Resort Mascot / Character Performer

About the Company and Role

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers a distinctive experience on a sprawling 1,700-acre Florida dude ranch overlooking the scenic Kissimmee River, located just an hour south of Orlando. The resort features numerous outdoor activities including River Country Water Park, horseback riding, airboat and swamp buggy rides, a trap & skeet range, full-service marina, and a renowned Saturday night rodeo. As part of the respected Westgate Resorts family, recognized as a top employer, team members are dedicated to delivering memorable vacation experiences and career advancement across 60+ properties.

Job Summary

We seek a full-time Resort Mascot / Character Performer to embody our mascot, engaging guests with lively, fun, and memorable interactions. Ideal candidates have a background in entertainment, theme parks, or character performance and enjoy creating joyful experiences for families and children while upholding exceptional guest service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Portray the resort mascot authentically using non-verbal cues and body language.
• Warmly welcome and engage guests and owners throughout the resort, especially children and families.
• Participate in events including welcome parties, owner functions, and special activities.
• Pose for photos and contribute to enchanting guest experiences.
• Distribute items such as balloons, stickers, refreshments, and promotional giveaways at events.
• Visit prominent resort areas including the lobby, pools, water park, Owners' Club, and picnic spots.
• Support mascot operations by serving as a mascot handler when required to maintain guest safety.
• Assist with guest greetings and other resort activities during non-performance times.
• Adhere to department protocols to ensure consistent, secure, and enjoyable guest experiences.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma or GED.
• Preferably 1-2 years’ experience in hospitality, guest services, entertainment, theme parks, recreation, or customer-facing roles.
• Strongly favored prior experience as a mascot, character performer, entertainer, actor, or event host.
• Energetic and outgoing personality passionate about entertaining guests of all ages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to effectively engage and connect with guests.
• Ability to maintain character authenticity and communicate through non-verbal performance.
• Capable of wearing a mascot costume for prolonged periods in a dynamic environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to adhere to scheduled events and timelines.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Must be able to wear a full mascot costume covering head, torso, arms, legs, hands, and feet.
• Costume fits individuals approximately between 5 feet and 5 feet 10 inches in height.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Work comfortably indoors and outdoors under varying weather conditions including heat and humidity.
• Availability for weekends, holidays, evenings, and flexible scheduling as needed.
• Must pass background check, drug screening, and provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Commitment to professionalism, safety, and superior guest service standards.

Additional Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with substantial company matching contributions.
• Daily Pay program allowing access to earnings as needed.
• Family-focused benefits including pregnancy, parental leave, and adoption assistance.
• Wellness initiatives supporting overall well-being.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Tuition assistance programs to promote career development.
• Military leave provisions.
• Employee Assistance Program for personal support.
• Insurance options covering life, disability, accidents, critical illness, and hospitalization.
• Pet insurance availability.
• Loyalty discounts on hotels, cruises, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Affordable gym memberships.
• Educational scholarships up to $40,000 for team members’ dependents.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Community involvement programs.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Westgate Resorts is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or other protected characteristics. Accommodation requests for disabilities related to the application or hiring process are available upon request.

Seasonal Opportunities

Seasonal roles are offered at various top destinations and provide a chance to experience new environments and opportunities, suitable for both former and current team members seeking fresh starts.