Disney is a pretty fantastic place to visit, no matter what age you are. It is, after all, a place where almost anything is possible and dreams really do come true!
If you want to work for Disney because of all the fun things that Tinker Bell and Mickey Mouse do, it helps to know what kinds of questions they might ask you.
In general, these interview questions are behavioral and focus on customer experience. However, if you need a bit more advice, don’t panic. This guide tells you what you need to know about Disney job interviews and what questions they usually ask.
So you want to work at the Most Magical Place on Earth? Who wouldn’t!? With enchanting experiences, beloved characters, and countless memories made every day, Disney Parks are the dream work destination for many.
But before you can wave your magical wand and make dreams come true, you’ll need to ace the interview process. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide covering the top Disney Parks interview questions and tips to help you prepare. From must-know company info to situational scenarios, we’ll provide example responses to set you up for success.
Whether your path leads you to the jungles of Animal Kingdom or the spires of Cinderella’s castle, these insider insights will help you stand out. So let’s get started and discover how to craft winning answers that will have you exclaiming “Hakuna Matata!” as you embark on your Disney journey.
Common Interview Questions at Disney Parks
Why Do You Want To Work At Disney Parks?
This question tests your knowledge of the company and your motivation for joining the team. Disney wants cast members who align with their values of magic, dreams, and fantasy.
In your response express your passion for the brand and the unique experiences they create. Discuss specific reasons why Disney’s culture and dedication to storytelling appeals to you. Share any personal experiences that sparked your interest from childhood memories to exemplary customer service at the parks. Convey your enthusiasm for being part of crafting memorable moments and delighting guests.
How Would You Handle Telling A Child They Are Too Short To Ride An Attraction?
Safety is paramount at Disney Parks, but gently enforcing height requirements can lead to disappointed children. This question gauges your empathy, communication skills, and creativity in difficult situations.
Acknowledge the child’s feelings but also explain the reasoning kindly. Provide alternatives like milder rides or nearby attractions with no height minimums. If possible, turn the situation into an opportunity by suggesting they can grow tall enough by their next visit or enjoy stickers and a special souvenir for trying. The key is to balance policy enforcement with compassion.
Tell Me About A Time You Had To Handle A Tough Moment With A Co-Worker.
Here they want to know how you manage interpersonal conflicts and maintain professionalism even during disagreements. Describe the situation objectively, your conflict resolution approach, and the outcome. Emphasize listening skills, mutual understanding, and how you found a constructive solution or compromise. Stay positive by focusing on the learnings rather than just the conflict itself.
Tell Me About A Time You Had To Handle A Tough Guest.
In guest-centric roles like those at Disney Parks, occasionally dealing with difficult customers is inevitable. Share an example that demonstrates your composure, problem-solving, and commitment to service excellence even when faced with an upset guest.
Describe how you empathized while also upholding policies. Explain any techniques like active listening, finding solutions, or involving a supervisor, while ensuring the guest felt valued. Disney wants cast members who promote the magic by turning negative situations around.
Role-Specific Interview Questions
Beyond the commonly asked questions, you may also encounter role-specific questions tailored to the particular job you are applying for. Here are some examples with tips to help you prepare:
For Attractions Cast Members:
How would you handle a situation where a guest is not following safety rules on a ride?
Safety is the top priority, so intervene immediately if possible and alert supervisors. Calmly enforce the rules while also educating guests on reasons behind them. Make sure the experience doesn’t feel overly punitive if just a minor offense.
How would you respond if a ride unexpectedly shuts down while in operation?
Highlight following established protocols for assisting and reassuring guests. Discuss contingency plans to keep guests comfortable and informed during delays. Share strategies for maintaining a fun atmosphere like leading sing-alongs while issues are addressed behind the scenes.
For Food & Beverage Service Cast Members:
What steps would you take to learn a new menu?
Study ingredients, preparation methods, and descriptions thoroughly at home. Sample items when possible to describe flavors accurately. Shadow fellow cast members or quiz them on recommendations. Use memory techniques to confidently recall key details.
How would you handle a guest complaining about an incorrect order?
Apologize sincerely and remain patient when fixing the issue. Prioritize speed and accuracy when remaking the order. Consider offering a small discount or complimentary item for the inconvenience. Follow up to ensure satisfaction.
For Park Greeters:
How would you create magical moments for arriving guests?
Make warm, enthusiastic introductions. Offer personalized recommendations based on their interests or celebration reasons. Share little-known park tips and fun facts. Give themed pins, badges, or other surprises to delight guests.
How would you calm guests frustrated about long wait times upon entry?
Empathize and acknowledge their feelings. Explain processes implemented for safety while still maximizing fun. Provide park maps to show routes to lower wait attractions. Have greeters engage guests in entertainment until their turn arrives.
For Custodial Cast Members:
How would you prioritize cleaning tasks in the park?
Outline a system balancing guest flow, traffic patterns, and high-use facilities. Set cleaning schedules with flexibility to swiftly address unexpected messes. Dispatch crews to efficiently divide duties park-wide.
How would you respond to biohazards or other unsafe cleaning situations?
Strictly follow established safety protocols. Cordon off affected areas. Alert appropriate supervisors immediately for hazard mitigation. Guide guests away discreetly to prevent alarm. Offer support like supplies retrieval to expedite response.
Tips to Ace Your Disney Parks Interview
You’ve prepped your answers, but here are some final tips to put your best foot forward:
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Show Enthusiasm: This is key throughout the interview. Share your passion for the brand when asked why you want to work for Disney Parks.
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Demonstrate Customer Service Skills: Use examples that highlight your commitment to service excellence, even during challenging situations.
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Align with Disney’s Values: Emphasize teamwork, creativity, storytelling, and delighting guests in your responses.
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Ask Insightful Questions: Inquire about training, growth opportunities, and the interviewer’s own experience to show interest.
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Research the Company: Know key facts about the park you are applying to, history, attractions, and recent news.
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Mind Your Manners: Exude positivity. Be gracious. Send thank you notes. Disney loves polished candidates.
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Dress the Part: Style your look after cast member uniforms to present a professional image.
With preparation and a sprinkle of pixie dust, you’ll be ready to bring the Disney magic to life. We wish you the best of luck in your Disney Parks interview and beyond! Let your dreams take flight.
What the Interview Process is Like at Disney
Before you start practicing Disney interview questions, you should know how the interview process works. Knowing this will help you understand better how to prepare so that you can land yourself the job.
Disney’s interview process is very rigorous and usually starts with an online multiple-choice question quiz. This will ask you some questions to find out more about who you are and how well you’ll fit in with the Disney team.
Roughly a week after you complete the multiple-choice test, you’ll get invited for an in-person interview. Most of the time, these interviews are one-on-one with the hiring manager, but sometimes other team members will show you around the park.
There may also be phone interviews, depending on the job you’re applying for and how long the team needs to make a choice. A lot of people who have applied to work at Disney said the whole process took about two to three weeks.
What Are a Couple of Weaknesses?
To get through this question in an interview, you need to make your flaws sound like strengths. Think about a couple of weaknesses that you could list that would actually be positives for the company.
A few examples include:
- Because I’m a perfectionist, I check my work over too many times before I send it off.
- I find it hard to say “no,” so to help other people, I sometimes take on more work than I should.
- Sometimes I work more than I should and forget to take care of my mental health because I’m bad at balancing work and life.
Walt Disney World Interview Questions with Answer Examples
FAQ
What questions are asked at the Disney attraction interview?
What is the Disney interview process like?
What questions are asked at the Disney security interview?
How do you handle Disney interview questions?
Ultimately, with the information above, you should be able to handle the Disney interview questions with ease. Use every tip to your advantage, and practice your answers to ensure you can deliver them comfortably. That way, you’ll have an easier time impressing the hiring manager, increasing the odds that you’ll snag a job offer.
What questions should you ask in an interview?
With traditional interview questions, you’ll usually get asked straightforward questions about whether you have specific capabilities or experience. When you answer, start off by confirming whether you have the skill, trait, or experience. If you do, follow up with a relevant example.
Who is a Disney staffer?
These people — primarily junior- and early-career staffers in roles ranging from tech and engineering to television and creative development — added that Disney looks for candidates whose skills match the role’s needs and who are problem-solvers.
How do you stay genuinely interested in your guests’ experiences?
One strategy I use is to stay genuinely interested in the guests’ experiences. By actively listening and engaging with their stories or feedback, it not only keeps me energized but also helps in providing personalized service.
