Name: Cristian Arevalo
Job: Event Specialist at Disneyland Resort
Hometown: Hawthorne, California
Education: Cinematography, Film and Video Production, Art Institute of Los Angeles
Q: Describe your path working in the tourism field.
My path in the tourism industry was fueled by my passion to share the dream of Walt Disney. After a string of failed job interviews post college graduation, I took the chance to work for a company I love and at one of the most magical theme parks in the world. What I thought would only be a temporary position that would allow me to relive some of my favorite childhood experiences turned into something much more. I never thought I would end up with a career at Disneyland Resort, wearing many hats – (with mouse ears) from park operations member to supervisor and now event specialist. I’ve learned a lot about myself, humanity and a little something about Mickey Mouse.
Q: What made you want to enter the travel and tourism industry?
I first visited Disneyland when I was a young child. My family had annual passes and I still vividly remember enjoying the character breakfasts, spinning in the teacups and watching the fireworks on Main Street. As I got older, I started to realize that Disney’s cast members take great pride in their work and strive to be exceptionally friendly to all visitors from around the world; every Disneyland guest knows that this is true. Personally, there are many circumstances where a cast member has gone out of their way to make me feel right at home and in the happiest place on Earth. Sharing this experience is something that I’ve always wanted to do and, five years later, I can happily say I am part of the magic, great service and fun and that I have always loved.
Q: What do you like most about working in travel and tourism?
The exposure. People from all around the world visit Disneyland to travel back to a special moment in their life. Seeing this come together in one place is truly extraordinary and connects me to different cultures, ideas and languages, giving me an enriched perspective of the world and my life.
Q: What were the most valuable parts of your education?
As an event specialist, I work on a variety of communications teams and projects. My workday includes organizing attraction grand openings, press events, broadcast interviews and shows. Each day is dynamic and fast paced, with plenty of team collaboration and taking on the days challenges as they come. This differs somewhat from my previous role as a park operations member in which I helped operate attractions and ensure guest safety. Nonetheless, my background at the Art Institute of California, Los Angeles taught me how to cater to different opinions, goals and feedback, which has helped me tremendously.
Q: What are your goals in the industry?
My goal has always been to work at Disneyland Resort. Now that I’m here, I hope to not only gain career experience in my new role, but also continue to share what has made Disney special to me and to visitors from around the globe. I do everything to the best of my ability, in the hopes of learning something new every day and to become better each time I do it.Q: Who have been the biggest supporters of your career?
My family. My parents, my brother and my sister-in-law have been there for me every step of the way. They have seen me at the lowest of lows and highest of highs and have always been my rock and foundation. I do everything I can to make them proud and I’m forever grateful for their tireless support during my professional journey.
