I went to the Disney Casting office on Monday(long post)

[momof3disneyholics]

I went in there to see if they had any employment packets and to find out what steps I am going to need to take to get hired there. I really want to be right there in Magic Kingdom in the middle of it all. I stood in line and was waiting to be helped. I heard one man telling the human resources person that he didn't want to be at the Polynesian anymore, and I heard another woman talking about how she is working full time hours and only getting paid part time rate. When I got up to the desk, I talked to the human resources man about how I am moving there in 10 months and how much I really want to work for this company. He handed me a paper and asked me where I want to work at. I told him and he handed me a paper with different hourly jobs on it and I found out that hourly employees start at less than 6.50 an hour! Ok, I understand that some people are just looking for a job when they go to work for Disney. I am wanting to work there because it is my dream. I feel like my drive and desire to work there alone is worth more than the minimum. I asked if the rate is negotiable and he kinda smirked at me and said no. I then asked about admin positions and he gave me a couple of more handouts with info on different admin jobs and where I could fax my resume.
This is where I am at a total loss. Do I follow my dream and work right there on Main Street USA and be the best cast member ever, but get paid very little, or do I trap myself behind a desk again and get paid a decent wage. I know that the rewards of being a good cast member are much more than money, but unfortunately I can't live on that. My husband has several job prospects in Orlando, so if he lands a good job then of course I would follow my heart, but it is still too early to tell. But still, I know I wouldn't be happy at another desk job.
Has anyone else ever been in a position where they had to choose between doing what they want to do, or doing what they had to do?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by momof3disneyholics
......I know that the rewards of being a good cast member are much more than money, but unfortunately I can't live on that......But still, I know I wouldn't be happy at another desk job.
......

Tough position to be in, momof3disneyholics. I do know that the more 'routine' CM positions do not pay much more than mimimum wage till advanced a bit in senority and responsibility. I have seen this posted time and time again here over the years. I have no answer, but do hope you can follow your dream.

 

[chell]

Not to long ago I had to make that choice. Luckily for me it worked out wonderfully and the money part took care of itself. I know it doesn't always go that way, but I wanted to tell you that sometimes it does. But you are talking about Disney so I'm sure there is not much flexibility there. Sending you the best pixie dust there is!

 

[DocRafiki]

I'd like to know who HASN'T been in that position. Wouldn't almost everybody rather have a more fun job than they have now, but don't because it's less pay, less stable, or because the effort they'd need to put forth to get there is highly likely to NOT pay off?

 

[Pembo]

If you can afford to, go with the fun job. Life is too short to work a job and be miserable. Best of luck with your decision and your move!

 

[FINFAN]

Add us to the list of people who have a price on our heads. We work at what we hate for the $ and do what we love for a hobby. Maybe you can look into 2 part time situations? I do not know if WDW has flexibility, but if you could do the desk job maybe 3 days a week, and WDW 2? Doubt you'd have any insurance coverage or bennies tho. I sure hope your DH lands a job he likes and pays decent enough to allow you to follow your dream. I have a neighbor down the street and their DD and SIL both worked for WDW for over 15 years...they bolted for Universal/Vivendi corp. Both are happier w/the way they are treated, but still love WDW, and go there every week.

Pam

 

[Stepharoonie!]

To be honest with you, this is one reason why I haven't left my job to be at Disney. I make a mere $10 an hour where I am now, and REALLY want to go to Disney, but I can drop my pay THAT MUCH!

 

[Mishetta]

It's the supply/demand rule at Disney. They have soooooo many people that want to work for Disney, they don't have to offer more than minimum wage. It was like a job I had in Beverly Hills, CA once. After I asked for either a raise or for my $110 per month parking fee paid, I was told by management that I was one of the lucky few that got "chosen" to work at that location & I should be grateful for what I had, because everyone wants to work there. (Like that helped me pay the bills!) Anyway, I quit & went elsewhere walking in the door for DOUBLE what I made in Beverly Hills (& no parking fee!)

So...after I said all that, bottom line is Disney does not need to pay high wages since there are probably people who would work there for free!

Maybe you can wait to see what your DH lands?

 

[C.Ann]

If your DH lands a good job, then definitely go with your heart! It's so much nicer to have a job that you really love..

However, if it's going to cause financial difficulties I would look for something part time that pays more and maybe see if you could work for WDW 2 days a week? They don't want full-time employees anyhow, so maybe that would work..

Best of luck to you!

 

[Cindy B]

Yes, the low pay of CM's is a constant post.

You could go with your heart, and realize the low pay, long hours, and 365 /year schedule (meaning you wont be off Christmas, or Thanksgiving, etc., you could wind up off, but being the lower person on the seniority list...)

Or you can go with what works.

I am in a similiar position. I have a lower paying position part time but I have full coverage health for myself and my children for FREE. I have perscriptions for FREE. I have a school time schedule so I have have off when my kids are off.

The low pay bothers me, it truly does. I am in the process of evaluating what works for me. (higher pay/but pay for care ?)

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Thank you so much for all your responses.
I keep thinking about how much I would just love working in a park. My husband says there is no way he could see my working behind a desk. I know he'll find a good job, he has 2 degrees, 10 years in the army, great personality, stronge work ethic, but I know the cost of living is so high in Florida and that scares me.
Another way to think about it is most of my money that I make right now goes to our monthly trips to Disney and Universal. I know Disney has great benefits with tickets being free for cast members and discounted for family members so I am thinking it might even out financially for us. The entire reason we are moving to Orlando is because I want to work at Disney. We are also so in love with Orlando, and our kids love it too. I think I am just going to have to follow my heart on this one. I know it would pay off in the long run. I'm hoping that they give raises based on performance, because I know my heart will be in it 110%. Now, I just wish I was moving tommorrow......

 

[Jasminesmommy]

If it was me I would work in the office and visit on off days. Office hours are usually better with the holidays off.

 

[JoNo]

Well, you could always do this route:

Get a desk job until your hubby finds a nice cushy job (crosses fingers) then ask if you can switch into being a cm at the magic kingdom!

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Originally posted by JoNo
Well, you could always do this route:

Get a desk job until your hubby finds a nice cushy job (crosses fingers) then ask if you can switch into being a cm at the magic kingdom!

I have been thinking of that. I wonder if it is easy to transfer within the company.
Working on holidays doesn't bother me much. I don't think I have ever worked at a job that I haven't had to work holidays.

 

[Rajah]

I like the idea of trying for two part-time jobs, one in the MK one elsewhere.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by Jasminesmommy
If it was me I would work in the office and visit on off days. Office hours are usually better with the holidays off.

I would second this opinion, definately. One of the admin. assistants in our company worked at WDW with her husband when they were in college and for a couple of years after. She ended up hating it so much that they don't ever go back, even when they go to Fla. to visit family.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Originally posted by DawnCt
I would second this opinion, definately. One of the admin. assistants in our company worked at WDW with her husband when they were in college and for a couple of years after. She ended up hating it so much that they don't ever go back, even when they go to Fla. to visit family.

Do you by any chance know why she hated it?

 

[mickeysdsnyprncs]

I am going through the same thing. I am going to WDW to be in the College Program. It is a big cut in pay for me too, but I have to do it, if I don't I will regret it later in life. So I say go for it. If you can't do it you can always find a new job later.

Hope that helps.

 

[Keggy]

As an Admin Asst you won't make that much more. When I finally got to work in Guest Relations I made 8.03 an hour. And that is a good job for Disney. My husband worked in research and made a little more than I did.
Do not get a job there if money is important. If your Husband's salary will cover your bills and your paycheck isn't what you are relying on, then do it.
I think the majority of the people who go to work for DIsney are exactly like you. People who love Disney. You can get jobs in Orlando that pay way more then 6.35 an hour. Even at other theme parks. That is why I went to work for Disney - I love Disney. It was my dream to work in the MK and I did it. But, I was getting burnt out becasue we had bills to pay and we couldn't.
Now, we are trying to move back to Orlando and we will not work for Disney. We might get a part time job where we work one or two Saturdays a month - but we are not financially able enough to have a job where we can make what we were making.

Kelly

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I wonder if Disney is exploiting the fact that so many people want to work for them by giving such small wages?