Becoming a CM?

[Trinka]

Is it financially possible to even do this? We really would love to move to Fla. and become CMs. I know a lot of people want to do this, but I seriously sent my very first "resume" to WDW when I was 13 (funny- they never wrote back). Kinda cute! So is it possible for 2 adult women to become cast members and survive financially there? I have preferences, but there are so many things that I would be willing to do. DGF too. We love our current business, so isn't that we are desperate to go, but maybe even in 10-15 years? We were both handed CM recommendation cards after talking to one of the bus drivers for a while last year. I still have it, I was so thrilled! So is this a possibility? We are both in our mid-late 30s.

 

[soulmates]

Ahhhh the dream! I'm SO with you on that one. Actually, the outskirts of Orlando, the cost of living isn't what you'd think it is! We live in the Raleigh/ Durham area, and it's pretty close. Do you have children? Is it just you two? You could downsize and get a smaller place....but if that's your DREAM, then I'd look online and start checking out places to live and see what to expect. IF I thought there was ANY way to convince my DP to go....but then, my children are here and someday, grandchildren....would I want to be 10 hrs away? Prolly not. Good luck to you!

 

[SanFranciscan]

You might be surprised at how well you could pull this off because the cost of living is generally much lower in the south. You know that you won't be shelling out for business clothing because you can get a uniform at Disney. Your tax bracket would be lower. Cities with higher wages and higher rents get no breaks when it comes time to pay state and federal taxes, even though workers in these cities are not making more money but simply higher numbers. You might find that you have more spending power no matter what the tax tables say that your income is, and after all it is relative wealth that really counts.

Another thing is that many people are not making what they used to. I have been on my little economic merry-go-round for the past couple of years on which I have worked as a photographer in a baseball park during baseball season and retail during Christmas season with some sporadic market research work thrown in for good measure, most particularly during tourist season. When the seasons change, the whole thing starts all over again. People who used to look down upon me because they were executives with their stock options they thought were real money have actually asked me for help in the last year or so getting jobs at whichever place I was at in the rotation at that time. So you could consider Disney as just part of your livelihood and do something else during Disney's slowest time of the year when your hours would be limited or nonexistent.

Another thing to think about is that when tourism is slow due to economic downturns, it would be the hotels that would probably be most affected. If you worked in the parks, you might do just fine. While distant vacations take a downward slide when the economy does, the entertainment business in general takes off when the economy is bad. Disney World could do what Disneyland has done successfully and just appeal to a closer audience. I have heard that a rather high percentage of Disneyland's clientele is annual pass holders. You could then serve those Floridians who can't afford the trip to Paris or Mexico and come in to pretend at Epcot World Showcase and still keep a roof over your head; right?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

You would have to be very precise in some of your decisions. To begin with, until you were settled and comfortable here, I'd strongly recommend you find a place to live that gives a discount for being a Disney employee.

Disney wages are NOT the best, trust me on that one. Disney has been criticized for keeping the economics of the area falsely lowered because of their control of wages.

If I were to work for WDW, I would want a position that allowed for tips.

We have some CMs here who can better speak to the benefits of working for WDW, but know this, it's not the way to prosperity.

Florida does not have an income tax, but there is a tax or fee associated with nearly everything else to compensate for it. Property taxes can be quite high, so if you intend to purchase a home, start out by looking at the tax base.

There are areas that you'll want to avoid (for living, I mean) so do some research on crime levels in a given community.

Blasphemer thought I may be, there are other employment options than Disney, eh?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Sorry, meant to add, we did what you are thinking of.

My wife and I were living in the frozen north and decided that enough was enough. We chose one June to make the break for Florida and have never looked back.

We had our savings for the time period we'd be looking for work, and it took as long as we'd saved for (but we didn't start looking right away). My wife's office has closed three different times (different health related companies) so she's had more of a struggle than I. I'm in health related to, but have danced in and out of government positions over the time period and have managed to stay employed.

Anyway, all that to say, the two of us did what you are thinking of. We sold our home there, the vast majority of our possessions, hopped in the car and have never looked back. Been back to visit family of course, but never regretted the decision to leave. (11 years now)!

If you have questions feel free to ask (or PM) me.

 

[Trinka]

Thank you everyone, so much, for the thoughtful answers! My girlfriend and I are going to make a move south at least at some point. I hate to be THAT person that keeps complaining about the winters here in NY, but that is what it has turned in to. We love WDW so much, but I DO wonder if it is a "grass is greener" kind of dream to work there, and if we should just keep it what it is... an amazing place to vacation. Maybe we will be that couple that retires and works there part time! That would be fun... Thanks for giving me the right things to be considering in all this.

 

[zulemara]

I'm in a slightly different situation, but I am doing what you want to do. I finished school and moved to Orlando, but I'm using the college program as a way to have cheap housing and a guaranteed job while I figure out what I wanna do down here.

If you have the savings to deal with possible unemployment and startup expenses, you'll be fine. If not, it might be pushing it, but I truly think it can be done. Live on cheap food and cut your luxuries until you're on your feet.

I am partially self employed on the internet which has helped my situation. I've been able to live(and party) off that money since I got here, but I start working this week!

Oh yeah did I mention I'm a sailor

 

[npmommie]

I am partially self employed on the internet which has helped my situation. I've been able to live(and party) off that money since I got here, but I start working this week!

Oh yeah did I mention I'm a sailor

what do you do on the internet to make money? ( if you don't mind the question )