Tate O’Neill, Jungle Cruise captain at Disney World!

Tate O'Neill

Growing up in Great Falls, Montana, Tate O’Neill was familiar with the colleges across the state and had traveled through Havre many times. When it came time to choose where to continue his education and football career, MSU-Northern stood out as the perfect fit. Now the kicker for the MSU-Northern Lights football team, Tate is pursuing studies in Civil Engineering, Business, and Graphic Design, balancing academics with athletics while preparing for a dynamic future.

One of the most exciting opportunities Tate has embraced during his time at Northern is the Disney College Program, an internship that allows college students to gain hands-on experience working for Walt Disney World. Through this program, Tate has taken on the role of a Jungle Cruise Skipper, guiding guests through the famous slow-moving boat ride while delivering classic Disney humor. But beyond telling jokes, this role has given him an inside look at how Disney operates one of the most successful entertainment companies in the world.

During Welcome Week, he learned about Disney’s business objectives, safety procedures, and customer service standards. His responsibilities include maintaining safety standards, monitoring guest flow, and ensuring every visitor has a memorable and enjoyable time on the ride.

Beyond his daily duties, Tate has taken full advantage of Disney’s additional learning opportunities. The College Program offers classes in leadership, company history, and even the chance to meet with Disney managers to gain insights into theme park operations. These experiences have already helped him grow into a confident leader, equipping him with skills that will benefit him in both his studies and future career.

For Tate, this internship is more than just a job—it’s a stepping stone to his dream of working in Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind Disney’s theme park design. He has always been fascinated by how Disney brings different worlds to life, crafting immersive experiences that captivate millions of visitors. His goal is to be part of the team that creates those magical environments, using his background in engineering, business, and design to contribute to the future of Disney parks.

Although his journey at Disney has just begun, Tate is already laying the foundation for a career in theme park design. With the skills and experiences gained through MSU-Northern and the Disney College Program, he is on track to turn his passion into a reality, bringing magic to guests for years to come.

Find out more about the MSUN Civil Engineering Technology, Business Administration and Graphic Design programs!