FOR thousands of Disney fans, a holiday to Walt Disney World is the trip of a lifetime. But for some lucky British students this summer, it’s everyday life.
Instead of pulling pints at the local pub or taking on a typical summer job, they’re working behind the scenes as Disney cast members while living just minutes from the magic.
Students can apply for the placements through UK partner Yummy Jobs, spending their summer working across Walt Disney World while living at Flamingo Crossings Village.
This is Disney’s purpose-built accommodation for students, complete with swimming pools, a gym and free transport to the parks.
Alongside earning money and gaining international work experience, participants receive complimentary admission to all of Disney’s theme parks and water parks.
This means that days off can be spent riding attractions, watching fireworks and making the most of life in Orlando.
For 20-year-old Niamh from Liverpool, the placement has been unlike anything she’d done before.
The Newcastle University student, who is studying Physiological Sciences and hopes to pursue a career in medicine, heard about the opportunity through a friend and applied through Yummy Jobs.
She said: “I’d never done anything like this before but it looked like an amazing opportunity.”
Like everyone on the programme, Niamh couldn’t choose exactly where she’d work.
She said: “The company assigns you to what they think suits you best, and the location depends on what’s needed when you arrive.
“One of the biggest surprises has been living at Flamingo Crossings. The facilities are amazing. People of all ages live here and everyone’s on different programmes.”
Despite working in the parks, Niamh still has plenty of time to enjoy them herself and has figured out the best hidden gems.
She added: “You get roughly two days off a week and sometimes have mornings or evenings free too, so it’s not too bad.”
“I’ve started to figure out which rides to rope drop in each park. Joining the queue for the big rides just before park closing is a great tip, and watching the fireworks from Tomorrowland Speedway is amazing.”
21-year-old Hannah, from Cowdenbeath in Scotland, is back in Orlando after completing a similar summer programme at Universal Studios last year.
Now entering her final year studying Law at the University of Stirling, she discovered the Disney opportunity through TikTok.
She said: “I wanted the experience of working in a world-leading holiday destination and for a company that treats employees so well.”
Hannah works in merchandise, a role that gives her the flexibility to swap shifts and even work in different Disney locations, giving her an insider’s view of more than one park.
She’s also been impressed with the accommodation too.
Hannah explained: “I’m in a four-bedroom apartment where I have my own room and share a bathroom with one other girl.
“There’s a gym, two swimming pools and projector areas showing films and sporting events. We’re close to shops and restaurants, and we get free buses to work and to the Disney parks whenever we want.”
Hannah has also bought a Universal annual pass, meaning her days off are often spent exploring Orlando’s biggest attractions.
“I love spending time in the parks, grabbing a coffee, relaxing by the pool or visiting the malls and outlet stores. My friends and I also went to the natural springs and even took a trip to Miami.”
Working behind the scenes has also given her a new appreciation of what it takes to create the Disney magic.
“It’s given me a whole new appreciation for how much work goes into creating the guest experience.”
Having spent family holidays in Florida as a child, she says returning as a Disney cast member feels surreal.
Hannah explained: “Being able to live and work here now feels incredibly nostalgic and honestly still feels a bit like a dream.”
For many students, the programme is about far more than a summer job.
Alongside gaining valuable experience for careers ranging from medicine to law, they’re making international friendships, exploring Florida and experiencing the magic of Disney from the other side of the castle.