A Year in Florida: Lessons, Growth, and Memories
Introduction
Hi friends! I know this blog is long overdue; my friends and family have been asking me to write one forever. Now that I’m finally back and settled in Toronto, I have no excuses! It’s been just over two weeks since I got home, and honestly, it feels like the fresh start I needed. Coming back from Florida after a year at Disney was definitely a culture shock, but in the best way. The laid-back, sunny days in Florida were a stark contrast to the fast-paced, diverse city life of Toronto. This transition had its challenges, from readjusting to the Canadian weather to finding my place in the bustling city, but it also reminded me how much I’d grown. So here it is: a look back on my year at Disney, the lessons I learned, the best memories, and how it feels to be back home.
Life at Disney
Exactly a year ago, I was immersing myself in the enchanting world of Disney. It was more than a job; it was a vibrant community. Transitioning from retail to a full-time role in food and beverage at the Canada Pavilion was a significant leap. My first role? The iconic popcorn cart. Who would have thought that maple popcorn would become my signature? Guests couldn’t get enough, and those collectible popcorn buckets with $2.25 refills were always a hit.
On top of that, we had plenty of “Drink Around the World” visitors stopping by for an Ottawa Apple cocktail or La Fin du Monde, the strongest beer in the park at 9%. These visitors, from all corners of the globe, brought with them their unique stories and experiences, enriching my Disney experience and becoming a memory I’ll never forget. It's this sense of community, this feeling of being part of something bigger, that I want to share with you, my friends, as you join me on this journey.
That cart gave me some of my best memories, especially closing shifts with my crew, who later became my travel buddies on a trip to Maine. Eventually, I even got to train new cast members, which felt so full circle. I also spent time at Le Cellier, the Canadian steakhouse, greeting and seating guests who had been coming back for years. I loved slipping in fun facts, like how there are more caribou than people in the territories. That section became my favourite spot, and yes, I already miss the poutine.
Life at Flamingo Crossings was its own kind of adventure. Living with other cast members meant nonstop social events: “Happy Tuesdays,” where different pavilions would compete in drinking games and share highlights from the week; free-entry cast nights at Cowboys; Capri hangouts exploring the local area; and way too many late nights that somehow turned into mornings. Sleep? Almost nonexistent. Memories? Totally unmatched. One night, we even ran into Post Malone at a local bar and then got to see him in concert the next day.
I also took this year to enjoy travelling. I went on a Bahamas cruise with my best friend from Norway, whom I met at orientation. I spent my 21st birthday there and saw Coldplay in Miami. I also took my very first trip to Disneyland in California, where I had endless Disney park days. Riding Guardians of the Galaxy with Everybody Wants to Rule the World blasting? Peak happiness.
At the three-month mark, I actually thought about leaving and coming back to Canada for school, but I’m so glad I didn’t. I ended up making lifelong friendships, staying in touch with people through LinkedIn, Zoom calls, and reunions in Canada. On top of that, the perks of riding Tower of Terror whenever I wanted or grabbing a Dole Whip at the Polynesian were unbeatable. Looking back now, staying was the best decision I could’ve made, not just for the friendships and memories, but for the lessons that changed how I see myself and the world.
Lessons Learned in Florida
The big question everyone always asks me is what I actually gained from working at Disney. Honestly, I came back with so much more than just a line on my resume. I built friendships and connections with people from all over the world, people who shaped my year in ways I’ll never forget. But more than that, working alongside cast members aged 18 to 35, from entirely different backgrounds, taught me how to adapt, communicate, and truly work as part of a team. It wasn’t always easy, but pushing myself outside of my comfort zone is where I found the most growth. These personal growth and life lessons are the true treasures I brought back from Disney, and I hope they inspire you as much as they have inspired me. I want to share these lessons with you, my friends, to inspire and encourage you in your own journeys, to show you that growth and learning can come from the most unexpected places.
Taking on new responsibilities, like running guest flow at Le Cellier as the restaurant assignor or training new hires at the popcorn cart, pushed me in ways that felt intimidating at first but turned out to be incredibly rewarding. Being 21 and working full-time alongside people who had already finished school meant I had to adapt quickly, learn how to manage expectations, and hold my own in a professional environment. These experiences taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure, thinking on my feet, and supporting the people around me so we could all succeed together. It was a crash course in resilience, teamwork, and growing into roles I never imagined I could handle.
I also made it a priority to take advantage of every opportunity Disney had to offer. I attended workshops, job fairs, networking events, and panels with senior leaders. One workshop even led to me getting headshots, measurements, and a callback for Disney auditions, something I never imagined would happen. Experiences like that opened my mind to new career directions, and even when things didn’t go as planned, each step built my confidence and showed me I could chase opportunities I once thought were out of reach. I encourage you, my friends, to seize every opportunity that comes your way, as you never know where it might lead. I want to motivate and inspire you to take that leap of faith and seize the opportunities that come your way, to show you that sometimes the best opportunities are the ones we least expect.
Outside of the role itself, I learned how to balance the nonstop pace of the Disney bubble while still taking care of myself. The constant energy could be overwhelming at times, but it pushed me to find independence and appreciate the small, everyday moments. Growth didn’t just come from the significant milestones; it came from late-night laughs with coworkers, staying positive during stressful shifts, and reminding myself to savour experiences I knew were once-in-a-lifetime, truly. The lessons I learned, such as teamwork, confidence, patience, and resilience, are things I’ll carry with me well beyond Disney, in school, my career, and life in general.
Back in Toronto
Now that I’m back, life feels both familiar and brand new. I’m two weeks into my third year at school, and for the first time, I feel like my courses are really lining up with where I want to go. They’re relevant, motivating, and honestly make me excited for what’s next. Balancing everyday expenses, school, and thinking about future career moves isn’t always easy, but right now, school is the priority, and it feels good to say that.
Reconnecting with friends has been such a highlight. Whether it’s happy hours, walks and coffee with Moose, or even building IKEA furniture for my new apartment, it’s those small everyday moments I really missed while I was away. I’ve also stayed close with my Disney friends, which somehow makes the world feel a lot smaller. I even ran into a few of them at a Disneyland Paris audition. I didn’t make it past the first cut, but it was such an incredible experience and great practice for whatever comes next.
Ending my Disney program also meant being home for the little things that really matter. Volunteering during orientation week at my old residence, helping first-years move in, and being there for my cousin on her wedding day were moments I wouldn’t trade for anything. After two years away from family, those experiences hit differently; they reminded me why it’s so important to slow down and be present for the people who matter most. It was extraordinary to welcome new students who were once in my shoes, to connect with families, and to feel their gratitude; it made me realize how much those small gestures can mean.
And then there’s Moose. He’s officially living his best Toronto life, especially with his newfound obsession with Starbucks pup cups. He’s way happier here than in the Florida heat, and honestly, so am I. Something is comforting about being back in the city with him, settling into a routine that feels like home while still carrying everything I learned in Florida with me.
Conclusion
My year at Disney wasn’t just a job; it was a whole chapter of growth, friendships, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I’ll carry with me forever. I came back with lessons in teamwork, resilience, and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, but also with a clearer picture of the kind of career and life I want to build. More than anything, I came back with friendships and memories that will always feel like home.
I’m beyond grateful to my family, friends, and coworkers who made that year what it was, and now I’m just as excited for this new chapter, diving into school, making the most of Toronto, and chasing every opportunity that comes my way. The Disney chapter may be closed, but the story’s far from over. Stay tuned; this is only the beginning.
