The pandemic was the litmus test for remote working, but it also pushed people’s social needs to the limit. Working from home is one thing, but limiting social contact is quite another. When the restrictions ended, the pendulum swung, and commuters sought out crowded places to socialize.
Journalist Jenna Clark, an amusement park expert who works for media outlets such as Business Insider, decided to combine her passion for these places with her profession, so she started working remotely from Walt Disney World in Orlando. Clark's experience has gone viral, and now thousands of Gens Z workers are sharing tips and tricks on how to work from these places on Instagram and Reddit.
The viral phenomenon. For many, visiting amusement parks is nothing more than a one-time vacation event. However, there are true fanatics—particularly of Disney’s venues—who practically live in these parks or visit them regularly.
These “regular” park visitors take to social media networks like Reddit and Instagram to share the best parts of Disney parks to work remotely. Tips include pointing out where the best power outlets are located, where to get the best wi-fi coverage, etc. AJ Wolfe, the director of the Disney Food Blog, told NBC News that the number of remote workers coming to Disney parks has been progressively increasing since they opened in 2020.
It costs less than coworking spaces and is more fun. If Disney theme parks are known for anything, it’s not having the most affordable tickets. But Clark, the journalist, says the trick is to buy an annual pass. It allows you to pay one fee and get unlimited access every day of the year, which is an advantage if, like Clark, you live near one.
For reference, the Disney Pixie Dust annual pass, exclusive to Florida residents, is $439 plus tax, while the Disney Incredi-Pass, open to all, is $1449 plus tax. In Florida, a private coworking office costs about $600 a year but doesn’t have roller coasters or all the amenities of an amusement park.
The problem is the same as with hospitality. As dystopian as it may seem to commute to a place as busy and noisy as an amusement park—and although research shows that noise affects productivity—some people are able to concentrate better in crowded locations.
With the rise of remote work, cafeterias have experienced an abuse of their facilities by customers. To avoid the problem, Disney parks are taking particular measures. They now limit access to some resources, such as electricity. As discussed on one of the Disney forums, if a theme park employee sees you using a power outlet to charge your laptop while working remotely, the worker may ask you to unplug it.
The fine line between work and play. As Clark noted, working remotely from one of Disney's theme parks gives her immediate access to compensation for the work performed. While the rest of us mortals are content to get up and go to the coffee machine for a break, she can hop on one of the attractions and get a good dose of adrenaline.
“Lines are blurring between conventional workspaces and leisure time across the board,” said the head of the Disney Food Blog to NBC News. “You’re closer to the place that makes you happy, and you can access it much more quickly when you’re done working.”
Image | Flickr (Barry Lewis) | Pexels (Lisa Fotios)
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