Aevald, I used to work for WDW (Walt Disney World) from 1989 through 1998. I started out in the Entertainment dept, but after going back to school, and getting my NDT certs I transferred to the "Central Shops" Facility, which is the huge building where they repair and fabricate all the parks equiptment.
I could go on for pages about all that they have there, but time is limited.
Let me say this, don't think you are the only person who is thinking this, there are hundreds of other people who are thinking the same thing, and have already applied, the waiting list can be several years to be on before getting to the top. Go online and fill out the application as soon as you can and get on the list. Keep following up with the "Casting Department" that's what they call the hiring dept. You have to think somewhat differently, they are an entertainment company, they think like performers, that's why they have there own way of doing things. but don't worry, once you get there they'll train you to think like them(scary huh?). Some people can't adjust and drink the coolaid, but I enjoyed it and had a great experience.
I knew someone once in casting who told me the waiting list for landscaping at that time was 5-7 years for the entry level job cutting the grass. They litterally had people with masters degree's cutting grass because they had to start at the bottom and work there way up.
I did mostly ,VT,PT,MT on disassmbled attraction parts. Frames, cars, doors, axles, wheels whatever. Think of a attraction(ride) there , take the car apart, and that's what I saw, a big pile of parts.
You will have to join the union, but it's a technecality, I believe it was the teamsters. FLorida is a right to work state wo it's not a big deal.
Something else to consider, Disney isn't the only place down there. In-fact I left Disney to work at Universal STudios because Universal offered me $3 more an hour and it was less driving for me so I made the switch. It was third shift but that means it's less heat and less management around which I liked. Contact me if you have anymore question's, there is so much more than there is to type here. Good Luck, Chris
Hi Jon, thank you for the offer. This might be one of those things that will pass, but maybe not. However, if it does come to be a real consideration I will certainly take you up on that. Thanks again my friend. Best regards, Allan
Allan, to respond differently to your original posting; I'm sure most of us have had the itch, and my construction counter-parts will be quick enough to tell you travel gets in your blood. I love traveling, of course, hate moving out but love moving in, if that makes any sense. My wife and I are very seriously considering our next big move, even as I write. I guess I'm of the opinion that you ought to try to find a way to make your wonderful wife's dream a reality! :-) It takes some time to get the right contacts and to make sure you've got the offer you can accept at whichever employer. To be safe, I'd give yourself a year of searching... sounds like a lot, but it really isn't.
Hello Jon, I agree totally. At this point my wife and our family are still in the "I don't want to be too far away from one another mode", essentially saying that mom hasn't quite reached the point where she considers any of her own wants above those of the maternal instincts she feels for our kids. At some point I believe she will realize that they are individuals of their own and they will really do just fine without mom being of ready access. At that point she will realize that she can pursue some of her personal goals more fully. I will certainly take your suggestions with regard to preparation as I believe there are intelligent ways to plan for change and on the other hand there is the bravado of just packing up and making it happen too. Thanks again, regards, Allan
servicing small aircraft is a large industry in FL also.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm not willing to work for a company whose mascot is a mouse that has an obvious addiction to helium. It's a shame what that stuff did to his voice. Such a waste of raw unbridled talent. Some people don't know this, but cartoon characters conceal their addictions much easier than humans do. Mickey's addiction is only evident when he speaks. I really hadn't paid that much attention before, but in the late seventies I knew something was wrong when he chose to star in "Mickey Visits a Gay Disco". I had only noticed it at that time because I was also addicted to helium, and I'd visited many gay disco's myself. I must admit that during that period in my life I was easily influenced by the cartoon characters I idolized on tv, and I was too weak to fight off my urges, because at that point the helium had just taken over. I think it's only fair that when they die, cartoon characters have to answer for their sins just like I will. Overexposure probably turned Mickey to helium. I think that all the Disney characters are overexposed. I see them everywhere and there seems to be no end in sight. What's next? Little Mermaid fish sticks? The Hunchback of Notre Dame backpack? the Pocahontas home pregnancy test?
Hello Scott, you obviously haven't been to my house.... I'll leave it at that. I get daily doses of Disney, but it really isn't that bad, I'm sure there are much worse things out there to obsess over.
I am rolling over your dissertation on characters and helium. Thanks for giving me a smile and a laugh. Best regards, Allan
It must be that light headed feeling Mickey gets from the helium!!! Scott, as usual, right on target with such profound insights!!! Nearly urinating myself where I sit!!
Last time I was in Florida I fell in love with the crystal waters of Destin. Love the fishing and the variety at the seafood market. However, the hot black parking lots with steering wheels that set my hands on fire are not my cup of tea.
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