Disney Portfolio
Below are some examples of the work I did during my Professional Internship with the Walt Disney World Resort Communications / Public Affairs Team.
VISUAL DESIGN
CastTV Slides (designed informational slides for broadcast on internal TV's for 80,000+ Disney cast members)
Disney Springs Tell-A-Cast
Handheld pamphlets to help Disney Springs Cast Members better help Guests around property.
Disney Team Up For Fitness (T.U.F.F.) Challenge graphic and logo
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Lead the production of many recap videos from ideation, capturing, editing, and copyrighting to posting.
Disney Global NewsCAST (produced informational videos featuring exciting offerings for Disney cast members)
Programs: Premiere, Keynote, After Effects
Ring Road Sidewalk Celebration
Disney Springs Cast Party
SOCIAL MEDIA
Featured on @wdw.ambassador, @Disney Springs, @Disney Cast and Community, @disneyparks, belong.disney.com, and the Disney Parks Blog.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographed, interviewed, and developed relationships with the 70,000+ amazing Cast Members that work hard to make magic every day at the Walt Disney World Resort.
WRITING SAMPLES
Below are samples written during my time with the Walt Disney World Resort Public Affairs team.
Disney Internal stories
Ring Road Sidewalk is now open for Cast!
August 16, 2022
CONTRIBUTED BY
Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
You said and we listened! On August 10, Leaders and Cast Members officially welcomed the new Ring Road Sidewalk to property, located behind World of Disney and Lime Garage. This new sidewalk will ensure the safety of our Cast when walking to their work areas. “We are so excited for this major Cast safety win, and we’re also excited to reduce our near misses at this location” said Safety Professional Emily Cunis. It was amazing to see the Disney Springs family come together to celebrate this awesome moment!
The celebration featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by our safety and operation leaders. When addressing the Disney Springs Cast,Operations Manager Donald Thomas stated “one of the things you told us loud and clear is that you needed a safe way to travel backstage when getting to your work locations. And with the help of the engineering team, we’re happy to bring that to you.”
Cast Members walking in to work got to commemorate the occasion by signing their name on the sidewalk, as well as grabbing a tasty frozen treat! Thank you to everyone who took part in making this special moment possible!
Time to Plug In!
June 17, 2022
CONTRIBUTED BY
Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
This weekend ESPN Wide World of Sports will host he high school esports national championship for the first time ever! More than 100 of the best esports high school teams from across the country are coming to battle it out in this first of its kind tournament. We are thrilled to bring this historic moment to life and are hoping that cast members will come experience the fun! As the world of esports continues to expand and evolve, this competition will be looked back upon as a key event in the evolution of the sport!
The Electronic Gaming Federation High School National Championship will begin today at 3pm, and run through Sunday, June 19th at Walt Disney World Resort. Participants will be competing in three different games-Overwatch, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. And there will be winner crowned for each game. Each team has worked very hard for the opportunity to showcase their talents on this stage, at Walt Disney World Resort. We can’t wait to get this event underway, and we want cast members to take part.
All cast members will have free access to partake in many interactive sponsor and college fair areas, with their main gate pass. This very special event will also be featured on ESPN3. We are hoping for cast members, along with their friends and family, to come and experience the competitive spirit that will be at the complex this weekend, as well as explore the many other great areas of this historic event. See you there!
Show How TUFF You are with the Team Up For Fitness Challenge!
October 21st, 2022
CONTRIBUTED BY
Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
We are so excited to welcome the return of the Team Up For Fitness, or T.U.F.F., challenge for 2022-2023. Kicking off on November 7, Water ParksCast Members can partake in some healthy competition to complete a variety of challenges and earn points. For 12 weeks, teams will be taking on challenges such as running 10 miles per week, cutting out soda, sleeping 7 hours a night and much more!. There will also be a few bonus challenges to earn extra points. The teams will be battling for some cool prizes, so it’s sure to get intense!
Getting started is simple. First, build a team. Teams must have a minimum of four people and a maximum of six. After your team is built, it’s time to pick a name. Next, choose your team captain. Captains will oversee tracking the overall progress of the team. Captains should be signed up by November 6. And finally, make sure to download whichever fitness tracking app you’d like to follow your progress.
Once you’re signed up, it’s time to start! Get ready for 12 weeks healthy competition with your fellow Cast Members to see whose team is the “TUFF”est. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winning teams will be those that complete the most challenges. Make sure you are tracking your progress and having fun. Good Luck!
Cast Members Gear Up to Support their Teams at ESPN Basketball Invitational
November 23rd, 2022
CONTRIBUTED BY
Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
Cast Members at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex are gearing up for a weekend of college hoops at the ESPN Basketball Invitational. They all came out repping their favorite teams for a special photo opportunity in front of the Wide World of Sports Globe. Bragging rights are on the table this weekend, and we can’t wait to see our Cast and Guests rooting for their favorite teams!
Our Cast Members have already brought their competitive spirits to the sports complex. This Thanksgiving showdown will feature some of best teams in Division I men’s college basketball. It’s going to be three days of hoops, high fives, and hoorays!
Make sure you come out and join in on the fun this weekend. Cast Members get to enjoy $5 discount on single session tickets. For more information on how to get your tickets, visit the Hub. See you this weekend!
Enter the World of Wakanda at Disney Springs
November 11, 2022
CONTRIBUTED BY
Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
Wakanda forever! In tribute to the new film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Disney Springs will be honoring the Black Panther legacy with special offerings. We are celebrating in true Wakandan style, with merchandise fit for heroes, a delicious beverage, and royal displays. Encourage our Guests to embrace their inner heroes and journey back to the legendary country of Wakanda with us!
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Display
Stunning costumes from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are now on display at AMC Disney Springs 24. It features the costumes worn by M’baku and Shuri in the actual film!
Food and Beverage
Come celebrate the new film with our Royal Sunset beverage, available at Dockside Margaritas and outdoor bar locations. Taste this refreshing cocktail featuring grapefruit juice, Empress gin, pure cane sugar and luxardo cherries, now through December 22nd.
Merchandise
Enter the world of Wakanda with this stunning collection available in Disney Springs, including at World of Disney. It captures the spirit and style of the small African kingdom that is home to the Black Panther.
We can’t wait for our Cast and Guests to come and experience the true meaning of Wakanda Forever with all we have to offer at Disney Springs. And don’t forget to watch 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' in theaters now!
Cake Decorating Class at Amorette's
November 11, 2022
CONTRIBUTED BY
Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
The cake decorating class at Amorette’s Patisserie is officially returning to Disney Springs and believe me… it’s something to get excited for! Our chefs have added all the right ingredients and made the perfect recipe for an unforgettable experience decorating Amorette’s Patisserie’s signature Character Dome Cakes.
This class is a sweet treat. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend a Cast preview of the experience and decorated a cake with one of my fellow Cast Members. This was my first time doing something like this, but I was instantly hooked. The teachers of the class were both hilarious and helpful in making every second of this 90-minute experience memorable. It was so much fun seeing as well as taking part in the detail that goes into making each cake a masterpiece.
During this experience, instructors shared insider stories and tips, while describing the process of cake decorating from design to completion. I learned how to pour glaçage and coat Mickey’s sculpted ears, tail, belt and buttons with edible paint. There were even samples of the all the delicious ingredients to try, as well as many more surprises.
At the end of class, you and your fellow artists will have a beautiful character cake to take home, along with a special send-off from the team. You’ll also have a chance to purchase your favorite sweet treats from Amorette’s Patisserie before it opens for the day (because you can never have too many desserts)!
The experience is $199 plus tax, for up to two guests decorating one cake and includes all-you-care-to-enjoy beverages like specialty coffees, teas, water and select alcoholic beverages (available with valid ID). Reservations will be required. Online bookings will begin November 14, for classes beginning November 16. Stay tuned to @DisneySprings on social media for additional details coming soon.
Disney Parks Blog Articles
Below is an article I wrote on the largest HBCU Week ever, which was held at Walt Disney World Resort. I had a chance to attend the event and write the article that was posted on the Disney Parks Blog from my own perspective. To view the actually story on the Disney Parks Blog, visit the link below!
Disney Professional Intern Marches into HBCU Week at Walt Disney World
Fri, Oct 14,2022
by Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
As a Disney Professional Intern and HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) student studying sports communications at Lane College, it was an amazing experience to cover the largest-ever HBCU Week at Walt Disney World. I felt great pride in seeing the company recognize and celebrate the importance of schools like mine.
The week kicked off strong when HBCU Alumni cast members were invited to meet ESPN featured commentator and HBCU Week Ambassador, Stephen A. Smith. The cast members were then invited to stay and watch a live airing of my favorite sports talk show, First Take — which features Smith. It was special seeing these cast members show up in their HBCU best and represent their schools.
The fun continued with marching band performances down Main Street, U.S.A. and a special appearance by Drum Major Mickey Mouse. In addition, local students received on-the-spot college admissions offers and scholarships. Throughout the week, the feeling of Black excellence and HBCU pride was present everywhere you looked.
“This event showed cast members and the world that HBCUs are a valuable part of what makes this company so special.” Campus recruiter and cast member LaJoy said.
It was an experience our cast members, including myself, will never forget. Despite having attended HBCUs from across the nation, we created a sense of community.
“That’s the beauty of being a graduate of an HBCU. It doesn’t matter what school you came from – the moment you meet another HBCU alumni, you’re instantly family. That’s what happened here today,” said Josh, Security cast member.
As a Black man, the weekend was a reminder of just how important it is for individuals to see themselves represented and celebrated. This unforgettable experience made me prouder than ever to attend an HBCU. It reaffirmed the path I am on and fuels my hope for what my future holds!
Are you interested in becoming a Disney Professional Intern Check out available roles and learn more!
Below is an article I wrote welcoming back the second annual HBCU Cohort members of the Disney College Program sponsored by Disney on the Yard! As an HBCU student myself, I was filled with joy being able to contribute to the welcoming back of these magic makers. to view the actual story on the Disney Parks Blog, visit the link below:
It's Official: The Disney College Program HBCU Cohort Powered by Disney on the Yard is Back!
Thu, Jul 6,2023
by Jaylen Holmes, Communications Intern
While there have been several “pinch me” moments throughout my Disney Professional Internship, welcoming back the Disney College Program HBCU Cohort powered by Disney on the Yard is one that holds a special place in my heart. As a proud student of an HBCU, I was so ecstatic to see more than 300 students from over 50 HBCUs recently begin their own Disney journeys!
Through the Disney College Program, students and recent graduates can prepare for their future by gaining on-the-job experience and learning transferrable skills at The Most Magical Place on Earth. In partnership with Disney on the Yard, this cohort gives students from HBCUs the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the Disney College Program experience while creating meaningful connections, receiving mentorship and professional development and exploring a sense of community with fellow HBCU graduates.
For Mahogany Braxton, a member of the cohort who is returning for her second program, that sense of community is one of the things that motivated her to come back.
“It’s a very nurturing environment,” said Mahogany. “I felt very supported last year and was able to meet new people and learn so many new things that I was absolutely ready to do it again.”
As we celebrated the start of their Disney Cast Life during a special welcome event hosted by Disney on the Yard, eagerness and excitement filled the air and participants had the opportunity to connect with executives, leaders, and cast members from across Disney.
Walt Disney World Ambassador Raevon Redding also joined in on the fun by sharing his Disney story and offering some words of advice to the new magic-makers.
“Always remember to autograph your work with excellence in anything that you do here at Walt Disney World,” he shared. “You are the stars that guests love to interact with during their visits to our parks and resorts. You’re going to make a world of difference in their experiences and have a lasting impact on their memories.”
But that’s not all — Drum Major Mickey Mouse also made a surprise visit to wish participants a warm welcome!
It was a day worth celebrating, and one that I definitely won’t forget. Each of these participants brings unique knowledge and experience from their HBCU backgrounds that will positively impact our guests and cast, and I can’t wait to see the magic these future storytellers will make!