Disney Programs welcomes its very first group of participants from The Bahamas. Oneiya Neymour, a marketing student from Andros Island, spends her summer experiencing life and work at Walt Disney World Resort.
These programs offer college students a chance to live, work, and gain valuable experience with a global company. Participants discover new cultures and represent their home countries while building unforgettable memories.
We sit down with Oneiya to talk about her journey, the lessons she learns, and what it means to trade her classroom at the University of The Bahamas for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Tell us about your program and how it feels to be part of this first group from The Bahamas?
Oneiya: My Disney journey is incredible. Being part of the first group from The Bahamas makes it even more special, and representing my home while learning the 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 are ever the same. From the moment I arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the environment makes my internship meaningful and rewarding.
When you first found out your placement, what were your thoughts on working in the Custodial role?
Oneiya: I am not very enthusiastic about the custodial role at first. However, my perspective changes completely once I experience how supportive my coordinators and fellow cast members are. Their willingness to teach and care makes me fall in love with the department.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom custodial sets the bar for teamwork. I never feel alone, and the good moments far outweigh the difficult ones.
Did you have any memorable moments regarding leadership during your time there?
Oneiya: On my second day out of training, I clean the wrong restroom for an entire day. When I realize my mistake, I inform my coordinator, Zuli, expecting trouble.
Instead, she responds with patience, grabs a broom, and helps me clean the correct restroom. That moment teaches me that great leadership means stepping into the field and working alongside your team.
Beyond the daily work, what do you enjoy the most about living and working at Walt Disney World Resort?
Oneiya: I will miss the friendships that quickly turn into family. I love our park days and attractions like TRON Lightcycle Run, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Expedition Everest, and my all-time favorite, Avatar Flight of Passage.
What’s next for you as your Disney journey comes to a close?
Oneiya: I leave Disney’s Animal Kingdom with invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. My program ends as I head back to the University of The Bahamas, but these memories stay with me forever.
Each student brings their own Disney memories back home, but the best part is doing it together. The group visits Orlando hot spots, tries classic foods, goes shopping, and even tours the Disney Wish.
Music education student Turquoise dreams big about the magic he will bring to his future classrooms through Disney VoluntEARS, while sisters Bernae and Brianna share the experience as a duo.
This partnership between Disney International Programs recruitment and Disney Cruise Line empowers Bahamian students to build bright futures.
