So this is going to be a short post on each role, and how I would rate it. So basically, on a scale of 1-10, how likely am I to pick that role as high interest. Each role has it's ups and downs, and these are MY OPINIONS AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCES ONLY. Each person obviously has different experiences, so it's 100% likely that people will read this and entirely disagree :) Also note that these are based off of the roles offered in fall of 2014, they now have updated the list. Some of these are a little less relevant now. So here goes!
QSFB: Not for the faint of heart! This is a busy and dirty job, but time FLIES when you're working (in a fast paced restaurant), and you might have the luxury of working inside where it's cool and dry. This role is best suited for hard workers, good listeners, and people that want good guest interaction! MUST be able to follow instructions EXACTLY. Work locations vary from parks to hotels to water parks to Downtown Disney (DTD). Hours could be any of the 24 hours.
RATE: 6
HOUSEKEEPING: Definitely a great role if you're a quiet person! Little guest interaction and little interaction with coworkers (and even less with English speaking coworkers according to my housekeeping roommate Sarah). So pretty much just low interaction, period. Very consistent hours, and TIPS! MUST be very clean and able to work independently. Must be able to function under time constraints and time pressure, if you don't finish a room in time, you're cutting into your own break time! Work only in hotels. Will have VERY consistent hours (my roomie was 8:30-4 every day). Best suited for quiet people who enjoy being clean, and don't get stressed by time pressure.
RATE: 3
CUSTODIAL: Plenty of guest interaction, and not too much structure. You have the ability to work across all 4 parks, as well as hotels, DTD, and water parks. You have a lot of independence, but occasionally work alongside another custodial cast member. Responsible for bathrooms, trash, and overall clean up (including vomit or accidents with blood or other bodily fluids). Easy to pick up shifts all across Disney property. Best suited for social people who need some flexibility in a job. Must be able to work without someone reminding you of your job, AKA be independent and motivated. Hours vary across all 24 hours.
RATE: 6
CONCIERGE: Responsible for checking people into (and out of) their hotel if necessary, and answering a large variety of questions they'll have about Orlando and the parks. Often use a computer system, so must be tech friendly. This is a tougher role to get, because less spots are available. Preference often goes to hospitality majors. Similar to front desk, but more emphasis on booking activities for guests. Best suited for social people that thrive in a professional setting. Hours are usually daytime hours, but can vary. Obviously you're location is a hotel, though I hear they usually get moderate/cheaper hotels to work in!
RATE: 8
FRONT DESK: Similar to concierge but with less flexibility. Responsible for checking guests in and out of their hotel, and answering a large variety of (sometimes totally random) questions. Will use a computer, and must have patience for cranky or stressed out guests. This is also a tougher role to get, with preference to hospitality majors. Best suited for friendly and upbeat people with a genuine interest in hospitality who can maintain a professional demeanor regardless of the situation.
RATE: 8
ATTRACTIONS: SAFETY MUST BE A PRIORITY. A fun role that has a lot of flexibility as far as where you might be placed, but all locations will emphasize safety like no other!! Lots of guest interaction, must be able to work well in a team. Locations vary across parks and DTD (no, it's not JUST rides), and hours can be any of the 24 hours. Best suited for outgoing and friendly people who understand the importance of safety!!
RATE: 10
HOSPITALITY: Basically this is a combo of the hospitality roles. You could be doing a mix of concierge, bell services, telephone room, front desk, and any combo of the three. Please see other role descriptions for more info! Best suited for people trying to get into hospitality, and those who are flexible! Guest interaction is a must.
RATE: 7
BELL SERVICES: Work only in hotels, and primarily responsible for greeting guests and handling/storing luggage. A small amount of spots open for this role, and must be physically fit. There will be lots of standing, and an average amount of guest interaction, depending on your hotel! Best suited for reasonably fit people aiming to get into the hospitality industry, and must be comfortable talking to guests on a basic level.
RATE: 5
MERCHANDISE: Exactly what it sounds like. Selling merchandise which includes shirts and stuffed animals BUT ALSO bakery treats and embroidered hats! MUST be flexible as you will have many different requests from guests, and the potential to sell a huge range of times. Can work in any of the Disney locations, with any hours. Generally work inside, but have the potential to work outdoor carts as well! Best suited for friendly people who aren't easily offended or flustered, and are comfortable in a sales environment.
RATE: 8
TRANSPORTATION: This includes driving boats and those funny shuttle things. You will most likely be giving safety spiels all day long, so you must enjoy public speaking to an extent! Hours and locations vary across all parks and hotels, and times. You are required to hold a valid driver's license, and must be comfortable handing large vehicles with many passengers! Best suited for people who enjoy a laid back role with lots of public speaking and responsibility, and must have safety as a priority.
RATE: 5
MAIN ENTRANCE OPERATIONS (MEO): These are the people who take your ticket and wave you through the gate! They're also the smiling cast members that wave to you as you walk out of the parks. There will be a LOT of guest interaction, and probably a LOT of dealing with technical issues with magic bands! MUST be able to keep a cool head when guests get panicky or cranky, and must be able to stand outside all day. Best suited for people with a relaxed personality who are willing to brave the Florida weather for hours on end.
RATE: 6
LIFEGUARDING: This role can be placed in any of the hotels or water parks, but is often transferred to another role or location partway through (if you're in a water park). NO visible tattoos allowed, and little guest interaction (safety). Must be able to pass a swim test and be able to safely monitor the water. Could be a high stress job, or a very laid back one depending on the area. Best suited for independent, outdoorsy people who are strong swimmers and are okay with spending extended hours outside standing up with little social interaction.
RATE: 7
PARKING: Exactly how it sounds. You show people where to park. This can be stressful job in the busy season, or very laid back! Little guest interaction face to face, but plenty behind a windshield!! Must be able to work in a team and stand outside for extended amounts of time. Must be able to handle stress well, and always stay civil. Best suited for those who don't want a lot of responsibility for guest safety, and enjoy being outdoors with daytime hours!
RATE: 5
FULL SERVICE FOOD & BEVERAGE: THIS IS NOT A WAITRESSING JOB. This is hostessing. You are responsible for seating people, and you don't get tips. They prefer people with restaurant experience, and not many spots are reserved for CPs. You can work in any of the locations, and will have fairly consistent hours unless you work at a restaurant with odd hours! Best suited for people with previous restaurant experience who can handle themselves in a professional manner. Must also have good organizational skills, and enjoy socializing and/or dealing with tired or cranky guests.
RATE: 8
COSTUMING: Please be aware that there is no guarantee you get to work with the pretty princess costumes. Most likely your days will be spent doing cast member laundry. Each location has a costuming building (so I got my costume from Hollywood Studios), and costuming cast members never interact with guests. You get to work indoors though! You also get consistent morning and afternoon hours. Best suited for people who don't mind not talking to guests, are reasonably clean, can sew, are organized (you do a lot of laundry and hanging up clothes), and can work in a team.
RATE: 4
CHARACTER PERFORMER: Can I just say that THIS DOES NOT JUST MEAN PRINCESS? Most character performers start off in fur (AKA are friends with Mickey, Donald, etc), or do a mix of fur and face (princes/princesses). So if you attend an audition and get offered the role of character performer, there is a 95% chance you'll have to do fur. These people deal with a lot of kids which is both good and bad! They're a great audience and love interacting with you, but can kick or scream or cry as well. This role is best suited to people with good acting skills who love kids and can work in the Florida heat while wearing a hot suit.
RATE: 6
CHARACTER ATTENDANT: These are the cast members that attend the characters as they're out and about! This could be inside or outside, but it falls to you to deal with bratty kids and parents. You also have the job of being the "voice" of many of the fur characters. This role requires someone who is VERY outgoing, and can be good with improv. You have to answer the strangest of questions! Best suited for people who are outgoing, comfortable with public speaking, able to handle high stress situations and responsibility, and able to interact with children.
RATE: 8
HOPPER: This is pretty much a blend of custodial, MEO, attractions, merch, and QSFB. This is not a very common role, but gives you the opportunity to work across multiple parks and locations. You might not have a "home location" where you are able to bond with a group of people, but you will met LOTS of guests and cast members! This is best suited for people who want to work in multiple roles, meet lots of people, and are very flexible and independent.
RATE: 6
PHOTOPASS PHOTOGRAPHER: This role allows you to take photos of guests in certain locations (for example, in front of the castle), with characters, or for special events. You get to work all over your location, both indoors and outdoors. Must be familiar with a DSLR camera, and able to carry around heavy equipment. You will be dealing with magic bands and technology as well. Best suited for people familiar with photography who enjoy socialising, and can work independently.
RATE: 8
BIBBITI BOBBITY BOUTIQUE (BBB)/PIRATE LEAGUE (PL): This is one of the most popular roles!! You get to dress kids up and wear cute costumes. MUST LOVE working with kids, and be able to deal with kids scared of makeup or hairspray (or something related). Hours are pretty standard (daytime), and locations include Magic Kingdom and DTD. May also work with unsatisfied parents, so must be able to be flexible and not be offended when someone doesn't like your work! Best suited to people who LOVE kids, have prior hair/makeup experience, and can handle people with an attitude.
RATE: 7
RECREATION: This is a role you don't hear much about. You will be located in the hotels, and your duties might include running the waterslides, working in a marina, towel rentals, or running other guest activities. You might be outside for extended periods of time, so must be able to deal with that. Will likely deal with lots of kids and families, and enjoy talking to people. Best suited for people who want a more relaxed job that is flexible, enjoy the outdoors, and want more consistent hours.
RATE: 7
VACATION PLANNING: You will be selling tickets to the general public, your goal is to sell as many/as much as possible! This means you must be comfortable with meeting quotas and trying to up-sell people! Note: this does not mean pressuring them, but making sure they see the benefits of a package, etc. You will have the luxury of working inside, but will be sitting most of the day!! Hours are morning to evening, and fairly consistent. You get additional perks such as gift cards for meeting quotas! Must be willing to handle incredibly rude guests who have been waiting in line for a long time respectfully (this is harder than it looks!). Best suited for good salespeople who enjoy socialising, and aren't over bearing or intimidating!
RATE: 9
Like I said, those are my personal opinions!! I could never do housekeeping, but I hate working alone, and I'm not particularly tidy. It all depends on your personality, and how you work best!! Every role has its ups and downs, regardless of my rating for them, so you'll have a great time no matter where you're placed :)
