Case Studies
- Christopher Loudon
- Christopher More
- Heather Price
- Julia Baum
- Dayna Guay
- Daniel Booth
- Emma Louise Flood
- Helen Baker
- Lorin Adams
- Laura Hannah
- Umair Iqbal
- Kurt Anthony
- Rachel Perry
Julia Baum
Since I was little it's always been my dream to work at a Disney theme park. Thanks to the Disney International College Program and Yummy Jobs, by dream of becoming a Cast Member was fulfilled during three magical months in the summer of 2011. I worked at Disney's Animal Kingdom as an Attractions Hostess at the It's Tough to be a Bug theatre which was an absolutely fantastic place to work!
My once-in-a-lifetime adventure began about two years before I officially became a Cast Member. While I was still in high school, I knew that I wanted to work for Disney for a summer, I just needed to find a way for a Canadian to work there. Luckily with persistence, I discovered the Disney International College Program. After carefully reading over the website details and the role descriptions, I was so excited about the program and I couldn't wait until I was in university and I could apply. I was immediately drawn to the Attractions Hostess role and hoped that this is what I would be hired for. Finally July 1st of the year that I was entering university arrived and I could apply for the Summer Work Experience Program. I submitted my application the first day and over the next few months had both my phone interview and my face-to-face interview. Shortly after my face-to-face interview, I received the best e-mail of my life that I would be working at Disney World from May 1-July 29, 2011 in Operations!
On May 1st, I arrived in Orlando after flying across the continent from Vancouver, where I live. I was very impressed with both the housing accommodations and the effort that the Disney Housing staff took to make sure that we felt welcomed upon our arrival. Within a few days, I had my Traditions class and began my training at It's Tough to Be a Bug. My favourite part about my role was interacting with the variety of guests that came to our attraction. I just loved being able to make a difference for families on vacation, like Cast Members have been doing for my family for years.
On every day off that I had during the program, I went to the Disney parks in order to make the most of my program. I also volunteered at the Give Kids the World Village, which gave me the opportunity to help the community and have fun with the kids that stay there. One day before work I was even able to have a backstage tour of Expedition Everest:Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, which was so much fun.
From the program I improved my problem-solving strategies, communication skills and learned about people from all over the world. At my work location, I worked with other ICPs from Canada, England, France, Hong Kong, Singapore and Turkey, which was a great educational experience. I also completed two courses online from Harvard through Disney.
The Yummy Jobs team was so helpful throughout my entire application process. Whenever I had questions about the program, I knew I could just send them an e-mail and that their team would respond to me very quickly, often by that afternoon. Also, I was able to speak to someone over the phone when I needed a fast resolution to a problem. I would definitely use Yummy Jobs again for another program whether it was Disney-related or not.
My Disney International College Program experience was the best summer of my life. I was able to improve many skills that will be useful in any career in my future. I also made friends from all over the world and had a great time exploring the Disney theme parks. I would definitely recommend this program to everyone that is interested, so they can have a magical experience too!
