney secrets! Your customer service skills will help you in ant job you ever have. Don’t ever loose the magic.
I was CP in 2000. Loved it. My roommate and I wanted to stay. The best advice came from my area manager who told me to get my degree first then come back. I was kind of disappointed she didn’t jump up and down for me to stay but she was right. My sister in law worked for Disney Corporate and said it was extremely difficult to move up. I hope the CP comes back someday - it was the best experience of my life.
Thank you for the glimpse into working at Disney. I would think just having Disney in your resume will be a benefit in whatever job you apply for. Thank you for the tip on not tipping the cast members and handing them a " thank you card " instead. They add so much to the enjoyment of my visit to the parks and Disney resorts.
The possible plus/advantage of having Disney on your resume varies greatly due to various factors. The role you held, the time in that role and the geographic location of where the position you are applying to, all matter. In central FL, those that can list Disney employment on their resume is a dime a dozen. There are literally thousands upon thousands of residents in central FL that can do so. Therefore it is not that impressive unless you held a very high upper level position. Disney employment listed on a resume for someone applying for a position outside FL, generally holds much greater weight One advantage of having Disney employment on your resume for a local hourly or entry level positions is: if a stable and established employment record is evident, it is a definite positive because it is well known that when you work for Disney-----You work ! I have been a full time WDW cast member for almost 10 years. I have worked in both parks and resorts in various depts. I can honestly say it is the most unique employment experience you can have. It has it's definite pros and cons. Even the difference from working at parks vs resort is huge. The difference between seeing Disney through the eyes of a guest vs an employee is also huge. But it's an experience that I would not trade for the world and I'm so grateful to have. When my grandchildren, who will tell you that I work for Mickey, lol, give me messages to rely to their favorite characters---because they KNOW I work with them!!!!! It makes everything in balance.
Question ..How hard is it or not to apply at Disney World now! By the way my coworker recommended you cause your funny and well knowing about Disney! Oh even if you don't work for Disney Do you still get in the parks free???
Thank you Kyle, for your honesty. I feel like I saw the real you for the first time. Your dreams and drive are impressive and shows me you are the hardest worker in the room. Keep on keeping on. Love you, Kyle😊👍✌❤
I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour. Seeing how things worked below made it more magical for me. I love knowing how things work.
I can certainly respect what Walt Disney built and what he stood for. Maintaining his dream even if one would have to wave through the ideologies of newer management is a worthwhile task.
I loved my college program. Did merchandise in studios in 2006 and it was the best job ever and made so many life long friends
I made it....and I can honestly say, your video was so entertaining and interesting, the time flew by. Wishing you continued success with this TH-cam career and best wishes in future endeavors!
thanks for this! I've always dreamed of working at Disney , and this put it in a good light but also reality...i probably should have started when i was younger...
Was CP as well. Because I was a lifeguard, we got plenty of hours if we wanted them. I got overtime on occasion and even double time once. Any job can be a mixed bag, but it was a very cool experience and I learned a lot.
I see this video is a year old but it just came up in my home feed. Wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed it! It was fun to hear about your experiences
It's funny that I found this video because you actually helped me find a sandwich one time and were extremely kind. We were in Hollywood studios and you told me the place to go was one of the resorts that were connected to the Skyliner. It was a pretty delicious sandwich and I never would have thought to go there
Thanks for sharing your experience at wdw. I love that place and this is the first time I can hear the stories from a cast member.
Honestly as a former dcp (spring 2020 rip), this video gave me such comfort. I’ve missed working there so much! I hope to go back one day and work again. Thank you for making this video😌
I enjoyed your video and nice hearing someone that truly enjoyed working for Disney. For myself, I started working for Disneyland while Walt was still alive. After 3 years I left Disneyland then later came back. Both times i was a ride operator. After about 6 years I started working for Disney Corp. Then went back to Disneyland as a R.S.T. I transferred to WDW as a R.S.T and later became a C.R.S.T. after 29 years of service I retired. I think Disney is a wonderful place to work. I loved it and the people I worked with. Thank you for sharing your feeling about WDW.
im on the waiting list as of right now for ride operator. I started by ski lift operating in Mammoth Lakes, im hoping this path of expertise can lead me to something big in the future. like maintenance, but those jobs are so hard you have to study for years.
Haunted Mansion has got up be one of the coolest attractions to work at! Our daughter was a CP & ended up staying after 2 extended programs & became an employee. Nice video? So glad to see it was a good experience for you.
Just found this channel today and subscribed as soon as because I love it! Looks so interesting
I greatly appreciate your positive view of working for disney, great insight, honest review with respect. Your a real class act & i love your vlogs! Your the best!!!🍀💚🍀💚🍀
Amazing video! You took me back in memories to my 3 CPS’ back in 2015-16 2017 and 2018-19. You made me want to go back to work for Disney again hahaha! I always think about the fact of “backstage ruining the magic” and at least for me, experiencing backstage it was actually a privilege to know where actually all the magic begins, and that is priceless and absolutely magical.
Working at the Haunted Mansion seems to have a similar vibe to working at Pirates of the Caribbean which I did at Disneyland Paris. Working a classic attraction like that is so special! Great video!
My daughter is doing the DCP right now and loves it!
Made it! What a great video. Thank you for taking the time to share. I appreciate so much all the great people at Disney that make every day special for so so many people.
21 mins isn’t long! I could listen to experiences working at WDW for hours! I wish you had had the opportunity to work VIP Tours longer.
I made it! “The heat (and humidity) make people a little cranky.” Truer words were never spoken!!
I made it, and I'm happy that you had a good time at Disney. I am watching this while working on my Disneyland vacation photo book.
Good lookin' dude. He's like pseudo Disney Prince.
A closeted gay one
@@kennethdesmondmosley1075 you know that how? In any case whether he is or isn't what's the problem with it? What's the shitty and disrespectful attitude towards him 4? That was a totally unnecessary comment.
Grow up.
@@kennethdesmondmosley1075 Rude
My daughter did the cp twice. Her last one ended late Jan 2020. She was a lifeguard both times. She was at different resorts both times. She loved it! 2nd time was after finishing her degree. She struggled with whether or not to stay, mostly because she loves Disney so much. She's got a good job now working testing blood in a lab. A bit different from Disney....but still in the medicalish field. Her degree is in biology. (More lab than physical)
I remember when your dad came to Disney World and you drove home after your first CP to go back to college. You and your dad looked like you had so much fun together.
That was suchhhh a drive haha
I think I’m going to apply for the College Program! Thanks for this video! It was a huge help :)
(I made it)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I hope you can return to Disney in the future if you would like to. I understand it is not an easy job and I appreciate all the cast members who work so hard to make our experiences magical. Take Care, Judy
Hey Judy, yes it’s a great job with some perks and obviously has some downs to it. Not every job is perfect, glad you enjoyed
@@KylePalIo beautiful eyes !
I happened upon this video and glad I watched. I need to get son to watch it. He wants to work at Disney himself, after he turns 18 in a few months. We go several times a month, being local and AP holders. He eats, breathes and sleeps Disney.
My daughter was in the last class of DCP. She was so upset that it ended so soon. because she loved her job. She worked at the Christmas store and at the Haunted Mansion gift store.
I love the Haunted Mansion! I have the girl on a tight rope tattooed on my thigh!
Also I did the Keys to the Kingdom tour and it was amazing, as a person who went for Theatre Design seeing "backstage" was my favorite part.
I love the grave hour shift. It's so relaxing
I made it! Just went a few weeks ago and I can't stop thinking about working there!!!
you came up on my feed, and i had no idea you went to uw milwaukee, i go there now!! crazy!
Loved hearing about your Disney journey and that you have a lot of good things to say about the company! ✨✨✨
Great video, so cool to hear all the information and stories! I got to meet you while you worked in merchandise! also “I made it” :)
My Aunt has worked for Disney for 32 plus years. She loves it! But everyone has to do what is best for them. Side note..... I personally think you would make an amazing prince charming at Disney.
Great behind the scenes video!
Hey Kyle, great video, lots of information. You have been doing a great job with the daily videos. Thank you for giving me a little bit of Disney each and every day. ♥️🙂♥️. PS - I made it! 😉
Hi Terry 😃
@@WeimpuppyFan Hi Cheryl! 😊
i was a DCP back in 2010, DAK Asia Merch... absolute worst job of my life 🤭 lmao BUT i still love Disney and love it even more as a guest. you’ve got a new subscriber here! 👋🏻
I worked at WDW 1994 - 1998. They were one of the best Companies I worked for. We could swap comp tickets for Busch Gardens, Sea World, and Universal tickets. They paid a great wage for Orlando cost of living. Schedules were flexible. The management and supervisors were top notch. I could work 30 hours if I wanted time with family or friends, or I could work 80+ hours by picking up shifts. They paid overtime after 8 hours, then double time after 16 hours, and continued double time if there were less than 8 hours between shifts. IT WAS AWESOME!
my husband is a CM at corporate (IT) and it's the first company he's told me he wants to retire in. We love disney. I'm forever grateful to them. I think it's a bit easier to work your way up on the corporate end but it probably depends on your department/manager/position.
Sounds like my future dream job, hoping I can get there some day but I have no idea where to start. (I'm already in the it career field in the military rn)
Hi Kyle! I know this is an older video, but I recently discovered you. I too applied for the CP at Walt Disney World; I was accepted and about to go but my only hang up was not doing something I wanted to do, so I turned it down… this was back in 2004. In the interview I asked them where about I would be placed & they said probably ride operator, but I wanted to work in the sports center. The sports center was closer to my field/degree I was pursuing at the time. So yeah, I didn’t go. I am glad it worked out for you.
Away we go (away we go),
it’s a Festival of Fantasy! Beauty and majesty, shining magically! Dreams that glow (dreams that glow), wondrous, dazzling brilliantly. So, away we go. It’s a Festival of Fantasy!
That parade's lyrics are so catchy, being the parade control is quite a fun job
I sang that in my mind!
Wait. Bob? Are you the real Mr Chapek?
I respect this video. I can appreciate it in that, we all want to chase the dream, but to really succeed you gotta chase that paycheck. Really good video Kyle and very well written. Thank you for the insight and the honesty. Looking forward to seeing more of these.
I love this video! LOVE all the info! And I LOVE your encouraging and positive words about gaining experience, bettering yourself, etc. Great insight! Best wishes for all the success you desire!
Really cool stories. Thanks for sharing! Glad you had a good experience. I know a lot of people want to look at Disney as the "big bad", but from my experience, people generally have enjoyed their time working there.
Thank you for that very interesting video. My daughter was in the CP also. We had great adventures and made great memories! The very best to you in your endeavors.
I'm so glad you did a video like this. Sounds like the coolest experience ever. Thanks for sharing.
Brings back so many memories. I started with Disney on the College program back in 1999. Worked for the millennium celebration. then went for my advanced internship as a guest relations host at Epcot. Then got accepted full time for GR at Animal Kingdom. I also was able to do VIP tours as well, which truly is the best job on all of property. Unfortunately, my Disney career ended after 9/11, but it was one of the most amazing experience. Anytime I have had a job interview, all they ever want to hear about is my time working at Disney.
No way! VIP tour family!! ❤️
@@KylePalIo Yup! I miss it but like you said, the pay and the chance of moving up into management made me think about trying to go back.
Awesome to find your page! Definitely following now.
Worked as a retirement job , I also felt very much the same way you did . I had a few jobs I didn’t love but I did love working at Disney ! But I always wanted to be Plaid ! My dream job!!!
Watching this video brings back so many memories... I did Photo pass at MK miss it so much.
I made it! Thank you for giving us your insight! I have always wanted to work there.❤️
I worked there to at the living seas! Loved it! Ya don't make much, but it was still a lot of fun!
I made it! Thanks for sharing Kyle! I’m a college student who lives in New York and I’ve really been wanting to do the DCP so thanks for all the info!❤️
Thank you for sharing your experience. My son wants to do the CP so bad. Hopefully it will come back soon. I loved working for Disney at the stores & hope to "retire" to WDW some day. Love your videos! Thanks again!
Best company I have worked at. I was a fellowship program student, and I felt in love with the company. Believe that has been the company that set standards for me.
i was a local from the original West Street and Vacation Land to say the least. Secrets and the world of disney.. i will never forget knowing them all from E1 to those at Coke Corner.. Its awsome
Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed very much. Have gone to Disney since 1973
Thanks for sharing your work experiences, was interesting to watch! Have a great week Kyle! Take care!
I'm in the culinary program at Disney right now this is my second college program and I enjoy it
Loved this video.....such a great look into the realities of working for Disney! Thanks for sharing.....Enjoy Saratoga💕
Thank you just left Saratoga
@@KylePalIo 💗
So interesting! Thanks for sharing. I had a roommate in college that worked at Hollywood Studios and she loved it. I was always jealous but didn’t want to drive from UCF to Disney.
Thank you for all the information about your Disney career journey.
I love Haunted Mansion. Love the little random facts.
I made it! Loved hearing your experience working for WDW! Hope you are doing well!
I have been taking my daughter to Disney since she been 6 months old she is 18 now and every time we seen a College student I would stop and ask them how there experience has been through the college program. Not one in all the years has said they didn’t like it. Every time I stop to talk my daughter would get so embarrassed but I just wanted her to hear how wonderful the program is. My daughter has been a tour guide and a head tour guide in high school and now in college. I know if she wants to do the college program if it comes back she would love to be a tour guide thanks for sharing your experience with us. I hope the program comes back and you get a second chance.
I made it! and so happy you took the time - thank you!
Applying at Disney soon so it all pertained! will be at WDW end of this month again - yay!
you look so dapper in your haunted mansion costume
Wow being a vip tour guide would be so amazing! I’m so happy that you got to have such a great job!
He did like 2 tours. 🙄
@@ginalola6354 no he didn’t lol, did you watch the video?
I made it! So sorry COVID ruined VIP Tours for you☹️. I didn’t know the tours were what the guests wanted to do/see. If/ when you return to Tours imma book with you!😉🥰
i work at the winnipeg jets arena go jets! in winnipeg...
I made it! Thanks for all the interesting info, good luck furthering your career - I think you are making the right moves.
My (celebrity) friends have Plaids at WDW and DL all the time. The Plaids told us EVERYTHING. Crazy stories.
I made it! This was such an interesting video - thank you for sharing your experience with us! X
Great info. I actually had VIP tour scheduled last summer before COVID. Look forward to next year when we go.
Very cool Video. I believe that you are an inspiration for young adults to live their dream! Good luck in everything you want to accomplish! I know you will go far. ☺️
Hello from Alumni College program 2010. ❤️ I miss working there so much! ☺️
See you always come up with new content and it’s interesting what you went through and what Disney is like but I’m happy you had a wonderful time at Disney and happy that you’re enjoying what you’re doing now love you onto the next
Thanks for making this video, I have watched a lot of content based on working for Disney because I have always wanted to, but I’m not sure if it will actually happen. Anyway, most of the videos I find are from female cast members and I have really liked those videos but I never really find other Disney geek guys like me making videos like this. I really appreciate yours here, thanks!
Currently accepted an offer for merchandise at Disneyland but hoping to transfer to the reservation center later, you looked really handsome in your uniforms/costumes btw.
It was hard work, I worked as a Cast Member in their Internship program when they had both options then you could do the college program or the non-college one, the hours were crazy, but I enjoyed my time there.
I appreciate everything you do Kyle!!
I love the Wilderness Lodge and the Haunted Mansion!! That's fun that you worked at both of them.
Mansion is one of my favorite ride of all time. Right after going to Starbucks I walk down main St all I to ride and drink my Starbucks while in the line r hide it in my bag. I missed disneyland so much. My bday is March 31st n I hope for a magical bday.
I have the same birthday as you happy birthday the haunted mansion is one of my favorites too