If you can dream it, you can do it

Although Walt Disney World’s Caribbean Beach Resort has seen myriad changes throughout its 35 years, one aspect has remained steadfast: the dedication of Undrill “Drill” Munfus.

Munfus, an Orlando native, is the only cast member who has been with the resort since its inception. 

She helped the resort open its doors Oct. 1, 1988, and she helped the resort celebrate its 35th anniversary earlier this month.

For the past 35 years, Munfus has met guests from around the world and helped them create memories with their families they will remember forever.

“I want the guests to see that even though they’re not at home, they still have a home,” she said. “I love the diversity of people I get to meet every day when I come to work.”

ONCE  UPON A TIME

Munfus started working at Walt Disney World with her cousin in 1982, spending weekends and summers at The Most Magical Place on Earth while they were still in high school. 

“It always seemed like such a fun place,” she said. “You see it on TV, but also I had friends (who) worked for Disney. It was always a wish for me to go and work at Disney. I wanted to feel that pixie dust, as we like to call it.”

At first, she worked at Pinocchio’s Village Haus at the Magic Kingdom when it was surrounded by the Fantasyland eateries of yesteryear — Troubadour Tavern, Tournament Tent and The Round Table.

When Walt Disney World announced the coming of the new Caribbean Beach Resort, Munfus knew she had to be a part of the opening team. 

At the time, she said she was looking for a change of scenery within the company. 

“I wanted to do something different,” Munfus said. “We helped to open the resort here, and it was a huge landmark. It was such an exciting moment to be a part of.”

The Caribbean Beach Resort is one of more than 25 Disney resort hotels at Walt Disney World. It is older than Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and many of the other Disney resort hotels. 

The resort transports guests to a relaxing paradise that captures the essence of five distinct islands: Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba. 

Disney has made many updates over the years to improve the resort. Most notably, Caribbean underwent significant changes leading up to 2018, when the refurbishment of Old Port Royale was completed. 

This created a centralized location for guests to check in at a lobby with a refreshed design, grab a quick bite to eat at an updated quick-service food and beverage location at Centertown Market, and enjoy brand-new food and beverage offerings, like Sebastian’s Bistro and the Banana Cabana. 

A year later, in 2019, the resort welcomed Disney Skyliner to Caribbean Beach. Caribbean Beach serves as the main hub for the complimentary transportation, offering rides to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Munfus served in a plethora of roles at the resort’s Centertown before eventually transitioning to work at Spyglass Grill. 

Although Centertown has changed, some of Munfus’ favorite memories will always be at the shops.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Munfus said the team and family aspect among the cast members is why she has stuck at the resort for so long.

“No matter if we were a trainee, an employee or a manager, we always all worked together,” she said. “We were all one. If we were short somewhere, we all jumped in to help. It was always just so much fun. We spent time with each other outside of just work.”

Munfus excelled in her roles at Spyglass Grill and quickly became a trusted trainee. 

She said she enjoyed teaching other cast members and watching them grow.

Ariel Jusi, guest experience manager, started at Spyglass Grill where she was cross trained with Munfus as one of her trainers.

“She’s someone you can go to with any questions, and she will always have answers,” she said. “She’s upbeat every single morning no matter what she has going on in her own personal life, and that rubs off on everyone else she works with.”

Munfus’ friendly face, wide smile and contagiously positive personality extend beyond her fellow cast members to also include guests who visit the resort. 

Munfus enjoys making people feel comfortable, and she feels like she can talk to anyone — even strangers.

Many guests come to Spyglass Grill during the hours they know Munfus will be working and make it a point to ask to see her.

“You have your guests that come back and remember you by name or by face,” she said. “When they come and ask for me specifically, that makes me really happy. I’ve kept in touch with a lot of guests — whether it’s me sharing a book I enjoy, sending a note or even making a phone call. It’s that connection. Even though that person is not your family or isn’t here, it still feels like family. You never know what someone is going through. I like having the ability to put a smile on someone’s face.”

Munfus received recently her 40th anniversary service award at Disney. 

She hopes to retire in the next two years. In two years, she will reach 45 years of service with the company. 

Come retirement, Munfus hopes to travel and experience the stories her guests have weaved to her of their own homes. 

China, Belgium, Korea and Australia are all on her list. 

When she’s not working, Munfus can be seen out adventuring in Orlando, whether it’s going to see a movie, hanging out with friends, trying new foods or attending church. 

Even with her retirement approaching, Munfus knows her memories with Disney will live on forever. She hopes to continue to make a positive impact by touching the hearts of the people she meets.