6 Incredible Perks of Being a Disney Employee
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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The long-term mental health benefits of a work-life balance are always important, but is it possible to strike it at the happiest place on earth? The Walt Disney Company has approximately 225,000 employees across its theme parks, entertainment properties and studios. These employees, often known as top talent and cast members, have high employee satisfaction thanks to several perks that come along with working at one of the most magical companies around.
If you are looking for a new job or just want a more fun approach to retirement planning, here’s a look at some of the best Disney benefits of being an employee.
Exclusive Discounts on Hotels, Dining and More
You wouldn’t think that a company started by a mouse would have such corporate savvy, but Disney knows how to attract and retain talent. Its employees receive discounts on select hotels, dining, merchandise and recreation locations, according to the Disney Career website. This makes financial planning a bit more streamlined when it comes to your travel and leisure activities.
Free Theme Park Admission
As far as waiting for your short-term employee benefits package to kick in, after only two weeks of employment, both full-time and part-time eligible employees of Disney can receive complimentary theme park admission, according to the Disney Career website. If you can’t do remote working, then at least your office is a kingdom filled with magic.
Free Theme Park Admission for Friends and Family
In addition to getting unlimited access to the parks for themselves, employees can bring up to three guests each time they visit the park, according to Sarah Wong, a Disney employee who shared her experience on Medium. However, there are certain blackout dates, and this does not apply to Tokyo Disneyland.
Free Higher Education
Through the Disney Aspire program, Disney employees can pursue a range of degrees, from skilled trade degrees to master’s degrees. Tuition is covered 100%, and books and fees are also covered, which means you can say goodbye to dreaded and expensive student loans. Partner institutions include the University of Arizona and the University of Central Florida.
Sneak Previews of Upcoming Attractions
According to a former Disney employee, cast members are able to preview areas of the park that aren’t yet open to the public. For example, one former cast member said she was able to get a sneak peek at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge experience at Disneyland before it opened.
Retirement Benefits and Perks
Other than the fun-filled adventures the park can offer you, when it comes down to saving for retirement, many employees of the Walt Disney Company enjoy employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with company matching, among other perks. Here are a few key takeaways:
- 401(k): Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan after 90 days of employment.
- Retirement Savings Plan: Employees can receive contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan if they are at least 18 years old and have completed one year of service.
- Miscellaneous benefits: Disney also offers other benefits to its employees such as childcare benefits and parental leave, life insurance, dental insurance, mental health benefits and generous PTO.
Gabriella Olya contributed to a previous version of this article.
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