Jobs at Fort Wilderness or Disneyworld??

CampFanatic

CampFanatic

Fort Wilderness; since 1985!
Joined
Jul 13, 2008
The husband and I (children, grandchildren, etc.) are TOTALLY addicted to Fort Wilderness - and have been for many, many years. We're nearing retirement and would like to move to the Orlando area, but if we move prior to age 62 - the husband and I would have to find some part time or full time work. Our DREAM JOB would be to work for Disney!!! :cool1: Have any of you done that? Would you share your experiences and ideas??

Husband has been in the banking industry for 35+ years, and I'm secretarial - but I've driven school bus, etc. Both of us are slender, healthy and physically fit, so we're interested in just about anything that would allow us to move away from the cold Michigan winters. :thumbsup2 We'd love to hear about what you've done!!! :flower3:
 
The people camping next to us live at the Fort and work for Disney 6 months a year. When I was talking to them they have been doing it for years and love it and I think they said they get 50% off their camp site. So look into of that’s your dream.
 
Just Google Disney World Casting and go from there. Don't bank on any discount at the Fort, but you can have a lot of FUN!
 
I did this in 2003. I was an Attractions CM at Epcot (Misison Space) and it was not for me. I think if I had selected a position in merchandising, I would have been happier. I was offered a job in Central Reservations due to my career before retirement, but I wanted something other than what I had done for 30 years. My DH applied for maintanence jobs, had the experience and credentials, but was never offered a job. We figured it was because he was over 50 - although Disney would NEVER say that. It appears to me that the higher paying jobs are awarded to people who have more of a chance of longevity with the company rather than to people who are nearing Soc. Sec. age.

I don't mean to discourage you, but Disney likes to scarf up the older folks to work in merchandising, on attractions, food vendors, etc. All the stuff that pays a few cents more than minimum wage. If you don't mind that, and don't need to make a substantial income - go for it. It can be a lot of fun and the perks are pretty worthwhile. Quite a few of my neighbors do this and they really enjoy interacting with guests and fellow CM's.
 


Cousin Ed C said:
Don't bank on any discount at the Fort, but you can have a lot of FUN!
Click to expand...

Cousin Ed C, CMs get 50% off at the Fort.

Next time you're at WDW, go to Central Casting. It's across the street from DTD. Just walking up the long inclined corridor between the legacy paintings of Walt and some of the Disney characters, up to the casting area will inspire you. It's everything you invisioned it should be. It's a pretty amazing place, pure Disney. I actually look forward to going there. It just says, I have to work here. It's like no other employment office you'll ever have gone to, even if you don't get hired.

If you do end up working at WDW, be prepared for a love/hate relationship. And as Des1954 wrote, it's not for everyone. They're the most aggravating company to work for, while also having the potential for being the most fun. That is if you have the right job. There are a lot of fun jobs and as just as many not so fun jobs. You said you drove a school bus. Bus driving is one of the good jobs. But it's one of the more intense positions. No matter how much experience you have, you start from the beginning and do it the Disney way.

The bottom line is that it depends on you. I've had a 15 year off and on relationship with Disney. I've used it as a hiatus from my real profession over that period of time. I've come and gone 6 times. They've always welcomed me back and given me a position that I've wanted. So give it a shot and see if it's for you.
 
I agree it can be a love/hate relationship. Both of my parents retired from their "real" jobs up North in the early 1990s when they were in their 50s. They both then worked for Disney for 10+ years until they reached retirement age. They worked merchandise and outdoor foods. Worked weekends, nights, holidays, etc. Worked for them since their kids were grown and out of the house. They didn't make a lot but they had their nest egg to rely on b4 they both received retirement bennies from WDW. They were also able to take advantage of resort discounts, free park passes, discounts on merchandise and of course the lovely Cast Holiday extravaganza - resort /mdse/food discounts and more.

I've worked for the mouse in several capacities - merchandise in Parks, Resort front desk as well as clerical. There are good and bad in all - just like in real life :)
 
My husband applied for seasonal work in the beginnig of January he got an interview the following week and worked the rest of jan thru march. He works in Wide World of Sports during spring training. Hes in food service. We are also from Michigan and are moving down in July about 15 mins from Disney. He may go part time then not sure. You have to go to Disney jobs on line and fill out an app. He enjoys it but food service can get pretty busy.
 


DisCamper said:
The people camping next to us live at the Fort and work for Disney 6 months a year. When I was talking to them they have been doing it for years and love it and I think they said they get 50% off their camp site. So look into of that’s your dream.
Click to expand...

I was a CP back in 1990 working merchandise at DAK. I had several follow cast member couples who were Seasonal and lived at the Fort. They working in merch, custodial, and main entrance.

Not sure how prevalent it is now, but I was surprised how many there were then. Plus, I remember thinking how cute all the couples were when I'd see them backstage.
 
The Orlando Sentinel's website has an ad for Disney jobs on its front page. I just bookmarked it. We're another Michigan couple who will be moving to FL in the next couple of years. We're buying a house in Mount Dora...quite a commute, but we plan to stay at the Fort as often as we can.
 
What about detailing RVs?

You could go to the Fort everyday with a pressure washer and run that thing all day, every day. :thumbsup2
 
So, to any of you that were moving down...have you yet? How is it? Any updates would be great.:thumbsup2
 
This is such an interesting topic!

Judy in Texas had just started a thread on this in the Camping Community Board--and it really got my attention.

I think the dream job at Disney would be undercover security. And then to also live at the Fort, how perfect would that be??

Cathy
 
This is our dream too! Glad to get some insight on it. I have herd that there are no discounts to live at the Fort any more though.
 
how is it working in Merchandise at the Fort? Does anyone know what outfits they wear? Need to know if its easier then working at one of the parks?
TIA
 
1) I am "retired" company executive, and have done Concierge at WDW for quite some time.
. . . I primarily work at Deluxe Resorts and The Fort
. . . Occasionally, I pick up a shift-or-two in another classification for the variety
2) WDW fills in my days when not doing other activities. *
3) You simply go online or the casting Center and make an application.
4) You need to be in Orlando, as they don't interview out-of-staters often for the hourly jobs.
. . . there is no discrimination for age
. . . however, higher paying jobs (like Maintenance) usually go to long-seniority employees on job-bid basis
5) As for jobs at The Fort, you can request it but not too much opportunity for a new-hire, as The Fort is popular.
. . . the word is out that The Fort is such a friendly place to work
. . . the environment is pleasant and the guests are more easy-going and less-stressed than at other resorts
6) Jobs I (personally) would not do at WDW
. . . attractions: not going to stand all day saying, "move along, move along" or pushing buttons to start a ride.
. . . janitorial: too old to clean trash cans, restrooms, or pick up street junk
. . . quick service: a rush-rush-rush existence
. . . housekeeping: too rough on the back to make beds all day
. . . bus driver: can drive buses, but driving it tough with all the crazy tourists
. . . photo-pass or other outside work: worked too hard and too long to spend retirement in 100º heat and 95% humidity all day
. . . merchandise: as a newbie, you get the afternoon/night shift, and can be stocking shelves until 2:00am-3:00am.

* In retirement, I do al lot of volunteer work for SCORE, Kiwanis, Give-Kids-The-World, Make-A-Wish. I also became on ordained minister last year and do Weddings, Vow Renewals, and Christenings, and an occasional sermon when our Pastor is out of town. I do keep busy.
 
Old thread with new replies. I really appreciate it though.

It is kind of depressed though. I would be very interested in working for Disney in Orlando. However, I am in need of one of those "Higher" paid jobs. I currently work in IT (Information Security) and recently just got my MBA, I have been looking for openings that I might be a good fit on, but I am discouraged by the "usually go to long-seniority employees on job-bid basis" comment.
 
peg110 said:
Old thread with new replies. I really appreciate it though.

It is kind of depressed though. I would be very interested in working for Disney in Orlando. However, I am in need of one of those "Higher" paid jobs. I currently work in IT (Information Security) and recently just got my MBA, I have been looking for openings that I might be a good fit on, but I am discouraged by the "usually go to long-seniority employees on job-bid basis" comment.
Click to expand...


That was for a maintance position not a professional position. So check it out. Though years ago they outsourced a lot of IT
 
Last edited:
peg110 said:
Old thread with new replies. I really appreciate it though.

It is kind of depressed though. I would be very interested in working for Disney in Orlando. However, I am in need of one of those "Higher" paid jobs. I currently work in IT (Information Security) and recently just got my MBA, I have been looking for openings that I might be a good fit on, but I am discouraged by the "usually go to long-seniority employees on job-bid basis" comment.
Click to expand...


1) Hourly higher-paid jobs are almost always filled by/thru seniority bids.
2) There are "Professional" salaried jobs that are filled from outside recruiting, and posted on the Disney website.
3) But, remember, HIGHLY PAID and WDW are not usually used in the same sentence.
4) Expect to be paid two-thrirds (or less) of the going NATIONAL rate for your occupation.
. . . reason1: this is a tourist economy and pay rates are lower
. . . reason2: Disney does not pay high rates anywhere (Florida or California)
. . . reason3: for any opening there could be 100+ applications - or even more, so WDW has its pick of applicants
. . . reason4: there are too many people want to work at Disney for lower wages
5) A lot of MBA's think their advanced degree warrants a premium at WDW - it does not.

NOTE1: While still in Engineering (prior to going into plant Executive Management), I interviewed at WDW. They offered me a job as Engineering Manager in Florida. It was tempting, until they talked about the salary. The offer was about 55% of my salary in Northern Ohio. I didn't take the offer.

NOTE2: I do not want to discourage anyone. WDW can be a good place to work or it can be a miserable existence, based upon your viewpoint and mindset. However, NO ONE comes to Disney thinking they will make big bucks, unless your name is Ogre (I mean Iger).
 
I don't believe an MBA warrants a "Premium" at WDW or anywhere else. I got it because I think it may help to get into management which is where I want to be.

I am willing to take a bit of a pay cut as a result because I am (or would be) new to "Management" but 55% is a bit much of a pay cut. I guess I don't want to work there that bad. :)
 
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