Did you know at The Walt Disney Company we have an educational investment program called Disney Aspire that provides hourly cast members and employees with resources they need to achieve their educational goals? Disney Aspire breaks down barriers to higher education, inspires career mobility and helps the company’s workforce prosper by offering 100% upfront tuition coverage for a network of schools and universities, along with added benefits, like reimbursement for books and fees.   In this week’s episode, our hosts LaJoy and Steven sit down with four graduates of the program: Carey, Food & Beverage, Disneyland Resort; Karen, Vacation Advisor I, Walt Disney World Resort; Dylan, Front Desk Manager & 2024-2025 Aulani Ambassador; and Eric, Cast Operations Program Manager, Disney Cruise Line to learn how Disney Aspire enabled them to put their dreams within reach.

Our host Natalie sits down with Deborah, Senior Vice President, General Manager Media Networks and Advertising EMEA and UK and Ireland Country Manager and Hans, Senior Vice President, General Manager Media, and Country Manager of the Nordics & Baltics to learn more about what they do in their roles as Country Managers for The Walt Disney Company.   In her role, Deborah is responsible for the day-to-day management of the networks and directly oversees advertising sales and partnerships, marketing, communications and research for the media networks business across the UK and Ireland. In his role, Hans has direct responsibility for the local media business, serving as a driving force behind new, groundbreaking partnerships in the Nordics and Baltics region, as well as leading the rollout of projects such as FOX+ and National Geographic+.

From educating guests in our theme parks and resorts to evolving The Walt Disney Company’s nature strategy, our guests for this episode of the Life at Disney podcast inspire action to protect the planet through conservation.    Join Stephen as he sits down with Leslie, Program Manager with Nature Strategy & Integration and Dario, Education Manager with Guest Animal Experiences to learn more about conservation at Disney. In her role, Leslie helps manage the various Disney Conservation Fund philanthropic programs that help nonprofit organizations and communities save wildlife and more. For Dario, he partners with several education, operations, and animal care teams to provide an exceptional guest experience in our theme parks and resorts.

Join our host Cassie in this week's episode as she chats with Brian and Kelsey from Disney Consumer Products to learn more about how our teams make our stories immersive experiences in the gaming world.   Brian is an Associate Product Development Manager for Marvel Games and has spearheaded efforts to collaborate with developers to make the gaming experience more accessible for players. Kelsey, a Producer III at Disney/Pixar Games, has worked on games such as Disney Illusion Island and Disney Dreamlight Valley, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

In this episode, join Cassie for a conversation with Tiffany, Human Resources Business Partner, and Pauline, VP, Creative - Asia Pacific, and learn more about their roles, career journeys and Disney in the Asia-Pacific region.   As a Human Resources Business Partner, Tiffany regularly acts as an employee advocate while partnering with leaders across the company to provide Human Resources support, achieving business and organizational goals. Pauline’s VP, Creative role allows her to lead the charge of creative development for various global Disney brands, ranging from Marvel to National Geographic. She is also responsible for developing creative needs across licensing owned and operated businesses.

Discover how Amy, a Disney Photo Imaging (DPI) Product Design Specialist, and Grace, Manager, Product Management work behind the screens to innovate with next generation technology.   In her role, Amy supports Disney Experiences across Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line using graphic design to create immersive enhancements to guest photos such as magic shots with Disney PhotoPass and AR lenses for Genie+. Grace leads a talented team in her role, one that is redefining programmatic advertising and cementing Disney’s pivotal role in this dynamic space. Join LaJoy as she discovers a little bit more about the tech behind our magic.

Have you ever wondered how The Walt Disney Company brings once-in-a-lifetime experiences to life for our guests and cast members around the world? Meet our guests for this episode, Alex, VP, International Live Entertainment and Wai Quen, VP, Human Resources, who help make it all happen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort!   As VP, International Live Entertainment, Alex is responsible for bringing to life stage shows, character greetings, and many other performances across our parks in Asia and Europe. For Wai Quen, her position in Human Resources entails managing and supporting the many operations that ensure employee success. Tune in to learn more about their roles, career journeys, and all things Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Join our host Stephen for a conversation with Saroya, Casting Director; Ray, Manager, Talent Casting Operations; and Jason, Producer to talk about how we bring entertainment to life at our Parks & Resorts!    With over 20 years of casting experience, Saroya works cross-functionally with performers, show directors and other parties to bring a project from the initial audition to the debut performance. Having a 30+ year career with Disney, Ray’s current role as Manager of Talent Casting Operations allows him to build and lead a team of dedicated casting professionals for Disney Cruise Line. Together, Ray and Saroya pull the curtain back for an inside look at Disney Auditions. Our last guest, Jason, works as a Producer of Production Management Events and puts objectives, schedules, and budgets together to bring numerous events to life at Walt Disney World Resort.

This season on the Life at Disney Podcast, we've gone global. We're speaking to cast members and employees in our offices around the world. In this week’s episode, we’re headed to Latin America to meet with Eliana and Jacque on the Business Intelligence & Analytics team!   Eliana, Senior Manager, Data Science, leads efforts to improve day-to-day productivity for Disney’s multiple lines of business within the Latin American market (streaming, theatrical, consumer products and more) by analyzing and reporting data. Jacque, Manager, Partner Analytics, contributes strategic insights and recommendations for key stakeholders such as offering add-on products for Disney+. Join Steven as he speaks with Eliana and Jacque to learn more about how they turn data into business solutions for The Walt Disney Company Latin America.

Kate and Laura from The Walt Disney Studios are here on the Life at Disney Podcast to share their stories and experiences on bringing to life the music and movies we know and love today.    Kate is a Character Technical Director with Walt Disney Animation Studios who started her career with Disney in 2013 and has worked on films such as "Big Hero 6," "Zootopia," "Moana" and more. Laura is the Director of Marketing for Disney Music Group and has been with the company for 15 years. Laura works closely with our businesses to develop music strategies and marketing plans for soundtracks. Join LaJoy as she talks with Kate and Laura to learn more about their roles and career journeys!

We’re officially back with Season 2 of the Life at Disney Podcast! We’re kicking off this season with a special episode where you’ll meet our hosts, Cassie, Steven, LaJoy, Stephen, and Natalie.   Join us as Ally, a Life at Disney Podcast producer, sits down for a roundtable conversation with Cassie, LaJoy, Steven, Natalie, and Stephen. Hear from your hosts for the season as they talk all things Life at Disney, their favorite Disney memories, and their current roles with the company.

Started on the Disney College Program and now they’re AMBASSADORS! Walt Disney World Ambassadors Shannon and Serena join Holly and Destiny to talk about their Disney career journeys how they still use the skills from their College Program in their roles today. Welcome to season three of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Shannon completed her first Disney College Program at Disneyland in parking and transportation. Then, she came over to Walt Disney World for a second program in attractions before landing a Disney Internship in recruitment. Serena completed her Disney College Program at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. After graduating, she came back to Florida for a Disney Internship in sourcing. Today, Shannon and Serena make up the 2024-2025 Walt Disney World Ambassador team.

Disney College Program recruiters are BACK on campus! Recruiter Savone, Disney Programs Representative Maya and their team might just be visiting your college or university. Welcome to season three of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Savone kicked off her Disney career as a maid at the Haunted Mansion during her Disney College Program and then transitioned to a leadership role at EPCOT through the Disney Hospitality Leadership Program. Now she’s a College & International Programs recruiter and gets to visit campuses across the country. Maya completed her Disney College Program in parking during the Fall 2023 season before transitioning to her current role as one of our new Disney Programs Reps! You can catch her recruiting for Disney Programs at University of Central Florida. The pair are reminiscing on their programs, giving tips and tricks for future applicants and answering some questions from our social media followers.

Our participants know that the opportunities are endless on the Disney College Program! Just ask our guests, Kendall and Andre. Welcome to season three of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Kendall is a recent graduate from Winthrop University and a merchandise hostess at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where she recently became a trainer. Andre is a recent graduate from Five Towns College and a park greeter at Magic Kingdom. Andre has dreamed of working for Disney since he was a kid. Meanwhile, Kendall applied for the Program on a whim. Now they’re both planning to stay in Florida to continue their careers with Disney! Learn about how they are making the most of their Disney College Program, what it’s been like moving away from home, what they love about living in Florida and more.

So what’s the Disney College Program really like? We’re sitting down with two current participants to find out! Welcome to season three of our miniseries, where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Tasia works in merchandise at Magic Kingdom and recently became a trainer. She’s an Alabama A&M alumna and started her journey through the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort. Isaac works in outdoor foods at Magic Kingdom. He’s a current student at Modesto Junior College and a first-generation college student. They talk building connections to further their careers, the perks of extending their programs, living with roommates at Flamingo Crossings Village and so much more!

Walt Disney first said, “It takes people to make the dream a reality.” Today, we’re kicking back with Disney College Program alumni who not only made those dreams come true during their programs but are also bringing their professional wishes to life since then! First, hear from Stephanie, who shares how her experience and transferable skills from the program helped her reach her dream role with The Walt Disney Company! Then, listen as Ruben shares how his Disney journey has taken him from volunteering at The Walt Disney Family Museum to working in custodial at Disney California Adventure Park to most recently, supporting the Disney+ Original Series "Obi-Wan Kenobi” with Industrial Light & Magic.

Making candy apples? Check! Tossing a coin in Cinderella’s Wishing Well? Absolutely! No matter what’s on your Disney College Program bucket list, we're ready to help you achieve it all and more. And today, we have two guests who are living their best lives at Disney! Tune in as our first guest Edwin Diaz, an aspiring Disney animator all the way from New York, shares how he’s living on his own for the first time and loving it. Then, hear from Diamond Gaston, a Merchandise cast member at five unique Disney Springs shops, who spends her free time making memories with her coworkers and building lasting friendships. Get ready to discover all the magic you can experience on your own Program!

From uniquely Disney learning opportunities and experiences to covering college credit and so much more - you won’t want to miss this episode! Our first guest is Josh Brasher, a Disney College Program alum who is giving back to the Program in a BIG way with unparalleled opportunities and knowledge from his journey with the Company. You’ll also hear from Nick Warner, who is participating in the Disney College Program and truly making the most of the learning component while also developing impactful connections for his future Disney career. But that’s not all! You'll even discover a few fun facts along the way like which Disney legends recently joined as guest speakers. Tune in!

Welcome to season two of our miniseries where we’ll discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Kicking off episode one of the season, you’ll hear from Reese Tate, who is following in her mom’s footsteps by participating in the Program. She’s currently working in attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® with the hopes of merging her theater background with leadership opportunities. Then, you’ll meet Kamrin Williams, who enjoyed her Disney College Program so much, that she’s back for round two. This time, she’s getting extra pixie dust as part of the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Cohort powered by Disney on the Yard.

Some of the greatest things in life can come from taking a chance and trying something new. Applying to the Disney College Program helped both of our guests discover just that and gain new confidence in themselves. From viewing each day with a positive outlook to daily “pinch-me moments,” the program experience can lead to exciting opportunities and lasting memories. Our first guest is Javier Moreno, a current participant working at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort that made a big move from California to begin his Disney journey. Then you’ll hear from Alexis Rojas, an ad integration and strategy coordinator with ESPN who started her career on the Disney College Program, making the most of each opportunity she received and continues to do so today.

No matter where you start, there's a place for you within The Walt Disney Company! That's what both of our guests in this episode discovered through their Disney College Program experiences. First meet Emma, a current Disney College Program participant working in merchandise at Dinoland U.S.A. within Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Through her program she's developed friendships, working relationships, and leadership skills as well as discovering her dream of building a career with Disney. Then hear from Jose, an alum of the program and seven-year cast member currently in a role with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He speaks about his own Disney College Program experience, how mentors and leaders helped in his journey, and why inclusion is important to him, especially as he now gets to be an integral part of so many other's Disney career journeys.

We’re there because we care! Today, we’re chatting with the team that brings uniquely Disney experiences to life for our Disney Programs participants. We go over everything from exclusive activities and learning offerings to academic and career support. On this episode you’ll hear from Quan Spratley, a Program Experience Associate who recently completed the Disney College Program and is now beginning his career helping current participants make the most of their program. You’ll also hear from Ryan Geno, a Program Experience Manager with a decorated 15-year career at Walt Disney World® Resort who focuses on bringing a variety of experiential and instructor-led learning offerings to life for thousands of participants.  

Welcome to our new miniseries where we will discuss all things about life on the Disney College Program! For more than 40 years, this unique internship experience has brought magic makers to Walt Disney World® Resort from across the country and many participants go on to have lasting careers with The Walt Disney Company. Discussing his unique Disney College Program experience, magical moments, and important lessons, you’ll hear from Colin Hooper, a current Disney College Program participant working as a Resort Concierge and Trainer at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. You’ll also hear from Taylor Barfield, a Disney College Program alum whose program helped her begin her career with Disney. Now, she is paving the way for future participants and connecting students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with meaningful opportunities as an Outreach and Engagement Manager.

In this bonus episode, your host Ashley Siegel is joined by two special guests from our Disney Parks, Experiences and Products team, 2022-2023 Walt Disney World Ambassador Raevon Redding and Jerome Smith, General Manager for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a revolutionary new 2-night experience where you are the hero. Raevon takes you on an incredible journey talking with Jerome about his Disney career, highs and lows he has experienced, and some of the things you really want to know about Disney Cast Life.

From pre-visualizing attractions and shows to researching and developing new experiences that are years away from entering our parks and resorts, we are joined by two Walt Disney Imagineers in this episode. Jonathan Becker, Senior Research & Development Imagineer, and Emily Van Bellegham, AR/VR Design Engineer talk about their current roles, how they got their start with Walt Disney Imagineering, and advice for anyone interested in becoming an Imagineer.

To serve sports fans, anytime, anywhere, is the mission of ESPN. As the go-to stop for all sports coverage, we sit down with two ESPN employees, Jett Watkins, Social Media Specialist II and Sania Blu, Associate Producer at ESPN Next, who share that it is not all about the final score, but the stories that EPSN tells. We hear about how ESPN handles breaking news – like when Tom Brady announced he was retiring – tips on how you can improve your content skills, and the different job areas you get to work in when you join the ESPN Next program.

Discover a unique living and working environment with participants from all over the world. The Disney College Program and Disney Internships can be the start of your career with The Walt Disney Company. Hear from two Disney College Program alumni, including a recently converted Disney Intern, Karla Quintanilla, Programs Experience Associate, and Kevin Boutte, Walt Disney Imagineering Inclusive Strategy Development Designer about their experiences, their roles with the company today, and how you can get started in one on a Disney Program.

The Culinary teams across Disney Parks, Experiences and Products create unforgettable dining experiences for guests from around the world. This week we make stops at our parks on both coasts as we hear from the Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants, Chef Andrew Sutton, and Chef Assistant at EPCOT Festivals, Chef Pedro Pomales. They share their culinary journey, how they conceptualize dishes that end up in our parks and resorts, and the different career paths available with Disney Culinary.

At Disney, inclusion is for everyone. We strive to design work environments that inspire optimism and drive innovation for all employees at all levels. And because we recognize that maintaining an inclusive, supportive workplace requires mindful attention and intention, we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our people. To discuss the opportunities available for our cast members, crew, Imagineers, and employees, as well as our external audience in the diversity, inclusion, and equity space, we are joined by Corey Savage, Senior Outreach & Engagement Manager, and LaJoy Mercer, Tech Recruiter as they share their experience and how they have seen this evolve while with The Walt Disney Company.

National Geographic has been igniting the explorer in all of us for over 130 years. In this episode, we hear from Hugh Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Scripted Content, and Benji Schwartz, Destination Manager on the Land and Cruise team at Nat Geo Expeditions. Whether you are interested in creating content for National Geographic’s scripted shows like Genius or A Long Road Home, or helping create itineraries for Nat Geo Expeditions, we learn that it is all about deepening people’s understanding of the world and our role within it.

Walt Disney Studios is the core of where The Walt Disney Company started nearly 100 years ago. Today the Studios brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. This week both our guests hail from our Disney Studios Content team, Nicole Roberts, Senior Manager of Global Marketing, and Ian Milham, Virtual Production Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). Our guests take us behind the scenes of their roles, sharing all the moving parts that go into creating global marketing campaigns, the virtual production process used on The Mandalorian, and how technology is creating new and exciting roles within Studios.

Innovation is the foundation of what our Disney technologists do. Our technologists are constantly elevating, evolving, and pioneering the future of our streaming platforms, content, and more to always be one step ahead when creating the latest in immersive entertainment experiences. We are joined by two technologists this week, Rekha Bachwani, Director of Machine Learning Engineering with Disney Streaming, and Scott Ray, Director of Technology for Emerging Tech within Disney Parks, Experiences & Products – Technology & Digital. Rekha and Scott give an inside look at some of the projects they’re currently working on with our streaming platforms and our parks and resorts, discuss the culture of their teams, and share advice for anyone interested in a career with technology at Disney!

"Life at Disney" is a podcast all about what it’s like to Be Part of the Story in a career with Disney. Your hosts, Tony Williams and Ashley Siegel uncover some remarkable stories from the perspective of the people and teams behind the magic. In each episode, we will talk with cast members, crew, Imagineers, and employees to learn more about working at Disney. We will peek behind the curtain of a variety of career opportunities available, like doing research and development with Imagineering, traveling the world as a Destination Manager with National Geographic Expeditions, or starting your career with Disney Programs. We will dive into the creative minds behind signature dining menus for our parks and resorts and learn more about how Disney on the Yard fosters a culture of connection and community for HBCU students and alumni. Join us as we bring our core values, culture, and work to life by getting to know the folks who make up The Walt Disney Company on a personal level.