Joseph Jordan got the opportunity of a lifetime as an intern at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. While some fans of Disney can only dream of going to Disney World for even a day, he worked there for six months.
A hospitality major from Keystone, Jordan grew up as an avid fan of Disney films, especially their Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar franchises. He also grew up going to Disney parks and other theme parks. He took a break from college after his freshman year to participate in Disney World’s college program. The experience was so impactful that he switched his major to hospitality, having found his calling. In the fall 2024 semester, he completed another program while keeping up with his classes online in Florida through the Keystone College Virtual Campus (KCVC).
Disney World is the frontrunner of hospitality-focused companies, with other companies paying Disney to learn how to do hospitality “the Disney way.” In the program, Jordan started working in outdoor vending, selling snacks to customers. Then, he moved to the Festival Team to prepare and serve food directly to guests, even making drinks and cocktails. By the time his internship concluded, he had earned food safety, alcohol training, allergy, and leadership certifications.
For Jordan, the most interesting part of his internship was understanding how Disney World functions. There are employees at the resort working around the clock at all hours of the day, even though it is only open until 9 or 10 p.m. “There’s always people there and that’s something most people don’t think about.”
As for work-life balance, Jordan says he was busy but made it a priority to study after long hours and working late. “Benefits like free park admission, great discounts, and access to unbelievable networking opportunities made it worth it,” he said. “Plus, the professors in the business department at Keystone are invested in improving our skills and help getting us get career ready.”
And Jordan isn’t done learning. After his Disney experience, he was accepted for an internship at the Revelry® Chophouse, Bar + Patio, one of Hersheypark’s premier restaurants.
Jordan is planning to join the Hospitality Leadership Program at Disney World after he graduates and hopes to eventually join as a Guest Experience Manager.
