Yes, they do. We say this based mainly on researching online comments from Disney employees. On the Disney Discussion Forum DISboards, staff confirmed that background checks are done during onboarding. You’ll be asked to provide details about your criminal record at this point. If you pass the background check, the job offer stands.
The company website gives very little indication of what’s included in a background check. The online application says only that a job offer may rely on passing a medical exam and providing honest information. The focus on providing honest information leaves Disney open to verifying anything you put in your application.
Each state does background checks a little differently. Here’s what you need to know:
These states only look at the last seven years of your criminal record:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
(* sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.)
And you’ll be happy to know that some states don’t care about charges if you were found not guilty:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana (limited check)
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
Beware, however, that most states will check your whole criminal record:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana (extensive check)
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Company ratings
Do you want to know how happy Disney employees really are? Then check out this article about their employee survey. It’s a smart move on the company’s part to ask for staff’s input and then publish the results!
We also looked at comments on both Glassdoor and Indeed.
On glassdoor.com, the company gets 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 3,900 reviews. Also, Disney has received a number of awards from Glassdoor. The most recent was making the Best Places to Work list in 2018.
The company is rated 4.2 out of 5 on indeed.com, based on feedback from more than 6,000 people. Employees say they like Disney most of all for its culture, and 80% approve of the CEO.
What felonies Disney will not hire
Charges involving minors will be a no-go for Disney in any customer-facing positions. There are other charges that will provide barriers for you, and may prevent employment. Read below!
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Convictions for assault may make it harder to get a job at Disney with a felony or, for that matter, a misdemeanor. Most jobs involve working closely with others, so being able to show an even temperament is important. The company has a family-oriented image to preserve. Disney is a place where people come to have fun, so the customer experience is critical.
Theft-related offences may also make it more difficult to get hired. Disney wants to ensure you’re not a risk to steal any merchandise or customers’ belongings.
Finally, you may also find drug- or alcohol-related convictions make it more challenging to get the job. Basically, the company wants to know you’ll show up when scheduled to work and are not under the influence.
Does Disney hire sex offenders?
It’s incredibly unlikely they would hire sex offenders, due to the nature of the work.
Does Disney drug test?
Yes, they do. According to online staff comments, this is part of the hiring process.
Have you applied for a job or worked here? Share your experiences!
Now this is your chance to answer the question: Does Disney hire felons? Give us the benefit of your experience. Your comments really are worth their weight in gold!