Disney Programs marked an exciting milestone by welcoming the first group of participants from The Bahamas. Among them was Oneiya Neymour, a marketing student from Andros Island, the largest island in The Bahamas, who spent her summer participating in the program at Walt Disney World Resort.
These programs provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for college students to live and work at Walt Disney World Resort while gaining valuable experience with a global company. Participants have the chance to discover a new culture, represent their own and be part of something bigger.
We sat down with Oneiya to talk about her unforgettable journey, the unexpected lessons she learned, and what it was like trading her classroom at University of The Bahamas for the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park this summer.
Tell us about your program and how it feels to be part of this first group from The Bahamas?
Oneiya: My Disney journey has been nothing short of an incredible experience, and I owe so much of that to the amazing people I have been fortunate enough to meet and work alongside. Being part of the first-ever group from The Bahamas made it even more special, and representing my home while learning the ins-and-outs of the Disney magic is something I will always treasure.
Where did you spend your summer, and what was it like stepping into your “home” park?
Oneiya: No two days were ever the same—some were challenging, some were exciting, and others became memories that I will now carry with me long after this journey ends. From the moment I arrived at my “home” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I was welcomed by an environment that made my summer internship truly meaningful and rewarding.
When you first found out your placement, what were your thoughts on working in the Custodial role?
Oneiya: When I found out I would be working in the custodial role, I’ll admit I was not the most enthusiastic about it. However, my perspective changed completely once I began working and experienced first-hand how friendly, supportive, and determined my coordinators and fellow cast members were. Their willingness to help, teach, encourage, and genuinely care about our success made me fall in love with the role — and more importantly, the department.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom custodial truly set the bar for what teamwork within an organization can accomplish. I’ve never had a day where I felt alone or as though my work did not matter. Of course, not every experience was perfect, but the good moments far outweighed the difficult ones.
Did you have any memorable moments or key takeaways regarding leadership during your time there?
Oneiya: One of the moments I will always remember happened on my second day out of training. I had forgotten the location of the Kali River Rapids restroom and ended up cleaning the wrong restroom for an entire day! When I realized my mistake, I informed my coordinator, Zuli, expecting to be reprimanded.
Instead, she responded with patience and understanding. She simply grabbed a pan and broom and began helping me clean the correct restroom. That moment taught me something I will never forget: that great leadership is not about standing above your team, it’s about being willing to step into the field and work alongside them. Thank you, Zuli. You set an incredible example of what it means to be a great leader, and I hope to carry that lesson with me wherever I go.
Beyond the day-to-day work, what did you enjoy the most about living and working at Walt Disney World Resort?
Oneiya: Beyond the work itself, I will miss the friendships I have made along the way. The people who started as co-workers quickly became friends, and those friends eventually became family. I will miss our park days filled with laughter, the shared memories, and the excitement of experiencing the magic together. I will especially miss attractions like TRON Lightcycle Run, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Expedition Everest, and of course, my all-time favorite, Avatar Flight of Passage.
What’s next for you as your Disney journey comes to a close?
Oneiya: I’m leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom with more than just memories—I’m leaving with invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of having people around you who genuinely want to see you succeed.
My Disney program may be coming to an end as I head back to the University of The Bahamas, but the memories, friendships, and lessons I have gained along the way will stay with me forever. I am eternally grateful that I got the opportunity to call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home, and even more grateful for the people who made it feel like one.
Students Making Memories Together
Each student is bringing their own Disney memories back to their homes in The Bahamas, but the best part was… doing it together! The group made visits to local Orlando hot spots, trying classic foods, shopping, chasing theme park thrills and even took a tour of the Disney Wish.
For music education student, Turquoise, his experience working at Walt Disney World Resort allowed him to dream big about the magic he will bring to his future classrooms, through Disney VoluntEARS. And sisters, Bernae and Brianna, decided to jump into their Disney Programs experience as a duo, giving them extra time to bond after Bernae’s graduation!
This group, made possible through strong partnership with the Disney International Programs recruitment team and Disney Cruise Line’s work with the University of the Bahamas, is another example of how we can empower Bahamian students to build their bright futures.
The students are now back at university, but we can’t wait to have them back as guests, cast, crew or future leaders.
Inspired by these students? Learn more about Disney Programs and how you – or someone you know – can make magic and memories working at Walt Disney World, too.
