Walt Disney World Resort may be home to four theme parks, two water parks and an entire entertainment and shopping district, but it really is a small world after all! You never know who you may run into at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Jimmy, a bus driver cast member at Magic Kingdom, recently found out that one of his Disney passengers was someone he had met before many years ago and many states away.
Before joining The Walt Disney Company, Jimmy served as a school bus driver in his home state of Pennsylvania for more than three decades. But as his long career with the school district came to a close, he wasn’t ready to give up driving just yet. Upon his retirement, he decided to fulfill his long-time dream of joining the transportation team at Walt Disney World.
“I retired from the school district after 36 years, and I came here to have fun,” he said. “I came here to make a difference.”
While Jimmy transports his guests to and from their destinations, he enjoys quizzing them with Disney trivia questions, talking with them about their day and asking them where they are from.
During one particular drive, Jimmy discovered that he and one of his passengers were from the same hometown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. As they continued talking, they realized that this was not the first time the guest had been on a bus driven by Jimmy … He used to be her school bus driver!
This small world moment stands out in a collection of memories for Jimmy, who recently celebrated his six-year anniversary of working at Walt Disney World and said he takes a lot of pride in his role. He recently received The Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor awarded to cast members, for the incredible passion and dedication he brings to his role.
“I want to have a connection with my guests every day,” he said. “I want them to realize that they mean something to me, and I want them to feel appreciated.”
Bus drivers like Jimmy create magical memories for our guests each and every day. Whether you live across the globe or across the street, our cast members will be here to welcome you home and drive you safely around The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Ready to get your career rolling as a Walt Disney World bus driver? Explore available opportunities at WaltDisneyWorld.jobs!