Why I Left Disney

[@jessicavanel]

Thank you so much to everyone who watched this video about my crazy journey with Disney! There will be plenty more to come! 🥰

[@spokee]

Was a great video hopefully 1 day I can meet u

[@christian_directioner16]

That's great to hear!! I can't even describe how much I enjoy your videos!! They truly make my day!!🥰

[@BROUBoomer]

I wish you would have had more time as a cast member at Walt Disney World. You should have tried for Ambassador, you'd make a great one, you've got the energy and enthusiasm. You'd also make a great guest services guide. You'd look cute in that blue velvet hat, even with it's rain cover on. I could easily see you retiring out of there. Then writing a book about your adventures there. Good luck through the coming hurricane 🌀. Don't forget to get batteries, and stuff for the grill. And a dozen cans of tuna. Just another day in paradise. 🌀🌀🌀 👵☮️🖖

[@stonksandlego7441]

you are absolutely adorable and with such an amazing attitude you were always going to land on your feet. anyone would be lucky to have you

[@yomogami4561]

best wishes and good luck

[@johnd2533]

Hi Jessica!! It’s John from Art of Animation Concierge 3rd Shift. Love you and miss you!! It was always a pleasure working with you!! Best of luck to you with this new endeavor!! I know you’ll be sensational in whatever you decide to do!! Let’s catch up soon!! ❤❤❤

[@BeanTwnJ]

You checked my son in last January at All Star movies and you couldn't have been kinder and more accommodating! You have an extremely bright future!

[@BobbiGail]

This is so sweet. How fun to be able to tell her!❤

[@SwaveJackson]

@@BobbiGailikr 😊😊

[@katiehobbs96]

My aunt worked for disney for about 15ish years and she was in a mananger position at disney's floral and gifts for a majority of those years. I got to see a lot of behind the scenes bc of that. What they did was incredible. It's tragic that Disney decided to close it and outsource it. It is such a shame because what they did was truly magical and the people that worked there were extremely passionate about what they did. Disney is going downhill quickly.

[@SelenaJarvis-Jordan]

Did they know each other?

[@lbatemon1158]

​@@SelenaJarvis-Jordanlikely not. It's a huge department.

[@im1who84u]

Skilled labor is not cheap. Cheap labor is not skilled.

[@thelestrangelair]

It's not normal the way they are self distructing for sure. From wokening things unnecessarily to this sort of thing, it's just not necessary and wow.

[@aniyahlyszt3531]

Darling, Disney has been downhill since likely before you were conceived. The lemming propaganda videos. Look into those. ALL DISNEY. AND NOW DISNEY OWNS DISCOVERY CHANNEL.

[@kitkat5339]

Disney seems determined to shoot itself in the foot. It kills the magic they work so hard to create. Contracting out services almost always guarantees lesser service.

[@larissaalcorn3406]

Bingo. It feels like they have no interest in running the parks.

[@melindainglesby1922]

I'm wondering though, whether this was actually a corporate decision, or something forced on them by their new government overlords...

[@jeffsavage7135]

Like many companies, they never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

[@MrLexxBomb]

@@melindainglesby1922 The CFTOD would not have any input into this decision.

[@Imzadi]

@@melindainglesby1922no. Disney stock is down. It’s lost 7 years of growth. This is budget cuts. It’s business. Disney needs to stay out of politics and concentrate on customer experience and protecting stock value. Go woke go broke. Plain and simple.

[@colleenosullivan857]

In the 80’s Disney was the Best place to be. Every guest felt like they were important. When we went back with the grandkids in 2019, it had totally changed. It was dirty, the cast members, when asked, didn’t know how to give directions to the different attractions. Disney has forgotten who pays the bills in the parks

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Oh, Disney knows. That's why they raise the prices so much, many families can no longer afford the trip to Orlando.

[@lindaward3156]

I took my kids to Disney World theme parks in '82 & '89 and we had a great time. I was a young, widowed Mom without much in my wallet. We stayed with friends that lived in Orlando and so didn't have to pay for accommodations. We visited several times and had a frugal budget - but it stretched enough to have a lot of fun. we got a few souvenirs, nothing too expensive, and didn't eat everything in sight, but it wasn't even noticeable & probably healthier anyway. There's no way a small income earner single Mom of two today could do what I did back then.

[@yikesvikes]

Even in the mid to late 2000's it was good! We have a son with a prosthetic leg, and it literally broke at Hollywood Studios. A cast member saw, and immediately came to assist us. He called for an engineer, who took the leg back to their shop. Meanwhile, we were taken to the quick service restaurant next to Star Tours, inside, in the AC, and given cold drinks and a snack. Within 20 minutes, the cast member returned with my son's prosthetic leg, fixed well enough to continue our park visit. But THEN, we were given VIP seating at the Lights, Cameras, Action stunt car show! They really went above and beyond for us! 😊

[@toddylu6869]

Yep was a die hard koolaid drunk Disney fan until early last year. It started to unravel… hubby and I owned DVC, used Disney Visa exclusively, had annual passes and Tables in Wonderland before the pandemic, subscribed to Disney+, and promoted them non stop to family and friends. We spent lots of money and it was my Happy Place. My last trip was May 2022 with my parents. We did not do any parks because the political writing was on the wall. Disney should have never gotten in to politics. They crossed our line in the sand. They bought our DVC back at full asking price last Nov, we used a different credit card and cancelled Disney + in Dec. It broke my heart but we have moved on. I’m happy for you!!

[@texasmimi5566]

My opinion is that people value their entertainment and their bragging rights more than their quality of life, in that many go into big debt to go to Disney. Live in a dump, drive a beater but "we took the family to Disney". Then they file bankruptcy when they they don't have the income/funds to pay the CC debt incurred by their entertainment "needs".

[@sunnyscott4876]

I can remember in the 60s when getting a job at Disneyland was the absolute epitome of a dream job for a young person. That and beach lifeguard.

[@suewilkinson5855]

I lived in the area when Disneyworld was being built. The people I knew that worked there, hated it. Everyone called it Walt Dismal World or the Tragic Kingdom.

[@keepingupwiththejoneses746]

It's super sad that you finally found your dream position and it disappeared, but I'm so so excited for you, that you get this amazing opportunity to enjoy your social media journey!

[@toriless]

Covid did that for me, it ruined my joy. imprisoned by DJT

[@Paul_Wetor]

Outsourcing a function might make financial sense, but you might lose the best part. Last year I took a Princess cruise and found out they had outsourced the gift shops. I had been hoping to get my fifth ship-named magnet. Instead, they only offered a generic Princess magnet. By standardizing the merchandise, they ruined the gift shop for me.

[@allmyedgesaresharp]

Cruise ships are destroying our oceans by dumping thousands of gallons of engine and bio waste into the water everyday so they ruin a lot more than gift shops

[@jennifergeoghan3900]

I worked as a basketeer for 9 years. Heard about this through the gossip chain. I'd been gone a few years beforehand. You came in too late. When I started it was awesome. The managers were professional florists, not generic WDW managers. Back then the product we put out was unbelievable. When the both passed away the new managers had no clue. The deathknell was when we went on global scheduling. That's when I left and the exodus of good folks started. Sorry you didn't get to experience it back then when we were treated like valued staff and professionals

[@gapete361]

Thank you for the insight, Jennifer. I've never worked for Disney but I have had two relatives who did. In the case of my uncle, all he did was repair golf carts at Fort Wilderness, or I should say he was hired to run the shop that did it. Disney came to him after they did an extensive search at Country Clubs across the country, and asked him to apply with several others. In other words, they looked for the best of the best to do even what seems like menial tasks. I think that attention to detail was important. I remember staying on the resort once, back in the late 90s, and seeing a cast member checking the soil temp of the plants around the pool! I mean you don't see that at a Holiday Inn. That was back then. I've been going to DW almost every year since it opened. I missed a few back in the 80s and such, but I was there for nearly every park opening on the property. I have heard stories of declining quality for a long time, but in the past decade, I really started to see it. I believe it started with their HR practices, like what you're saying. I know a lot of cast members and where I used to think they were exaggerating about things, I now believe they're only telling me the tip of the iceberg. Disney has lost its edge and if they think people are going to keep paying more for less, they're wrong. I stopped going in 2019. It saddens me greatly, but I feel as if the company left me and not the other way around.

[@JMetz]

I, personally, would like to know more about "global scheduling" and why it was the death knell. It sounds like there are stories here to tell.

[@Alexpr54]

What is the name of the company that is now outsourced by disney

[@BROUBoomer]

The floral department at Disney, is the reason my husband and I didn't break up while we were dating. It all got better because of a purple rose meant for someone else. 💜🌹 (Long story). I'm very sorry to hear they're closing that department.

[@RowanWolf22]

Can we hear about the long story? It sounds like something very important, and meaningful!

[@nectarinedreams]

​@@RowanWolf22right???? I need it

[@tabitas.2719]

Oh, sounds like a sweet misunderstanding. If you don't mind sharing the story. 😊

[@asadb1990]

If your relationship needs superficial things like flowers, gifts, etc. Your relationship might have issues.

[@jengibs]

@@asadb1990 There's a reason that "gifts" are considered one of the love languages. It isn't an "issue". If two people in a relationship both have the "gifts" love language then their relationship will be a happy one. Just because you don't experience that love language doesn't really give you the right to judge others. Everyone experiences loving relationships differently. That's why some relationships work and some don't. Different personalities have different needs. The most important part of any loving relationship is communicating your needs to each other and respecting each other's love languages.

[@makikomi]

You're intelligent, well spoken, kind, beautiful, effervescent and engaging. It's a big loss for Disney, and (I sincerely hope) a good next step for you. I wish you every success and so much happiness as you take this new road in your life and career. Good luck Jessica, we're rooting for you!

[@janneaufire4762]

Ditto Jessica! You're destined for success, thank God!

[@hihowareyou8473]

effervescent is such a good word choice! putting that in my daily vocab from now on lol

[@Lovemesomekitties]

I learned over 20 years ago that Disney decided to outsource many of its services so that they could divert money to other projects. The internal changes to Disney culture began at that time, because of the leadership they started to bring in rather than promote from within as they always did. They even started to cut hours to encourage cast members to scavenge for them. Yea, that's when I left...after 13 years of service.

[@Thoringer]

My baby sis worked for Disney in Florida between her Bachelor's and her MBA. I live in the US, but we are German. She is a huge Disney fan and that's the only reason she did that. Long story short, she was on that special visa working for Disney and they had budget cuts and informed they would lay off people. Now, for most, this can be a hardship when you come from a not-so-wealthy country. My sis just volunteered to end it early, go on a cruise with Disney through the Caribbean, and end her stint in the US with a joint vacation with me and my family and our middle sister in Pensacola Beach. She still has good friends at Disney, basically permanent staff, and once in a while, she is visiting. Next time, I'm gonna join them. She gets way more vacation time than me (yay Germany, boo USA) and I could not join her this year, but we all had a family vacation in Rome together. Meanwhile, she also went twice to Disneyland Paris this year.

[@jimgriswold8699]

Enjoyed it. Know what you are feeling. I worked at Disney from Dec 1996 until the pandemic in 2020. From 2008 til 2020 I drove the Friendship boats at EPCOT. At 95 I think I'm ready to start a KZbin channel.

[@sarahmitchell9366]

do it! I'd love to see.

[@brandonj7586]

I would watch!

[@kerlygerl]

I’ll subscribe!🥰🥳

[@michelleavent1312]

Do it! I’d watch!

[@Jmg5594]

Please do it!! We need your stories

[@alisinwanderland]

That makes me very sad to hear that they have closed Disney Floral and Gifts, and that it happened so suddenly. You are right about it being the kind of job that people retire from. My Mum was one of those people, retiring from Disney Floral and Gifts in 2015 after 23 years with the company. She passed away three weeks later. It sounds though like it is the proverbial window opening for you with regard to your social media and content creation. I wish you all the best, and know that the things you learned in the time you were there will likely be put to use throughout your life in one way or another.

[@amykolterman3744]

It's sorry for your loss. I lost both my parents in 4.5 months.

[@BerryGood4U]

You know what I love about you and your videos? How positive you are. Keep that energy and good luck with all of your new plans!! ❤😊

[@rachmunshine9474]

🎯

[@jeannemilne3150]

My Uncle Bub (Charles "Bub" Thomas) was part of the Dapper Dans (barbershop quarter) for many years. He started at Disneyland in Anaheim and then moved to Disney World when it opened. I forget which year he stopped performing with the Dapper Dans, but he continued working behind the scenes. A former Dapper Dan once told me that Uncle Bub introduced the Deagan Organ Chimes to the Dans. Uncle Bub was also a talented artist (he usually did caricature drawings) some of his art may be somewhere around Disney World, but I'm not sure. He passed away in a car accident while driving to work on January 1997.

[@MiriamMillen]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great legacy though.

[@alisinwanderland]

Your Uncle was a legend at Disney. I remember him and remember when he passed away. It was a great loss to his Disney family, and surely an even greater one to you and his own family. I know it has been a long time, but I am very sorry for your loss. If I remember correctly, Disney retired the color yellow uniform for the Dapper Dans in his honor and memory.

[@jeannemilne3150]

@@MiriamMillen thank you.

[@jeannemilne3150]

@@alisinwanderland thank you. Yes, they did.

[@CathyEM]

Jeanne, I am so sorry to hear that your uncle Bub passed away. I wrote an article about him for the WDW Cast newspaper Eyes and Ears many years ago - I believe it was tied into the Timex watch "keeps on ticking" award that he was given.

[@stacym735]

I'm not sure why this video showed up in my side list of suggestions to watch next, but here we are; I found you by accident. And WOW, are you ever good at making a first impression! You have a great, crystal-clear voice. Your face is not only beautiful, but wonderfully expressive. You're very good at story-telling. That is to say, you didn't bog us down in unneccesary details, while still relating everything relevant to keep the story moving. Your affection toward the Disney department that shut down seems genuine. And so on, and so on, and all the things that add to that great first impression. To be 100% honest, I probably won't follow your channel, because I don't think I'm your target audience. You don't appear much older than my grandson, after all. I just wanted to say that this old granny found you captivating, and I think the sky is the limit for you :)

[@jackimccall4483]

you said it for this granma too😊

[@joeo7693]

…and I second your comment. She is a beautiful, expressive, energetic, young lady…without a ring on her finger. Hopefully she finds a the right man (don’t comment, I am Catholic, it’s what I believe. You can believe what ever you want).

[@luanngordon8639]

I'm an old great- grandma and I follow Jessica. I worked for hotels until I had to have 7 th back surgery and had to quit. I love her hotel stories.

[@toriless]

I clicked by accident, just being honest, but I did stay.

[@michelemarino3579]

You should check out some of her other videos before you decide not to follow. Her stories are great.

[@wendyhamm9722]

The runner gig sounds like a job I would love. At least they gave you plenty of time for your exit and into KZbin land!

[@jensenjorshina9945]

You could make videos about your time in Netherlands and the cultural differences between Netherlands and US.

[@veerlevernooy5582]

Hehe i live in The Netherlands 🙃

[@kisekiplay7569]

Wait, she stayed in The Netherlands for a while!?

[@christian_directioner16]

​@kisekiplay7569 Yeah, she went there for school for, I think, one year. She also has family there. 😊

[@shannonobrien9922]

Some of Gods prettiest country! We lived 3 years about 15km from Bremen in 90-93! Only place we went to that was prettier was Innsbruck

[@bobs1648]

Jessica, as a guy who grew up with Disney World basically in my back yard, yes back in the "old" days. It may be sad but, you will probably be much better off in the long run NOT having your persona attached to Disney. From the outside looking in, Disney Corp. seems to be doing everything it can to ruin a once great company. I hope your freedom serves you well.

[@thelestrangelair]

It really is, and it's insane. Bella L

[@sunitamosesesq]

I honestly can't figure it out, either. Social media is rampant with complaints from once-happy longtime Disney lovers, and yet they continue down this path of destruction. During the past few years, seeing the crowd levels at Universal surge due to the unhappy former Disney diehards, has been a real eye opener. All I can think is that it must be complete chaos at the upper management levels. Disney has no creativity, no innovation, no fresh new life anymore.

[@CathyEM]

It was a pleasure working with you, Jess. I wish you the very best!

[@DavidGreg-ve7bv]

I pray to God to give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much,So where are you originally from? I am David originally from Spain but currently living in Texas now....

[@LisaCoe-b6j]

I am proud of you for making the decisions that are right for you. Good luck in your next phase of life! We'll be watching and supporting you! ❤

[@dsatt57]

I used to work for them in a local store. The manager hated kids. Made no sense. I stayed longer than I should because of the free tickets

[@PB-tr5ze]

I work in hotels (not Disney), I had a front desk manager who was afraid of guests... he would lock himself in his office, and if a guest had an issue he would just immediately agree to what ever the guest wanted so he could get back to his office. Some people just fall into jobs they are not meant for... they might be qualified, but their personalities don't match... I can't understand why they do jobs they clearly hate.

[@bettyboop3353]

@@PB-tr5zeI am one of those people who dislikes working with people. Almost every job I’ve had during my working years has been working with people. Money was the motive. I usually chose to work the night shift because the interaction to managers and guests was minimal. I do very well in that situation.

[@PB-tr5ze]

@@bettyboop3353 fair enough. I refer to my self as socially antisocial, because I'm fine with people while working, but off hours, I'm a virtual hermit. And I did night audit on and off for the better part of 15 years (being in charge without constant supervision appeals to me). I bet you got some great stories... I know I do, and I have been kicking around the idea of creating some videos to share them... because no one outside of the industry has a real clue what really happens in a hotel after dark... lol

[@asadb1990]

​@PB-tr5ze your manager was a human and had the mentality of a mercenary employee. He knew its not his business and trying to wiggle out of a freebie is not worth the hassle and the company wasnt gonna reward him for saving them money. Too many unwell (mentally) are too invested into their job and think they own the business and act like it. And he also loved to work smart not hard. He knew his position was most likely salaried and thus extra hours are a given so he enjoyed the down time.

[@kattriella1331]

To be fair, I used to love kids, then ended up working with them as a teen. I no longer love kids. Sometimes kids will do that to you.

[@nydiajohnson3632]

I feel sorry for the Disney’s customers when a company closes a part of its business to more or less rent that business to another company it loses the heart, the fun and contest. For all of you this was a fun family to see and interact I will be afraid that those small touches you all did will be gone. It will be just a new flower arrangement another wedding but not soul.

[@beverlychmelik5504]

When they have a department, the employees will do the little things in passing as opposed to outsourcing where all you get is what the contract requires.

[@tvspaz626]

sorry to hear your job got disintegrated. congrats on being successful enough on here that you can be a full-time content creator! good luck and i look forward to the videos you'll be making!

[@TheDaniDiaries]

I actually love working at Resorts more than the parks. Really hoping to transfer back to resorts or at least out of the parks soon.

[@hollypotter6989]

Unfortunately this happens in every industry. I worked for a credit union based in Florida. They had branches in several states. I worked in Georgia. I was with them for 5 years. At our annual meeting, when all the big shots come to town, all the employees were sitting laughing, joking, wondering how much our christmas bonus was going to be. In came the big boys and we were told all the Georgia offices would be closing in about 3 months. Tears, fears, and depression followed for everyone. Glad to hear you landed on your feet. Enjoy your time. Just be sure to buy yourself good insurance. Health life and disability. Its so important. Good luck.

[@toriless]

Well, it has only been a few months but OK so far.

[@jdstep97]

It doesn't help to say this, but at least they gave you a 3-month notice. Some folks find out the day of.

[@thelestrangelair]

Disney is really ruining itself on so many levels, though.

[@timrose9826]

I’ve been going to Disney since 1984 and the parks have definitely had its ups and downs Depending on who is running the company I’ve heard many Cast Members are often unhappy and are forced to leave Always a bad way to run a company… It’s better to try and keep valuable employees

[@eksassy901]

Love your content! Had a similar experience where we were told on a Wednesday our hotel was closing on Sunday. I love your positivity. Wish you all the best on your next adventure.

[@allieb549]

Good luck, I love your content. My warning would be to put whatever you need in place to protect yourself from burnout- make sure you have those guaranteed days off in a week where you completely switch off- or have two phones a personal one and a business one and turn off the business one at certain times of a day. People can wait longer than you think. Set a precedent and boundary now because almost all creators get burned out at some point because they think that if they are not giving 100% it is not enough. That is a lie, the internet will take as much of you as it can get. Please take time off too, you have to give yourself permission. Make it known "I don't work Wednesdays, Sundays and US public Holidays." to whoever needs to know or whatever works, Ie 'if you message me on Thanksgiving weekend you are NOT getting an answer until Monday' etc and have people in your life who will hold you to it. I have seen so many creators burn out over my years of watching you and I had a colleague whose child was on all of it for years and they are now a shell of their old self. There's a reason no company asks anyone to work 24/7 because it is not sustainable. I wish you well and that it all works out for you because you are amazing I thought I was subscribed and I am not (just now subscribed) and I have been watching your videos for ages and I appreciate them but any decent human is going to be caring more about you as a person rather than you as someone who gives them a product they enjoy. Please make sure you speak to your network about how to carve out time for yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup.

[@francinesanchez5402]

This this this. Often it’s only 24/7, if you fall into that. Saying no is a boss move, as is having firm boundaries on availability on time and days. People can’t absolutely wait. Also hiring people who you trust to answer the questions can be helpful too

[@WhatJaneSays]

I'm so sorry that department disappeared, the team over there was amazing. I actually work across street from the now former Floral and Gift at the Smart City building and will miss seeing the vans come and go.

[@hughhillman2508]

Love your hotel videos, brought back SO many memories from the years that I worked in a hotel! Especially loved people trying to check in, BEFORE check out time and the room was still occupied!!!

[@Prplpassions]

The last time I was at Disney was 17 years ago. Back then going to Disney was a total experience. We felt it the moment we got to the airport. It never ended the entire time we were there. They just don’t seem to care about that anymore. It’s all about how much money they can get out of us. Walt has been rolling in his grave for years at that the downfall of the Disney experience.

[@jacquelinetorres8210]

I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors. Since you parted on good terms I'm sure if you ever wanted to go back they'd take you back in a heart beat.

[@raypierce5818]

So sorry to hear about the closure, it’s been in the news a fair amount recently. To be honest, I’ve seen you in my feed from time to time but just subscribed when I found out you were a CM! I’ve been a creative consultant in entertainment for a LONG time, most recently doing some work for new projects in a “foreign land” that can’t be named in public. You seemed like a perfect Cast member but I have always tried to help people to increase their sensitivity to where they feel drawn in life as that always seem to be the best guidance for growth. Keep up the amazing content and it will just get better!!

[@takwu0]

that HR voice... so natural i couldnt tell which was your real voice. they sound like 2 completely different and normal people. you literally voice acted 2 characters in the same scene in one take, and it was not detectable. you are talented.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

There are so many former Disney Cast Members doing content right now! We've owned a timeshare outside Disney property in Kissimmee (Florida). We would go there every few years and had so much fun at Disney World. Then came 2020. I don't blame Disney for shutting down for months, but when we returned in October 2020, we noticed some serious issues there (besides being short staffed). The Disney Magic was gone, and it felt like everything was just an excuse to take our money. Case in point, Beauty and the Beast Castle. Prior to our visit in 2020, there was NOT a B&B Castle. So we were so excited to have a lunch reservation booked there, until they changed the menu and would force you to pay $60 pp for a price-fix menu that we couldn't afford. We couldn't ride anything in Galaxy's Edge because of the stupid Queue system for Rise of the Resistance, so we left Orlando feeling like it was a wasted trip. We then sold our timeshare a few months later, and haven't been back to Orlando since (and do not plan on returning).

[@mikelandry5769]

What was your timeshare experience? Did you have a hard time selling it?

[@Steve_in_NJ]

@@mikelandry5769 Nope! It was back in late 2020. Done in a way that you cannot do any more. It was sold to a "shell company".

[@rachelmartinez5057]

I want to suggest interning for a wedding coordinating company! I think you’d LOVE it bc you sound like you love to do what I also love to do! And I also work for Disney currently but as a side hustle while event coordinating with a company out here :)

[@DavidGreg-ve7bv]

I pray to God to give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much,So where are you originally from? I am David originally from Spain but currently living in Texas now....

[@nyneeveanya8861]

Had many jobs in my life. The one I liked the most was the one that had me doing different things every day. One day cleaning, one day collecting samples, one day testing, one day paperwork, one day outdoors work. Or days with different combinations. Always,engaging, never monotonous. Hope your new ventures do that for you.

[@colemanleighanne]

I had a roommate from my DCP who did floral and loved it! She was one of very few elected for it. Congrats! How exciting! But also sorry you went through this. Thankfully, my program was pre-covid time. I feel it got rough after that for everyone.

[@mangy5505]

I love the way you explained this!

[@douglaswatters7303]

Anyone who would spend over $50,000 for a Disney wedding should have their head examined. Grow up people.

[@rnettles6241]

It was 2 women getting "married." They got bigger problems than Disney.

[@joereilly7082]

The funny thing is that your video is the best press that I have seen Disney get in the last couple of years. Even though you parted with the company the end result is positive and everyone involved is happy. That is really rare and says a lot about you and the work environment that still exists at Disney. Honestly they should be sponsoring this video.

[@TechDeals]

Congrats, good luck on the journey... you absolutely have the energy for this. If I may offer some free advice from someone much older than you? Schedule mental health days, "pay yourself" time to recharge. 24/7 burns you out

[@kirkhonore]

Congrats on your career change. Shifting from a job that gave you the creative and flexibility to work and do your content creation on the side to moving into exploring the world of full time content creation is indeed challenging as you noted but by thinking everything through and considering everything before jumping in is good preparation for you to leap into the wild unknown (which isn't so unknown to you but in a different way than before) and venture into creating your own brand, your IP as it were and make something you truly love to do.

[@jeffreymontgomery7516]

Congratulations, and have fun in the next stage of life! I've loved your content, and how articulate you speak, and the energy you show! Take that with you and you can accomplish anything!

[@thathuman1389]

Only after I finished the video i realized it was 20 minutes long. This was very interesting. So excited for what you will do in the future! ❤

[@BradleySmith1985]

Just like Children's Place and the Disney Store. When I was a manager at the Disney Store in Riverside, they offered me the opportunity to move from part-time manager/assistant to full-time head manager. However, there was a mom who was also interested in the position. I let them pass it on to the mom because I was only 18 at the time and had lined up a job at RCC as a lab tech.

[@1anastudent]

I was in the hotel industry for 2 decades. I don't recommend it. Low income, you work any time or day, and they always take the customer side

[@captmaverickable]

Working the front desk for three months at my local SpringHill Suites confirmed all of this. If they could pay people less they would. And they only had one night auditor.

[@asadb1990]

What do people expect from hotel, restaurant, and retail work? Its mostly jobs for students in high school and college or people on tough times temporary. These are not meant to be a career except maybe if you are a partner or spouse of a partner. Any adult who is not an owner or related to owner should stay away.

[@1anastudent]

@@asadb1990 Still, no matter how low level the position is, there is verbal abuse and harassment. The company only cares if it will cost money.

[@MrNaesme]

​@@asadb1990That is such a stupid lie you've been fed. 1. High Scholar have limitations on when they can work. Mostly a handful of hours after school, but they still need time for homework and sleep. That severely limits the amount of time the businesses can be open. 2. College students in most degree paths can take internships with companies in their field of study which is a smarter choice. Set yourself up for success, don't waste time in unrelated jobs. 3. These businesses are essential. You could argue that we can do away with fast food, but we can't get rid of grocery stores. Even hotels are too useful to truly remove without the side effect of making the housing market even worse. 4. Absolutely nobody wants teenagers running a business. When you have an issue, the last person you want coming to the front as a manager is another teenager. Especially one that only views their job as an optional way of having spending money. Seriously, do you just never sit down and actually think through your own beliefs? It is entirely too easy to see the flaws in it. Every single job should pay a living wage to every single worker. Period. They can, they just won't. Absolutely nobody in a first world country should struggle to survive while working 40 hours a week. Period. Doesn't matter your job.

[@vaderladyl]

Working in hospitality does suck.

[@elizawright7633]

Hey Jess, I posted a comment on your video on wellness checks about a Disney cast member. It was in 2021 but it was in August at Pop Century , so weird that my mom’s spilt second decision to change from art of animation in December to Pop in August led out dominos.

[@bobbyglick5307]

I kept getting calls over 3 years after I quit working for Disney in Florida. Some of my calls from Disney were at 2am where I finally got very rude. I wasn’t under contract, I left after giving over 70 days notice & worked 86 days after my notice date. I had no idea Disney was so pushy until I’d had time to unwind almost a year later. I’ve worked overseas & was working in New York on September 11 & never felt unappreciated unlike D. A piece of advice just take life as it comes & be very aware of your surroundings. Best wishes to you.

[@GundamGokuTV]

I had something similar happen. G4, the Video game TV channel. I grew up loving G4. When they announced they were coming back I was super excited. I had just graduated from Journalism school and I had always focused on being a video game news writer. So it felt like destiny in a way. G4, X-Play especially, is why I wanted to write about video games. So I applied and got an interview. Which lead to being offered a writing position at the New G4. For those of you familiar with the new G4, you'll know the ending of this story. I was signed on as a contract writer for the esports show. I wrote like 3 scripts before Comcast decided to lay off a large portion of the staff. "Budget cuts". A week into working for my childhood dream company, the executive producer called me, apologized profusely and said that the show was downsizing. And I was one of the people cut. G4 has since shut down but I can at least say I worked for G4 even if it was only a little over a week. Also the pay was really good for a remote writing job, 6k a month.

[@jonathandan5330]

I love this creator. Her presence is very comforting and she's so well-spoken and soothing. Her TikToks are pretty amazing as well.

[@fireflei]

i'm a highschool senior applying to colleges and thinking abt my future, so this video is rlly insightful as some1 who has never had a job and doesn't know much abt having one. i always wondered abt the ppl in the "behind the scenes" at disney and other theme parks. i'm really sorry abt ur department closing but i'm glad it all worked out in the end. 💞

[@ericfleming5522]

Good luck--I hope you remain relatable! One of the things that sets you apart from a lot of the other folks I immediately scroll past is that you had a real-world day job that you took pride in doing well. It's admirable as heck. Try not to lose touch with that.

[@Fadamor]

Did you consider working at the company that took over Floral & Gifts from Disney Corporate? They probably would welcome experienced workers in the genre.

[@eddieguillen8579]

It is a huge hit or miss when working in-house to outsourced jobs. Benefits that ppl got when working in-house are usually gone, communication break down is terrible, understaffing is very common, and the main priorities change from customer experiences to profit, profit, profit.

[@Fadamor]

@@eddieguillen8579 All very true, but when you've found a job that you LOVE doing, being told that another company is taking over that job doesn't mean you can't continue doing what you love. You should at least investigate the new company to see if the salary/benefits package is acceptable. The number of people working in jobs they hate - despite a nice benefit package - easily exceeds the number of people who've found their life's work.

[@radiomantor]

It is both fortuitous and unfortunate that I have discovered your channel at this time. I am a Disney fan - I enjoyed it before, on a level of "I like it, alright"...but it exploded when I met my now wife, to a point where she believes I have taken the mantle of SuperFan from her. It is not a pleasant time when things do not work out. Life depends on what you make of the situation, and you Jessica appear to have made the largest jug of lemonade from what was given to you. I am a storyteller. I have been writing for years - but I do not have that presence that I saw in this "goodbye" video, and so I tend toward the theatre of the mind, and keep my creativity in print form. I am looking forward to watching you from the beginning - and following your journey. Congratulations on finding that spark of inspiration. All the best to you!

[@mrsp2115]

I've watched your short videos that pop up on my screen when I open You Tube. Thanks for providing entertaining content. I'll keep watching!

[@francinesanchez5402]

Good luck!!! Sometimes risks lead to amazing results. They always lead to self discovery and learning. That being said, I think you’ll rock this. I think your content on the hotels with crazy stories and acting them out is awesome (even though I occasionally want to stand up for the guests). Congrats on your next venture.

[@CheeseheadMedia]

I understand exactly what that call was like; 4 years ago the Fortune 500 company I was working for decided to outsource their entire IT Department from the Engineers to the Help Desk. My job wasn't perfect but I had a pension along with 401K, 4 weeks of vacation, and the ability to make some overtime every week. But I'm so better off now that I'm no longer there. It truly was a blessing in disguise.

[@gusm-op7vb]

I don't blame her for leaving, I worked at their Ca park for 17yrs, and I knew 4 yrs before I left that enough was enough. I felt like such a huge burden & Free to fly into the real world. The only props I give working there was preparation for professional world and or job opportunities that once they see the company name they say welcome aboard lol

[@lauriem4112]

I'm so sorry. My husband found the perfect remote/in office job at Disney post production. Then Iger came back and he was laid off this summer 😭😭😭 good luck ❤

[@bryansipes3601]

I have been to WDW over 100 visits, beginning Christmas 1971. My parents lived approx an hour from DisneyWorld, and my one brother worked at WDW as a musician. I have, for a long time, dreamed that when I retired, we would move to close Orlando, and I would work part-time in hospitality at a WDW resort, because I have always had a love for WDW. Between a change in circumstances and Disney shifting priorities, that dream has faded.

[@Anivacuum]

Good luck with your new journey, Jessica! Great to see you in landscape frame for a change. ;-)

[@lumendelsol]

long story short disney hired an outside company to do her job. She was gonna get laid off but quit instead. Your welcome.

[@susiehuckaby5097]

Thank you

[@shannonobrien9922]

You + are = YOU'RE

[@XBadger1]

Wow dear God thank you

[@metalema6]

Thank fucking god you made this comment

[@LiLTailormade]

Bless you 🙏🏾

[@nhgreg]

Best wishes on your new direction. I have mostly been seeing you via your shorts, great work.

[@ugaldk31]

I found my dream job at Disney, and it was also taken away. I spent 15+ years at DisneyQuest, and those memories will always be delightful. Many happy wished on your new journeys! Instant sub!

[@RedHotTamale91]

I miss Disney quest so much!! 😭

[@gabriellevalentino1954]

I miss it!

[@duomaxwell9272]

Matt from "Off The Ranch" youtube channel is renovating an old resort. If you collabed with him you could get some good content.

[@pennybast3953]

Congrats on your new adventure, Jessica! I recently stumbled on your channel and have fallen in love with your personality. I'm really excited to see what the future hold for you!

[@sarahatherton7284]

So I'm guessing if a new company takes over- it's like the job is gone?... that's interesting because in the UK we have TUPE which means normally the new company would also be buying the exisiting contracts - so you could essentially become an employee of the new company. Which is why I didn't fully get the gravitas at first.

[@alaskancoppertop]

In the U.S. it is not automatic that current employees will switch over to the new company. It depends on the contracts for the changes/buyout, some companies will keep all the old employees, some contracts fire all current employees for various reasons, some keep certain positions, others interview like they are a new employee but give them preference if kept.

[@litasanford7595]

A number of years ago Disney fired their tech people and outsourced to India. The tech people had to train the incoming people. Disney said they had no choice because they couldn’t get enough Americans to fill all their positions. Such a lie! Unless workers have a very specific contract, there is no job protection.

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

I randomly just seen you. I'm a former cast member myself 😊I'll subscribe and see what your Channel is all about. Your a very likeable person! I have worked events too!! Wishing you so much luck with your content! ❤️

[@TheWesternSkye94]

I’m so sorry, I’m part of the team that sends out the requests in Hot Sauce. We have a few people who have just come to us from your disintegrated department. It’s a definitely a different kind of magic but it does give me the opportunity to use some of the random niche Disney information I have saved in my brain.

[@joyholmes254]

Do you work for the GSCC?

[@parajerry]

I left Disney in 2009 after 21 years. You probably met my wife...she is a Disney wedding violinist (for 35 years). I worked for DEG (it was REP before DEG) from 1990-2000 including supporting the florist. I saw the writing on the wall after Disney outsourced DisneyAV and several other departments. I knew the florist would eventually be outsourced. Sorry you ended up being affected by that. I expect Photography is going to be the next to be outsourced. I still have friends woking there and a few are exploring outside Disney options. Watching your videos, you are exactly the type person Disney used to look for. I think it is a sign of the downfall of the company that they let you go without doing everything they can to keep you there. I hope you have continued success in content creation, but be careful. KZbin is fickle and it can all come to an end overnight. Don't put all your eggs in one basket...have a plan for after the ride ends.

[@floridafan6931]

I used Disney Floral and Gifts twice and loved them! Everything was so well done and had the "Disney Magic" feel to it. I'm so sad they have decided that that experience is no longer necessary for their guests. Sorry, but I won't be using the new company, Disney. Disney needs to rethink just how much they are taking away from the guest experience. But, good luck to you, Jessica!

[@dannyburdick1640]

With your upbeat attitude, you must have been a wonderful castmember to meet!

[@MichaelDougherty]

Yeah. Our wedding is on December 28 at the Wedding Pavilion and got the email that Disney Floral and Gifts were shutting down. They still haven't given us the Florida Fresh notification. Thank you for the insight.

[@SkunksterPlaysPoorly]

You’ve got such a healthy take on this terrible situation. I wish you all the best and am sure you will be successful. Your situation is very telling and confirms the troubles that Disney is facing. Controlling and managing the total customer experience is what makes the Disney experience what it is. Outsourcing will destroy that control and harm the overall reputation of Disney. You’re definitely doing the right thing by leaving.

[@Rocky8226-q7g]

Well at least you and your team where given advance notice. That gave you the time to look for another position somewhere else. Some times you can see the writing on the wall and make plans accordingly. Often people are given little to no advance warning. That can certainly be much more stressful. Good luck in your future endeavors.

[@songmarysmith]

You have an infectious personality. Do not hesitate in your decisions concerning the public. You will be welcomed and well-received. Best of luck to you!!🥰🥰🎉🎉

[@jennym127]

I was in the exact same position. Worked for Universal and my dept got shut down and we got told, 3 months before and had to work knowing there was an end time. By quitting dont you lose your severance package? better to be laid off and get a severance package and COBRA then quit and walk away with nothing. My severance package for Universal was $10k

[@ghosty4]

That tells you how much income she makes from social media. ;)

[@Zamarae]

I didn’t know of such a department-I would have loved to work there. I won’t know now how the current floral company compares. It might come back one day

[@sam11297]

I love your content. So excited for you and what the future holds!

[@hectordiaz537]

We never stayed at Art of Animation but we've stayed several times across the lake at Pop Century. Our kids love taking the Skyliner, to them its just another ride that happens to take you to Hollywood and Epcot

[@Tman102]

This was very informative and you are excellent! I am sorry this happened to all of you in floral and gifts, and hope you find the very best work in the future.

[@amidthephantomsrose]

Former concierge at yacht and beach, i loved being a runner too! It Was so fun. Left Disney in april 2019. 2 months before my daughter was born. I started in parks working in MK first before transferring to hotels. Which was more up my alley since ive worked front desk and reservations for other major hotels. If i had to work in hotels or parks i would choose hotel every time. I really lived yacht and beach.

[@BROUBoomer]

You should have called recasting ASAP after the HR phone call. Get in line first for the next available role. Take anything even the flying squad in merchandise, (if they still exist).

[@jinx724]

Sounds like she was happy with waiting to make a decision and looks like it's working out for her well. Being recasted isn't what everyone wants

[@derekjamesjack92]

What a let down from a guest and cast member perspective. Every time I stayed on property I ordered some kind of surprise for me and my friends from Floral and Gifts. It was so magical to walk into my room with a bottle of champagne, flutes, park snacks, and flowers and the vacation just began. So sorry for what went down with you at Disney, it sounds like such an awesome job to have worked too.

[@ToeTag1968]

Did you think about applying for a job with the new floral contractor? You'd be a wonderful wedding planner, I bet, if you decided to step out on your own or join a team. Or, if your focus is social media, I wish you the best!

[@jules.glish13]

My sister works for Disney in epcot and she loves it, but she's doing the dcp ( Disney collage program) alumni program, she did the dcp last year and it wasn't her favorite just since she was in food and beverage ( she is allergic to certain cleaning products) but she is loving it in epcot and I wish you would have enjoyed it more and had a better experience! ❤❤❤

[@PlainJane144]

This is very depressing. That department sounded so special and really part of Magic. So many wonderful memories must have been made by that department for guests.

[@cracklinrosieb]

Hi, Jessica! I love watching your “Hotel Where I Work” videos. I’ve seen myself as the guest and the Customer Service rep. 😂 This video you posted about your time with Disney confirms your sincerity of you loving what you do. I do have to admire on how you addressed, who I presume is your stepmom, as Bonus Mom. That is such a lovely and respectful way of saying it. Good luck on your venture and keep posting. I haven’t read the VIP requirements yet but I will.

[@barthennin6088]

In my humble opinion, you made the right decision... Disney is a sinking ship... Movies losing hundreds of millions, Cruise line attendance down, parks attendance down... And quite frankly, you are great at the social media thing.

[@gracebellamy586]

Disney if far from a sinking ship. They are a ship that is preparing to dock in another place. Ron DeFascist has ruined Florida's economy in so many ways, not the least of which is pushing Florida's largest employer to seek exploration of other states to move to. The state could have had a billion dollar investment but what we are getting is the slow folding up of our largest employer because Ron DeFascist is so very, very insecure that he has a childish temper tantrum whenever anyone disagrees with him. He's a toddler, emotionally. Our state needs ADULTS in charge of our government, not toddlers who throw temper tantrums every time anyone has a different opinion.

[@deantodd8103]

Disney has amazing original IPs (Mickey Mouse and friends), classic fairy tales (Snow White, The Little Mermaid, etc.), and fabulous acquired IPs (Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, Muppets). Then they have some of the most beloved theme parks in the world. Yet they are intent on self-sabotage. I just don't get it.

[@asadb1990]

They aren't losing money, they just aren't making as much as they hoped.

[@deantodd8103]

@@asadb1990 If a film costs Disney $400 million to make but only earns half that at the box office, that film has lost money. Enough money losing films adds up eventually to the Walt Disney Corporation losing money. Whether they've reached that tipping point yet is not information to which I'm privy. But they are definitely foolish to keep pursuing a losing strategy.

[@gracebellamy586]

@@deantodd8103 They aren't self-sabotaging, they are looking at the coming times, the predicted patterns of weather and climate, and the opinions of the people who are young enough and have enough money to afford trips to Disney World and acting on the information gathered. NO people who are young enough - meaning young families with disposable income - are going to want bring their children to Florida anymore. The state's reputation is ruined as a vacation spot, except for drunken college students for one week a year. The old people who are Magats who have flooded the state don't take vacations in state - they go on cruises out of state. The tourist hotel, and motel industry is taking a huge hit right now. Disney is looking at the next 20-30 years when the coasts of Florida have flooded with ocean water, because THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN, and they want to make their future investments in places where the land is not flooded. Disney looks to the future, and it always has. Florida is swiftly becoming a place mired in the past. And the old people who are being lured to live in the state by the various "villages" because they don't have to pay anyone to shovel their walks and driveways are finding out the cost of lawn care is far greater. The homes in those villages, which are largely owned by shadow corporations owned by organized crime groups - the Cuban "Marielitos" which became known as the"Familia" and now known as "the Corporation," the Russian "Bratva," and the white supremacist "Good Ole Boys," all contain low level agents of those various mobs in competition in Florida for illegal gambling, prostitution, and illegal drug trades. And that is what the people in the Villages are being exposed to. Between the balloon payments that those who would potentially inherit their parent's property in Florida that will keep them from being able to claim the inheritance, and the gambling debts and drug debts that their parents will owe to Mobsters, young people are going to stay away from Florida in the future.

[@Neicorr]

I’ve never heard the term ‘bonus family’. If it means that your original parents have separated, then what a lovely way to describe it. You are such a sunshiny gal. You are a bonus to utube videos and everyone who watches your videos.

[@fattestedtravel]

At least they called and didn’t let you find out how the galactic starcruiser cast members found out

[@rebornfurnituredesigns2492]

Oh man I can relate. I had finally found a job I loved as well (at a hotel) and was growing and gaining skills and confidence and making friends in this new city I had moved to etc. Then one day they brought us together into a meeting room and lowered the boom of “we’re going to be closing for renovations. Your employment will be ending in a few months.” 😩 I was so heartbroken.

[@DavidGreg-ve7bv]

I pray to God to give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much,So where are you originally from? I am David originally from Spain but currently living in Texas now...

[@missluna___]

So excited for you, Jessica! Can't wait to see where you go from here.

[@jordannrussell9378]

You live my dream life girlie. Seriously! Im so glad you got all those experiences and will continue to have so many new ones! I look forward to more content later on.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

So glad you get to have more time to spread your creator wings, but sad it meant leaving such a fun job. I imagine the skills you've learned there may come in handy though! Congratulations! 🎉