Walt Disney World begins mass hiring again for its Florida theme parks

More than a year after the closures, and after tens-of-thousands were laid off, the Walt Disney World Resort is once again mass hiring for positions in their parks. This, combined with the continual increase in tourism in Florida, is a good sign for improvement in the Central Florida workforce. All new hires will make a minimum of $14 an hour, the highest base pay for theme park employees in Florida.

These new jobs obviously benefit Orlando residents looking for new places of employment. But it also means Disney has likely gone through the entirety of their furloughed list of cast members. For months, many cast members eagerly waited for Disney to call them back from furlough. It was under a union contract that Disney would have had to give a form of job to those cast members waiting first. While not their original job, these displaced cast members were given temporary positions until their original job came back. These cast members were sent to places like attractions, food and beverage, merchandise, and custodial.

These mass returns began late last year, but not all cast members chose to return to a different position. Some chose to take the permanent layoff and not return to the company. Others took this temporary displacement in hopes to return to their original jobs in the future. But Disney could not hire outside the company until all of the furloughed cast members had been given that option. (Not all Disney positions are under a union.)

Disney now has a public posting for new part time cast members. These new roles are for areas in attractions, custodial, merchandise, quick service foods and lifeguards. There are also full time positions available for house-keeping. Each of these part-time roles, while different in their own ways, require some of the same basic qualifications.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to use cleaning chemicals and supplies.
• Must give at least three days of full availability, including nights and holidays.

Walt Disney World cast members also have to follow a Disney Look. This is a guideline for appearances while at work. The Disney Look was recently modified to be gender inclusive with things such as hair styles, tattoos, and nail polish. Active and furlough cast members also get theme park perks. These perks include, but aren’t limited too, discounted room stays, free admission into the parks on select days, and discounts on food and merchandise.

Disney also offers a specific way of contact for those who need disability accommodations. The website states, “The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email [email protected] with your request.”

Currently the Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando are also looking for new part-time and some limited full-time positions as well. Some roles are even for specialized workers, and finding a job with specialized skills is quite hard right now in Orlando.