How One International Student Found Her Forever Home at Disney
Each day, Mariana steps into her role as a labor manager with Walt Disney World's Workforce Management team with the same spark that drew her to Disney nearly two decades ago. But before helping create seamless schedules and experiences for cast members across the resort, she was a student from Mexico with a dream and a suitcase, ready to begin a life-changing journey.
It all started in 2006 when Disney recruiters visited Mariana's college in Mexico to talk about the International College Program, now known as the Cultural Exchange Program. "When I heard the information, I got excited about the opportunity and immediately applied," she recalls. That summer, she found herself in Disney's Animal Kingdom, working at Kali River Rapids and soaking in the vibrant energy of international guests and fellow participants from around the world.
"The stories guests would share, especially how character names change depending on the country, they always made me smile," says Mariana. " And living with other participants from different states in Mexico, and working with ICPs from other countries like China, USA, Brazil, etc., taught me so much about cultures and connections.”
After returning to Mexico to complete her Hotel and Restaurant Management degree, Mariana's heart was still in Orlando. She applied for the Academic Exchange Program, where she earned a Hospitality Certificate with the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management while working in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland in a merchandise role. She also took full advantage of the program's offerings, from resume-building workshops to a wedding planning spotlight, participating in Canoe Races Of the World and more.
Another highlight is representing her country during a cultural presentation at Magic Kingdom, where she and other international participants introduced leaders to holidays not celebrated in the U.S.
The experience didn't just build her resume; it shaped her life. "Working for one of the top-ranking hospitality companies gave me real-world experience that supported my internships and continuing education back home," she shares. But Disney had an even more personal gift for Mariana: she met her husband while working in a Christmas shop on property. Now, they're happily married with three children.
Looking back, Mariana describes her entire experience in one word: unforgettable. "Everything that has the Disney name makes you feel like a child again," she says. You get to create that same feeling for the guests and even your fellow cast members."
Transitioning to life in the United States came with the usual challenges, including visa paperwork, health insurance and the whirlwind of a new environment. Mariana never felt alone. "It all happens so fast, but you realize everyone around you is going through the same thing," she says. "You share meals, shifts and magical moments with people from all over the world. That makes it easier and way more fun."
She encourages current and future participants to get involved in everything they can. "Pick up extra shifts, sign up for learning opportunities, experience the different opportunities the program has to offer," she says. "I wish I had done even more during my program."
Mariana eventually found her way back to Disney full-time. Though the path for international alums isn't always straightforward, her passion never wavered. "I advocated for others who wanted to apply. I knew people who became Disney-focused travel agents in their home countries. That's the kind of impact the program has; it stays with you."
As a labor manager, Mariana brings her experience full circle, mentoring, scheduling and supporting the cast members who once stood where she did, eyes wide with wonder, ready to make magic.
And magic, it turns out, has a way of finding those who believe in it.
Are you ready to make magic? Take the first step here!
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