What It's Really Like to Work at Disney World

I already failed this 2018 goal for myself but I, once again, found my self in a blogging rut. There are so many things I want to blog about but I want to make sure I'm posting genuine content that I feel good about. This post has been in the works for a week or so and I feel like now is the right time to post it.

I often times get asked, "what is it like working at Disney World?". Depending on who asked me the question, my answer varies a bit. To some, I say it's the best place ever. To others, I'm a bit more realistic and honest. I try to be an open book on here because that is what my readers are interested in. I try not to beat around the bush, so here's what it is really like to work at the most magical place on Earth.

It's not all rainbows and butterflies and pixie dust. Some days are freaking hard. There have been many times that I have either cried at work or cried after work. I've been screamed at, have had things thrown at me, and been told that I've ruined their vacation. I've had leaders that weren't the greatest and I have had plenty of fellow cast members that have pushed too many buttons of mine. There are days where all I wanted to do was quit and be done. When I was in the last month of my college program, I swore I would never work at Disney ever again. But when I got back to school, I immediately wanted to go back. Just like during a vacation at Disney, you don't remember the rough moments, you remember the magical moments. 

What makes up for those rough times that I have had is the magic I get to make. When I was working in the Confectionery for my college program, kids would light up when I offered them a broken cookie for free or a sticker with Mickey's face on it. I even made a bridal party's night by giving them a few to-go boxes of cookies. With my job now, I get to make magic every day. I get to take families on rides and see their faces light up when they see Cinderella Castle for the first time. I've had families thank me endlessly for just doing my job of being a VIP Tour Guide. It's the little things that really make an impact on guests. 

What really inspires me though is the magic that people have made for me. The interactions I've had with countless families have made my heart so full. Some of my favorite moments are when a family and I really bond and I create their vacation a bit more magical. On one of my most recent tours, I had the cutest family of 5. There were two little girls and one of them bonded so much with me. We rode basically every ride together, held hands, and I even pushed her stroller. I became her new best friend and it's those little things that make working here amazing. Her and her family's excitement of being at Disney made me even more excited to be there.

The real reason why I work for this company is to help the magic stay alive. Some of the benefits are great, the pay is okay, but getting to make magic for everyone is truly an awesome thing to do for a living. At some point in my life, my Disney journey will come to an end sooner or later. There will be a point in my life where I want to do more with my degree and interests, travel, and get outside my comfort zone. Coming back to Disney when I swore I wouldn't was honestly such a blessing and the best decision I've ever made. Whether I am working at Disney for another couple months or several years, it will always hold a special place in my heart. To all the readers who have thought about working for Disney, go for it. In honor of one of my favorite Disney movies, Tangled, "Go, live your dream", just like I am living mine.