Michael Dippy is a founder of IDignity, a Florida nonprofit helping U.S. citizens and legal residents obtain necessary identification documents at no cost to themselves. Dippy’s first job? Working with the Food & Beverage team at Walt Disney World in Magic Kingdom.

“Being born and raised in Orlando, Disney was the obvious choice for my first job,” Dippy said. “From day one, it was a welcoming and encouraging culture that provided me the training and resources I needed to succeed.”

When he discovered new dreams to found IDignity, he always aspired for it to be reflective of his experiences at Disney both as a cast member and a guest.

“I wanted IDignity to mirror Disney’s culture of collaboration, creativity, innovation and exceptional quality,” Dippy explained.

Today, IDignity assists more than 300 individuals each month in obtaining the identification documents they need to access education, obtain employment, gain proper healthcare, apply for housing and more.

Disney recently granted the organization with $100,000 to help further its impact. In fact, the Disney Grant helped cover an entire month of services.

“The most important thing I learned from Disney is the power to dream,” Dippy said. “I’ve relied on this to get IDignity to where it is today and will continue to rely on it as I look to the future of the organization.”

Similarly, Chris Ham started his career at Disney and is now Executive Director of the Rescue Outreach Mission, a 115-bed homeless shelter that seeks to equip and empower individuals towards a pathway to stability to bridge the gap between homelessness and housing.

Ham was also a cast member in Magic Kingdom as a Jungle Cruise Skipper taking guests on wild boat tours through the exotic rivers of the world.

With Disney World in his backyard, it was the perfect choice for a summer job. That summer job turned into 7 years of unforgettable Disney Cast Life moments. The most memorable thing Disney taught him (besides his Skipper spiel, of course) is that it takes people to make the difference.

“Disney cast members are the difference,” Ham said. “I try to run Rescue Outreach Mission like that, where everyone is in it together, and everyone plays their part to care for our guests like they are our family.”

So far, that mentality has turned into success. In 2023, Rescue Outreach Mission provided 90,000 meals and helped permanently house over 200 people.

“I value changing the trajectory of someone’s day for the better. I look them in the eyes, offer a smile, share a meal and listen to their story,” Ham said. “If we end up working together, Rescue Outreach can not only change someone’s day, but can hopefully change the trajectory of their whole lives too.”

Years after their time at Disney, Dippy and Ham still carry their cast nametags. Furthermore, they still get to make magic alongside the company as Disney works with both organizations to support those in need.

“As a cast member raising a family in Florida, it makes me proud that we support organizations like IDignity and Orlando Rescue Mission,” said Tajiana Ancora-Brown, Director of External Affairs at Walt Disney World. “They are working to create true and meaningful change for the community we all love.”

The post Mirroring Disney’s Culture: From Cast Members to Community Leaders appeared first on Disney Experiences.

PROTECT – Preserving our Planet 

Educational Adventures at Walt Disney World 

STEM students from Orange County Public Schools in Florida saw what they’re learning in the classroom come to life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with cast members from the Disney Conservation team. They spotted animals roaming the Harambe Wildlife Reserve on Kilimanjaro Safaris and learned all about the critical role pollinators play in gardening which will help them build their very own gardens at school. The best part? Disney took care of all the necessary supplies for teachers with a $100,000 grant. 

VoluntEARS Come Together at Tokyo Disney Resort 

Tokyo Disney Resort teamed up with WDCJ – or Walt Disney Company Japan – for a joint VoluntEARS event, cleaning up trash at a local riverside, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the theme parks and fostering a culture of service. 

Disneyland: Children’s Water Education Festival

In celebration of Earth Month, at this year’s Children’s Water Education Festival at University of California Irvine, Disney VoluntEARS from Disneyland Resort were out in full force to engage students in hands-on learning experiences about sustainability, science and engineering, with an emphasis on the environment. More than 5,000 students from 3rd, 4th and 5th grades across Orange County school districts had the chance to attend this eco-adventure and discover water-saving techniques, learn about recycling basics and more – thanks to the support of Disney VoluntEARS! 

RESTORE – Healing ourHOME 

Disney Cruise Line in the Community 

Two groups of VoluntEARS from the Disney Wish visited the Brevard Zoo in Florida to volunteer with its animal care teams and support wildlife conservation efforts. Some crew members put their creative culinary skills to the test by creating deliciously healthy meals for the zoo’s deer, giraffes and zebras while others learned about the ongoing sea turtle rescue mission and how to care for these animals’ habitats and nesting grounds.

Healing the ʻĀina at Aulani Resort 

Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa and Mālama Learning Center led a VoluntEARS event that explored the role people can play in healing the ʻāina (land). With support from the Disney Conservation Fund as part of its focus on protecting local natural water systems, VoluntEARS removed invasive species and planted native Hawaiian trees and shrubs, fostering deeper connections to the land and its significance. 

Hong Kong Disneyland Champions Food Waste Initiative  

Disney VoluntEARS at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort have been repurposing surplus bread with Foodlink, a registered charity. Not only does this innovative initiative address and help combat food waste, but it also assists individuals facing food insecurity in local communities. 

CELEBRATE – Honoring Earth’s Wonders 

Disneyland Paris: Earth Day Conference and Hospital Nature Workshops 

Disney cast members, local students and top external environmental experts gathered for a series of conferences and workshops on environmental topics where innovative solutions were shared, inspiring cast members to act responsibly for future generations. In the spirit of honoring Earth’s wonders, VoluntEARS also led workshops during a hospital visit at Hopital Bullion where they spread awareness about the importance of environmental responsibility and connected patients to the beauty of our natural earth.    

Shanghai Disney Resort: “ourHOME” Nature Conservation Forum 

On Earth Day, Shanghai Disney Resort hosted the “ourHome” Nature Conservation Forum, featuring inspirational speeches and panel discussions raising awareness about wildlife and encouraging the attendees – invited guests, nonprofit organizations, volunteers and resort representatives to take action. Renowned conservationists and community leaders such as Xi Zhinong, National Geographic Explorer, and Zhu Jicheng, Shanghai Dance Theatre Deputy Director, Executive Director of Dance Drama Crested Ibises, shared valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our planet and celebrated environmental achievements.  

As we near the end of Earth Month, we hope you are inspired by our cast and community to make a difference. Together, we can protect, restore and celebrate the wonders of our planet for generations to come, a commitment we like to call Disney Planet Possible.  

The post How Disney Cast & VoluntEARS Are Celebrating Earth Month 2024 appeared first on Disney Experiences.

Disney Cruise Line has had a longstanding relationship with the organization and has donated multiple canvases to help in the foundation’s mission of displaying at least one painting in each hospital in the world. Established in 1984, the foundation is dedicated to bringing comfort and brightening the spirits of hospital patients by decorating hospitals with cheerful artwork.

Painting for a Greater Cause

The fun kicked off with Disney cast and Imagineers, along with a group of 25 helpful VoluntEARS, donning Mickey ears and mitts, surprising the students with an exciting program of activities instead of a regular school day.

Imagineer Kate Press said, “Seeing the students’ eyes light up with excitement as they realized that the special guests were from Disney was quite a magical moment for us.”

To give every student a chance to paint on the canvases, the children rotated through different coloring stations, including the canvases and Disney Cruise Line-inspired coloring sheets of Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Mickey and Minnie.

“We had so much fun sharing and creating Disney magic together with the kids while we made the paintings,” exclaimed Imagineer Jasper Wilms.

Ending the Day With a Special Wish

Afterward, the children enjoyed a special screening of “Wish” — the newest film from Walt Disney Animation Studios — complete with popcorn and snacks.

Imagineer Demi Schouten shared, “The Disney VoluntEARS event was an amazing opportunity to make the school kids’ day memorable. It was great to see how happy and grateful the kids were to spend a day filled with fun Disney activities!”

Imagineers’ Commitment to Supporting Local Communities

Imagineers believe it is important to support their local communities, especially in ways that embody the heart of Imagineering – creativity and innovation. Many Imagineers have their own stories about how they were inspired to become Imagineers during their childhood, and this event was used to spark their imagination. We hope to inspire the next generation of children about the importance of giving back and encourage them to always think innovatively.

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Participants on the Disney College Program work hard and get numerous benefits, including: 

• Educational sessions and career development opportunities 
• Experience toward future career goals 
• An inside look at how Disney helps make magic for guests  
• The opportunity to live in resort-like accommodations 
• The chance to meet and form friendships with program participants from all over the world 
• Special cast member discounts 
• Complimentary theme park admission 
• Previews of new attractions 
• Company-provided transportation to and from work and to area dining and shopping 
• Opportunities to join Disney VoluntEARS at community support events 

Sound exciting? Let’s dig a little deeper into how the Disney College Program works and what makes it one of a kind. 

How does the Disney College Program work? 

Participants on the Disney College Program live and work at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Participants have opportunities to learn skills to further their careers both in educational sessions and on the job working a guest-facing role at a Disney Resort hotel, at a theme park or at Disney Springs.  

How long does the Disney College Program go?

Participants spend 4 to 8 months on the Disney College Program and have the opportunity to extend the experience up to one full calendar year. 

Program arrivals happen year-round, and participants typically have the option to choose between the following seasons:

• Spring
• Spring and Summer
• Summer and Fall
• Fall

Disney College Program roles

Walt Disney knew that however magical a place is built to be, the people make the dream come true. Participants on the Disney College Program help create that Disney magic by interacting with guests in one of over 20 roles as Disney cast members.

Roles are categorized into six areas: food service, retail and sales, attractions, entertainment, lodging and operations. The exact day-to-day work participants do depends on the role they’re assigned, but each role is fun and rewarding in its own way.

Where do participants live?

Participants on the program have the option to live at Flamingo Crossings Village, an apartment community owned and operated by American Campus Communities, with other participants from all across the globe. The apartments are furnished, and the community is fully equipped with resort-style pools, a 12,500 sq. ft. fitness center and study areas.

What learning opportunities are available during the Disney College Program?

Exclusive learning offerings on the Disney College Program give participants unparalleled enhancements to their academic and professional careers through experiential learning, in-classroom experiences, professional development and networking opportunities. The program is even recommended for credit by the American Council on Education.

The Disney College Program also provides a variety of resources and tools for current students on a program, including dedicated time off for school classes and exam proctoring.

Program requirements

To be eligible to participate, candidates need to meet the Disney College Program’s requirements. Students of all majors or who are undeclared are welcome to apply. 

Applicants must: 

• Be at least 18 years old when applying. 
• Currently be an enrolled student or recent graduate (within 24 months) of an accredited U.S. educational institution with at least one semester completed. 
• Have full work availability. 
• Accept the program’s pay rate and appearance requirements. 
• Have unrestricted U.S. work authorization for the entire program.
• If you’re a former participant in the Disney College Program, you must wait at least four months after your last departure date before applying again. 

If applicable, participants must also meet their school’s individual requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA. 

How to apply

Interested students and recent graduates can apply and get more information on the Disney Programs website. Applications for the fall season typically open in January while applications for the spring season typically open in August.  

After submitting an application, if you’re selected to move on in the application process, you’ll be contacted to participate in a 30-minute phone interview.  

Creating Disney magic

The Disney College Program lets students and recent grads engage in once-in-a-lifetime experiences while forming lifelong friendships and furthering their career goals. Whatever their role, program participants help create that Disney magic that lets guests make unforgettable memories.

The post A Uniquely Disney Internship: What Is the Disney College Program? appeared first on Disney Experiences.

Who are the Global Disney Ambassadors?

The Global Disney Ambassador team represents thousands of cast members at our parks, resorts and experiences all around the world. They lead and participate in events, share cast member stories, spread Disney magic within their communities and represent their resort as an official spokesperson. 

History & Heritage of the Global Disney Ambassador Program

The Global Disney Ambassador Program began during the Tencennial Celebration of Disneyland, commemorating the Park’s first successful decade of operation. 

1964 was a busy time for Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company: work was underway to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of Disneyland; Mary Poppins was in theaters; teams were busy planning “Project X”, later to be revealed as Walt Disney World Resort; and all on the heels of the 1964 New York World’s Fair, which Walt Disney Imagineering had just created four new attractions for. 

During this time, Walt received many requests for media interviews and to attend numerous events. Considering the Tenth Anniversary of Disneyland was close at hand, he wanted to do something special to help celebrate. Recognizing the talented Cast of Disneyland, the Disney Ambassador Program was born. 

Walt wanted to have a Disneyland Cast Member assist him with the many requests he received. The Ambassador’s duties would include making public appearances and speeches, escorting dignitaries and other VIP Guests visiting Disneyland, traveling the country and the world promoting the Disney ideals. 

Since then, the program has grown to represent Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Shanghai Disney Resort.  

The First Disney Ambassador

The iconic legacy of the Global Disney Ambassador program began with Julie Reihm Casaletto, the first-ever Disney Ambassador. Julie began her Disney career as a tour guide at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Two years later, the role of Disneyland Ambassador was created. Julie was chosen by Walt himself to serve as a representative of Disneyland, attending global events on behalf of Walt Disney. 

In 1971, Walt Disney World Resort selected its first Disney Ambassador, Debby Dane Browne. And from there, the program expanded to Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa and Shanghai Disney Resort. 

To stay connected, visit the Disney Cast Life page to follow the Global Disney Ambassadors on social media.

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