For many young professionals entering the workforce, an ideal job is more than a list of daily tasks. It’s about meeting new people, exploring fresh ideas and seeing at firsthand how their contributions can make a difference to their team, company and guests.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort believes that while artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, human connection remains a valuable source for learning and growth.
To foster greater collaboration and creativity, the resort has completed an office renovation, designed to create spaces where cast members can interact, share ideas and create magical memories for guests together.
For those just starting their careers, these real-world experiences provide meaningful insights that help shape their career paths.
Each year, HKDL welcomes university students from diverse academic backgrounds through its internship program, offering opportunities across areas such as event planning, marketing, communications, and operations management.
Through hands-on involvement in real projects, interns gain firsthand experience of how a world-class tourism destination transforms ideas into exceptional guest experiences.
This year, HKDL has welcomed nearly 160 summer interns. The internship offers much more than just a résumé milestone. It gives students a chance to go behind the scenes and discover how a show, an event, or even a magical moment comes to life.
Adam Cheung -- an intern with the event and operations integration planning team -- began his internship in hotel operations and now supports the preparation of the upcoming Magic Run Fest.
“ The internship has allowed me to work with different teams and projects, giving me a holistic view of how an event develops from concept to execution,” says Cheung. “What inspires me most is that every cast member at Disney shares the same goal of creating happiness for our guests. The workplace is filled with passionate people who inject their love for Disney into everything they do. Together, we strive to create magical guest experiences, and this spirit has reshaped my perspective on the meaning of work.”
HKDL brings together interns from diverse cultures and academic backgrounds, enabling them to learn from each other.
Darren Toh -- a hospitality and tourism management student from Singapore -- joined the HKDL internship program to challenge himself overseas and experience Disney’s renowned service culture firsthand. As a guest relations intern, he worked at the Ticket Booths and City Hall, helpng guests with their enquiries.
The experience strengthened his independence and confidence while deepening his understanding of Disney’s service philosophy. “One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was working with cast members from diverse backgrounds. Through daily collaboration, I learned new service skills and ways of working, and realized that Disney magic is created through teamwork, not individual effort alone.”
Colin Chang, vice-president, human resources, said: “Technology is changing the way we work, but human interactions and creativity remain irreplaceable. Through our newly redesigned office, we hope to create an environment that encourages communication, sparks creativity, and strengthens collaboration, enabling cast members to build deeper connections and grow together. For us, an office is more than a place to work. It reflects how an organization realizes its culture and values in everyday life.”
HKDL recently completed an extensive workplace renovation that incorporates Disney storytelling elements, and more shared spaces to encourage connections between cast members.
From the moment cast members enter the office, they’re immersed in the Disney story. A giant Disney name tag is installed at the entrance, symbolizing the involvement of every cast member in the Disney story. Nearby, there’s an art installation inspired by the Castle of Magical Dreams. The installation is designed with a deconstructed and reconstructed concept, representing the collective efforts of all cast members coming together to create magical moments. This people-centric philosophy extends throughout the workplace.
A collaboration space inspired by the spinning teacups from Alice in Wonderland fosters conversations among teams. The teacup features a quote from Michael Moriarty, chief financial officer of Disney experiences and former managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland, that reads: “The answer is in the room.” The message highlights the belief that many great ideas emerge through discussions and collaboration.
Located in the center of the lobby, a model of the resort allows cast members to view the operation of HKDL from a new perspective -- from park operation to hotel businesses, every role contributes to the overall guest experience. This way, young talent can gain a stronger understanding when they see how their work plays a part in the entire resort.
For many young people in Hong Kong, HKDL is a place filled with childhood memories. For some cast members, those memories have become the starting point of their careers.
Charlotte Wong, now a Hong Kong Disneyland Resort ambassador, began her journey at HKDL as an intern.
As a child, she frequently visited the park with her family on weekends, creating cherished memories that would later inspire her career. Years later, she returned as a cast member, turning those treasured childhood experiences into motivation for her work.
“ Four years ago, my goal was simply to join as an intern. After achieving that, I aspired to stay on as a full-time cast member, and eventually challenged myself to become a HKDL ambassador,” says Wong.
Driven by her curiosity and passion for learning, Wong actively explores opportunities beyond my day-to-day role, including training across different departments.
“Those experiences have broadened my perspective, strengthened my connections across teams, and given me the confidence to embrace new opportunities, ultimately helping me grow into the ambassador role,” she says. “I look forward to continuing to grow and create even more magical moments for our guests and fellow cast members.”
