Lesson learned as a Disney Cast Member

Lesson learned as a Disney Cast Member

I was asked to join a speed mentoring event the other night for the San Diego chapter of WISE (Women In Sports & Events). One of the key lessons that I shared with many of the groups I met with was about being hungry to learn and realizing that every experience has a lesson in it. Some are lessons about how to do things and others are lessons on how you would never do things.

You don’t have to be working at your dream job right now to be learning the lessons to help you achieve your dreams. The lessons are always there, it’s just up to you to be looking for them. I think back to the many jobs that I have held throughout my life and there are so many lessons that I took away from them. One of my favorite jobs ever was working at Disney World in Orlando, I still use so many of the lessons I learned from my time there.

When I arrived in Winter Haven Florida at 19 years old to attend the Polk County Police academy, I had some free time on the weekends. Rather than enjoy my weekends, I got a part-time job at Disney World. I always loved Disney and figured for the rest of my life I could always say that I worked there. I got hired as cast member to work at what was Disney’s MGM studios. I would work at the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” play area and then be an usher at the “Indiana Jones stunt spectacular”. So cool!

Before you can work, you must attend a multi-day training program to learn all about Disney and what makes them special. There is a culture that you are exposed to on day one and a magic that is created in every touch-point, not just with their guests but also their employees. I learned so much in those few days and throughout my time there. Here are a few lessons:

I learned the value of training your front line employees. That is where most touch-points with your brand will take place. The invest in people is never a bad investment.

I learned that the street sweepers were the most trained employees on where things were located, because Walt Disney had discovered that people were more likely to ask those employees versus any other employees.

I learned that Walt Disney studied people’s habits at Disneyland in California and adjusted to those habits in Orlando. That’s why the sidewalks on the right side of Main Street are wider than the left, because he noticed that most people naturally stay to the right. It wasn't about what Walt wanted, it was about what would make the least friction for his guests.

I learned that if a leader models a behavior the rest of the staff will follow. For example, as a cast member you were responsible to pick up every piece of trash on the ground if you were to walk by it. Next time you are there, you will still see this behavior by every employee, no matter their title. I can still remember my boss picking up trash and thinking, if they do it, then I better do it!

Finally, I learned that a smile on your face makes a huge difference in others. Before walking out of any “backstage” area there was always a sign that said “smile you’re on stage!” or "Remember your Disney look". To this day 23 years later, I think of those signs as I open my car door as I arrive at work. No matter what is going on with my life, I believe it is part of my JOB to smile when that door opens.

That is just one part-time job and a few of the lessons I learned while working there. Think about your own experiences and what you learned from them. You will be amazed at how much experience you already have. Moving forward, look for the lessons in every encounter and experience you have. Keep them with you as you progress in your life and your career. I promise you, one day you will need it for something you have not even thought of yet.

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