Adventure Guide, Adventures & Expeditions (Casual Temporary/Seasonal) (Expression of Interest)

Job Description:

"Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions offer immersive, guided travel experiences for families, friends, individuals, and couples to explore the world’s greatest destinations. Adventures by Disney, spanning two decades, offers over 40 guided-group adventures, including land, river, and expedition cruises, with Disney-trained Adventure Guides ensuring hassle-free, immersive vacations. National Geographic Expeditions, with a 135-year legacy, provides global access through Signature Land, Expedition Cruise, River Cruise, or Private Jet options, supporting the National Geographic Society's exploration, research, and education efforts.”

The Adventure Guide for Adventures & Expeditions (Casual Temporary/Seasonal) plays a crucial role in the overall Adventures by Disney experience, significantly influencing guest satisfaction and their intent to return. An Adventure Guide serves as a vital source of information, providing a thematically organized and hassle-free experience rich with storytelling, discovery, and the exclusive Disney Difference VIP treatment, alongside a co-Guide. You will be primarily responsible for facilitating guests' interactions and experiences throughout the adventure. While acting as the main point of contact on behalf of the organization, the Adventure Guides remain accessible to guests for the entire duration of the trip.

The Adventure Guide (Casual Temporary/Seasonal) role will report to the Senior Manager of Guide Operations and sits remotely in the United States.

*This is a casual temporary/seasonal role requiring full availability during specific times of the year, with no guaranteed weekly hours as they will fluctuate based on business needs, with zero hours during slower periods. Scheduling will be on an as needed basis and is not guaranteed.

Please Note*: This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

Responsibilities:

• Provide a seamless and hassle-free “uniquely Disney” experience for our Guests, engaging them with information about the destination.

• Implement trip logistics, including transportation, entertainment, porterage, meals, hotel accommodations, excursions, and special Guest requests (meal reservations, in-room amenities, dietary meal requests, etc.).

• Conduct self-led research, write related storylines and speaking points, and bring the destination to life through vivid storytelling.

• Act as a liaison between Guests and vendors to ensure satisfaction, addressing luggage arrival, room requests, dietary needs, and excursion concerns.

• Communicate daily itineraries to Guests, work with management to build and facilitate itinerary changes as needed.

• Lead group dynamics, focusing on building connections among trip participants, and ensure the tour remains on schedule.

• Handle Guest emergencies and crises with management support, maintain safety, and administer basic first aid as needed.

• Participation in daily dining opportunities with guests, offering pre-arranged menus.

• Make decisions regarding Guest Recovery in accordance with guidelines and communicate issues and solutions with management as appropriate.

• Manage the trip budget, follow cash handling procedures, and pay vendor gratuities as needed.

• Use good judgment in decision-making based on goals and operating guidelines.

• Perform administrative functions, including managing supplies, finalizing digital trip documents and Guest collateral, facilitating vendor relationships, completing trip reports, etc.

• Meet all designated deadlines (e.g., incident reports, trip reports, trip budgets, etc.).

• Perform assigned duties as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• 1+ years proven guest-facing work experience in the travel, tourism, or hospitality industries, or in a service-oriented position, with strong guest service skills and a passion for interacting with adults and children from around the world.

• Possess a valid U.S Passport with willingness to obtain appropriate travel visa(s) as needed.

• International and/or Domestic travel required regularly.

• First Aid & CPR Trained or willingness to obtain certification.

• Fully available for work during peak season (June through August) and available to attend new hire orientation before leading trips.

• Comfort in speaking in front of groups up to 44 people, including using a microphone.

• Ability to represent the Company with minimal supervision and a willingness to travel and be away from home base for long periods.

• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity in both domestic and global destinations, along with a passion for travel and adventure.

• Strong understanding and ability to manage travel-related challenges (e.g., transportation, ground/air travel, exchanging currency, language translation).

• Active participation in itinerary-based activities, including but not limited to surfing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, zip lining, kayaking, whitewater rafting, swimming, snorkeling, and Junior Adventurer activities.

• Ability to facilitate a seamless, personalized, fun, and magical experience filled with storytelling, discovery, and Disney-quality entertainment.

• Ability to engage and entertain both children and adults regularly, as well as in the absence of pre-planned activities.

• Proven problem-solving and decision-making experience, with the ability to manage emergency/travel situations professionally with support from the Operations team.

• Ability to operate electronic equipment, including smartphones, laptops, and projectors.

• Exceptional verbal and written presentation and communication skills, organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to promote teamwork.

• Physical ability to carry a backpack weighing up to 30 lbs. for 4 consecutive hours, move, pull, lift and/or carry 50 lb. bags, cases, and/or luggage, and stand and/or walk for long periods.

• Flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays while on trips.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading domestic or international travel tours.

• Experience interacting with and learning about various cultures through both personal international/domestic travel and/or traveling with a tour group.

• Multi-lingual.

• Experience in a guest-facing role with knowledge of guest relations, conflict resolution, and working with special needs guests.

• Proficient in software applications including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and familiar with Apple applications and products (iPhone, MacBook).

Required Education:

• High School degree or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Travel and Tourism, Hospitality, Cultural Studies, History, Communication or related field or equivalent work experience.

To learn more about becoming an Adventure Guide with Adventures by Disney, please visit http://www.adventuresbydisney.jobs/.

For more information on Adventures by Disney please visit https://www.adventuresbydisney.com/.