Explore the Best Jobs Near You
Since its founding in 1923, Disney has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse, captivating audiences with its magic, storytelling, and exceptional guest experiences.
With a diverse workforce of over 190,000 employees, usually known as cast members, Disney offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities across theme parks and resorts to film, television, and consumer products.
If you’re wondering how to get a job at Disney, this guide will walk you through the steps to increase your chances of getting hired.
It covers the types of jobs you’ll find at Disney, how to apply, and what you need to keep in mind throughout the application process.
Table of Contents
An Overview of Disney
The Walt Disney Company, founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy Disney, is a global entertainment powerhouse headquartered in Burbank, California.
With a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire people worldwide through storytelling, Disney operates across various segments, including media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, and consumer products.
Disney’s media networks encompass a wide range of television channels and streaming services, such as ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, and the highly successful Disney+.
Disney produces and distributes live-action and animated films under the Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios banners through its studio entertainment division.
The company also offers a vast array of consumer products, including toys, apparel, home goods, and digital apps, which leverage the popularity of Disney’s extensive portfolio of intellectual properties.
Career Opportunities at Disney
Disney offers a wide array of career opportunities across various divisions and locations.
From theme parks and resorts to media networks, consumer products, and more, there’s a role for every skill set and passion. Let’s take a closer look at just a tiny selection of the hundreds of jobs the company offers:
1. Business Analyst
Business Analysts at Disney play a leading role in driving data-driven decision-making across various business units.
They gather, analyze, and interpret complex data to provide insights and recommendations that help optimize operations, improve efficiency, and support strategic initiatives.
Business Analysts collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring Disney remains at the cutting edge of the entertainment industry.
2. Finance Analyst
Finance Analysts at Disney are responsible for providing financial analysis and supporting other departments within the company. They develop financial models, conduct budgeting and forecasting, and assist in preparing financial reports.
Finance Analysts work closely with business leaders to provide insights and recommendations that drive financial performance and support strategic decision-making.
They’re among Disney’s higher-paid roles, with salaries regularly exceeding $100,000.
3. Executive Assistant
Executive Assistants at Disney provide high-level administrative support to executives and senior management.
They manage calendars, coordinate meetings and travel arrangements, and liaise between executives and internal and external stakeholders.
4. Art Director
Art Directors at Disney oversee the visual style and creative direction of various projects, including films, television shows, theme park attractions, and consumer products.
They collaborate with designers, artists, and other creative professionals to develop and maintain a cohesive visual language that aligns with Disney’s brand identity.
Art Directors play a key role in bringing Disney’s iconic characters and stories to life, ensuring the highest quality of visual storytelling across all media platforms.
5. HR Associate
HR Associates at Disney support human resources (HR) functions, including talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR operations.
They assist in recruiting and onboarding new employees, managing HR databases, and supporting employees regarding benefits, policies, and procedures. Disney also offers unique programs for young professionals and students, such as the Disney College Program, Disney Culinary Program, and Disney International Programs.
These are designed for those looking to gain experience and develop skills within the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Where Can I Find Disney Job Opportunities?
To find job opportunities at The Walt Disney Company, the place to start is the official Disney Careers website (jobs.disneycareers.com).
The website offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to search for open positions by location, business area, and job category.
In addition to the Disney Careers website, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on popular job boards for Disney job openings. One such job board that I highly recommend is GrabJobs. GrabJobs is a leading job search platform that aggregates job listings from various sources, making it easier for job seekers to find relevant opportunities.
By creating a profile on GrabJobs and setting up job alerts for Disney positions, you can stay informed about the latest job openings and be among the first to apply.
Disney Job Application & Interview Process
Embarking on a career journey with Disney is an exciting prospect for many job seekers – but it comes with its challenges.
Read on to understand Disney’s recruitment process and best practices for success.
Step 1. Identify Your Ideal Role and Location
Before applying, explore the different roles and departments within the company to identify your ideal fit. Disney offers opportunities in areas such as:
- Theme parks and resorts: Roles include guest services, attractions, entertainment, food and beverage, retail, and more.
- Corporate and administrative: Positions in finance, human resources, marketing, sales, legal, and other support functions.
- Creative and production: Jobs in animation, film, television, music, and other creative fields.
- Technology and innovation: Roles in digital media, software development, data analytics, and other technical areas.
Also, consider your preferred work location, as Disney has properties and offices worldwide. If you want to relocate, Disney can often help with accommodation, permits, etc.
Some popular Disney locations include:
- Disneyland Resort in California
- Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
- Disney Cruise Line
- Disney’s international theme parks in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai
- Disney’s corporate offices in Burbank, California, and other major cities
Step 2. Gain Relevant Experience and Skills
While some entry-level positions at Disney may require little experience, having relevant skills and qualifications can boost your chances of getting hired.
Identify the key competencies and experience required for your desired role, and look for opportunities to develop those skills.
For example, if you’re interested in a guest services role at a Disney theme park, consider gaining customer service experience in a retail, hospitality, or tourism setting.
If you’re pursuing a creative role, such as animation or graphic design, build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work and technical proficiencies.
Step 3. Understanding Disney’s Culture
Disney isn’t just looking for employees – it’s looking for individuals who can contribute to its legacy of storytelling and creating magical experiences.
Show that you share their values of innovation, excellence, and, most importantly, the ability to dream big and make those dreams come true for others.
This is essential if you want to work in a role where you represent, channel, or uphold Disney’s image – which they take very seriously.
For example, if you want to work in front of the public at Disneyland, you’ll need to understand Disney’s products inside out, both past and present.
Be prepared to demonstrate an intimate knowledge of Disney, its branding, and the magical experiences it creates for customers.
Step 4. Preparing for the Interview
Disney Interviews can be quite intense, especially for higher-paid roles. Keep in mind:
- Research Is Crucial: Go beyond the basic facts about Disney and dive into recent projects, company goals, and values. Understand the role you’re applying for and how it fits into the larger Disney narrative.
- Practice Your Responses: Many Disney interviews include behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on situations that highlight your problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work in a team.
- Express Your Disney Passion: Be prepared to discuss why you want to work for Disney and how your personal values align with the company. Sharing a personal story about what Disney means to you can help you stand out.
- Ask Insightful Questions: Show your enthusiasm and curiosity about the role, the team you’ll be working with, and how you can contribute to Disney’s mission.
Common Disney Interview Questions
When interviewing for a role at Disney, candidates can expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions that assess their fit with the company’s culture and values.
While the specific questions may vary depending on the role and department, here are some common ones that previous Disney interviewees have reported:
- “What is your favorite Disney character, and why?”
- “Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.”
- “How do you handle stress and pressure in a fast-paced work environment?”
- “Tell us about a time when you had to solve a problem creatively.”
- “How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration when working with a diverse team?”
A Note on The Disney Look
The “Disney Look” is an essential aspect of Disney’s brand and culture, emphasizing a clean, polished, professional appearance that aligns with its family-friendly image.
Recent updates have made the Disney Look more inclusive, allowing for gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, costume choices, and appropriate visible tattoos, excluding those on the face, head, or neck.
Tattoos must be no larger than the cast member’s hand and can’t depict offensive or inappropriate content.
How Hard Is It to Land a Job at Disney?
Landing a job at Disney can be competitive, as it’s understandably a highly sought-after employer known for its exceptional brand reputation.
Disney values candidates with a strong skill set, relevant experience, and a passion for the brand and its values.
While the application process can be rigorous, candidates with exceptional qualifications and enthusiasm have a better chance of standing out and securing a position.
Resume and Cover Letter Tips for a Job at Disney
Let’s cover some tips for crafting a CV specifically for Disney jobs:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Focus on experiences demonstrating your ability to contribute to Disney magic. For creative roles, showcase your work that best reflects creativity and imagination. For operational roles, highlight experiences that show your commitment to providing outstanding service and creating memorable experiences.
- Align With Disney’s Values: Your CV should reflect a genuine passion for Disney’s mission and values. Mention any volunteer work, projects, or previous roles that align with Disney’s ethos of community service, storytelling, innovation, and creating joy.
- Soft Skills Are Key: Disney values adaptable, collaborative individuals with excellent communication skills. Provide examples of teamwork, leadership, and situations where you’ve exceeded expectations to deliver exceptional results or overcome challenges.
- Education and Certifications: Include any relevant education or certifications, especially those directly applicable to the role you’re applying for, such as animation, hospitality management, or business administration.
Of course, make sure your CV is correctly formatted and reads well.
You can use AI and tools like Grammarly to refine and check your resume, but take care when generating it with AI.
While this is common, with 45% of jobseekers admitting to using AI, it might lack that human edge that makes your application stand out.
What are the Employee Benefits and Perks at Disney?
Disney offers a comprehensive employee benefits package and perks for well-being and work-life balance.
Salaries vary, but, as we can see above, even character performers at Disney theme parks can make over $40,000. Some of the main benefits of working for Disney include:
- Health and Wellness: Disney provides medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as wellness programs and resources.
- Financial Benefits: Employees can access retirement plans, such as 401(k), with company matching and various financial planning resources and tools.
- Paid Time Off: Disney offers competitive paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and personal days, allowing employees to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Employee Discounts: Cast members enjoy discounts on Disney products, services, and experiences, such as theme park tickets, merchandise, and resort stays.
- Career Development: Disney invests in its employees’ professional growth through training programs, leadership development opportunities, and tuition reimbursement for job-related education.
- Unique Perks: Employees can access exclusive events, sneak peeks of new attractions and films, and volunteer opportunities through Disney’s VoluntEARS program.
How to Get a Job at Disney: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Disney looking for in an employee?
Disney seeks candidates who are passionate about the brand, possess strong skills relevant to their desired role, and demonstrate a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
They value creative, innovative individuals who can work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment. Additionally, Disney looks for candidates who align with their core values, such as storytelling, optimism, and decency.
What should I do if Disney doesn’t hire me?
Don’t be discouraged if you are not selected for a position at Disney. Consider seeking feedback from the recruiter or hiring manager to identify areas for improvement in your application or interview skills.
Continue to develop your skills and gain relevant experience that aligns with your desired role at Disney. Stay connected with Disney’s career opportunities by signing up for job alerts and engaging with their social media channels. Persistence and a positive attitude can lead to future opportunities.
What kind of work culture can I expect at Disney?
Disney’s work culture is rooted in its core values of innovation, storytelling, and guest service. Employees, known as cast members, are encouraged to bring their unique talents and perspectives to their roles, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Disney emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and continuous improvement. The company also prioritizes employee development and provides opportunities for growth and advancement.
Disney’s work culture is fast-paced, dynamic, and focused on delivering magical experiences to guests and audiences worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Landing a job at Disney requires a combination of passion, skills, and perseverance.
Understanding the company’s culture and values, tailoring your application materials, and preparing for common interview questions will increase your chances of securing a dream role at Disney.
Remember, Disney offers a wide range of career opportunities across various divisions and locations. Explore the different job categories and find the one that best aligns with your interests and expertise.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey and join the talented team at Disney, head over to GrabJobs. to explore current job openings and submit your application.
With its user-friendly platform and personalized job matching, GrabJobs can help you find and apply for the perfect role at Disney, bringing you one step closer to making your career dreams a reality.
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