Disney College Program
Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
I joined the Disney College Program thinking I was stepping into a fun job in a place I already loved. What I didn’t expect was how much it would change the way I understand people, travel, and experiences. Working inside Walt Disney World meant being trusted with everything that came with someone’s vacation, including their excitement, their stress, and their expectations. It was high energy, high responsibility, and the best education in hospitality I could have asked for.
Creating Magic on The Move
As a Minnie Van driver, I quickly learned that the ride itself was never just about getting from point A to point B. It was about stepping into someone’s vacation in real time, sometimes at the height of their excitement, sometimes in the middle of their stress, and sometimes at the quiet end of a very long day.
I leaned into humor whenever I could, like dramatic gasps at the mention of “Universal,” playful banter with kids, and lighthearted moments that made the ride feel less like transportation and more like part of the magic. For families, especially parents, I understood that trust mattered. Taking the time to explain how car seats worked and ensuring their children were secure wasn’t just procedural, it was reassurance. It allowed them to relax.
I listened to frustrations when plans didn’t go perfectly and offered thoughtful advice for the rest of their trip. I asked where they were visiting from, what they were most excited about, and what had already become their favorite memory. With kids, I’d ask about their favorite characters and invite them to “hold the spots on the car so they don’t fall off,” turning safety into something playful instead of restrictive.
Those moments taught me that hospitality is both emotional and practical. It’s knowing when to entertain, when to reassure, and when to simply listen. Even now, when I travel, I carry that same mindset: every transition, every interaction, every small detail has the power to shape someone’s experience.
The Art of Guest Experience
Working in merchandise and guest-facing roles exposed me to travelers from all over the world. Every interaction required adaptability — reading body language, understanding cultural differences, and adjusting communication styles in real time. It wasn’t just about transactions; it was about turning a purchase into a memory.
I learned that travel is emotional. Guests arrive excited, overwhelmed, nostalgic, stressed, or celebrating something meaningful. The ability to meet people where they are and elevate their experience is a skill I now carry into every destination I explore. Whether I’m recommending a restaurant or sharing a travel guide, I think about how it will make someone feel — not just what it will look like on a map.
Disney also showed me the structure behind the spectacle. Safety standards, operational precision, and intentional training are what allow the magic to exist seamlessly. Every detail is rehearsed, protected, and thoughtfully executed.
That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for what makes destinations run well — the invisible systems guests rarely see. Now, when I visit a new place, I notice the choreography behind the scenes: how staff interact, how spaces are designed, how flow and atmosphere are maintained. The magic works because the details are flawless — and that’s something I’ll always admire.
Why This Matters Now
My time at Disney didn’t just give me experience, it reshaped how I approach the world. I don’t just travel to see places; I travel to understand how they create moments. I notice how environments tell stories, how service influences memory, and how small details elevate an ordinary day into something unforgettable.
Wandering Around With Pombo isn’t just about where I go, it’s about the experience of being there.
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