Walt Disney World Hiring 1,000 In Orlando, Adding Food Trucks

If you or someone you know has ever dreamed of one day working at what is billed as the happiest place on Earth, now might be your chance.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has announced that it is hiring an additional 1,000 people to work at its resorts in central Florida, according to 96.5 FM:

“With the completion of New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park and growth across Walt Disney World Resort, the company is hiring for 1,000 part-time and full-time roles.

“Positions are available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks, two water parks, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Downtown Disney Area and more than 20 Resort Hotels.”

The Orlando Sentinel reported that a wide range of positions are open at the various Disney properties in Florida.

“A wide range of roles is available, including parking attendants, reservation sales agents, bus drivers, housekeepers, quick service food and beverage positions and more.”

The paper also reports that Disney’s crosstown rival Universal Studios is hiring for positions as it completes its own expansions in central Florida, giving the region a sudden boost of jobs in a period when the economy is still a bit shaky.

“Universal Orlando said in May it plans to hire about 3,500 new employees this year, fueled by a sweeping expansion that includes Diagon Alley, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Hotel and eight new CityWalk venues.”

The growth at the parks comes at a time when Disney is openly trying new ideas to reach customers in ways it never has before.

The Sentinel reports that the company, which also owns ABC and ESPN television networks, is experimenting with food trucks, which have become all the rage lately.

The food trucks are not widespread at the parks, the paper reported, but they are being seen by more and more patrons, especially during busier times.

“The company will hold its first food-truck rally Saturday evening at Downtown Disney with 14 food trucks from across the area, including four Disney-themed mobile kitchens representing different parks and attractions.

“‘This is just a natural extension of what we already do,’ said James Kleinschmidt, area chef for Downtown Disney. ‘The trucks give us immense flexibility to bolster food service at the parks during peak times as well as give guests at Downtown Disney a taste of our other areas.'”

It remains to be seen if Disney will itself create any of its own company-owned food trucks and whether or not any of its new 1,000 employees will be manning the grills behind the drivers seat.

With the move to grow its workforce, will the company’s stock increase as well?

[Image via Flickr Creative Commons]