To Castmembers

Is it common for those people who want to work for WDW and don't live in FL to move to FL without a job commitment from Disney.

Hi. That's a good question. I have actually purchased a home in Windermere (near WDW) and I am moving from NY in November. I am hoping to work for Disney however I have not secured a job yet. I am hopeful and feel that being an Orlando area resident will help.

It does help. They told me that they prefer that you be in the WDW area. There is a waitlist though. It seems like WDW is asking an awful lot wanting people to relocate before a commitment for employment is made on Disney's part. How did you find a place to live and support yourself while waiting to hear from WDW. These are problems I am facing. Finding a reasonable place to live and not having a job if I do make the move. What about if they (wdw) offer a part time position which I hear is more than likely then you have to coordinate hours with another part time job which will be needed to live considering what Disney pays. It seems that WDW has no consideration for people who really want to work there. It seems that eveything revolves around Disney. It might be better off getting another good job in the area and just buying a FL pass and go to Disney on your free time. Also.what about health insurance. It may take a while before one gets coverage from Disney. Just my thoughts. Any suggestions that may make the transition easier.

Cast members that were in a similar predicament, please advise.

PatM

You might want to do some networking either around here or on other Disney forums. I wish I could offer you a place that I know. There are quite a few around the area, but I can't think of any at the top of my head right now. I was in the same situation when I moved down to Florida in July and living with my current roommate. My parents have been supporting me financially, but you should check out CareerBuilder.com Jobs - The Largest Job Search, Employment & Careers Site or Find Jobs. Build a Better Career. Find Your Calling. | Monster.com for jobs around the area. I was looking around for other temporary/part-time jobs while being on the waitlist. Again, like I said, I don't know what your situation is. If you know of anyone that lives down here, that may be helpful. Otherwise, look for cheap apartments to live in temporarily until you get a decent job at Disney. You can possibly try networking sites (i.e. Facebook, Craigslist), but just be wary of anyone who makes you pay before you get down here. They're just scamming you if they do. Sorry it's been difficult, though. Hopefully everything works out!

Thanks. I am going down before Xmas and have met some CM during my most recent visits. I will exchange email addresses with them and hopefully they can give me some good ideas. I am hopeing that they can put me in touch with some CM's who may know someone looking for a roomate. If worse comes to worse, I can always apply for a teaching position in the area as I am certified in MA and am considered Highly qualified to teach per the NCLB Act. Actually, if I can get a good enough job in the area I may decide to put Disney on my waiting list.

Thanks again, PatM

Hi,

Did you have someone to move with you as a roomate, if not how did you find your roomate. Also, what is considered a cheap apartment in the area and are they nice and in good locations.

Thanks, PatM

I have been checking into apartments in the area and the cheapest that I have been able to find is between 500 and 750 dollars, if just depends on how close you want to be to the parks

The roommate I live with now is a friend. I knew her sister, and my roommate has a younger brother who knows my two older brothers from a while back ago. So I connected with her sister and was able to get a hold of her that way. I'm grateful for that, but still, I can understand the difficulty of finding someone to room with. Maybe you want to consider living on your own first, unless you really want a roommate. But your idea of asking CMs that you know is a good start.

Are you using a real estate agent or just looking in the papers.

PatM

If you are looking to move after a family vacation and there is a "Now Casting(hiring)" banner on the Casting Center over by I-4(if my memory serves me correctly) then obviously, there looks to be open roles(jobs). In this economy, I wouldn't try it but that's just the way the job climate is at the moment.

I know they have Disneyjobs.com. I just checked and only a few jobs for World popped up. If you love American Idol, I hear that attraction is looking for cast members...;)

There is a hiring freeze on FT roles (just a FYI). My friend tried to get a FT role, and she was waitlisted.

Hey everyone. I close on my new house very close to Disney on 1/30. I hope the economy firms up this year. (I am doing my part by buying real estate now..LOL) I would love to work for Disney in a FT role this year. I will keep everyone informed.. Mike