CMs: Any tips on how to get hired at WDW?

[Pig Pen]

We are moving to FL in January 2011 - spending winters in FL and summers in VT. As typical for semi-retirees, we are hoping to get seasonal jobs at WDW, working 3-4 days per week with summers off. Is this realistic?

Can anyone describe the hiring process? We both want to work at the resorts (or anywhere other than in the parks) and just want entry-level type jobs. Should we wait until we get there and just go to Central Casting? Or is it better to send resumes beforehand? We are relatively young (early 50s) and have excellent work records.

Any suggestions or tips? I would also love to hear some stories about YOUR hiring experience!

Thanks.

 

[ChrisFL]

I heard you don't go to Casting anymore but do everything over the phone/online...not sure though.

 

[PigletsPal2]

As far as I know,you can apply either way; I applied for an office-type job on line but went to Casting for an hourly retail job (hired on the spot with choice of work days and shops - I stupidly chose WOD at DTD!). DH and I started out regular PT but switched to seasonal when our consulting business got busy. Finally has to resign but can be re-hired "w/o prejudice" whenever there are positions available. BTW, they're hiring right now - good luck!

Queen Colleen

 

[MiniGirl]

I went to a job fair that was at casting. I actually went just for information about seasonal work and was hired on the spot. This was some time ago. I don't know how it is done now.

 

[ChrisFL]

If you can, go into Casting anyway...it's beautiful inside!!

 

[Pig Pen]

As far as I know,you can apply either way; I applied for an office-type job on line but went to Casting for an hourly retail job (hired on the spot with choice of work days and shops - I stupidly chose WOD at DTD!). DH and I started out regular PT but switched to seasonal when our consulting business got busy. Finally has to resign but can be re-hired "w/o prejudice" whenever there are positions available. BTW, they're hiring right now - good luck!

Queen Colleen

Why do you say "stupidly chose WOD?" Did you not like working there?

 

[Goopy]

You apply online at the WDW Jobs site. You will answer a few questions have a chance to upload a resume and then it becomes a waiting game. Casting attempted to contact me via phone for my interview however they were unable to do so as I was at WDW at the time so I got a email asking me to go online and setup a interview date.

I went to my interview (at casting) where they asked me a whole lot of questions and asked me what I really wanted to do. I paused and while I knew they didnt have any openings listed for the job I really wanted I said to them I wanted to be a Character Attendant.

I was told that they really liked me and in about 2 weeks they will probably have some openings (I guess some CP's were leaving around that time) and they will call me when something opens up.

Sure enough about 2 weeks later I received a phone call from a manager in Entertainment who requested I come in for another interview, after that I went and spoke to someone else and then was given a date to go back in for my background check etc.

The same day that I had my background check done I was given my date for Traditions.

This was back in September and while it might have changed a little but and it might have been different for some other people this was my experience.

Now even if you don't apply online and go in to casting you will use their computers to submit a online application

 

[Pig Pen]

Thanks for the information!

 

[kimmar067]

You apply online at the WDW Jobs site. You will answer a few questions have a chance to upload a resume and then it becomes a waiting game. Casting attempted to contact me via phone for my interview however they were unable to do so as I was at WDW at the time so I got a email asking me to go online and setup a interview date....

...I think that's called 'irony'.... [ ]

 

[SandrA9810]

You used to be able to walk into casting and get hired on the spot. And if you wanted to, you could call ahead of time for an appointment.

Now you just fill out an app online, and play the waiting game. They are hiring in some areas. And on the WDW Jobs website, it'll tell you what is available. During the application, you can select up to three roles you're interested in.

I would suggest applying with a FL address. That might help you a bit more than having an out of state address. Although there are several "snow birds" that work for Disney. When you do go for the interview, make sure you know what you want to do, and at what resort. Even if it wasn't an option on the application. You never know, they might hire you for that. And don't worry about working together. The snow bird couples that I know, they work together in the same department.

 

[Pig Pen]

And don't worry about working together. The snow bird couples that I know, they work together in the same department.

Someone once told me that they actually like hiring couples and will arrange hours so they can carpool, etc.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Someone once told me that they actually like hiring couples and will arrange hours so they can carpool, etc.

This is true, I have friends that go to Florida every winter and work at Disney. They are husband and wife and work the same days, and the same place.

They work at 50's Prime Time cafe!

 

[Disneyfan71]

I applied for DCL (Disney Cruise Lines)----hoping to hear back soon!! I'd give anything to work for Disney

 

[Disneyfan71]

 

[We_love_WDW]

This is an interesting thread...I've always wondered how it worked and if it's hard to get a job there...maybe one day I can be working for Disney ( I can dream - can't I?)

 

[Disneyfan71]

This is an interesting thread...I've always wondered how it worked and if it's hard to get a job there...maybe one day I can be working for Disney ( I can dream - can't I?)

Never hurts to apply