Source: Fortune
Summary
Retired aerospace engineers Jerry and Peter Wong, both in their 60s, have transitioned to part-time roles at Disneyland Resort. Jerry, 66, works as a photographer, while Peter, 63, is an attractions host. Both left long careers in the aerospace industry, with Jerry retiring from Northrop Grumman in 2022 and Peter retiring from a finance role in 2017. They describe their new jobs as fulfilling and stress-free, focusing on personal enjoyment and interaction with guests. The brothers say they are not seeking financial gain but rather a return to the magic of Disney.
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The numbers tell one story.
Jerry Wong, 66, works 14 to 32 hours a week at Disney after 40 years at Northrop Grumman.
Peter Wong, 63, works 14 to 28 hours a week as an attractions host after 30 years in finance.
Both brothers describe their jobs as stress-free and enjoyable, not driven by money.
They’re reconnecting with childhood memories and creating new ones for guests.
Author: Evan Null
Retiring from desk jobs and working at Disneyland: ‘I’m finished with being married to my laptop’
63-year-old Peter Wong, the first of the brothers to join Disney, left his finance career in 2017 after 30 years. He transitioned to a role as an attractions host, working two to three days a week. Peter says he wanted to escape the constant connection to his laptop and phone. His job involves interacting with guests and learning the inner workings of the rides. He works at Disney California Adventure, splitting time between different attractions. Despite the physical demands, Peter finds the job rewarding and fulfilling.
Jerry Wong’s transition from aerospace to photography
Jerry Wong, 66, retired from Northrop Grumman in 2022 after a 40-year career in engineering. He joined Disney as a photographer in 2022, a role he took up after feeling restless in retirement. Jerry’s photography work involves capturing moments at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. He works 14 hours a week during the off-season and 32 hours during the holidays. Jerry says the job is less about money and more about the people and the experience. He also credits his father for teaching him photography as a freshman at UCLA.
The brothers’ connection to Disney
The Wong brothers have been visiting Disney since 1967, making it a significant part of their lives. Jerry recalls specific rides and memories from his childhood, like Pirates of the Caribbean, which was new when they first visited. Now, as employees, they are helping create similar memories for guests. Peter also has personal memories tied to Disney, including proposing to his wife on the Skyway ride, which closed in 1994. Both brothers say their jobs allow them to reconnect with the magic of Disney and share it with others.
Adjusting to a new work environment
Peter Wong had to adjust to the physical demands of his new role at Disney, as he had spent his entire career in an office setting. He was trained at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and now works on attractions like Soarin’ Across America. The job requires standing for long hours and interacting with guests, which was a change from his previous routine. Jerry, on the other hand, found the transition smoother, as photography was a hobby he had already enjoyed. Both brothers say the shift from corporate life to working at Disney has been positive and fulfilling.
Creating lasting memories for guests
Jerry Wong, as a photographer, sees his role as creating lasting memories for guests. He says that in the short time he spends with each guest, he can capture a moment that will be cherished. Peter Wong also values the face-to-face interaction with guests, which he finds more rewarding than his previous office job. Both brothers emphasize that their jobs are not about money but about making a difference in people’s lives. They are helping to keep the magic of Disney alive, just as it has been a part of their lives for decades.
