Program Benefits

Customize Their Learning

All Disney CareerStart participants will have the opportunity develop a customized learning plan that will meet their individual learning needs. Because the Disney CareerStart Program role may be the first job our participants have, we want to be sure we are providing them the tools and attention they need. There are many learning opportunities available to Disney CareerStart participants, and they can choose the options that best match with their future education and career plans. Some of these classes will help prepare participants to be successful in their transition into the workforce and provide valuable insight for their future path.

If participants plan to go to college in the future, students may be able to receive credit from their college or university for some of the classes. Eight of the courses offered at the Walt Disney World® Resort Resort have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education. Participants can also elect to spend time in the Cast Service Centers or Disney Learning Center, take part in service-learning and volunteer opportunities or partner with a leader to bring classroom learnings into application in their work location.

Network with leaders and meet executives

Participants also may have the opportunity to make professional connections and talk to leaders about their own career and educational paths. Some of our top leaders began their Disney careers in front-line roles in our theme parks and resorts. Because we believe in hiring and promoting from within our own company, we invest in our Cast, and we offer Disney CareerStart Program participants many opportunities to grow and network with others.

Earn real-world experience and build transferable skills

Once Disney CareerStart Program participant's get a foot in the door earning experience in our Theme Parks and Resorts, it can open doors to many other opportunities. In their roles, participants will learn how to think on their feet and solve Guests' concerns on their own. With that kind of empowerment, our participants' self-confidence will improve, and their social and communication skills will grow.

Because the Walt Disney World Resort is known around the world for its commitment to excellence, participants will be talking about their experience in the Disney CareerStart Program in job interviews for the rest of their lives. And since The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is the largest single-site employer in the country, with more than 58,000 Cast Members and many job classifications - including Entertainment, Horticulture, Information Technology, Communications, Marketing, Engineering, Health Services, Recreation, Finance, and more, that future job interview may be right here with us!

Live with people from around the globe

Disney CareerStart Program Cast Members live with participants from around the world in fully-furnished, gated apartment complexes near the Walt Disney World Resort with onsite security and several amenities. Transportation is provided for participants to and from work, as well as areas of local interest, such as the post office, grocery store and mall.

Enjoy being a Cast Member

Live it up at the Walt Disney World® Resort! Cast Members in the Disney CareerStart Program will enjoy admission to our theme parks and select discounts on food, merchandise and Resort Hotel accommodations. They also have the opportunity to participate in special events that take place in their apartment complexes, volunteer opportunities, movie screenings, talent shows, pool parties - it goes on and on. They will have fun, make new friends from around the world and create lifelong memories while experiencing all that this amazing program has to offer.