Hi, I’m
ARIANNA ZIELINSKI
Orlando,FL
Summary
Guest experience professional and Character Captain focused on keeping character interactions safe, welcoming, and consistent with performance standards for a Guest Experience Manager path. Balances guest concerns, cast communication, and on-the-spot problem solving to protect service quality in high-traffic entertainment settings. Uses leadership feedback and operational checks to strengthen both guest satisfaction and cast execution.
Overview
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Walt Disney World CorporationOrlando, FL
Character Captain
06.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Support hundreds of guest interactions per shift while maintaining Character integrity and consistent service standards.
- Provide day-to-day production support using company policies, documentation, and Entertainment Operating Guide standards.
- Give cast feedback grounded in safety principles, OSHA guidance, and operational expectations.
- Operate radios, iPhones, iPads, tablets, and daily technology tools to coordinate on-the-ground support.
- Conduct safety and operational audits, then share process improvements with leadership and development plans.
- Serve as lead point of contact for the Santa Claus Meet and Greet at Disney Springs, coordinating schedules and event logistics.
Kindle Direct PublishingChicago, IL
Published Children's Book Author
07.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Write and illustrate children's books that explain real-world topics in a fun, kid-friendly format.
- Manage written communication across the publishing process, translating complex topics into clear, engaging language for young readers.
- Plan publishing operations, purchase materials and assets within budget, and adapt workflows as project needs change.
- Maintain quality control across each title to keep content, formatting, and presentation consistent.
- Sold over 500 copies in print and electronic books internationally while building reader reach across formats.
Walt Disney World CorporationOrlando, FL
Entertainment Costumer and Coordinator
06.2023 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Managed more than 200 costume moves per shift to support location changes, holiday setups, and reopening readiness.
- Led dozens of Cast Members per day while coordinating daily entertainment operations and guest-facing support.
- Built and maintained show-standard Character costumes, supporting quality control across daily entertainment appearances.
- Mentored and coached new cast members on Entertainment Operations and performance expectations, contributing to training and onboarding.
- Created track sheets with coordinators and management to clarify host and hostess responsibilities for each day’s operation.
- Drove large vehicles and trucks to move costumes safely between locations and support operational continuity.
- Maintained costume inventory and operational supplies, including storage, upkeep, and preparation for holiday programs.
Walt Disney World CorporationOrlando, FL
Showkeeping Custodian
02.2023 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Maintained safety compliance checks by following cleanliness standards and reinforcing health and hygiene practices.
- Supported thousands of guest interactions per shift while addressing concerns and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
- Maintained safe, clean theme park areas for Guests and Cast Members throughout daily operations.
- Resolved Guest concerns through clear communication and responsive service during park operations.
- Collaborated with Cast Members to adapt cleaning processes and products when safety challenges arose.
- Reinforced health and hygiene standards with Guests and coworkers to support a consistent service environment.
- Contributed to daily guest satisfaction by staying attentive, adaptable, and focused under pressure.
Walt Disney World CorporationOrlando, FL
Character Attendant
07.2022 - 02.2023
Job overview
- Coordinated with performers and attendants to keep sets show-ready, safe, and aligned with daily event logistics.
- Managed set schedules and adjusted coverage to support smooth character operations throughout each shift.
- Protected character integrity by following performance standards and maintaining consistent presentation across guest-facing interactions.
- Handled guest concerns with clear communication, teamwork, and steady service under pressure.
- Used strong attention to detail to spot issues early and keep show conditions efficient for guests and performers.
The Chicago CubsChicago, IL
Guest Services Administrator
03.2019 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Scheduled shifts for over four hundred Guest Services Associates across event needs and coverage demands.
- Trained staff, assigned positions based on skill set, and supported onboarding for Guest Services coverage.
- Monitored payroll and attendance standards while maintaining accurate staffing records.
- Partnered with Cubs' Charities on event management, budget needs, and pre-event planning.
- Collaborated with departments to coordinate logistics and support smooth event execution.
- Sold raffle tickets to patrons and ranked among the team's top sellers.
- Earned a promotion within a year and received Associate of the Month in June 2019.
Ball State Theater ProductionsMuncie, IN
Dramaturg
06.2019 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Research play themes and topics, then translate findings into clear background materials for cast and crew.
- Mentor and train playwrights on original work development, using feedback to strengthen clarity and performance readiness.
- Earn the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Award for Best Collaborative Dramaturgy Team.
Education
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science (Honors Program) from Theatrical Creation
05.2021
University Overview
Honors Program.
Skills
Customer service skills
Verbal and written communication
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Adaptability
Problem solving skills
Team leadership
Event logistics
Schedule management
Safety compliance
Training and onboarding
Process improvement
Performance coaching
Workforce planning
Guest recovery service
Crowd control procedures
Awards
Awards
Received the Award for Best Collaborative Dramaturgy Team from Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in January 2021., Received Associate of the Month at the Chicago Cubs in June 2019.Timeline
Character Captain
Walt Disney World Corporation
06.2024 - Current
Entertainment Costumer and Coordinator
Walt Disney World Corporation
06.2023 - 06.2024
Showkeeping Custodian
Walt Disney World Corporation
02.2023 - 06.2024
Character Attendant
Walt Disney World Corporation
07.2022 - 02.2023
Published Children's Book Author
Kindle Direct Publishing
07.2020 - Current
Dramaturg
Ball State Theater Productions
06.2019 - 01.2021
Guest Services Administrator
The Chicago Cubs
03.2019 - 07.2022
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science (Honors Program) from Theatrical Creation