If you don't mind a light read and enjoy a behind-the-scenes moment, I'm excited to share some of my experience at Disney.
A few years ago, I had the chance to work as a Production Manager at Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts — a role filled with unforgettable experiences, fast-paced challenges, and plenty of fun stories.
It was an environment where flexibility and quick thinking were key — whether I was using a trash can as a makeshift desk, juggling walkie-talkies to keep communication flowing, or even switching out Mickey ears between shoots to keep up with the magic.
Every day brought something new, and it taught me how to stay organized, adapt on the fly, and ensure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. It was a chapter of my career that shaped how I approach creative projects today.
As part of the media team, I worked on ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, hosted by Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey, which involved countless overnights of stage building and rehearsals. Four shots of espresso to go, please!
I managed broadcast coverage for events like the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, where coordinating all the moving pieces behind the scenes was just as exciting as the event itself. And when I say “moving pieces,” sometimes I mean that literally — like the time we set up 32,000 dominoes to celebrate the opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios.
My role often involved supporting a variety of television specials and broadcasts, including Wheel of Fortune’s Disney Week with Vanna White and Pat Sajak, Steve Harvey’s talk show, and an hour-long Star Wars special for TV Globo, Brazil’s largest broadcast network.
I helped with American Idol in Hawaii at Disney’s Aulani Resort, featuring Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.
I also stage-managed the Varsity Cheerleading Worlds, Varsity D2 Summit and Varsity School Spirit Awards at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where I’m pretty sure we invented the infamous Kelly Clarkson tunnel walk (though I’ll leave that up for debate).
Looking back, my time at Disney was both a fun adventure and an incredible professional experience. It challenged me to grow, think on my feet, and create moments that I’ll always be proud of.