Who is the most recognizable figure on Earth? There’s a high chance while searching your brain for the answer you at least considered Mickey Mouse and his pals. People all over the world have grown up with Disney characters on their TVs, in their picture books, and even on their bedspreads. It’s impossible to escape the reach of this conglomeration that spawned hundreds of dearly loved characters and established handfuls of amusement parks worldwide. Disney theme parks are where the outside world melts away and imagination takes hold to make dreams come true, but today we’re going to take a peek behind the curtain at some of the juicy secrets Disney employees have shared about their experience working for the mouse, as well as tips and tricks for your next visit. Grab your Mickey ears because we’re also here to clarify the confusion surrounding issues like the strange dolphin statue and drop lesser-known facts about the happiest place on Earth.

Getting In As An Employee
There are those who love Disney, and there are those who want to make it part of their everyday life by being a part of the magical experience for the thousands of park-goers who come through the gates. It isn’t just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle typically born from a lifelong dream. So how do they get in?

During a Reddit AMA, a former employee who has worked in various roles around Walt Disney World advised a hopeful Disney fan to show up in the spring or summer, letting the hiring crew know they are ready to work. They also suggested applying for the rigorous Disney College Program as a near guarantee of employment.