Working at WDW (non-CP)

[g.armor]

Hello! I was hoping someone could give me some insight into working for WDW. I have a family of 5 and wanting/needing a career change. It has been my dream for many many years to work at WDW, but have had trouble finding roles/knowing what roles may provide enough money to support my family. Can any experienced CM give me any words of advice? I think the most likely role that fits my past experience the most would be in the reservations center. Has anyone worked there that can tell me about how much can be made in commission? Also, can someone tell me approximately how much someone is a supervisor role makes annually? And, how long can it take for someone to be promoted into a supervisor role from reservation specialist? Any info would be appreciated!!

 

[eadavis]

Hello! I was hoping someone could give me some insight into working for WDW. I have a family of 5 and wanting/needing a career change. It has been my dream for many many years to work at WDW, but have had trouble finding roles/knowing what roles may provide enough money to support my family. Can any experienced CM give me any words of advice? I think the most likely role that fits my past experience the most would be in the reservations center. Has anyone worked there that can tell me about how much can be made in commission? Also, can someone tell me approximately how much someone is a supervisor role makes annually? And, how long can it take for someone to be promoted into a supervisor role from reservation specialist? Any info would be appreciated!!

So the best resource for looking at openings is http://www.DisneyJobs.com. After a quick glance, there are postings for Reservation Sales Agents in Orlando (https://sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=25348&siteid=5039&jobid=174616) and Tampa (https://sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=25348&siteid=5039&jobid=174701).

I haven't worked as a Sales Agent, but I have worked at the DRC in Orlando. Its about 20 minutes away from the parks near Sand Lake Road and I-Drive. However, I had the chance to talk to many of them as I was interested in that role at one time. Base pay is about $8-$11 depending on experience. I heard that commissions could get you up into the $100k/year range. But all of that depends on your ability, and the guests that call in. I will say that you may have some difficulty coming from outside the Company straight into that role as they look for those with a vast knowledge of WDW Property. Granted, there are loads of resources online, but nothing beats first-hand experience. If sales agent is your goal, you may want to get your foot in the door as Resort Front-Desk or Concierge for a few months.

As far as Manager Salary, check GlassDoor or Indeed for comprable salaries. Disney keeps those confidential. I will say though, that benefits at the salaried level are very good, the vacation and retirement packages were recently changed. However, making the move to management depends on experience, performance, work ethic, and most importantly, vacancy. If you are a superstar, you can make that move in about a year if there is a spot open. Disney is always hiring at the ground floor as those roles are always turning over. To get into management, there has to be a vacancy. You could be a solid salesperson ready for management, but if there isn't an opening, you won't get promoted. However, there are literally thousands of roles at Disney. Finding the "next step" isn't that difficult.

 

[g.armor]

I heard that commissions could get you up into the $100k/year range. But all of that depends on your ability, and the guests that call in. I will say that you may have some difficulty coming from outside the Company straight into that role as they look for those with a vast knowledge of WDW Property.

I have actually gone through the entire interview process before and been offered the job, but had to turn it down simply because they would give no indication of commissions potential and I knew there was no way to make it on $9.40/hour, which is what they say is starting rate.

You say $100k/year???? That sounds almost too good to be true. Is there any way you can put me in touch with someone who actually works there that has current working knowledge of this? That is really what I am looking for. I know I have the knowledge and what it takes to succeed at this job; I just need to know if Disney actually pays good sales people good money, or if there is a cap...basically some details into how the commission works and what the potential is.

I REALLY APPRECIATE you taking the time to converse with me on this!!

 

[eadavis]

I have actually gone through the entire interview process before and been offered the job, but had to turn it down simply because they would give no indication of commissions potential and I knew there was no way to make it on $9.40/hour, which is what they say is starting rate. You say $100k/year???? That sounds almost too good to be true. Is there any way you can put me in touch with someone who actually works there that has current working knowledge of this? That is really what I am looking for. I know I have the knowledge and what it takes to succeed at this job; I just need to know if Disney actually pays good sales people good money, or if there is a cap...basically some details into how the commission works and what the potential is. I REALLY APPRECIATE you taking the time to converse with me on this!!

I wish I could help further, it's been over three years since I was there and wouldn't know who to even put you in touch with. And also with the 100k, I "heard," but never verified as it is generally frowned upon to walk around asking people how much money they make. I wasn't in a commissioned role when I was there either so I too don't know the commission specifics. Disney probably won't fill you in on how commissions work until you sign on the dotted line.

I will say, if you are only in it for the money, Disney probably isn't the best fit.

However, if you are still interested, another commissioned role that is posted is the DVC Advanced Sales Associate. Those are the people you see in the parks/resorts selling DVC and setting up tours. That too I've heard can be good money, if you're good at it.

Disney, like most other companies, doesn't publicize their salary information or commission rates.

Best of luck to you.

 

[g.armor]

I appreciate it!!

 

[jenniy122]

I understand the dream of wanting to work for Disney (heck, I'm pursuing it right now!), but they really do start you from the bottom up. So it may not be feasible with a family to support when you have to start at $8-9 an hour at front desk to get to where you want in a year or two. They're big with promoting from within, so coming in at a managers spot may not be realistic.