The best magic often begins with the people who share it. For brothers Michael and Bob, that magic comes to life each day as they work behind the scenes at Walt Disney World Resort. With a bond built on a lifetime of trust and teamwork, they move through their mechanical work almost instinctively to keep the magic moving for millions of guests visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth!
Michael, a service manager in Engineering Services who recently worked on the refurbishment and return of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Bob, a mechanic in heavy equipment supporting teams like horticulture and custodial, have grown their careers together for more than a decade under Facility & Operations Services. Their teamwork shows up in the quiet moments guests never notice. It’s in that shared rhythm and lifelong connection that their brotherhood truly shines, allowing families to focus on what matters most: making magical memories together.
Michael’s Disney story began with a birthday wish in 2004. During a behind-the-scenes tour, he caught a glimpse of the care, craftsmanship and teamwork that brings the magic to life, and he knew he wanted to be part of it. That August, he moved to Central Florida with a simple goal: get his foot in the door. He eventually landed a part-time merchandise role at the World of Disney. Opportunities followed quickly, but Michael’s heart was always drawn to mechanical work and the pride that comes from building something that lasts. Through a connection in Engineering Services, he found his path into maintenance, starting full-time as a mechanic in June 2007.
Encouraged by his brother, Bob took a leap of faith of his own and joined Disney in August 2010. One of the things he values most about the company is the stability it offers and the way it supports cast members and their families.
Today, the brothers may work in different roles and locations, but they remain closely connected. Michael is based at Magic Kingdom, while Bob supports work across the property. Michael puts it simply: Mechanics may not always be seen, but their work is felt.
That impact is part of a much larger story. Behind the scenes at Walt Disney World, Engineering Services is powered by an incredible team of approximately 2,600 Cast Members who help keep the magic running every day. The majority are carpenters, electricians and plumbers, with additional expertise spanning facilities management, painters, technicians, bricklayers, ironworkers and more.
What truly sets this team apart is their depth of experience and longevity. On average, Engineering Services Cast Members have 11 years of service. For many Cast Members, maintaining the magic isn’t just a job; it’s a lifelong career.
For Michael and Bob, their love of the trade runs deep, is passed through generations and learned through hands-on lessons. Their father spent his days running heavy equipment and fixing it himself. Their grandfather did the same as a farmer. Growing up, the brothers did not just watch. They learned by doing, turning curiosity into skill and hard work into pride.
Michael built his foundation through a motor vehicle company and years of field experience, developing a deep respect for the mechanics that make everything work.
That mindset, paired with Disney’s structure, helped turn a skill into a long runway.
For Michael, the magic shows up in a sentence he can say anywhere: “I work at Disney,” and people instantly understand. He still thinks about a mentor’s reminder that people travel from around the world to experience places like Orlando, Magic Kingdom, and attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
For Bob, the magic is in the impact of the work. He supports the heavy equipment that keeps daily operations moving across the resort, helping teams like horticulture and custodial maintain the landscapes, floral displays and overall care that shape the guest experience.
The Advice They’d Give the Next Mechanic
When asked what they’d tell someone considering Disney, especially mechanics or Engineering Services, both came back to the same message. “Take the leap,” Michael said.
He points to stability, fulfillment, and a range of career paths.
Bob agrees and adds a practical note: if you show up ready to learn, you’ll be able to create some of the most unforgettable magic.