Apr 6

Apr 6 Callicutt lands role at Disney

{Contributed photo/Annabell Callicutt}

The magical world of Disney has been interwoven in Annabell Callicutt’s life since she was a child. As a toddler, her parents, Beth and Frank Callicutt, introduced her to the conglomerate that has wowed people of all ages for nearly 100 years.

This summer, Callicutt will get to experience the company in a different light – as an employee. Earlier this year, the Lexington native, who is majoring in hospitality at Appalachian State University, was selected for the prestigious Disney College Program. According to the website, this “program allows you to gain on-the-job experience with a world-renowned company, providing uniquely Disney learning experiences, all while preparing for your future, building transferable skills, including networking, problem solving, teamwork and effective communication.”

In the words of the college sophomore, “The Disney College Program is a national internship where you get to live on Disney property and work for a world-renowned company. You get to pick your dates. I chose the six-month term. While you are there, you will have the opportunity to work at the parks, resorts or even some behind-the-scenes jobs. You will also get the opportunity to take Disney classes that give you the inside scoop on the business aspect of the progressive company.”

Getting into this program has been a goal of Callicutt’s since her second year of high school. While social media sometimes receives a lot of negative attention, Callicutt credits it with being the catalyst for finding out about the opportunity. For her, it aligned perfectly with her personality.

“I have always loved Disney. Finding out I could work for them was honestly breathtaking. I have always been animated, fun, weird and I never really cared what people thought about me. Even when people would make fun or pick on me for acting ‘childish,’ it never really bothered me. I just knew I would find my place in the world, and luckily it is a place where your inner child can be expressed. So, jokes on them.”

While Callicutt is confident in who she is, one thing she’s uncertain about, right now, is what she’ll be doing when she arrives in Orlando. She won’t find out until approximately a month before she reports to the Sunshine State.

However, she does have an idea of what her job may be. It ranges from attraction or merchandise attendant, performer, front desk receptionist or activity coordinator. Her desire is for something hands-on.

“…but even the so-called worst job can’t be that bad in Disney!”

Travel, rent and expenses aren’t covered but there is resort style living for an affordable price and the soon-to-be Disney employee will get paid. To fully immerse herself in the experience, Callicutt won’t be taking classes this fall at Appalachian. She will attend Disney business courses and is hoping this will all help guide her towards a career path since she’s unsure as to which one to take at this time. Callicutt is also looking forward to “making magic for everyone I encounter, making new friends, exploring Florida, going to the parks and of course, the discounts will be nice!”

Although she’ll be working “for the mouse,” as is stated on her Facebook page, she admits her favorite animated characters aren’t from Disney but from Pixar – an animation studio owned by the larger company.

“Most Pixar characters are my favorite! But I would have to say Nemo from Finding Nemo, Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. or Tiana from Princess and the Frog are my favorite characters! They are big on never giving up! My number one goal was to get into the program, so I guess I need to make a new goal!”

For now, Callicutt is focusing on wrapping up her spring semester, preparing for an exciting six months ahead and sharing her story in “hopes of inspiring young adults like herself to dream.”

“As Walt Disney himself says, “’All your dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.’ That being said, dreams and change can be scary! I know this transition for me will be hard - moving eight hours away, seeing my family and friends maybe once a month and having mainly a screen relationship, but I know with the support of my friends, family and boyfriend that anything is possible. Change is good! So, go out and change the world! With a little faith, trust, and of course, pixie dust, everything is possible!”