Tips on Full-time Employment {Process}?

[H3RRS]

Hello fellow Disney Fanatics!

I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong board.

I should start off by introducing myself a bit. My name is Michael and I am currently 22 years of age; 23 in two months. I came here, to hopefully gain some knowledge and maybe some tips on the hiring process from former or current WDW employees.

My dream since I was very young, was to work at Disney. I am destined to entertain and create everlasting memories for children and families. As I am beginning to take the journey to work for Disney, I want to make sure I do it right; that's why I am here.

My ultimate goal is to be a character performer at WDW. Currently, I am a mascot for the Triple A Affiliate baseball team of the Yankees. I also work on the "Pinstripe Patrol." The Pinstripe Patrol entertains the thousands of fans at the baseball game; we dance on the dugouts, interact with fans, play games on the field, and so much more!

One of my big questions is, do they hire out of state? I currently reside in Pennsylvania. I would have no issue flying out for a person to person interview. I would move in a heartbeat, if I had a secure position. I am looking into full-time and making a career.

If you guys have any tips or answers to my question(s), I would sincerely appreciate it. There is no way I am going to let this go, I will work for Disney and create magical experiences each and everyday!

Many thank you's and smiles!
-Michael

 

[smbowtie]

you could start here.

http://wdw.disneycareers.com/en/search-jobs/advanced-search/

 

[TrueDisney]

Hello fellow Disney Fanatics!

I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong board.

I should start off by introducing myself a bit. My name is Michael and I am currently 22 years of age; 23 in two months. I came here, to hopefully gain some knowledge and maybe some tips on the hiring process from former or current WDW employees.

My dream since I was very young, was to work at Disney. I am destined to entertain and create everlasting memories for children and families. As I am beginning to take the journey to work for Disney, I want to make sure I do it right; that's why I am here.

My ultimate goal is to be a character performer at WDW. Currently, I am a mascot for the Triple A Affiliate baseball team of the Yankees. I also work on the "Pinstripe Patrol." The Pinstripe Patrol entertains the thousands of fans at the baseball game; we dance on the dugouts, interact with fans, play games on the field, and so much more!

One of my big questions is, do they hire out of state? I currently reside in Pennsylvania. I would have no issue flying out for a person to person interview. I would move in a heartbeat, if I had a secure position. I am looking into full-time and making a career.

If you guys have any tips or answers to my question(s), I would sincerely appreciate it. There is no way I am going to let this go, I will work for Disney and create magical experiences each and everyday!

Many thank you's and smiles!
-Michael

Disney hires from around the world. That is why they have their hometown on the nametags. Disney careers would be the website to start at.

 

[Berlioz70]

Hi Michael!

There are several different routes to go - here's a high level overview of those possible routes and things to consider:

Auditions - Disneyauditions.com

Auditions for character performers are held domestically twice a year. These audition tours happen once in the fall and once in the spring. Their main target is for College Program Cast Members, but they'll typically allow people seeking FT to also attend these auditions, especially if you fulfill one of their hard to cast roles (male movers, stilt walkers, 6'+). My first bit of advice is to start out by attending this audition when it comes to your area later this season, check in on the website I listed above for date/location information; I expect it'll be available within the next month.

Character Performers -

This category of Cast Member covers a wide variety of roles; everything from meet & greets, dining, shows, parades, movers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, float drivers, spotters, and the list continues. For this reason, it's a VERY competitive role and you'll find that many people audition several times (you can audition once every 6 months).

This is a role where your height has more to do with you getting the job than your actual talent. Welcome to the professional world of Entertainment! I say this so you have a realistic expectation of what you're about to go for. As a guy, they have certain "hard to fit" roles - which I listed above. Knowing your personal ability/talent, you are the best judge on whether or not you think you meet those hard to fit roles. If you do - then go to the audition and hope for a full time offer. If you do not, then you have a couple other things to consider...

College Program - If you're not already in college, consider taking a one-credit class from your local community college to make yourself eligible for the College Program. When casting CPs, they are not necessarily looking to fill those hard to fit roles, they have more roles available and it's often easier to become a Character Performer through the CP than it is right off the street. Don't get me wrong, the audition is still competitive - but if you make it as a CP then that gives you an advantage when trying for FT after your program is over.

Something other than Character Performer - if you do not pass the audition, then you may consider coming to Disney to work in a different area. As mentioned by the PPs, the Disney Careers website offers info on current openings. However, Disney tends to only interview people with local Florida addresses so getting that interview will be a challenge for you. Do you know someone locally that would allow you to list their address and would you be able to get here for an interview. If yes - then go that route. If no - I'd recommend considering the College Program again. They do phone interviews for the CP and then once you're down here you can start with getting your foot in the door, secure an apartment and start auditioning again after your program is over.

I personally started on the CP when I was 24 and was lucky enough to be a Character Performer. Unfortunately, I was a great height for a CP (5'7) but an awful height for full time. After attempting to get FT for a year following the completion of my program I ended up getting my FT in Merchandising instead. I have since made my way back to the Entertainment side, but came to terms that those 5 months I was a Performer on my CP would be the only Performer time for me. I have several friends that are/were in the same boat as me; you either fit the type casting of what they need or you don't, no use getting upset by it just be practical.

 

[H3RRS]

Hi Michael!

There are several different routes to go - here's a high level overview of those possible routes and things to consider:

Auditions - Disneyauditions.com

Auditions for character performers are held domestically twice a year. These audition tours happen once in the fall and once in the spring. Their main target is for College Program Cast Members, but they'll typically allow people seeking FT to also attend these auditions, especially if you fulfill one of their hard to cast roles (male movers, stilt walkers, 6'+). My first bit of advice is to start out by attending this audition when it comes to your area later this season, check in on the website I listed above for date/location information; I expect it'll be available within the next month.

Character Performers -

This category of Cast Member covers a wide variety of roles; everything from meet & greets, dining, shows, parades, movers, stilt walkers, puppeteers, float drivers, spotters, and the list continues. For this reason, it's a VERY competitive role and you'll find that many people audition several times (you can audition once every 6 months).

This is a role where your height has more to do with you getting the job than your actual talent. Welcome to the professional world of Entertainment! I say this so you have a realistic expectation of what you're about to go for. As a guy, they have certain "hard to fit" roles - which I listed above. Knowing your personal ability/talent, you are the best judge on whether or not you think you meet those hard to fit roles. If you do - then go to the audition and hope for a full time offer. If you do not, then you have a couple other things to consider...

College Program - If you're not already in college, consider taking a one-credit class from your local community college to make yourself eligible for the College Program. When casting CPs, they are not necessarily looking to fill those hard to fit roles, they have more roles available and it's often easier to become a Character Performer through the CP than it is right off the street. Don't get me wrong, the audition is still competitive - but if you make it as a CP then that gives you an advantage when trying for FT after your program is over.

Something other than Character Performer - if you do not pass the audition, then you may consider coming to Disney to work in a different area. As mentioned by the PPs, the Disney Careers website offers info on current openings. However, Disney tends to only interview people with local Florida addresses so getting that interview will be a challenge for you. Do you know someone locally that would allow you to list their address and would you be able to get here for an interview. If yes - then go that route. If no - I'd recommend considering the College Program again. They do phone interviews for the CP and then once you're down here you can start with getting your foot in the door, secure an apartment and start auditioning again after your program is over.

I personally started on the CP when I was 24 and was lucky enough to be a Character Performer. Unfortunately, I was a great height for a CP (5'7) but an awful height for full time. After attempting to get FT for a year following the completion of my program I ended up getting my FT in Merchandising instead. I have since made my way back to the Entertainment side, but came to terms that those 5 months I was a Performer on my CP would be the only Performer time for me. I have several friends that are/were in the same boat as me; you either fit the type casting of what they need or you don't, no use getting upset by it just be practical.

Thanks for the great post!

Interesting you mentioned the college program. My freshmen year of college, my professor told me to apply for the CP, as he thought I would be a great fit for Disney! So I did, but something unfortunately went very wrong. While I had a few web-based tests, I then had the phone interview. After the phone interview, I was just waiting to hear if I received the purple folder or not! Not long after the phone interview, my e-mail account was hacked and deleted, so I never got to hear if I got into the program, it was devastating for me.

Now, I am out of college, looking to break into Disney again! I can imagine the charterer performers are a very high volume position. Although I do have experience, I am only 5'4, so I am not that tall.

I am also very interested in DCL. DCL was my first choice anyhow.

You said WDW does two main charterer tours? What month do they usually announce the fall dates and cities?

Thank you for your great post, it helped a bunch!

 

[kristytru]

Thanks for the great post!

Now, I am out of college, looking to break into Disney again! I can imagine the charterer performers are a very high volume position. Although I do have experience, I am only 5'4, so I am not that tall.



Thank you for your great post, it helped a bunch!

My son was told that most of the character positions require that the person be 5'4". At 5'10", my sons choices are limited....so don't count yourself out

 

[Berlioz70]

You said WDW does two main charterer tours? What month do they usually announce the fall dates and cities?

Thank you for your great post, it helped a bunch!

You're welcome! Dates will hopefully be posted in Sept - I would expect the next tour to be Oct-Nov ish.

My son was told that most of the character positions require that the person be 5'4". At 5'10", my sons choices are limited....so don't count yourself out

While 5'10 is limited, 5'4 is equally so. Being under 5'2 or above 6' are your best heights; unless you're a mover!