Retiring to Disney World

[lustergirl]

I was flipping throuh the threads and had to respond to this one because I have dreams of working for disney once I retire. But my dreams are kind of unrealistic maybe. I would like to work for them but only for part of the year- during the cooler months. I am from the north and couldn't possibly stand the summer months- I have a hard time up here in Buffalo in the heat- ha! So I would like to buy a condo in Orlando, work for disney part time seasonal. I could rent out my condo during the times that I wouldn't be living there or my 2 boys would probably enjoy it. I guess this is far fetched???

Sorry! During my last trip I met a older lady that worked in downtown disney. She was an artist at the xmas store. She was originally from Buffalo and moved to orlando once her and her hubby retired. He drove the disney busses part-time. She was a very nice lady and I told her that this was something that I hoped to do

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

This thread is great! DH and I (both in our 30's) have already talked about retiring to WDW.

DH use to be a school teacher and coach. He had to get a CDL to drive the bus when his team went to other schools for games. He hasn't been a teacher for more than ten years now. But, I still made him keep his CDL license for when we retire to FL. Yes, we are crazy. But, we are that serious about at least working part-time at WDW in our early 60's. Seems there are going to be a few of us DISers down there in 25/30 years. Until then, we can just dream and enjoy the parks as guests.

"A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes"

- Jennifer

 

[dpic]

My wife and I are thinking the same thing. I'd love to work in the parades--especially whatever night parade is at MK--or maybe drive the Jungle Cruise boat (I know, that's a tough one to get). Plus, we'd like to work Disney in the winter and work summer at Yellowstone.

Lastly, we've thought of having a fifth wheel. Does Disney have a camping/trailer area for employees?

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I know the lady I booked our ADRS with last year was working at home. I chatted with her for a long time on that phone call. She starts working once her DH gets home and takes over the kiddies and she has a quiet room that she works in. I didn't ask the name of the company though, sorry I can't help with that. But it is possible.

I'm currently in the process for this. It's with Arise.

Like mentioned, it is Arise. I have looked into this and may apply and go through the training. They are a contractor of WDW for ADRs when the "regular" lines are overloaded. People work from their own in-home office and work at times that fit into their schedule (maybe an hour here or there). It is my understanding you are paid per call and not hourly. So, you pretty much control how much or little you are paid. If possible, moonpie85 could you PM me when you are finished with all your training and let me know it is really worth it? Thanks.

If others are interested, here's a link to their website: http://www.arise.com/Content/default.asp

- Jennifer

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Sign me up as another who thinks of retiring to WDW...

DW (38) and I (43) often talk about heading to FL in 20-25 years. Who knows whether we'll actually wind up doing it, but we're healthy and willing. I could drive a bus, or would be content doing just about anything in a park as a job to piddle around in my golden years -attractions, food service, carpentry, even maybe janitorial. DW wouldn't drive a bus, but could do anything else.

Lovely to dream, isn't it?

 

[Patches]

Like mentioned, it is Arise. I have looked into this and may apply and go through the trainng. They are a contractor of WDW for ADRs when the "regular" lines are overloaded. People work from their own in-home office and work at times that fit into their schedule (maybe an hour here or there). It is my understanding you are paid per call and not hourly. So, you pretty much control how much or little you are paid. If possible, moonpie85 could you PM me when you are finished with all your training and let me know it is really worth it? Thanks.

If others are interested, here's a link to their website: http://www.arise.com/Content/default.asp

- Jennifer

Moonpie85, could you PM me? I am interested in this! My hubby and I just moved to a new state, and after 25 years in education, I am not interested in starting another classroom, I have been substitute teaching, but that is hit-and-miss.

I will be looking into the web site, but would love more info if you have it!
Pam

 

[thecapells]

Anyone know about the tech side of Disney? Who runs their computer systems, infrastructure, etc.? I'd love to get into that (being a computer guy by trade). And I'd expect the pay/benefits to be better than just a simple CM or am I mistaken?

 

[jezebella]

If you want a job like that, you're most likely going to have to start off as a "simple CM". Disney hires most positions like those from within....And don't expect to make more than the industry standard.

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

Why wait for retirement?

Up here the job market is horrible, my husband and I don't own property to have to get rid of and aren't really in the market to own any property for quite a while yet. We don't have children and have no desire to have children any time soon. And the per hours at Disney are comparable to the per hours up where we are now. We're looking at moving down there soon (and I want to transfer to UCF as well)!

I think it all depends on your own standard of living. If you're used to a 6 figure salary per year, it would be hard to adjust to making 7.25 an hour I think. But if that's what you're used to then it would be just adjusting to the heat lol!

 

[bbowers]

Anyone know about the tech side of Disney? Who runs their computer systems, infrastructure, etc.? I'd love to get into that (being a computer guy by trade). And I'd expect the pay/benefits to be better than just a simple CM or am I mistaken?

I was checking out openings the other day and saw one for a Crystal Report writer, which is part of what I do for my clients week in and week out. I did get all excited for a moment... But it's not time just yet...

 

[kayla87]

Just two days ago DH and I were discussing retirement jobs with some other Disney friends.

I would like a gift shop type of job, perhaps at a resort. DH wants to work in transportation, but not actually driving or piloting anything. We'd definitely be seasonal because we won't handle Florida summer, but I'm happy waiting thirty or forty years because I'm not ready to leave my snowy winters just yet!

 

[toledo13]

OK, so I may have another 30 years or so before I can think about retirement, but they say it's never too early to plan, so here goes ...

I told DW the other day I would love to retire to the Orlando area, and work part-time as a Disney World castmember. But I wonder how feasible it really is. I would need:

— A job indoors/out of the hot sun. I'm not going to spend my golden years baking in the Florida sun.
— No food service.
— Flexibility. I'm not too concerned with paid vacation time, but I would want time off throughout the year to travel with DW, visit DGKs, etc.
— Affordable housing. What's the housing market like in the Orlando/Kissimmee area?
— Free/reduced admission to the parks for me and/or family

Does anyone with familiarity of the system know if the above scenario is plausible? You see quite a few aged castmembers at Disney World, and it always seemed like a pretty good gig.

OMG my dream too!!

 

[newharmony]

DH (60) and I (58) are going to start looking for a winter home in Florida when we're at WDW in Sept/Oct. He is retired, I'm retiring in two years. We're going to look for a place near Mt. Dora/Zellwood. It's an easy drive on the 429 down to the World. I want to work as a seasonal employee...we'll spend our summers back in Michigan. I've been working for a Board of Realtors for 15 years, so I'd like to work with the DVC if I could. It is close to becoming a dream come true!!

 

[troynkasey]

It would be nice if Disney had some type of living location for it's employees. Maybe a small retirement village area for those who want to retire to Disney and work there. I'm not thinking of anything that would cut breaks or anything like that. it would have housing that is standard to the market. Then have transportation to the Disney parks for work. Just a thought...but I would do it.

I'm all over the idea of working at Disney when retired. I think I could do anything. I'd like to work one of the carts, maybe work in one of the shops. right now...I'd love to be a character, but Goofy is the only one I could be due to my height. My DW and I have talked about doing this when we both retire. She's a teacher, so she will be able to retire at a young age...

 

[jcc0621]

OK, so I may have another 30 years or so before I can think about retirement, but they say it's never too early to plan, so here goes ...

I told DW the other day I would love to retire to the Orlando area, and work part-time as a Disney World castmember. But I wonder how feasible it really is. I would need:

— A job indoors/out of the hot sun. I'm not going to spend my golden years baking in the Florida sun.
— No food service.
— Flexibility. I'm not too concerned with paid vacation time, but I would want time off throughout the year to travel with DW, visit DGKs, etc.
— Affordable housing. What's the housing market like in the Orlando/Kissimmee area?
— Free/reduced admission to the parks for me and/or family

Does anyone with familiarity of the system know if the above scenario is plausible? You see quite a few aged castmembers at Disney World, and it always seemed like a pretty good gig.

My parents both retired (about 17 years ago) and live in Polk County Their development is right off 192 on 27. My mother is a seater at Artist Point and my father works at WWOS. He is always indoors (except during baseball games but he is out of the sun). He collects tickets, shows people to their seats, etc. He really likes it becasue he likes to watch the games and he sometimes will work the Bucanneers training camp or the Braves Spring Training Camp. They get unlimited free admission for themselves. They can take up to 3 guests 15 times per year. They also get an additional 4 tickets per year that they can give to anyone and not have to be with them when they go. They get 20% discount on food and beverage and 35% discount on merchandise.

They work 2-4 days per week and never have any problem getting time off to come up north for whatever reason.

Even if they are sick (my mom had a bout with lung cancer and didn't work for 8 months) as long as medical documentation is provided they will hold your job and you still get all the perks.

 

[Disney1976]

Anyone know about the tech side of Disney? Who runs their computer systems, infrastructure, etc.? I'd love to get into that (being a computer guy by trade). And I'd expect the pay/benefits to be better than just a simple CM or am I mistaken?

Check out www.disneycareers.com

That's where many of the "upper level" jobs are posted, and you can check out their requirements, etc. I believe those company-wide postings though, so if you're only looking for Orlando be sure to put that in your search.

 

[harleyquinn]

Like mentioned, it is Arise. I have looked into this and may apply and go through the training. They are a contractor of WDW for ADRs when the "regular" lines are overloaded. People work from their own in-home office and work at times that fit into their schedule (maybe an hour here or there). It is my understanding you are paid per call and not hourly. So, you pretty much control how much or little you are paid. If possible, moonpie85 could you PM me when you are finished with all your training and let me know it is really worth it? Thanks.

If others are interested, here's a link to their website: http://www.arise.com/Content/default.asp

- Jennifer

Thank you!! I would also like to know if it's worth it.
I'm guessing since you don't technically work for Disney, you don't get the perks?

 

[Pig Pen]

We plan on doing this and recently took the first step...we bought a "summer camp" in Vermont. When the time is right (hopefully within 3 years), we will sell our main house and then buy a "winter home" in Orlando area. We will be seeking a small camper or park model in a resort campground (similar to our summer home in VT). This should really reduce our living expenses so we can work at Disney as seasonal employees. DH can continue our medical insurance into retirement so that will be covered until the old medicare kicks in.

We will live on our part-time salary, supplemented with his early retirement pension until I can begin drawing on my mutual funds and then social security. It will be meager, but we love FL (we have lived there before) and we think we will love it.

 

[Pig Pen]

Oh yeah...I want to work at one of the resorts, perhaps in conventions. DH wants something where he can talk to people all day long! He's a security guard now...maybe he would do that at WDW too but he's not too keen on it. I think he wants to be a street sweeper.

 

[DisCopper]

I bet so many people share this same idea. My DH is a state trooper and wants to go into Disney security when he retires. Haha...what a step down! But it will be fun I think.

I'm in law enforcement too, and I started out with the same idea. Then I saw that much of Disney security spends their time sitting in parking booths. I'd love to be one of the guys walking around in a park, but I'm assuming you have to "build up" to the better jobs.

The current plan is to take what I can get!