Posted March 27th, 2019 By Yummy Jobs

Once upon a time. . .

Chris is currently working for the mouse over in Walt Disney World, his journey started on the Disney International College Program back in 2009 and the rest is history. This is his story. . .
 
Once upon a time, when I was a university student at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, I was looking for a way to spend my summer off in-between years. I had always had a passion for Theme Parks and spent my weekends exploring the local themed attractions and parks around the UK. I had only been to Disneyland Paris a handful of times as a child but hadn’t visited Walt Disney World in Orlando since I was a baby. A web search led me to the Yummy Jobs website, and I was instantly intrigued.
 
As Performing Arts was my area of study at LIPA, I gravitated towards working in Entertainment at Walt Disney World throughout the interview process for my first ICP, back in 2009. I was selected to join the ICP in 2019 as a performer and all I remember from my first program was an overwhelming feeling of being at home at Walt Disney World, and a longing to experience more.
 
My first program was such a whirlwind of experiences that I knew I wanted to come back again. I applied for the 2010 ICP and was thankfully selected to return again. This summer was particularly special for me, as this is when I first met my now husband, Anthony. Two programs in I had a job I loved, with a company I loved working for, but most importantly to me, a person I wanted to return for.
 
As 2011 interviews rolled around, I was getting concerned, as it was rare that a third ICP would be permitted, so I reached out to leaders and contacts that I had networked with and informed them of my intent to return for a third program. Luckily, that paid off, as I was selected to return for a third time, again to Entertainment. It was during this program (on my 21st birthday) that I was trained in Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade and felt the thrill of performing down Main Street USA. I knew this is where I had to work Full Time.
 
Near the end of my program in 2011, I participated in a housing-led VoluntEARS event at the Orlando Heart Walk. I was walking along to the street at the event and noticed that I was walking right next to Meg Crofton, who at the time served in the role of President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts in the United States and France. Now was my chance to network, so I had a brief chat to her about my goals and aspirations and we continued that conversation via email. She shared with me that fantastic quote from Walt Disney: "If you can dream it, you can do it." She set me up with a contact at Disneyland Paris, so I could continue my Disney Career outside of the US, however, the idea of Disney Cruise Line really caught my eye. I could live and work in the US and convince my partner to join me onboard too!
 
After I graduated LIPA, I moved right onto the Disney Dream as an Entertainment Host. My partner, Anthony, followed shortly after onto the Disney Fantasy, where I then moved to also. Once at Disney Cruise Line, I started discussions with onboard leaders about my goals and the professional development milestones I wanted to try and achieve while working at sea. I soon joined the Emerging Leaders Program and became an Entertainment Leader/Officer onboard.
 
After 3 years in the Crew Activities Manager role, I transitioned into a more operationally based Entertainment Leadership role, Assistant Stage Manager. These two roles gave me invaluable insight into what it takes to be a successful leader for the Disney Company, and I knew I wanted to continue to explore other opportunities within the company, namely Walt Disney World. I had spent a total of 6.5 years at sea with Disney Cruise Line, during which Anthony and I got married! With my Green Card in hand, I was able to finally pursue my dream of working at Full Time at Walt Disney World.
 
July 2018 was my fifth Traditions Class, joining Walt Disney World as a Full-Time performer. It was an amazing accomplishment, but I knew I wanted to explore different roles within Walt Disney World. I saw a posting on the Disney Cast Member intranet site, The HUB, for an audition for Disney Traditions Facilitators. After a few months of auditions and interviews, I was selected to be part of the 2019 Disney Traditions Facilitator Team, welcoming new Cast Members into the company for a day-long orientation about our values, legacy and heritage. The first class that I taught was an International College Program class, and it was 10 years ago that I first attended the Traditions class as an ICP. It was a true 360 moment for me and such a humbling experience.
 
After this, I applied to be a Production Assistant at Disney Parks Live Entertainment. I was assigned the role at Youth and Sport Event Production Services. Here, I supported a vast amount of different events and competitions that took place at ESPN Wide World of Sports, EPCOT and some of Disney Resorts around property. This role introduced me to the endless possibilities available at this truly amazing company.
 
Most recently, I have begun the process of preparing for my Leadership journey here at Walt Disney World, and I am very excited for the possibilities available to me as I continue to grow my career and develop myself, both personally and professionally. Yummy Jobs was the beginning of this amazing journey, and I will always be grateful for the doors they opened up for me.
 
Some advice, if you are considering applying for a program with Yummy Jobs… DO IT! You never know where it will take you. Stay positive, humble, driven and honest. Set achievable goals and hold yourself accountable for making them happen. Finally, never lose sight of one thing: it was all started by a mouse!
 
Follow my adventures in Orlando on Instagram: @christophermore
 
See Ya Real Soon,
Christopher More
 
"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
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