Travel writer, Izzy Tobin, recounts her summer spent working and travelling in the USA, recommending the Disney Cultural Exchange Program to readers
If you are looking for a summer filled with wonder and magic, I have a suggestion for you.
The Disney Cultural Exchange Program (DCEP) provides three months working at the most magical place on earth. You may prefer wandering down Main Street at Magic Kingdom to stepping into a movie set at Hollywood Studios, entering the raucous world of Animal Kingdom or the futuristic land of EPCOT. Disney truly has something to offer for everyone.
In June 2023, the DCEP was advertised to me online and I could not think of a better way to spend my summer. After sending off a cover letter on the Yummy Jobs website and two interviews, I found out in January 2024 that I would be working as a Seater at the ‘Be Our Guest’ restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.
After a slightly tedious visa process and pushing through my second semester of second year, June rolled around and I was finally at Gatwick Airport knowing I was about to have the most wonderful summer of my life.
When arriving in Orlando, the heat hit. The city is swampy and humid but after a cold six months in the UK, I was absolutely loving it. For the first couple of nights, I stayed at the Disney All Stars Movie Resort; a more affordable but still completely ‘disneyfied’ hotel. We settled in before moving into my accommodation at Flamingo Crossings. It was a cosy apartment complex with activities held throughout my time in Florida.
The city is swampy and humid but after a cold six months in the UK, I was absolutely loving it
When training at ‘Be Our Guest’, I learnt all about the Beauty and the Beast themed restaurant and how to give guests the most enchanting experience they could ask for. I also picked up my costume; the bright purple attire and knee-high socks may not be the most fashionable but added to the fantasy look. I worked around five days a week ranging from 30-45 hours a week.
You may have never thought that working for a beast would make a girl so happy. There were three incredible rooms located in the Beast’s castle where guests could eat rich, delicious french food. Every hour, the Beast would come out to greet his guests and make them feel welcome in his castle. Seeing everyone’s faces light up made the job truly worth it!
It was not only the decorative, fairytale themed restaurant that made the experience incredible, but also the fantastic cast members and leaders who I worked alongside. Everyday was a positive experience; I got to know so many lovely, friendly people who were also interested in learning about me and British culture.
It was not only the decorative, fairytale themed restaurant that made the experience incredible but also the fantastic cast members and leaders who I worked alongside
One perk of working at Disney World is the free entry. Before shifts, after shifts and on days off, you would find my friends and I wandering through the parks. The rides, shows and food offered to you are infinite.
A personal favourite ride of mine was ‘Cosmic Rewind’ located in Epcot. You are sent on a mission to help the Guardians of the Galaxy save the world. The fast fuelled ride sends you into the Galaxy with twists and turns, and the surprise of one of six old-school classic songs being played, whilst you take your journey through the galaxy.
In regard to shows, the ‘Fantasmic’ show in Hollywood Studios is a must-see. You watch Mickey on his adventure to show the power of imagination. What strikes me about this show is the music and how the songs send you straight back to your childhood. Giving you goosebumps from the nostalgia and pure joy this show brings.
In terms of food, when strolling through Toy Story Land I would always stop at ‘Woody’s Lunchbox’. They had mouth-watering cheese toasties along with refreshing lemonades. However, if you are wanting something a little bit healthier, the blue noodles at Pandora in Animal Kingdom will leave you wanting more and more.
My magical experience flew by, but despite feeling the Disney blues, I got a once in a lifetime chance to travel around the US. You will enter the US on a J-1 visa and when completing the program, you will have 30 days to travel. We chose to travel to Las Vegas in Nevada and then to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, before venturing to California to explore Los Angeles and San Francisco. Everyone needs to experience American culture once in their life. You will not only see incredible nature and cities, but you will also eat some unforgettable food.
My magical experience flew by, but despite feeling the Disney blues, I got a once in a lifetime chance to travel around the US
If you have been convinced to work at the happiest place on earth, keep up to date with the Yummy Jobs website to find more information about the DCEP.
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