Millions of guests visit Walt Disney World each year, but many of the people responsible for keeping the resort running work far from the spotlight. Among them are brothers Michael and Bob, two Cast Members whose careers in Facility & Operations Services have helped keep attractions, equipment, and day-to-day operations moving for more than a decade.
Their jobs may take them to different corners of the resort, but a lifetime of shared experience and a family background in mechanical work continues to connect them. Together, they’re part of the team that helps keep Walt Disney World operating behind the scenes while guests focus on making memories.
— Michael and Bob during their first visit to Walt Disney World
Michael currently serves as a service manager with Engineering Services and recently worked on the refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. His brother Bob works as a mechanic supporting heavy equipment used throughout the resort by teams such as horticulture and custodial. While their jobs take them to different parts of the property, the brothers still share the same goal each day: helping create a seamless experience for guests.
Michael’s journey to Walt Disney World started with a birthday trip in 2004. During a backstage tour, he caught a glimpse of the care, craftsmanship and teamwork that brings the magic to life, and he knew he wanted to be part of it.
A few months later, he moved to Central Florida hoping to find a role with Disney. He started with a part-time role in merchandise at World of Disney before eventually finding his way into Engineering Services. In June 2007, he began working full-time as a mechanic, turning a lifelong interest in mechanical work into a career. Bob followed a few years later after encouragement from his brother, joining Walt Disney World in August 2010. One of the biggest reasons he made the move was the stability Disney offered and the support available to Cast Members and their families.
Today, Michael is based primarily at Magic Kingdom, while Bob’s work takes him across Walt Disney World property. Although guests may never notice the work mechanics do, Michael believes they experience the results every day.
Walt Disney World’s Engineering Services team includes roughly 2,600 Cast Members. The group is made up largely of carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, along with painters, technicians, facilities managers, bricklayers, ironworkers, and many other skilled tradespeople. According to Disney, Engineering Services Cast Members average about 11 years of service.
For Michael and Bob, working with equipment and machinery runs in the family. Their father operated and repaired heavy equipment, while their grandfather did much of the same as a farmer. Growing up, they learned by getting their hands dirty and figuring out how things worked. That foundation eventually led both brothers to Disney.
For Michael, there is still a sense of pride in simply being able to say, “I work at Disney.” He often reflects on advice from a mentor who reminded him that people travel from all over the world to visit places like Magic Kingdom and ride attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Bob finds satisfaction in a different way. His work helps support the equipment used to maintain Walt Disney World’s gardens, landscaping, and day-to-day operations. While guests may never see those machines, they certainly notice the results.
When asked what advice they would give someone considering a future with Disney, especially in Engineering Services, both brothers offered a similar message. “Take the leap,” Michael said, pointing to the opportunities, stability, and variety of career paths available. Bob added that a willingness to learn can go a long way, saying that those who show up ready to grow can help create some of the unforgettable experiences guests remember long after their vacation ends.
Their work may happen behind the scenes, but it’s another reminder that the magic of Walt Disney World depends on thousands of Cast Members whose efforts often go unnoticed by the guests they serve.
