Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Beyond
By Stephanie Newton ’08
Biology Major and Chemistry Minor
Post graduation, I took a leap of faith and moved to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Once there, I spent three months researching birds of prey, camping in a tent the whole time, and loving every bit of it. After my project came to an end, I was offered a role at the happiest place on earth, Disney World.
“I was offered a role at the happiest place on earth, Disney World.”
I moved to Orlando, Florida and began working as an environmental educator at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I taught guests of all ages about animals and conservation issues through interactive games and exhibits throughout the park. After my role ended, I was offered another one with the department responsible for leading backstage tours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
That role led to a job in the education department at SeaWorld Orlando, where I was responsible for staffing park exhibits, leading tours and sleepovers, and teaching summer camps. After nearly four years there, I am taking the skills I gained leading tours and working with children of all ages and developmental levels and channeling them in a new direction.
I have recently accepted a position as a Personal Concierge with Suntastic Tours. I will be working with families from all over the world as they experience all that Orlando has to offer. The company specializes in working with guests who have special needs – whether physical, emotional, or developmental – so I get to utilize the experiences and training I have received from working with similar families at both SeaWorld and Disney World.
