If you're reading this because you've been offered a final interview then congratulations if you've made it this far! This year only 360 people were accepted for final interviews after 600ish at the first interviews so well done!
I received this email on the 14th October at around 4.30pm which was 18 days after my pre screen interview.
Again, the email is pretty self explanatory and explains what to do next:
- log in to your Yummy Jobs profile and confirm that you would like an interview with Disney. I had problems with this and the website wouldn't let me confirm so if the same happens to you, just drop Yummy Jobs an email and they'll confirm it for you
- email Yummy Jobs to confirm your attendance
- complete an application through the Disney International Programs website. The content on this application doesn't matter too much as Disney just need your details in order to arrange an interview. I just copied and pasted my Yummy Jobs application word for word.
On the Disney role checklist you basically have to rank the roles from 'high interest, moderate interest, low interest, no interest' which the interviewer will then discuss with you. What I'd say is try not to put any as no interest, or if you do, make sure you have a good reason for it so for example I put lifeguard as no interest because I'm not a very strong swimmer and others put quick service as low interest because it states there may be heavy lifting involved. But just be open to any roles and you'll be fine!
So unlike last time you can choose your day and time of your interview so I'd definitely recommend looking at travel first then booking your interview accordingly.
Travelling to Disney HQ
Disney HQ is located in Hammersmith, I took the Piccadilly line from Kings Cross to Hammersmith Station. The tube comes out inside Hammersmith shopping centre and if you head towards McDonalds, but leave the shopping centre at the exit just before you reach McDonalds. Once you're outside you'll come out to a bus station. Then turn right and follow the pathway around until you come to the building in the photo below!
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| the exit from Hammersmith shopping centre to outside towards Disney HQ |
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| Disney HQ Building! |
If you check out Adam Hattans video, at 7.00 there's a little video on how to get there! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLB7CR2Hd2M
The Interview
The final interview is a one on one interview at Disney HQ in London with a Cast Member from Disney International Recruitment, one was the head of Epcot which was super nerve-wracking and exciting!
Unlike previous years, there was not a presentation in the morning, so I just arrived for my chosen slot, 10.30am-11.30am. Upon your arrival you will be given a visitors pass for access to the building and asked to wait in reception, where the oh so famous Mickey statue is. Disney HQ is an amazing place so take pictures whilst you wait and just take the most of it!
When we had all arrived, we were taken upstairs (there were hidden Mickeys on the staircase and Disney images all over the walls!) and sat on a couple of couches with the Yummy Jobs team who took our proof of student status forms along with our Passports to check they were all acceptable.
There were 3 Disney International Recruitment Cast Members who each individually came across to collect us one by one for the interview. I had Chris who was lovely, he came to collect me, shook my hand and introduced himself then we walked over to a single table where he sat opposite me with a laptop.
I'm guessing he had either my CV or Online Application in front of him on the laptop as he proceeded to ask me:
- Why do I want to take part in the program?
- What do I like about working for Nando's?
- What did I enjoy about working at McDonalds?
- What was challenging about both jobs?
- What are your top 3 role choices and why?
- Would you be willing to have a drug test?
- Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
- Would you be okay with having room mates?
- How would you deal with the heat?
- Do you have any questions for me?
And for those of you wanting advice for answers, these were mine:
- Why do I want to take part in the program?
Just like in my pre screen interview I focused on the cultural aspect of the program, how I understood the multicultural environment of Walt Disney World and would love to work in such an environment, to meet people from all around the world. Again, spoke about Disney being the biggest entertainment company in the world and the fact that I was a Film & Media student so it would be beneficial for my future studies and career. How I'd experienced the magic first hand and would love the chance to give others the same memories I have of Walt Disney World so they could love the Disney company as much as I do! And also mentioned how I thought it would benefit me as a person and make me stronger and more experienced and cultured!
- What do I like about working for Nando's?
I spoke about the friendliness of the staff and how it felt like one big happy family! And how it I work in the biggest indoor shopping centre in the UK so the environment is very fast paced and exciting and how I get to meet so many people on a daily basis, as well as Nandos being renowned for being a multicultural work environment so I got to work and be friends with people from all around the world.
- What did I enjoy about working at McDonalds?
Here I basically said the same, how it was very challenging but benefitted me as a person and made me stronger.
- What was challenging about both jobs?
I spoke about challenging customers and dealing with issues but also explained that this improved my customer service skills etc..
At this point he questioned why I had ranked Quick Service Food and Beverage as 'low interest' to which I explained that I'd really like to explore new experiences and roles instead of working in ones I had been in for 4 years. He then explained that as my previous experience was only in Quick Service Food and Beverage, I was most likely to, if accepted, be placed in a Quick Service Role, and asked if I would be okay with that, to which I smiled and nodded and nodded and said yes a billion times and said that I would be happy to work within any role he thought would be most appropriate for me. He laughed and thanked me for my flexibility before jotting something down.
AND whilst this really disheartened me as I really didn't want Quick Service, he clearly liked my attitude as I ended up being given my top choice in Attractions!
He then asked:
- What are your top 3 role choices and why?
Attractions, Merchandise and Character Performer were my top choices because I believe them to be the most interactive roles where you get a chance to see the magic happen first hand, whether that be someones face on a ride, or meeting their favourite character or finding their favourite character in soft toy form in a store. I also spoke about Disney's 4 keys to a great guest experience (Safety, Courtesy, Show, Capacity) and how I'd love to get the chance to uphold them in these roles as they're important to me. Also told him a little story about when my harness was released on Rock'n Rollercoaster and a CM checked it multiple times before going, even though she probably didn't need to, just to put me at ease, and that made me respect the safety aspect of Disney and made me want to be a part of it!
- How would you deal with the heat?
I made some stupid joke about how I LOVE the heat and the sun, but you wouldn't think it considering my Snow White complexion, then went on to say that I would keep hydrated, drink water and stay in the shade if need be.
- Do you have any questions for me?
I asked him what, other than being in Disney, I could do in the area to explore more of American Culture, and he gave me some pointers and places to visit if i managed to get the job!
The interview was super quick, definitely under 10-15 minutes but was super chill and absolutely nothing to worry about!
Dress Code
The dress code for the final interview is Business Formal so I went with a pretty white shirt with floaty black shorts and a waterfall blazer, tights and flat shoes!
When the emails are sent out, they're usually alphabetical and acceptances find out first, followed by wait list (which means if anyone drops out for any reason, you're then offered a place) then rejections. Although this year, a few people received rejections about a week before anyone heard anything!
Good Luck!
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