My experience working at Disneyland

Welcome to Star Tours flight ST45, non stop service to the moon of Endor...

That is a phrase I used to say over and over again and for me, it really never got old.

Over a decade ago, I had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to work for the Happiest Place on Earth. I was part of a cast of thousands helping to create memories that lasted for a lifetime at the Disneyland Resort. A place where when they said it was also the Happiest Place to work, was true for the most part. Well, it was in my case.

I was an Attractions Cast Member. For those who do not know what the means, I will give you a hint. I did not wear a Mickey Mouse costume, nor did I fly as Peter Pan during the fireworks show. In normal terms, I was a ride operator. Yep, that was me. I pressed the button and make the ride go. Well, its a little more detailed than that on most rides, but there were a couple where is was almost exactly that.

I worked from 2000 to 2002. I started by working on Star Tours. I also worked on Space Mountain Astro Orbitor. I also work was part of the Opening Crew for California Screamin in the California Adventure Theme Park, which opened in 2001. I was only there for about six months and then returned back to the Magic Kingdom where I resumed my normal role of being assigned to work on Star Tours and filled in shifts on Space Mountain and Astro Orbitor.

Though, in retrospect, it was a short time working there, it was one of the most fun I have had working somewhere. I loved coming into work and doing my job there. That is not to say there was not any times where the guests and sometimes co workers were getting on my last nerve. There were times I wanted to “break character” and say a few choice words sometimes. But those times, were few and far between.

In the almost two years I spent working there, I made friends, to at least one I still keep in contact with, created lifelong memories for the people visiting. All the while getting paid doing something I really enjoyed.

Also, what other job lets you get into any Disney Theme park [in the United States] for free and get 20% anything you want to buy as well? Also, after you pass probation you can also bring in your friends to come in with you when you are being a “guest” and they get in free too. There is a limit of how many people and how many times you can bring people in, but when I was there it was 16 times a year.

But, unfortunately after about two years of being their, really bills started coming in and I could not afford to work there anymore. Also, now that i live in Colorado, that is not really a commute I would want for a part time job. It will always hold a special place for me and the funnest job I ever had have ever had.