[Question] New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Housing

[33royalstreet]

Hey All,



I am moving to California to work at Disneyland . I've been employed on the East Coast as a consultant for the, but want to change careers and see if I can grow mine out at the Disneyland Resort.


As many of you know, CM pay is rather meager and I am trying to get established in Orange County/the area ( for the first month, my housing expenses are really limited to $250-$500). If you're interested in who I am and why I have chosen such a stark career change please feel free to check out my blog where I have began to record my experiences from an entry-level DLR CM position to hopefully, one day, a senior management or executive role!



Be Well and thanks in advance for any help you can provide in my housing search.

[StevenW]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

You gave up a promising career in the government for a minimum wage job at Disneyland Resort. Now, you're looking for help? You should have bigger ambitions based on your age and resources like saved up a substantial savings and hiring in a position where Disney would pay for relocation expenses. Since this is too late, good luck.

[Quarar44]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

While I really hope everything works out for you, I have to agree with StevenW. I know a former cast member that had the same dreams as you have but had been stuck at the bottom for 6 years, and she was DEDICATED in getting a good job at Disney. Based on my conversations with her I am under the impression that it is really difficult to get promoted into a high level job by starting out in attractions. Maybe not impossible, but I personally wouldn't have given up a career like you had. Again, I hope the best for you and hope everything works out! As for housing, I'm sure you'll be able to find an apartment somewhere that can fit your needs somewhere in OC.

[SpectroMan]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Good luck to you Tyler, but it's not going to be easy. Coast wise, you're already used to high cost of living which is good, but I can say from my years at DLR that it was never enough just to work there; I always had 2nd and 3rd jobs and that's how I could afford to live here.

I would suggest a 3 or 4 bedroom house with a vacant room where everyone divides the expenses equally. They are out there.

[Werner]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Tyler, good for you for following your dreams! I admire you for having the guts to seek out this new adventure. While I don't have any advice regarding housing (I live in Northern California), I hope you do find a good new "nest", and I wish you all the best!

[33royalstreet]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Everyone---
Thanks so much for your advice, warnings, and support! I truly do commit each comment to memory and will use them to guide my future decisions.

This endeavor is certainly a risk...and one that I hope will not prove foolish. My career in government was certainly promising, but assuredly was something for which I was not passionate.

Financially, I have actually acquired two additional jobs (Executive Producer for a film festival and tutor) to supplement income, but it' proving to be a odd lifestyle adjustment nonetheless!

I had an opportunity to move into a technical research/professional postion at WDW, but I felt that the job would not be much different from things I have done is the past. Guest interaction is incredibly important to me; I think those experiences will be key if I am ever to move closer to my goals.

Finally, I feel idioms exist to be broken...and lightening does, in fact, strike twice...hopefully one day I'll be able to add my name to the list of those few who have trudged their way to the top!

Please do keep and eye on the blog, always feel free to reach out to me, and if you're visiting DCA and see me...say hey!!

Thanks Again!

[ohmyjustin]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

I think the change was rather noble. You knew your previous job wasn't what you wanted to do in life and you changed your entire life to follow something you believe in. You're going to face a lot of naysayers, but if you make your dreams come true, then you'll definitely be a role model.

"...a suitcase and a dream..."

[33royalstreet]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

I think the change was rather noble. You knew your previous job wasn't what you wanted to do in life and you changed your entire life to follow something you believe in. You're going to face a lot of naysayers, but if you make your dreams come true, then you'll definitely be a role model.

"...a suitcase and a dream..."

Your words of encouragement are most heartening...Thank You!

[Sheriff Lightyear]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

33, I applaud you for your high-risk career change. I actually did something in the same vein recently. I was working my way up the corporate ladder of the mobile business, most recently landing a district manager position at AT&T and was also hinted at being offered another promising in-house promotion where I would be managing the whole of NORCAL. I had no complaints about pay, incentives, or any of the other perks but alas.. my heart just was no longer in the job. I've since left and am pursuing things I am extremely passionate about and although I'm making much much less than I was before, I am absolutely happier than I ever was. I see the same happening for you!

Trust me, you will come across many nay-sayers along your path, all we can do is shrug them off and keep moving forward. After all, if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough.

[jsmith11618]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

You gave up a promising career in the government for a minimum wage job at Disneyland Resort. Now, you're looking for help? You should have bigger ambitions based on your age and resources like saved up a substantial savings and hiring in a position where Disney would pay for relocation expenses. Since this is too late, good luck.

Its better to be in a career you enjoy and make less, then be stuck in a job you hate but make more.

Everyone is different, what is ambitious to one person, may seem trivial to another. If more people worked towards doing something liked instead of working simply for money, everyone would be happier.

I gave up 20/hr for 10/hr to go back in the airline industry at one point, I may have made less, but I didn't dread going to work every day.

[DisneyIPresume]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

For housing I'm thinking a good idea would be to find a room for rent in a house or apartment near UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, or Chapman University in Orange. And if you are willing to share a room with someone that would even be better. It is not uncommon in these areas to find a three bedroom apartment with at least 6 people living in it. Or at least so I've heard.

[gary94080]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

good luck on your new job. I will be reading your blog with interest.

[SoarinMatt]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Tyler, I wish you the best of luck at DLR. As a former DCA Attractions CM, I can tell you: it's not easy to live off of wages made at Disney. I recommend you be persistent and call your scheduler daily and offer to come in early or come in on your days off. If you are being placed in the Hollywood area, let me know. I can tell you who to talk to about getting more hours and I can put in a good word for you.

I recommend taking the first opportunity you can (after 6 months) to become a trainer. Then a lead, and then join the Emerging Leaders program.

As far as rent, that budget doesn't seem like enough money for Orange County; I recommend checking craigslist for Orange County. Check especially around Cal State Fullerton. I had a lot of friends who lived in that area. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

[Malina]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Good luck to you!! It's brave to make a major job change, especially in this economic climate, but we all have to do what is right for us. I once gave up a "good" job to run away and join the circus (didn't literally run away; did join the circus) so I empathize and wish you well on your journey.

What everyone is saying about rents is pretty much spot on; that is low even for student accommodation. The only thing I could think of, besides searching around the college areas like Fullerton, would be to look in Southern LA County, like Long Beach. However, then you'd be trading at least some of those rent savings for increased gas consumption and cost, so it may or may not be worth it. Or, perhaps you could consider staying in a hostel for the first two weeks or so--at 25 you are well within the typical hostel population age range-- until you are on your feet and can find a place. There is an HI hostel in Fullerton, and if you have a Hostelling International card, the rate isn't too bad. However, that also can be problematic since you're not just going to be traveling with a backpack but are probably going to be relocating with a lot of stuff, and as mentioned, it's only a temporary solution until you find something permanent.

Keep in mind that in LA and OC, if you find a very inexpensive rent it might be in a dangerous part of town so it might not be worth it.

[CASurfer65]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Heck, at 25, and with your resume, I see no real, high risk involved.
So, a good move on your part if it's what you've really wanted to do.

Things seem to have fallen into place pretty nicely for you already in your 25 years, so the risk for such a person usually isn't all that great.

Now if your 45+, have a lot of time vested in a job, and have the need to get out...THAT'S a risk. I know people who have done it, and it's gutsy, I know.

You're still at an age though where it isn't uncommon for people to explore different avenues.

And considering you've already held six figure income jobs, possess a plethora of degrees to fall back on, have multiple offers from other places of employment that have already come your way, and held high level, important positions in the government and elsewhere, you should have no problem achieving what you've set out to do at a place like Disney.

You clearly have a lot of confidence in yourself, and by the way you describe yourself you are apparently a highly sought after individual, so again, that tends to reduce the risk somewhat in such a move.

In closing, having worked at the park from '83 through '94 before entering my present profession, I caught a pretty clear glimpse of the persona it takes to move up through the ranks at the park. And by the way you express yourself, methinks you'll make that move pretty quickly. Um, call it a hunch.

In the meantime, best of luck in finding a place. I would concur that areas around the colleges provide some pretty affordable housing within this sometimes expensive civilization called Orange County. You shouldn't have any problems finding a place.

[StevenW]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Its better to be in a career you enjoy and make less, then be stuck in a job you hate but make more.

Everyone is different, what is ambitious to one person, may seem trivial to another. If more people worked towards doing something liked instead of working simply for money, everyone would be happier.

I gave up 20/hr for 10/hr to go back in the airline industry at one point, I may have made less, but I didn't dread going to work every day.

How about a possible third or fourth possibility? A Career you enjoy and make more, or a Job you hate and make less.

I've worked in many jobs. I've done quite a bit. My biggest break was when I was hired into a big company with terrific benefits, but the people are crap and the politics and gossip are horrible. A true nightmare. The worst thing was I wan't paid much. My entry level paid was very low when compared with my education, but I had no experience so I had slim pickings. Thus, for my first professional position, I hate the job and hate the low pay.

It didn't get better. I later moved about to different positions. My pay did rise, but heck, I was there for 17 years. Then 17 years later, I gotten a new professional position in a new company where I was respected and have terrific pay. Lots of possibilities for advancement. Essentially, I went from the job I hate with low pay, to the career I enjoy with high pay.

This thing about starting very very low is you might not be getting the experience to get to the next level. He should have stuck it out at the government job for at least 2 to 5 years. Then start applying for a professional jobs at Disney in Burbank. Work at the corporate offices.

I haven't worked at an entry level hourly job for a long long time, since college. It's a big leap to go from hourly to salary. Some never make it.

[33royalstreet]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

WOW! Thanks to all of you! This outpouring of support and advice is truly wonderful.

I have some more flex room in my budget, but I try to always leave the cushion. Looking for housing around the colleges/universities is a great idea; and that is something that I am actively going to pursue today!

But, once again, allow me to reiterate my thanks--your words of support will be sustenance in the assured times of doubt and difficulty that lie ahead, and your criticisms armor against unexpected turmoil. I think in my next blog message I will definitely do a portion about MiceChat and the great people/support of this community!

Be Well!

[Mom kissed Walt]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

I agree with those that are encouraging you. You have a good education and a great attitude. That is a winning combination no matter what career you choose.

Also, I happen to know from personal experience that Disney loves to hire government employees (some very high level Disney execs come from the military in fact) and it would not surprise me if you moved up quickly based on your eloquence and positivity.

Best of luck to you and keep us posted!

[Juni]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

If you're interested in who I am and why I have chosen such a stark career change please feel free to check out my blog where I have began to record my experiences from an entry-level DLR CM position to hopefully, one day, a senior management or executive role!

Club 33

Please do keep and eye on the blog, always feel free to reach out to me, and if you're visiting DCA and see me...say hey!!

Thanks Again!

I think in my next blog message I will definitely do a portion about MiceChat and the great people/support of this community!

Be Well!

I doubt you'll need help needing more money since it seems like your goal here is to just get eyes to your blog. Out of your 4 posts on micechat, 3 have mentioned your blog.

We know you have a blog, no need to mention its existence in each post.

Good luck to ya on your career change to a blogger/CM.

[33royalstreet]

Re: New Disneyland CM moving from the East Coast--Seeking Roommate or Affordable Hous

Thanks for the note, but I must express that you are fundamentally incorrect in your assumption. I only mention the blog because so many people shared such an interest in my career change...the blog was constructed so my friends and family could know what I was up to 2500 miles away, as well as help others who wish to take a similar path.

While your judgment is noted, I would like offer that it is misplaced. My intent has been to seek out advice...the first mention was to establish perspective of who I am, so that fellow MiceChat members would feel comfortable taking the time to impart advice. The second mention was in inform others that I plan to post further, since such a genuine and wonderful reaction was shown. The third was simply to recognize the great support that has been shown. If I was that concerned in visits I would not promote a blog on a forum, but use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to generate organic search hits, not referral hits, which can only foster an extremely finite level of new readers.

Moreover, I would impart the following advice: Making base judgements regarding the character and motivation of a person with whom you are not acquainted is an injudicious manner in which to conduct your interpersonal experiences. Not only are your deductions utterly fallacious, but they represent an unwarranted attack on my integrity...a value which I hold most high.

I will always welcome your feedback...but can't allow my goals to painted as cheap parlor marketing tricks. I do value your opinion and will look forward to reading your posts in the future.

My Best-