It’s been said that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But there is a free education . . . if you work for Disney . . .
Disney Aspire is an education investment program designed for cast members. The goal is to give Disney’s employees the confidence to grow their careers, whether that’s at the Disney Co. or in new fields outside the company. The program launched in 2018 and offers 100% paid tuition for U.S.-based hourly part-time and full-time cast members. Currently, approximately 40% of Disney’s 90,000 eligible Cast Members partake in this program, many of them at the parks and hotels. Disney Aspire also offers coaching support (from application to enrollment, all the way up to graduation).
A Dramatic Example
One Disneyland Cast Member has a new lease on life, thanks to Disney Aspire…
The beginning of a new year is a time for goal-setting and a renewed focus on health and wellness. Disneyland Resort Cast Member, Mark Gautier, has firsthand experience in both areas. Growing up in Santa Ana, filled with beautiful murals, Mark developed an early passion for the arts of drawing, painting and lettering. In 2013, the Disneyland Hotel Houseman fell into a coma from diabetic shock, forcing his kidneys to shut down and his heart to stop beating. A dedicated team of doctors were able to revive him, giving Mark a second chance at life.
After his harrowing experience, Mark lost his ability to write and draw. But he developed a new lease on life built on the power of positive thinking and a drive to follow his passions.
It was with that mindset that Mark joined the Disney Aspire program, which has afforded him the opportunity to pursue his dream of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in graphic design. As a first-generation college student, he hopes to set an example for his 1-year-old daughter, Giselle, and show her that anything is possible as long as you never give up.
He shares: “I know now that whatever I want to accomplish, I can accomplish. My life has been a marathon, not a sprint. I’m taking it one class at a time, but I know I will get there. Without this [Disney Aspire Program], I probably would not have gone back to school and bettered myself in this way. I would have never gone back, but it’s here, I’m doing it, and I’m never going to give up on it.
I’m a lot more positive [after enrolling in Aspire]. I have something to look forward to now and Disney Aspire has afforded me those opportunities. I would have probably laughed if you told me I would have gone back to school. I would have told you that it’s not a possibility, but this dream has come true and my dreams are within reach.”
More About Disney Aspire
Qualifying Cast Members can truly apply the “if we can dream it, then we can do it” mantra with Disney Aspire.
To find out more about the program, visit disney.guildeducation.com
Disneyland’s Southern California Resident Ticket Deal is Back!
3-Day Disneyland Resort tickets for travel now through May 21, 2020 are available at a $106 savings on each adult ticket and $86 savings on any child (ages 3-9) ticket! It is only valid for residents who live in ZIP codes 90000-93599. Residency will be verified at time of booking and government photo ID is required to use the tickets at the parks.
Here’s the best part . . . we have them cheaper and can be combined with hotel discounts and an additional $10 off using the “micechat” discount code (on 3 night stays) – Shop the SoCal Resident Special HERE
Not a SoCal resident? Our partners at Get Away Today help you save money on Disney theme park tickets and travel packages. For Discounted theme park tickets, hotel, airfare, and travel packages to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal, Knott’s Berry Farm and other family vacation destinations, always start HERE: Get Away Today (When calling, mention MiceChat so you get your special rates and deals!).
Let’s Hear From You
We know several Disney cast members who are currently with the company specifically because of the Aspire incentives. A free education, with no requirement to stay with Disney when you graduate, is a pretty good perk.
Are you an Aspire program participant? Does this program entice you to start a job or seek a career at Disney? Let us know your thoughts below.
And our heartfelt well-wishes to Mark Gautier and his family.