What It’s Like Working in Merchandise on the Disney College Program

Working for Mickey Mouse was a dream come true for me—and it all started with the Disney College Program! If you’re a college student or recent grad looking to combine work with a little (okay, a lot) of Disney magic, the DCP is an unforgettable opportunity.

Even if you’re from the faraway land of Australia like me, this program makes the dream of working for Disney a reality. I’ve written a whole post about how taking a gap year to work at Disney World changed my life—check it out!

One of the many roles available through the DCP is Merchandise, which can place you in stores across the parks or resorts. I was lucky enough to be placed at the Emporium on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom—one of the most iconic and busiest shops at Walt Disney World. From plush toys and Mickey ears to the latest merch drops, the Emporium is a nonstop whirlwind of pixie dust.

Curious what it’s like to work there? Here’s everything you need to know about being a Merchandise Cast Member at the Emporium during the Disney College Program.

Disney cast member dressed in plaid costume standing in-front of Mickey plush wall in the emporium while hugging a Mickey plush

Emporium Cast Member on an empty Main Street USA at night with Cinderella's Castle in the background

A Day in the Life: Working in Merchandise at the Emporium

Opening Shift: The Magic Begins Early

While most DCP participants will work closing shifts, occasionally you’ll get an early one. Opening the Emporium means arriving before the park opens, prepping for the day, and being among the first Cast Members guests encounter as they step into Magic Kingdom. Whether it’s their first pair of Mickey ears or a last-minute gift, you get to start someone’s magical day off right. My favorite parts about being on the opening shift was helping Guests with their ‘First Visit’ and ‘I’m Celebrating’ buttons with the sound of the Dapper Dans singing in the background.

Guest Interaction: Making Magic One Moment at a Time

At the Emporium, you’re not just selling merchandise—you’re part of a core memory for many guests. From helping families pick the perfect plush to recommending limited-edition items, every interaction is a chance to create magic.

One of my favorite memories? Sword-fighting with kids who were scared of the fireworks during the pirate-themed section of the show. Moments like that are unforgettable—for both the guests and you.

Fast-Paced & Full of Energy

The Emporium is one of the busiest stores on Disney property. It’s high-volume, fast-paced, and always buzzing. Most of the time, you’ll be working the closing shift, which often means finishing up around 2–3 a.m. after handling the post-fireworks rush and resetting the store for the next day.

Closing tasks include restocking, organizing sections, refilling registers, and, yes, taking out the trash. Pro tip: taking trash to the compactor gives you a magical moment of calm on an empty Main Street with the castle lit up in the background. Pure Disney magic.

Merchandising & Inventory

You’ll also be responsible for keeping your section tidy and fully stocked. I loved being in the plush section—organizing shelves of Mickeys and Minnies was weirdly satisfying! You’ll learn a lot about Disney’s retail operations, including inventory management and product displays.

The Magic of Working on Main Street USA

There’s truly nothing like stepping out onto Main Street and seeing Cinderella Castle right in your backyard. It never gets old. Being a part of the Disney experience and helping Guests create memories they’ll cherish forever—and realizing you’re a key part of that magic is an incredible feeling.

Perks of Working Merchandise on the Disney College Program

✨ Immersed in Magic Daily

Working in Magic Kingdom means you’re surrounded by magic—from rope drop to fireworks. Whether you’re hearing the Dapper Dans outside in the morning or dancing along to “Happily Ever After” at night, Main Street is always alive with energy. I loved it so much I never traded shifts—I didn’t want to miss a second!

🛍 Retail Skills for Real-World Careers

You’ll gain hands-on experience in customer service, cash register operations, inventory systems, and guest relations. These are invaluable skills whether you go into hospitality, retail, business, or any customer-facing industry.

🔐 Behind-the-Scenes Access

Ever wondered how the magic works? As a Cast Member, you’ll get backstage access—including the Utilidors (Disney’s underground tunnel system). My daily commute was literally walking beneath Magic Kingdom!

You also get access to exclusive Cast Member events, backstage tours (like riding Space Mountain with the lights on!), and so many cool experiences that regular guests will never see.

🤝 Networking & Career Opportunities

During your DCP, you’ll meet Cast Members from around the world and have the opportunity to connect with Disney leaders. Whether you’re looking to stay with Disney long-term or take your experience into another field, the connections you make here are priceless.

Why I Loved My Emporium Experience

No matter where you’re placed, the Disney College Program is magical—but my time at the Emporium meant the world to me. From making magical moments to soaking in Main Street after the Kiss Goodnight, every day was filled with moments I’ll never forget. And yes, not going to lie – working at Disney totally becomes your entire personality (and I’m not even sorry about it)!

In fact, I loved it so much that I went on to work for Disney Cruise Line after my program ended.