Working for the mouse is honestly a dream come true. Everything about it is magical, but as a Canadian, or honestly just someone not American it is a nightmare to get a job. But there are definitely a few ways to do it! Here are our top picks, though we haven’t explored them all, we plan to!
1. Disney’s Summer Cultural Exchange Program
The Cultural Exchange Program or International College Program, is how both Kenzie and I have been fortunate to work at Disney World as Canadians. This program is a 3 month long work/internship program that falls under Disney’s international programs. You go to Florida on a J1 visa, this entitles you to work and live in the United States during a work experience/internship. It is basically Canada’s version of the Disney College Program (Americans).
During this program you will work in one of the many roles available to cast members such as Merchandise, Food and Beverage, Lifeguarding, Recreation or Attractions. You get to live in College Program Housing and go to the events. You also get to be in Florida during the best part of the year, the summer!
What do you need to do this program? To work at Disney World under the Cultural Exchange Program you need to be enrolled in a recognized postsecondary institution such as a college or university. You can be in your final year, but have to have finished at most 6 months before.
Getting this job!
To get this job, you have to apply starting in August the year before, be a student and will have to fly to a major Canadian city to do the interview if you make it through pre-screening.
2. Cultural Representative Program
If you want to spend a year in Disney World the this is the program for you! This program is open to any Canadian who wants to share their passion and patriotism for Canada. This program revolves around the participant working at Epcot in the Canada Pavilion for a whole year.
Don’t know what that is? Don’t worry! I’ll explain, there are a number of pavilions situated along the lake in EPCOT and they are known as the World Showcase. Each pavilion employs people from the country in which they are aptly named.
You will work in either attractions, since the Canadian Pavilion has a “movie” or in Food and Beverage at Le Cellier, one of the most expensive and delicious restaurants in the World Showcase. You also can make mad tips at Le Cellier if that’s the role you get
Getting this job!
This role opens up in Epcot every few months, you have to constantly watch the Disney International Programs blog and website to see when they are accepting participants. Start dates occur throughout the year. Great way to spend a whole year working for Disney as a Canadian!
3. Disney Cruise Line
This is one of the best ways to become a Disney Princess if you’re not American, since you can’t be a face character in either of the first two programs. But you can on the Disney Cruise Line! Auditions take place around North America on a recurring basis.
But if you don’t feel like performing is your destiny, then you can work in a variety of other roles on the Disney Cruise Line! Then you get to live, breathe, sleep and eat Disney 24/7, since you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean, sea or gulf (depending on your location) on a ship.
Getting this job!
You have to be at least 21 and willing to work up to 84 hour work weeks. But the perks are great. There are extensive background checks and they want you to want to pursue a career at sea. If you meet those requirements you’re on your way to sea with Disney! Another great way to work for Disney as a Canadian!
4. Audition!
The Disney Auditions page is a great way to perform for Disney all over the world. This is really only applicable to those who are outgoing and want to perform in front of large audiences. You can audition to be a face character or princess, a parade performer, an actor or a stunt performer for parks all over the world.
Getting this Job!
The auditions are almost always held in Toronto and have pretty strict guidelines! Check recently posted ones for what Disney is currently looking for!
5. After You’re Super Experienced Apply For Disney Studios
Disney regularly posts jobs in animation and production at their Kelowna an Vancouver studios. Most of these jobs need 10+ years of experience, a degree and a passion. But they can be a long term goal!
Getting this job!
As with any career type job, you need to work your butt off. Don’t worry though, people like me are right there with you. My eyes are set on Disney media! Check out current openings on the Disney Careers website.
6. Last, But Maybe Not Least, Work At Disney Store
The Disney store in major cities around Canada, are a great way to get your foot in the door, experience Disney and get some cast member perks. This is all without leaving your hometown!
Getting this job!
Apply and browse current openings on the Disney Careers site!
Love Working For The Mouse!
I dream of working for Disney again, and here’s hoping one day I will. But for right now keep checking for more blog posts!
Comment about your experience working for disney below!
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