A Magical Return: Kim’s Journey
Sometimes the best career move is coming back home. This couldn’t be truer for Kim, a manager on Hong Kong Disneyland’s Operations Development team, who returned to the company with a renewed sense of purpose after exploring opportunities beyond Disney.
Kim first joined Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005 as part of the opening team in Guest Relations. Over 15 years in park operations, she built a strong foundation across multiple functions, including attractions and duty management. Along the way, she developed sharp operational instincts, strong leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of how to deliver high-quality guest experiences. These experiences shaped not only her expertise but also her passion for creating magic.
After more than a decade with Disney, Kim made the decision to step outside her comfort zone.
Starting a New Journey
In 2020, Kim moved into a Retail Senior Manager role at another company. It was a completely different environment – one that challenged her to grow in new ways and build confidence in her own abilities.
“My outside experience actually gave me confidence,” she shared. “I can face any new challenge and adapt to a new environment quickly.”
She was thriving in her new role when a former colleague reached out about an opportunity on the newly formed Operations Development team at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Right away, she felt it was a calling from home, “When Disney came back to me and asked if I wanted to try a new role, I said okay, I am capable with my new experience and confidence.”
Returning to Disney
Today, Kim works behind the scenes, developing strategies to enhance cast member experience and daily park operations. While her role is no longer guest-facing, her years of front-line experience continue to inform her work – bridging the guest experience with backstage planning.
Kim describes the Operations Development team as “one part of the wheel of how to make a project a success.” With her combined experience, she now brings even greater value by blending her operational expertise, deep understanding of Disney’s culture and fresh external perspectives.
“It brought back my old memories! And I love using my past operational knowledge to help the park grow. That’s why I returned!”
Returning to Disney also meant rediscovering the magic in a new way. When she attended Disney Traditions again, one of her trainers turned out to be a former teammate.
“We were both so excited and she helped me feel the Disney magic again.”
Finding the Magic Again
Kim describes her return as a truly meaningful moment in her career.
“This returning opportunity was really a treasure,” she said. “After two years, I realized I was missing the ‘people touch’ and creating magic. Connecting with people every single day.”
While she had achieved success outside Disney, she missed the unique purpose of bringing stories to life for guests. Being back reminded her of what mattered most.
Even in a non-guest-facing role, Kim keeps the guest experience at the center of everything she does, constantly asking “How can we serve the cast member to create the best guest journey?”
Advice for Future Cast Members
For those considering returning to Disney, Kim offers honest and encouraging advice:
“Disney has changed a lot. You have to be very open minded when returning. It’s a new world! With your past experience, it will help you a lot, but you still have to adapt to the new business environment.”
She also encourages a mindset of curiosity and growth.
“Keep trying new things. I think the Disney culture really embraces change. So just keep asking passionate questions. Remember why you joined Disney in the first place. Your career will go really far!”
Are you looking to restart your career with Hong Kong Disneyland? Join the Alumni Talent Community!
