Career Opportunities: How Disney Helps Build Brighter Futures

Ask any Disney cast member, and they’ll tell you exactly where they were when they received their Disney job offer — it’s a life-changing moment. Suddenly, all those cherished Disney memories come flooding back in a wave of pixie dust. Your heart bursts with excitement. You did it. You’re officially part of the magic. 

What that feeling means is unique to each person, but one thing is true for everyone — no matter where you start at Disney: the sky’s the limit. Whether your Disney journey begins in a quick-service restaurant, welcoming passengers aboard a Disney cruise, or designing tomorrow’s attractions at Walt Disney Imagineering, you’ve joined a company where the world’s greatest storytellers, dreamers, and magic-makers turn dreams into reality. Here, your passion can be your profession and your personal dreams are truly within reach. 

Sounds great, right? But what does that really mean? Being a part of Disney opens real opportunities for its employees — including those in entry-level roles — to build careers, pursue higher education, and achieve greater financial stability. Through training, mentorship, financial support, and leadership development, cast members, crew members and Imagineers around the world are building brighter futures not just for themselves, but for their families and communities.

Disney offers diverse career paths and endless opportunities. You can move laterally to gain experience in different areas or upwards into management when ready and the opportunities are available. For those making the most of the resources and tools available, they can achieve meaningful growth — both personally and professionally.

Take Beto Lopez Veloz, for example. Beto joined Disney in 2022 as a steward at Oga’s Cantina. His job — much like his last name (Veloz means “fast” in Spanish) — was fast-paced. At this Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge bar, Beto made sure bartenders had clean glasses for every Blue Bantha or Bespin Fizz. It was fun, and Beto was living his Disney dream. But another dream lingered. 

Beto had always wanted to work for Disney, but he also dreamed of earning a degree — something financial hardships had put on hold. “I could not afford to go to a four-year university due to not being eligible for financial aid,” he explains. Then he discovered Disney Aspire. 

Wish granted. Like Beto, thousands of cast members have taken advantage of Disney Aspire, which provides 100 percent upfront tuition coverage for a network of schools and universities. The program helps prepare cast members for future careers — at Disney or beyond. 

Beto’s goal is to stay with the company after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in legal studies with an emphasis in paralegal studies. “They believed in me enough to pay for my classes and my books,” he says. “I would love to stay with Disney and become a paralegal. To continue making magic with a company that’s been part of my life since I was a kid would be amazing.” 

As of August 2025, more than 5,900 Disney cast members have graduated from Aspire. The program currently has 9,800 active students, 50 percent of whom identify as people of color and 60 percent as women. It’s so successful that in the U.S., one in four applicants to hourly roles at Disney cite Aspire as a primary reason for applying.

Aspire is just one of many educational programs at Disney. Through the Disney College Program, participants interested in entertainment, hospitality, communications, or business gain real-world experience at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. For aspiring chefs, the Disney Culinary Program offers professional training, networking, and personal growth opportunities for aspiring chefs and pastry artists. 

Gerald Supan’s Disney career began in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, working in Food Service. Over six years, his passion for culinary arts took him from Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World Resort. Gerald participated in both the Disney College Program and the Disney Culinary Program — twice — to broaden his experience. 

Through these programs, Gerald learned culinary operations across diverse areas, preparing him for the Disney Culinary Leadership Internship. The first of its kind, the internship gave Gerald the chance to mentor a Food and Beverage team, refine his leadership skills, and learn from top chefs. Today, he’s a chef for banquets and festivals. “I feel very lucky,” he says. “My leaders have been selfless, making sure I grow with the company.” 

Overseas cast members also find dynamic career growth through Disney’s advancement programs. At Shanghai Disney Resort, Tina Dai began her Disney journey in 2006 as an intern with the International College Program. Today, she serves as senior manager of Business Integration in the General Manager’s office. 

Tina’s story is rooted in resilience. Her father, once a factory worker, started his own small business after his company was sold. Inspired by his determination, Tina brought that same spirit to Disney — gaining hands-on experience in merchandise, communications, and leadership development.

In 2019, Tina joined the Leadership Accelerated Program (LAP) at Shanghai Disney Resort, a pivotal step in her career. Her adaptability, teamwork, and stakeholder management skills helped her grow into a trusted leader.

“I began my Disney career as an International College Program student at Walt Disney World, then advanced to roles as an Imagineer, a Merchandise Manager, and integration manager of the General Manager’s Office,” Tina says. “Today, I serve as an Operations Development leader. I’m very grateful for the developmental opportunities our company has provided to me, including participating in the flagship leadership development program LAP, which have provided me a unique perspective that has shaped how I think, work, and lead.”

Another inspiring career story comes from Hong Kong Disneyland, where Yannes Kwan has grown her career alongside the park since its opening. She began as a Lead in Entertainment in 2005 and has held a variety of roles across the Entertainment team, including Training Coordinator, Stage Manager, and Production Specialist. In 2024, Yannes graduated from Disney’s Unleash Your Potential (Up) program, where she demonstrated strong learning agility and applied her new skills both professionally and personally. 

Today, Yannes serves as Associate Manager, Planning and Development, in Entertainment, and was a key member of the World of Frozen project team. Notably, she helped craft the training program and was named one of the top 10 finalists for the Hong Kong Management Association Award for Excellence in Training & Development 2025—the most recognized training award in Hong Kong.

This recognition holds deep meaning for Yannes, whose parents built their lives through hard work. Though their paths differ, the values of dedication, adaptability, and perseverance continue to guide her. 

Now a leader and mother of two, Yannes is known for her approachable leadership style and commitment to collaboration. She’s described as curious, resilient, and always ready to embrace new challenges—embodying a growth mindset and a passion for continuous improvement. “Valuing people who you work with is always more important than processes and tools.” Yannes says. “Giving your team breathing room fosters both trust and accountability.”

A unique benefit to working for Disney is the exclusive financial services and support offered by Partners Federal Credit Union (PFCU). Whether someone is just starting their career or has been with the company for 30 years and is planning for retirement, PFCU is committed to helping employees live better lives with financial education and offerings that can increase economic stability.

Matthew Jardins de Placido, who makes magic at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World, found himself in debt when he signed up for the Budgeting Essentials class at Partners Federal Credit Union to shore up his finances. “I was going through some financial struggles and wanted something more definitive so I could kick-start my financial freedom,” Matthew explains.

During the session, he learned how to tackle his debt through consolidation, track his expenses, and lay the foundation for a more stable financial future. Motivated by what he learned, Matthew signed up for a one-on-one financial counseling session at Partners. “When I saw that the service was offered, I was like, ‘Sign me up!’” he recalls. “They saved me so much money, which is a ton of weight off my shoulders.”

And this is just the beginning. Matthew now looks forward to applying for a car loan through Partners. “I feel so much more financially secure and confident,” he says.

There are 179,000 members today, and because PFCU operates as a not-for-profit, they reinvest in services and offerings that directly benefit its members. From helping Disney employees get approved of an auto loan (a service inclusive of concierge-level shopping, buying and delivery), navigate the process of buying their first home, or securing emergency financial assistance, PFCU guides members toward resources they need to make a lasting impact in their lives.

Since its launch in 2012, Disney’s Heroes Work Here program has welcomed thousands of veterans and active-duty military personnel into the magic. Each cast member brings a unique story — including Juan Garcia, who fulfilled his dream of transitioning from the Disney Military Fellowship Program into a full-time role at the Disneyland Resort. 

While studying engineering in college, Juan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to gain hands-on experience and test his skills in real-world scenarios. His goal was to eventually secure a civilian role where he could apply both his education and military experience. Juan was selected to join the Disneyland Resort through the Military Fellowship Program, where he worked closely with the Facilities and Operations Engineering Services team. He also learned “the Disney way” — a new approach compared to military procedures. Encouraged by his manager, Juan joined the SALUTE Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), a community of cast members who are veterans, friends, family, and allies. “No one fully understands the military mindset like someone who’s lived it. That kind of support is important.” Today, Juan is proud to be working as an outside machinist at the Disneyland Resort, helping maintain beloved attractions. He’s especially excited to be part of new openings, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

At just 19 years old, cast member Amy Benson began her Disney journey with The Walt Disney Travel Company, unsure of where her career would ultimately lead. What started as an entry-level role doing something she loved soon became the gateway to discovering her true passion: cooking. 

Now, 24 years later, Amy has built a remarkable career as a chef, working across a variety of locations at the Disneyland Resort. Shortly after joining Disney, she enrolled in culinary school — but she credits the mentorship she received and the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs in the business as the driving force behind her growth.

Today, as an executive chef at the Disneyland Resort, Amy is committed to paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of culinary talent. “Now that I’m a chef, I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Amy says. “My team makes everything easier — they’re incredibly talented, and they make me love my job ten times more.”

Just as Amy’s journey was shaped by mentorship and opportunity, Disney continues to help future cast members find their own paths through innovative partnerships and programs.

Through Disney’s collaboration with LJM Maritime Academy, young Bahamians — typically ages 10 to 13 — can participate in a two-week educational program designed to introduce them to careers in the maritime and marine sciences. Through this inspiring program, students in Nassau gain hands-on learning experiences and real-world exposure, opening doors to opportunities they may have never imagined.

Cadets from the academy, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue maritime careers, take part in immersive training and mentorship programs aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. For many, this marks the first step toward a future in an industry that once felt out of reach.

Whether it’s touring iconic ships or gaining essential job skills, these students walk away inspired, confident, and ready to chase their dreams. For many, Disney’s support is more than just a career jumpstart — it’s proof that someone believes in their potential and is committed to helping them build a brighter future.

As one cadet shared, “Disney didn’t just give me a job — they gave me a future.” This is the magic of Disney: transforming potential into purpose and inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves.

The number one reason candidates said they applied for a role within Disney Experiences is for career advancement opportunities. From entry-level roles to executive leadership, from culinary dreams to adventures at sea, Disney empowers individuals to unlock their full potential. Through training and education, mentorship and leadership development, financial and emotional support, employees around the world are building brighter futures. Their stories are a testament to what’s possible when a company believes in its people. Because at Disney, passions can inspire your profession, and the opportunities from there are limitless.