Working at “The Most Magical Place on Earth”
Disney was a big part of childhood for Meghan Caprez, BS ’15, MA ’17. As she grew up in the 1990s, not only did she watch just about every Disney film (accumulating a vast knowledge of Disney trivia) but the theme park earned a special place in her heart during a family trip.
“I took my first trip to Walt Disney World when I was 8 years old,” she recalls. “It was a difficult time for my family because my younger brother had just started losing his hearing, but the cast members went above and beyond to make sure we all had a great time!”
Her journey to becoming a cast member herself began when, as a senior in high school, she learned about the Disney College Program (a national internship program operated by the Disney Programs division of The Walt Disney Co.).
“I walked into my first academic advising appointment during Destination Kent State and told my advisor that I would absolutely, without a doubt, be taking a semester off to do the program,” Caprez says. “I did just that, working as a character attendant my sophomore year. After completing the program, I really caught the Disney bug and knew I wanted to end up back with the company.”
Caprez, who majored in public relations as an undergrad and earned a master’s degree in communications studies, later completed a second Disney College Program in food and beverage, and a professional internship in executive communications at Disney World.
She is now a communications manager for the Walt Disney World Resort, handling internal and external communication and strategy for Disney Resort hotels, transportation, security and more. Prior to that, she served as a public affairs manager for the company, helping ensure a seamless integration of communications and public affairs for major events, including some of the lead-up to Walt Disney World’s 18-month-long 50th anniversary celebration (which began in October 2021 and ends in 2023).
We caught up with Caprez to learn more about her love for Disney:
What do you enjoy the most about your job? The people. We have 70,000 of the very best people working at Walt Disney World. They are leaders in hospitality, themed entertainment, culinary arts, product development, engineering, guest services and more. I get to work with them every day and help them assist our guests, as well as share stories about their talents and accomplishments.
Could you tell us a favorite Disney story? We have very passionate fans at Walt Disney World who enjoy hearing about our history and heritage. I was able to share a moment of that history when we invited a group of 50-year cast members to open a time capsule at Disney’s Contemporary Resort as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. Seeing them look through the items—some of which they remembered being added in—was a really cool moment. I then got to share that story with our fans on the Disney Parks Blog!
Is there an area of the park or a ride you enjoy most? I love the whimsy of the Magic Kingdom Park. It’s full of charm, nostalgia and extra pixie dust right now because we’re in the middle of celebrating its 50th anniversary! My favorite attraction is probably a toss-up between The Haunted Mansion and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.
If you could be a Disney character, who would it be and why? Kermit the Frog. He’s a passionate leader, a good friend, and even though it’s not easy being green, his banjo skills are incredible!