Students gain hands-on work experience with Disney internships

KOKOMO, Ind. - A cast of thousands works behind the scenes every day to make the Walt Disney World Resort "the most magical place on earth."

Two Indiana University Kokomo students and one recent alumna are part of the team creating the magic for guests every day, through internship programs based in the Florida parks.

Reese Bruns and Lexi Eisaman are part of the Disney College Program, which places them in guest-facing roles in the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, and offers professional development, cultural exchange, theme park admission, and networking opportunities with Disney professionals.

Jacob Sala is completing a conservation education and outreach internship through the American Zoological Association at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Sala, a junior majoring in biological and physical sciences with focus in environmental science and sustainability, said the hands-on opportunity allowed him to see multiple career choices in conservation, other than environmental consulting. His experience educating guests about the wildlife in the park confirmed his plans for a career in conservation.

"I met people from different aspects of conservation," he said. "I met people doing feet on the ground conservation work, which solidified that I want to do something in this field. Seeing how much there is to conservation has given me a lot of confidence in finishing my degree."

There was no typical day at work - the Noblesville resident said he could rotate among spots, with possibilities including sharing information about a particular animal with guests, talking about a conservation process, or working at the recycling station.

"The aviary was my favorite," he said. "You get to walk around and talk to people about the birds. Disney does a lot of work with endangered birds, and it's fun to be in the habitat and talk to people about them."

He stayed connected with IU Kokomo by taking online classes outside his work hours. He also took advantage of classes offered at Disney, including a leadership development class, an animals in film and movies class, and history and storytelling in environmental sciences.

Sala completes his internship January 29 and will return to campus to finish the academic year.

Eisaman graduated with a general studies degree in May 2025 and arrived in late summer with plans to work for one semester. She extended her contract for an additional semester but hopes to make her career in the parks, preferably in the animal science education team at Animal Kingdom.

"Disney is my dream job," said Eisaman, from Peru. "I've been a Disney fan all my life. It's surreal to be here on the cast member side instead of as a guest. This is a great way to get my foot in the door with Disney."

Her assignment is serving as a park greeter at EPCOT, scanning guests into the parks early in the day, and waving goodbye in the evening.

"It's a lot of fun," she said. "I get to see guests at their most excited and at their most tired."

While it's fun to be in the parks, Eisaman said it's real work, and involves a lot of people skills. She directs people to transportation and answers ticketing questions for guests, which has grown her communication and problem-solving abilities.

"I've definitely become more social," she said. "I'm better at interacting with people, which is something I struggled with before I got here. I have to use great listening skills to figure out the root of whatever problem someone is having and find the best solution. I have to be able to think on my feet."

Bruns, a senior from Carmel, also extended his contract until June 4, but will return to campus in May for Commencement, when he earns his degree in general studies.

His DCP assignment took him to Animal Kingdom Lodge as a house person, working with the housekeepers, though he does work at other resorts from time to time.

"I enjoy knowing that once we complete our work, our guests get to come home to a fresh start with their room clean and their beds made, so they can relax at the end of a long day at the parks."

The days are long, but he enjoys the work and his colleagues, whose positive attitudes have rubbed off on him.

"I genuinely want to go in to work every day," he said. "It's contagious here. I've never walked into a building full of people who have to wake up at 5 or 6 a.m. and they are just happy to be there. Their happiness just flows into me, and I'm happy to be there."

In addition to working in the parks, Bruns took online IU Kokomo classes, and made the dean's list for the fall semester.

He plans to return to his job back in Indiana after graduation but will keep Disney as another option.

"I already have one foot in the door, so I can come back," he said. "I've gained perspective on how a multibillion-dollar company runs. It's nice to see your work help people, and it's a nice feeling when you can see them smile."

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