UPDATE April 1 - We have learnt this week that Universal Orlando Resort are looking to hire 800 Team Members in their Food and Beverage Team with starting rates from $16.50 - $20 per hour depending on the position. A number of these roles also include training and the potential for career progression. These starting wages are increased compared to the roles Universal announced back in February in custodial, security, parking, aquatics and paramedics (see below). For further information on the roles currently available at Universal Orlando Resort visit the official jobs page here.
February 2 - Everyone knows the long term rivalry that exists between Disney and Universal, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. This rivalry often means that boundaries are pushed to the limits with new technologies which creates world class attractions which thrill fans every day of the year.
Well, it was announced yesterday on Fox 35 that Universal Orlando are looking to hire more than 2,500 Team Members in a whole range of positions including custodial, security, parking, aquatics and paramedics.
Universal Orlando Resort is also looking to hire staff within the Food and Beverage team. These positions include full-service wait staff, wait staff, cooks, quick service personnel, cashiers and dishwashers. Those applicants that are successful in being recruited to certain culinary positions will also have the opportunity to build their career whilst within the company.
It is said that both full-time and part-time positions are available with the hourly base rate starting at $15. Anyone who is interested in applying needs to visit the Universal jobs page for further details.
Although this is extremely positive news for both Universal Orlando Resort and for the 2,500+ people who will have the opportunity to work within the resort we mustn't forget that over 1000 Team Members were laid off after COVID-19 closures. Universal certainly appears to be trying to get back on track this year in regards to expanding its number of Team Members. Should Disney be worried?
There have been some reports that guests have been unhappier with Cast Member attitudes over the last couple of years since the COVID-19 closures which can be seen in our latest Results article, Guests Have Seen Huge Change In Disney Cast Member Attitudes.
As well as this, we are all probably aware of the sheer number of Disney fans who are saying they are going to head to Universal Orlando Resort rather than Walt Disney World due to Genie+ and Lightning changes and what to some seems like a lack of Disney magic now being seen and felt in the parks. Walt Disney World is obviously recruiting Cast Members as well but currently not on the same scale as this announcement from Universal Orlando Resort.
With Universal Orlando resort hiring 2,500 new Team Members it certainly seems like another tick in Universal's box. Let us know what you think about this positive news by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
Comments
Our trips from Michigan have become both fewer and more stress filled in the last 2 years. We are forces to plan park choices, by day, ahead of time, but cannot choose the experiences we want in those parks on those days. We used to be able to use fastpass availability to help us choose which parks to plan for on which days... months in advance of our trips. Once we headed south, we had nothing to think about except enjoying ourselves. That was not how our last 4 trips went.
My family went to Disney World in May 2021 & we had an excellent time despite it being hot anhumid and having to wear masks. Staff members with the exception of one, were all very nice and helpful. I felt like the "magic" was still there. Genie + wasn't operational yet, so I don't have experience with that. When we went, there were no Fast Passes and with some researching & planning ahead, we waited no longer than 45 minutes for a ride. Instead of Genie, I would use the Touring Plans app to determine which rides to go on & in which order. They were dead on, especially for Magic Kingdom rides. The Disney Tourist Blog also hashelpful ride suggestions.. If you go before the parks open, you can get on a lot of rides in the first two hours. Then leave in the afternoon when it's hot, and come back early evening for low wait times.
This same trip we went to Universal for a day because my daughter is a Harry Potter fan. It was a Wednesday during the first week of May,, so a low-volume day. What a HORRIBLE experience! We had a hard time getting in even though the tickets were downloaded into the Universal app, ride wait times were super long, the Hagrid ride broke down several times & you never knew when the virtual line was available for that ride, cast members couldn't answer questions, visitors at the park were rude, and somebody stole our all-day drink bottle when we set it down to look at a shirt. The four rides we did were fun, especially The Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, but overall it was not a fun experience. The vibe there feels totally different--rude & cut-throat. Probably because these parks cater more to teens and adults (who have usually been drinking). I will take Disney any day over Universal! My family's been to Disney World three times & cast members & people visiting have always been so nice. To me, there's a much friendlier vibe to Disney.
I was there in the fall and it sure did not seem as magical and me and family where willing to overlook a lot considering covid is still happening. Genie+ was a total useless purchase for a group with us, couldn't get it to work. Virtual quests full second after they where open both times they opened during the day. At the same time prices have gone up on everything, perks all gone like magical Express. Sho we extended evening hours for those of us not staying in the expensive hotels, etc. I have no idea why Disney did not copy universals Express pass which seemed to less stressful. This is probably or last yearly trip to Wally Disney, cannot justify the price or stress it now cause.
Disney must remember NO ONE is too big to fail
The parks need to do what Cedar Point did and pay $20 an hour for Workers!!!!