In addition to my primary career and other entrepreneurial endeavors, I have worked in the theme park capital of the world... the Orlando theme park trifecta.
- Walt Disney World (blog post with job notes)
- First guest visit 1975
- Universal Orlando Resort (blog post with job notes)
- First guest visit 1990
- SeaWorld Orlando (blog post with job notes)
- First guest visit 1979
I have always had a great fondness for parks and attractions. Lenape Amusement Park in West Chester, Pennsylvania was my first experience... at only 8 days old! Since then, I have become a connoisseur for the attractions industry.
Theme Park work experiences have been part-time and seasonal. More recently, these opportunities have been both a part of my extended working sabbatical in Florida and enjoyable ways to keep busy during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
As an experienced business professional, I have performed various tasks at the parks with a keen eye for operational detail while taking lots of notes. I strategically strived to perform as many roles as possible to learn the operations. It has been interesting to compare and contrast the internal workings of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando (SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has since been rebranded as United Parks & Resorts). Incidentally, I have had one-on-one scheduled meetings with vice presidents of all three theme park companies.
I have been a special event volunteer for Give Kids The World. I have also been a ride operator for their attractions including Jurassic Junction Railroad, Lori's Magical Flight and Kelly's Sunny Swing.
Walt Disney World
Attraction H/H
Part-time
Jul 2021 – present
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Walt Disney World
- Magic Kingdom; Returned to assist the park during pandemic recovery and 50th anniversary celebration within Fantasyland East attractions including Dumbo the Flying Elephant (ride), The Barnstormer (ride) and Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid (ride)
- Disney's Hollywood Studios; Transferred to Sunset Boulevard to work attractions The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (ride) and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (ride) including theatre shows Fantasmic! (stage show) and Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy (interactive experience)
- Events Host assisting special property experiences; Disney Springs crowd control for "Disney Dreams That Soar Presented by AT&T" Nighttime Drone Show and Magic Kingdom treat distribution for "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party"
Merchandise Host / Production Crew
Contract / Seasonal
Jan 1991 – Dec 1996
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Walt Disney World Casual Temporary [worked at least one week annually]
- Merchandise Host; EPCOT Center and other park/resort locations
- Production Assistant; The All New Mickey Mouse Club (TV Series - worked summer 1991)
Retail Merchandise Host
Apprenticeship / Part-time
Sep 1990 – Jan 1991
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
• Walt Disney World College Program [auditioned and selected with another student out of 200+ applicants from Widener University]
- Merchandise Host; EPCOT Center, World Showcase Plaza
- Disney University; Studio Production Curriculum
Universal Orlando Resort
Event Staff
Seasonal
Mar 2018 – present
Orlando, Florida
• Event Operations Guide; executes with team special and corporate events, productions, parades, concerts and festivals throughout Universal Orlando Resort theme parks and studios
Additional Universal jobs during pandemic year (2020-2021) picked up or assigned with the following divisions:
• Entertainment/Marquee Events (see Auditions):
- Performed weekly as scare actor and puppeteer for Halloween Horror Nights (2021)
- Balloon handler for Universal’s annual Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- Escort for annual Mardi Gras parade (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023)
• Food & Beverage: Assisted at several restaurants in food preparation and other assignments
• Human Resources: Assisted with Team Member Services special projects
• Operations:
- Attractions; non-safety positions for several rides
- Events; home venue and duties specialist as assigned
- Health Services; special assignment for guest pre-screening
- Park Services; cleaning and custodial
- Transporation; directing traffic for vehicles and pedestrians, fleet bus entry/exit parking
- Security; crowd control, guest entry metal detector, bag scanner
Have worked in all three parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay) and CityWalk
• NOTE: Temporarily transferred to Guest Services for three months (Mar-May 2021) working as coordinator for the Guest Experience Support Team c/o VIP Experience. The guest safety position was responsible for disseminating information, answering questions and mandating compliance of company and CDC policies during a specific period of the global pandemic.
SeaWorld Orlando
Operations Team Member
Part-time
Oct 2015 – May 2017
Orlando, Florida
• Park Operations and Events Host (Rides/Stadiums/Exhibits)
- Attractions; primary job was full operation of each position at Manta (ride), a steel high-speed flying roller coaster
Note: Member Florida Hospitality Industry Association since 2018
PRIMARY CAREER
Click ABOUT ME for links to RÉSUMÉ, PORTFOLIO, TESTIMONIALS
- Dynamic Leadership - Manager, Executive Director, Company President
LIST OF PART-TIME WORK EXPERIENCE
Knowledgeable in Parks, Experiences and Products
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