Juggling Mickey Ears, Textbooks, and a Keyboard: My Life as a Disney Cast Member, Grad Student, and Content Creator

Melissa Herb
3 min readAug 26

Hello, dear readers!

It’s been a while since I last penned down my thoughts here, and I must say, it feels like coming back home. The warm embrace of this platform and its readers always made my writing journey feel worth every word. But recently, the myriad chapters of my life have pulled me into a whirlwind of exciting, yet demanding endeavors. And today, I wish to share these tales with you.

Just a little over a year ago, I donned the iconic Mickey ears, becoming a full-time cast member at Walt Disney World. For those who’ve been following me, you know the gleam in my eyes every time I talk about Disney. Being a part of the magic and creating countless memorable moments — it’s a dream I’ve been living every single day.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, life decided to sprinkle a bit more pixie dust on me. I recently began my journey as a graduate student at the University of Central Florida, pursuing a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management. To some, diving back into academia might seem daunting, especially after a hiatus. For me, it felt like starting a brand-new adventure. With the first semester now underway, I’ve chosen a part-time student status, allowing me to reintroduce myself to the world of lectures, assignments, and group projects at a comfortable pace.

But wait, there’s more! In the midst of these changes, I’ve also been nurturing my passion project — content creation. Although the rhythm of typing slowed down due to my bustling offline life, my love for writing and connecting with all of you remains unwavering. In fact, the rich tapestry of experiences I’ve gathered recently has given me a treasure trove of stories and insights that I can’t wait to share.

It’s essential to note that while I narrate my experiences working at Walt Disney World, I speak solely from a personal perspective and not on behalf of the company. Each day offers its own unique blend of challenges and triumphs. Juggling responsibilities might sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The skills I’m honing at UCF complement my experiences at Disney beautifully, and the feedback I receive from my readers here keeps…

Melissa Herb

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