Curious About the First Step to Becoming a Disney Cast Member? It All Starts With Traditions!

It’s the Cast Members that make visiting Disney Parks and Resorts truly special, but a lot goes into their preparation to take on exciting new roles at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

Whether a Disney Cast Member is preparing for a semester-long internship on the Disney College Program, a short-term stint as a Disney Cultural Representative, or a full-time career in the Parks and Resorts, there is one important piece of training they all must go through: Traditions.

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Traditions is the Walt Disney Company’s orientation program that shares inspiration in working in roles where Cast Members can create happiness for Guests, while instilling a sense of excitement for new workers. The program has been taking place since the opening of Disneyland, where Traditions was originally crated by Walt Disney. Traditions has changed a lot since then, but the foundations of Walt’s original program are still a part of how Cast Members begin their training today.

As the Disney Parks Blog explains, Traditions covers everything new Cast Members need to know before setting off for their more specific on-the-job training at their work locations. This first look into the company includes basics on Disney history and heritage, and all of the unique ways Cast can provide the top-notch service Disney is known for all while creating magical vacation memories.

One of the most unique parts of Traditions is that the program is facilitated by Cast Members from various roles, levels, and work locations, and in multiple languages. Jeanne Burger, a Disney Vacation Club Associate who is in the new class of facilitators for this year, shared her excitement saying:

The Walt Disney Company is unlike any other. Each and every cast member is chosen for specific reasons and we are very excited to get to know them, give them the tools they need to succeed with the knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation and serve as a mentor once the program is complete.

Certain elements of the program are kept secret to preserve the magic for Guests who are not working for the company, but we can share they the experience comes with some magical moments exclusive for new Cast Members themselves.

Among several magical experiences throughout the day, Traditions marks the first day that new Cast Members receive their nametags along with a new, and very special pair of Mickey ears ahead of their journey with the company.

If you are interested in becoming a Cast Member, career opportunities (including the Disney College Program) are listed at DisneyCareers.com.