Walt Disney World® Resort operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Your role and work location will be identified in your arrival itinerary, which you will receive a week before your arrival. You will learn more specific locations and training details during your arrival week. Based on labor and operational needs, your work location and role may change during your Program.
Your Work Schedule
All participants must have full work availability, which includes being able to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Days off vary by area and season. Details on how to request additional time off will be provided to you during training.
During your program, you may be scheduled for 30 - 50 hours per week during non-peak periods; during peak seasons you may be scheduled more than 50 hours per week.
If you are enrolled in one of the Disney Education courses or are registered in a distance-learning course, you will be scheduled for 30 - 45 hours per week during non-peak periods. During peak periods, you may be scheduled for more than 45 hours per week.
Peak Seasons are times when we expect unusually high attendance, such as Spring holiday season (the weeks surrounding the Easter Holiday), Summer months (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Week), Winter holiday season (Thanksgiving weekend, the weeks containing Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day).
Pay Information
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Pay Period
The pay week spans Sunday through Saturday, with pay issued every Thursday, covering the hours worked the previous pay week.
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Payroll Card or Direct Deposit
After you begin working, you will receive your weekly pay on either a payroll card or through direct deposit. The payroll card is a MasterCard-branded card that works just like a debit card and can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. You will also receive information on enrolling in direct deposit upon arriving for the Program. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to set up direct deposit.
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Bring Extra Cash
Due to our pay schedule, you may not receive your first check until 2 to 3 weeks after arrival and check-in.
You should bring money with you to cover your personal living expenses for your first few weeks. You will need money to purchase your food, the appropriate shoes for your work location's costume, etc. We suggest bringing between $300 and $400.
Disney Total Rewards Program
Below are some ideas on how you can truly maximize your experience while participating on the Program. Keep in mind, discounts and perks become available once you complete Disney Welcome Day on Day 4, 5 or 6 after your arrival date. Disney Welcome Day is officially your first day of work.
Will I receive complimentary admission to the theme parks?
During your Disney Welcome Day, you will receive your company ID and officially become a Disney Cast Member! You can then start enjoying some pretty amazing opportunities, beginning with complimentary admission to our theme parks! (Block-out dates and other restrictions apply.)
What are some of the discounts I’ll receive?
As a Cast Member, you will also enjoy a large variety of discounts throughout your program at various merchandise and dining locations throughout the resort. When you visit a Disney retail shop or restaurant, make sure to ask if they offer a cast discount!
Life-management services/ Wellness programs
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Employee Assistance Program
Through Disney, you have access to Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program which provides confidential resources and counseling to support your emotional well-being, including up to ten counseling sessions, at no cost to you. Assistance is provided through a range of options, including in-person, phone, and virtually. For more information, current student program participants can visit mycigna.com or call Cigna at 1-800-952-6676. -
LifeCare (now Care.com)
As a Disney employee, you have free access to LifeCare services and discounts on LifeMart. Whether you are seeking a referral, guidance, or discounts, LifeCare is available 24/7 to assist. For more information, current student program participants can visit the LifeCare website, LifeMart website, or call 1-866-574-7229. -
Grokker
Watch instructor-led videos to help you stay healthy, including cooking and fitness. Current student program participants can visit Grokker to learn more. -
Headspace
Follow guided meditations, animations, articles, and videos directed toward your current state of mind, including topics like meditating with kids and mindful eating. Current student program participants can out Headspace for more details. -
Disney Hourly Savings and Investment Plan (401k)
After 90 days of continuous service, as an hourly participant, you may be eligible to enroll in the Disney Hourly Savings and Investment Plan. You can elect pre-tax 401(k) contributions, after-tax 401(k) contributions, or a combination of both. You can contribute as little as 1% or as much as 50% of your annual pay, subject to the annual IRS limits. The 401(k) Plan offers a range of investment options to help meet the needs of plan participants. Any money you contribute is yours even after you leave the Company and eligible employees may receive a Company match on employee contributions after 1 year of service. -
Partners Federal Credit Union
As a Disney Cast Member, you’ll have access to Partners Federal Credit Union membership. Partners offers a wide range of services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, and financial well-being resources. For more information, visit https://www.partnersfcu.org/.