I am a substitute bassist at Walt Disney World in Florida. I sub at the Grand Floridian Hotel, which houses a society orchestra that plays mostly old jazz from the 1920s to 1940s. On a regular basis, I have questions from people all the time about how one goes about getting hired as a Walt Disney World musician. On one hand, it’s quite simple: you audition and get hired, like any other musical organization. On the other hand, Disney’s talent employment process is quite unique. It takes quite a bit of explaining, and makes sense to have an article about it.
Before we get started, I must mention this: all of my knowledge for being a Disney cast member is from the Florida park, but I believe the process is very close, if not identical, to the processes at the other four parks around the world. The parks even advertise openings from the same website.
Types of musician jobs at Walt Disney World
There are two kinds of musicians that work at Walt Disney World: contracted groups, and in-house cast members. Cast members then get broken down into full-time and seasonal musicians. Subs, like me, are considered seasonal musicians. Usually, it’s for employees that work only during busier times of the year. This is where subs are classified, however. I guess it makes sense to classify subs here, as they only work when called on, anyway.
Cast Member Musicians
The in-house jobs, where musicians are considered actual employees of Walt Disney World, are the cast members. These jobs are the more ongoing ensembles at Disney, where an actual budget is set-aside for them in particular. The musicians have full benefits and pension, as per the collective bargaining agreement with the Local 389 musician’s union.
The jobs that are included would be bands like:
- The Main Street Philharmonic - a kind of marching brass jazz band in the Magic Kingdom.
- Oktoberfest Musikanten - a German polka band at Epcot’s Germany pavilion.
- Mo’Rockin - a Moroccan fusion ensemble at the Moroccan pavilion in Epcot.
- Mulch, Sweat, and Shears - which is a rock band at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Society Orchestra (my sub position) – which is a six piece jazz band, which plays early to mid 20th century period jazz at the Grand Floridian Hotel in the lobby. It’s kind of reminiscent of a cruise ship’s “big band” sets.
- Disney’s Polynesian Hotel’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Band - which, as the name implies, is the Hawaiian band that plays the music for the dinner show.
There is even a number of lounge pianists and harpists around the property as solo acts.
There are many more ensembles in the Florida park; these are just a few examples. As far as the cast member jobs, these are some of the older groups that have stood the test of time. Some of these bands work five days a week, and some work seven, using a second group of musicians that work two days a week. Some of these seven-day ensembles have a “two day band” and a “five day band,” and others have different schedules for each musician, so the band is pretty much the same all week, with a few differences in the personnel from day to day. The two-day musicians are usually the first call subs for the five-day guys.
It is the cast member jobs that I will be concentrating on, as they are what I’m most knowledgeable on, and what Disney is most interested in.
Contracted Jobs
Some jobs, like the ones around Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, the annual Food and Wine Festival, or even a small handful of groups inside the parks, are brought in on a temporary contract. They are not Disney employees, and don’t have all of the same benefits. They are usually hired when Disney has a special need for a themed band, and they use the contracted musicians sparingly.
For contracted gigs, Disney contracts already established bands and acts that have put in the effort themselves for the rehearsals, costumes, equipment and anything else that goes into their show. In short, you are ready to play, and need minimal interaction with the venue; you’re pretty much pointed to the stage, shown where the electrical outlets are, and left to do what you do best.
Some examples of contracted jobs around Disney are:
- The British Revolution – which is a 60s style rock band playing in the UK section of Epcot. I believe the name actually reflects the show, and not the band’s name, which may be something different. I have seen the same show with a different band in the last year, so I assume the bands are rotated in and out. This band is one of the few examples of the contractors performing inside of one of the theme parks.
- Nova Era – which is a classical/fusion group that uses 18th century period costumes and electric string instruments. They perform in Downtown Disney.
- Don Soledad Trio – which is a rumba flamenco group that occasionally performs at Pleasure Island or during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. Don’s group is an example of a contracted job that is hired on an as-needed basis. They do not work regularly, like the above two groups.
What instruments are needed?
Here’s a list of cast member bands from the top of my head. There may be more, and these may change as time goes on and park interests change. Take these as a guide to know where to start when looking into your instrument at Disney. Most of these groups can be searched on YouTube to see what their gig is all about:
Violin:
Mariachi Cobre
Mo’Rockin’ (electric violin)
Flute:
Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps (fife spots, of course)
Saxophone:
Fantasy Woodwind Society (Sax quartet)
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Trumpet:
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Main Street Philharmonic
Oktoberfest Musikanten
Tombone:
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Main Street Philharmonic
Tuba:
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra (can replace bass)
Main Street Philharmonic
The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob
Oktoberfest Musikanten (tuba/bass double)
Bass:
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Off Kilter (Celtic Rock Band at Epcot)
Mariachi Cobre (Guitarron)
Mo’Rockin’
Mulch, Sweat, and Shears
Oktoberfest Musikanten (tuba/bass double)
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Drums/Percussion:
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Off Kilter (Celtic rock band at Epcot)
Oktoberfest Musikanten
Main Street Philharmonic
Matsuriza (Japanese taiko drumming at Epcot)
Mo’Rockin’ (Zen Drum and hand percussion spots)
Mulch, Sweat, and Shears
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps
Guitar:
Off Kilter (Celtic rock band at Epcot)
Oktoberfest Musikanten
Mariachi Cobre (also vihuela spots)
Mulch, Sweat, and Shears
The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob (banjo also, of course)
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Accordion:
Oktoberfest Musikanten
The Ziti Sisters (female comedy troupe)
Piano/Keys:
Casey’s Corner Pianist (ragtime pianist at Magic Kingdom)
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
Grand Floridian Lounge Pianist
Off Kilter (Celtic rock band at Epcot)
Mo’Rockin’
Mulch, Sweat, and Shears
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Harp:
Dinner Music at Grand Floridian
Orchestral spots:
There is one seasonal gig worth mentioning: Disney’s Candlelight Processional. It’s a Christmas concert that happens during November-December at Epcot. A full orchestra is hired, and is compiled of seasonal musicians making up some of the best orchestral players in the Orlando area. If you didn’t see your instrument above, and are classically trained, you may find yourself suited for this annual gig.
What are the jobs like?
The job at Disney varies greatly depending on the ensemble. For instance, the Hawaiian band at the Polynesian Hotel plays two shows per night, five days per week, which is divided into three sets. The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra plays four sets daily during the late afternoon to evening. Most of the bands around the parks have multiple show times, which are usually 30-45 minute sets performed on regular intervals throughout the day. Costumes are usually made to go with the show; Hawaiian shirts, or tuxes, or minutemen uniforms, etc. Yes, the German band wears lederhosen.
There are few indoor jobs, such as the Grand Floridian Orchestra and the German band, which are considered the “best” jobs for the simple fact that they are indoors. One of the reasons Walt Disney chose this area of the U.S. was because of the relatively mild weather year round. However, the summers in Florida aren’t much cooler than the rest of the eastern seaboard, with highs still being very close, if not over, 100 degrees, with very high humidity. This can easily take its toll if you didn’t grow up in this climate. It also can still experience highs below freezing during the winter seasons. This is why indoor jobs are considered more desirable, but the outdoor jobs are given consideration to this fact, which is why sets are shorter throughout the day.
The way the music is learned also varies. There’s one group, the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, where the job is strictly reading on the gig, with no rehearsals. One or two ensembles have charts, but they must be memorized before performing. There are also many ensembles where the music is learned from recordings, and put together through rehearsal. These groups have no printed music. Some of these bands allow you to make your own charts and read them at the beginning, and some require memorization.
Even the times vary. Some groups start as early as the parks first open, and the hotel bands seem to play the latest, usually striking the stage at around 10pm. The contracted musicians that play in Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island, or on Disney Boardwalk, play even later than that.
As much as the physical aspects of the job vary, the musical aspect is very similar. Each musician is highly skilled. Some of the musicians have come from bands such as Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Maynard Ferguson’s big band, and one was even the busiest New York bassist in the mid-20th century, recording with all the heavies then, and performing at the legendary Copa Cabana. It’s both humbling and exciting to play along with such high-class musicians.
Perks
Pay works slightly differently between the contracted and cast jobs. Contracted jobs are paid per job. There are three kinds of cast members: full time, part time, and seasonal.
Cast members are typically paid 8 hours per day at the parks, and also paying into pension and benefits. Rehearsals, when scheduled, are also paid. Orlando Local 389 has a collective bargaining agreement, which represents all musicians working at Disney, whether they are a part of the union or not (Florida is a right-to-work state, meaning you don’t have to be in a union to work a job). The local has a close relationship with Disney and they both work together and get along great. The starting pay at Disney is very competitive, which tends to bring in the best talent to desire these jobs.
Some of the other perks include:
- Pension for all cast member musicians
- Full health benefits for full-time musicians
- 20% discounts to merchandise
- Varying discounts with most sit-down restaurants on property (this is my favorite perk). After lots of experimenting, I’m starting to see the pattern. If you’re waited on, you probably get a discount. They range anywhere from 10% on up. There’s a nice little hidden southern-style buffet in Fort Wilderness that has great food, and with the discount, came to under $15 per person. It’s my favorite place for the combination of price and taste, even if it is out of the way of everything.
- Discounts at participating surrounding businesses, including restaurants, hotels, retail stores, etc.
- Free park admission. All cast members get this. In addition, each year, you can get in three people or less six times. This resets every January. You also get a couple of comp tickets each year. I believe this perk changes with your employment status with the company and the time you have been with them.
For any discount, it never hurts to ask. If you can’t get a discount at a certain place to eat (pattern I’ve noticed: if there’s a counter for you to order from, the answer is probably “no”), they already know most cast members are going to try, and they apologetically tell you it won’t work. I even sat down at a Pizza Hut just outside of the property, mentioned I was a cast member, and was given 10% off.
For the record, alcohol is full price for everyone.
How does one actually get hired at Disney?
First of all, keep checking the audition calendar. Vacancies and open call auditions are posted there.
There are 104 regular musical positions around Walt Disney World in Florida. The most common way one is hired for a Disney job is through auditions. Five times a year, there are “open call” auditions. The main purpose of these auditions is to find talent for the sub lists around the parks, and to hear local bands looking to be contracted. Each musician or group is scheduled through the union, and given 15 minutes to show the audition panel what he or she can do. The president of Local 389 is present at all auditions as an observer. According to Mike Avila, the Union President, “these auditions last about 15 minutes per individual and I call them ‘the friendliest auditions on the planet.’” If the musician is competent, and there is a need for his or her abilities, they will begin the hiring process.
When there is a vacancy for a specific position, such as a musician leaving, or Disney creating a new musical act, the auditions are much like the open call, with a few differences. If the vacancy is with an existing group, you actually play with the band for which you’re auditioning. These auditions are the most fun. I’ve done a few of them. I auditioned for lead trombone with the Main Street Philharmonic, and the audition was mostly reading down two charts, and performing them with this band. Talk about high energy. With the Hawaiian band, the guitarist explained the tune as fast as he could, then the drummer counted us off.
Usually, when there’s a vacancy, Disney auditions for that spot as full-time, and also auditions every other spot for sub players. For instance, the Hawaiian audition I was at was actually for a new steel guitar player, but I came to audition bass, and there were ukulele players, guitarists, and drummers at the audition, as well.
When invited to these auditions, you are encouraged to watch the group for which you are auditioning and come prepared to show the company why you are the right person for the job.
As for fairness, the president of the union told me this:
“In my 12 years as President of the Local, I have observed Disney auditions to be very fair. Contrary to popular belief, the company does not go into auditions already knowing who will get the job. I have heard so many people say this over the years, however, as one of the individuals who sits on the panel (as an observer for the union only), I can say that it is just not true. Disney has an impeccable record for hiring the person who ‘won the audition’.”
Okay, they liked you. Now what?
Before this is explained, I need to mention this: I’m not sure how other Disney parks around the world are, but Walt Disney World is in a very large, vast, out-of-the way piece of land. Don’t make any other plans the days you mean to go out to Walt Disney World. Everything there takes plenty of time, especially traveling. And the most important thing is to give yourself plenty of time when going there. Make sure your punctuality is fine. I tend to show up as early as I possibly can when I need to do something at Disney. I live only about 20 miles from the exit I need to get off for my job, but give myself well over an hour driving time. And depending on what job you have, you may have a lot of walking, a lot of connecting bus rides after parking, costume changes, or anything else that can take plenty of time.
Once you’re hired to be a Disney cast member musician, you must first go through the process that each employee on property goes through. First, you have a full security background check, fingerprinting, the works. This can take a few hours. Once you’ve passed, you’re given a date to a training day at Disney University. It’s basically just an eight-hour class about some of the rules, how certain things work, and little games that help you learn. It’s not a bad day, and you’re getting paid your musician wage to do this day, which is not bad at all. This is why Disney doesn’t hire a lot of people as subs, because they have to pay each just to be able to sub. So it costs them money to have subs not working all the time.
Once you’re finished there, you’re given your nametag, your ID card, and sent on your way to your gig. You then speak with your bandleader about the job.
How did I get my job?
My situation came about a little differently. I couldn’t make an open call audition, and didn’t want to wait two months for the next one to come around. So, I had a special audition set up with the talent director. I played all four of my instruments for her, and at the end of my audition, she told me where she thought I would fit best as a sub: The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. Not only that, but the great thing here was, since it was not in any of the theme parks, I could swing by and talk to the bandleader personally without having to pay an admission. So I did just that. I visited about once a month for about six months, and they finally made the call to have me statused as a bass sub with this band. Persistence does pay off! I’m even renting the bandleader’s guesthouse now, too, so it even worked out better!
Now that I have a company ID, I can go into the parks and discuss subbing with other bands. Some are interested, some aren’t sure I will be useful with their already full sub list. But we’ll see.
There you have it. Much of this information is very hard to come by unless you have a good friend in the company. I had to learn this as I went along at Disney. So, if you’re interested, keep an eye on auditions, do your homework, and good luck!
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