Working for Disney in a professional career

[rotlex]

Does anyone have any recommendations, links, books, articles etc. that provide in depth information about working for Disney in a career outside the parks? I'm talking about Information Technology positions; job stability, benefits, location in Orlando area etc.

I am asking as I have what may be a real opportunity for an interview for a particular position I'm very qualified for. (It may be a pipe dream too, but I can't get it out of my head).

I'm finding it very easy to find info about parks and entertainment jobs, but not so easy finding out about "professional careers" so to speak. It's been a "dream" of mine for a very long time to move to Florida, and even more so, to move there AND work for the mouse. I have what is probably a 1 in a million chance right now, but would really like to read about experiences, good or bad, from anyone out there working for them in an office, or IT type position.

Thanks for any info at all.

(I mean, where else would you ask something like this other than DISboards, LOL).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My cousin has a professional career for the Mouse.

She worked multiple college programs and danced overseas.

When she graduated (maybe not immediately, could be after the above programs), she took a non-mouse job locally on her field and waiting patiently waited for her networking and a job opening to coincide. She just celebratwd 10 years with the mouse. (So math wise this is 7 years post graduation. Not sure what else she did as career with the mouse was her goal.)

 

[SMD]

I know 7 people who currently work for Disney in CA, 2 in Anaheim, but not in the parks and 5 at other locations. None of them started their careers at Disney. I know people who have worked there in IT, and you have to look at it as a job ahead of it being a "Disney" job. You're not spreading pixie dust around the office, you're completing your assigned tasks in a professional manner. The plus side is you get to go to the parks on days off, but they do travel a lot. (Obviously your position may be different.) Try checking out glassdoor.com, employees leave reviews there.

 

[bcla]

I think most of the jobs outside of theme parks and retail are in California. Disney HQ is in Burbank. There may be some specific jobs spread out, but if you're thinking of a typical office job, then it's probably going to be in California.

 

[rotlex]

Thanks for the replies all. (And the info on glassdoor.com).

For reference, to one of the posters, the position is in Florida, directly for Disney in IT. (Which is perfect).

I realize this isn't like working in the parks. Heck, I could in no way shape or form afford to feed my family on those wages. It is however a positive to me as it is not only in Florida, a state I did live in 20 + years ago in another field, but for Disney; so yes, the benefit of park admission, discounts etc. would be a huge plus.

My biggest concern is job stability. I've been in my field nearly 20 years, and have a solid position with my current company. However, PA winters are really starting to get to me, along with a number of other issues in my area.

Time to start researching even harder.

 

[SMD]

Thanks for the replies all. (And the info on glassdoor.com).

For reference, to one of the posters, the position is in Florida, directly for Disney in IT. (Which is perfect).

I realize this isn't like working in the parks. Heck, I could in no way shape or form afford to feed my family on those wages. It is however a positive to me as it is not only in Florida, a state I did live in 20 + years ago in another field, but for Disney; so yes, the benefit of park admission, discounts etc. would be a huge plus.

My biggest concern is job stability. I've been in my field nearly 20 years, and have a solid position with my current company. However, PA winters are really starting to get to me, along with a number of other issues in my area.

Time to start researching even harder.

I think most people in IT are realizing that the jobs are not as secure as they were, Disney or elsewhere. Even in CA, Disney has had some layoffs. You have to decide for yourself if a new IT job in FL feels more or less secure than where you are now. Personally, I went through 2 layoffs in 5 years, but I stayed in CA because my parents were here (have since moved) and I felt like if it happens again I'll have better job opportunities here. I know people who didn't have the mom & dad backup plan who moved, and for some it worked out and for some it didn't. I think being single vs. married or 1 income vs. 2 will also change the situation.

 

[bcla]

Thanks for the replies all. (And the info on glassdoor.com).

For reference, to one of the posters, the position is in Florida, directly for Disney in IT. (Which is perfect).

I did infer that you were looking at a particular opening. However, if this is a goal, then you probably need to be open to different places to possibly relocate if this chance doesn't work out.

Heck - when I was looking for a job I saw what I thought was an ideal posting. Unique location and a promising company. I had a recruiter contact me about it but that went nowhere. After months I applied myself and got a phone screen that went nowhere. Then the manager called me directly and I got a full interview. Didn't get the job, but I didn't give up.

I ended up elsewhere, but that was ok. At least I tried.

 

[thedonduck]

I can tell you from second hand knowledge of a friend.

She was hired by Disney to help with App this past spring. She has an IT degree and specializes in creating apps, etc. (a person we would all LIKE to see be hired to fix MDE app to actually work!!). She accepted the position and moved here from N.O. Currently she is working in the call center trying to help people over the phone and not doing any IT work. Why? Because Disney right now has more of a need for her there than in the direct IT department. She isn't making the salary she was supposed to do to her call center status and for the foreseeable future she will not be leaving there either. She is already looking at leaving Disney and heading to work for one of the airline IT departments to actually use her skill set and degree

 

[rotlex]

I can tell you from second hand knowledge of a friend. She was hired by Disney to help with App this past spring. She has an IT degree and specializes in creating apps, etc. (a person we would all LIKE to see be hired to fix MDE app to actually work!!). She accepted the position and moved here from N.O. Currently she is working in the call center trying to help people over the phone and not doing any IT work. Why? Because Disney right now has more of a need for her there than in the direct IT department. She isn't making the salary she was supposed to do to her call center status and for the foreseeable future she will not be leaving there either. She is already looking at leaving Disney and heading to work for one of the airline IT departments to actually use her skill set and degree

Interesting scenario. Kind if strange though, not doubting, but I've never heard of getting hired somewhere and then having an agreed upon salary and position changed. Usually that's in writing and I would imagine Disney would be on top of that etc.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[bcla]

Interesting scenario. Kind if strange though, not doubting, but I've never heard of getting hired somewhere and then having an agreed upon salary and position changed. Usually that's in writing and I would imagine Disney would be on top of that etc.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I could see that happening if maybe they're dealing with support for IT related stuff like app support.

However, when I've been asked to do stuff outside my direct responsibilities, my compensation was in line with my job title.

 

[thedonduck]

From my understanding (I don't like discussing people's financial situation, not my business) she started her IT position "in training" aka we will put you here so you understand the problems we are seeing and we can see how you approach to fix, etc. well "in training" means taking "in training" salary aka call center pay. Yes, she has a contract stating what her job is supposed to be, pay, etc. but apparently she will be kept "in training" for the foreseeable future or until she quits to head to the airline.

 

[DawnM]

I think you may be looking at Burbank or Glendale, not Orlando.

My husband worked for Disney for two years. He is an accountant and worked in the tax department in Glendale.

I loved having him work for Disney for the great perks, but there were many reason he wasn't happy there, one being that corporate tax isn't his thing.

Dawn

 

[diznygirl]

Disney has a lot of office positions in Florida. Their cruise line and DVC divisions are based here. And all WDW theme park operations.

However, Disney pays less and expects more for their positions. A senior manager there is a director some place else.

Good luck.

 

[DawnM]

This is another reason DH left.

He could make far more elsewhere. Significantly more.

Disney has a lot of office positions in Florida. Their cruise line and DVC divisions are based here. And all WDW theme park operations.

However, Disney pays less and expects more for their positions. A senior manager there is a director some place else.

Good luck.