If you have ever dreamed of working at the Most Magical Place on Earth, now might be your moment. Walt Disney World has announced plans to add 5,000 new cast members over the next five years, and the opportunities span just about every corner of the resort.
Why Is Disney Hiring?
The expansion is directly tied to one of the most ambitious growth periods in Walt Disney World history. DisneyDisneyDisney has up to $17 billion earmarked for development over the next 10 to 20 years, with major new lands and attractions coming to all four theme parks. Here is a look at what is on the horizon:
At Magic Kingdom, a brand new Villains Land is coming, featuring two attractions, dining, and shopping, along with a Cars themed expansion in Frontierland that includes an off road rally ride. Animal Kingdom is getting Tropical Americas, an 11 acre land with both Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions. And at Hollywood Studios, a Monstropolis land is in the works, featuring Disney’s first ever suspended coaster.
All of that growth requires people, a lot of them, and Disney is getting ahead of it now.
Who Is Disney Looking For?
The 5,000 new roles will span nearly every department you can imagine, from theme park operations and hotel management to culinary arts, costuming, stage production, horticulture, software engineering, project management, and even Imagineering and creative design. There truly is something for almost everyone.
Walt Disney World already employs approximately 80,000 cast members, making it the largest single site employer in the entire United States. They currently receive over 300 applications every single day, so competition can be strong, but the company is clearly in a major growth mode.
Why It Is a Great Place to Work
Beyond the obvious magic of working for Disney, the numbers paint a compelling picture. Walt Disney World boasts an 80% cast member retention rate, which is extraordinary in the hospitality and theme park industry. The average tenure for full time cast members in professional and leadership roles is 12 years, roughly three times the national average.
Perhaps most impressively, approximately three out of every five Disney leaders started in hourly positions. That career trajectory is very real. Brian Pisackei, now Director of Culinary and Concept Development, got his start as a dishwasher at age 14.
New cast members begin their journey at Disney University through a program called Traditions, which gives them an orientation into the company’s culture and values before moving into role specific training. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, Disney Aspire educational opportunities, leadership development programs, and access to Disney’s health and wellness centers — with a third location opening in 2027.
Walt Disney World Ambassador Kylee Withers summed it up well: “We invest in our cast members… it’s such a supportive community.”
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the team, you can explore open positions and apply at DisneyJobs.com. With 5,000 roles coming over the next five years and expansion projects ramping up across all four parks, the timing has never been better to make your Disney dream a reality.
Are you thinking about applying, or do you know someone who would love to work at Walt Disney World? Drop a comment below! And stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for the latest Disney Parks news.
You May Also Enjoy: Review- The Magic of Disney Animation, Hollywood Studios
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.