It’s time to set the record straight. Yes, Disney World Cast Members work for a mouse, and yes, it’s a super fun and rewarding job (if you like Disney, anyway), but there are some things people STILL get wrong about being a Cast Member.
Mickey Mouse
The Disney Food Blog team is made up of a LOT of former Disney World Cast Members. Once you retire from the hectic life of working in a theme park, you come out of it with a LOT of stories. And yes, the DFB team has shared some WILD stories about our experiences. But this time, we’re going to squash some lies. Don’t believe the rumors — they often aren’t true. Let’s talk about some of the biggest LIES people believe about being a Disney World Cast Member.
Discounts Galore!
Alright, we’re gonna say it. Yes, a lot of Disney World Cast Members see the FREE access to the parks as one of the BIGGEST perks of the job. Don’t get it twisted, though. Cast Members aren’t in it just for the freebies and discounts. You have to REALLY like Disney (and people) to be good at this job.
Yes, we can go to the Magic Kingdom for FREE!
Now, let’s clear up a common misconception. Despite the fact that Cast Members can visit the parks for free, Disney does NOT offer a steep merchandise discount all year long. In fact, those high souvenir discounts only happen seasonally. Often, the discount is comparable with those who are Annual Passholders or Disney Vacation Club members. So, yeah. If you think Disney World Cast Members are playing WAY less for those Minnie ears, think again.
Phenomenal Cosmic Power!
Sorry to burst your bubble, but most Disney Cast Members don’t actually have the power to do what you want them to do. Here’s an example. Say you couldn’t get a Lightning Lane for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT. No matter how much you plead, those Cast Members aren’t ALLOWED to let you through the Lightning Lane.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
The same thing goes for Cast Members in all areas of Disney World! Those Character Attendants can’t let you and your family in line to meet Mickey once the line is closed, no matter how much they many WANT to help you out. The rules are the rules, and most Cast Members simply don’t have the power to override the system.
Visiting Guest Relations can be super helpful!
That said, if you need help, your best bet is to visit a blue umbrella (Guest Experience Team) or Guest Relations. Those Cast Members typically have a little more “power,” and it’s literally their job to fix problems. Just don’t expect the 20-something-year-old Cast Member at Cosmic Ray’s to be able to hook you up with a rain check if your Halloween Party is rained out.
Andy’s Coming!
At this point, it seems like most people know that this trend is officially DEAD, but juuuust in case, we’re here to dispel the rumors. Back in the day, an innocent little internet story took on a life of its own and got a little out of control. There was an old rumor that if you shouted “ANDY’S COMING” in front of the Toy Story characters (specifically Woody, in most cases), then Woody would drop to the floor, ragdoll-style, just like in the movie.
Hey, Woody!
It seems like a cute idea, but at the end of the day, this is a safety issue. So no, Woody (and friends) will NOT react if you try to shout, “Andy’s coming!” Don’t worry, though; there are TONS of other fun things you can say to Woody if you want to have a memorable interaction. He loves talking about his horse, Bullseye, all the adventures he’s been on, and what it’s like to be a sheriff.
MAGIC!
This point is similar to the one we mentioned before. The first rule about magical moments is you can’t ASK for a magical moment. One, Cast Members often don’t have the power (or authority) to make magic whenever they want, and two, it ruins the impact if you’re telling someone exactly what you want them to do for you. Where’s the fun in that?!
©Disney
Often, those magic moments come when you least expect them! The more you’re “on alert” for something special to happen, the more disappointed you’ll feel in the end. But we can’t leave you on a low note, so we’ve got to remind you that HUNDREDS of magic moments happen every. single. day in Disney World. So keep an open mind and have FUN!
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Moral of the story? Cast Members get paid to do a LOT for people in the parks, but they *probably* don’t have quite as much power and influence as you think. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
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Your MAGIC comment! So true. I took my daughter for her 21st bday, probably her millionth trip to Disney, and she put the birthday pin on. She was pulled aside at least 2-3 times a day (we were there for 7 days) and taken to a sometimes hidden phone in parks, hotels, etc. where the Cast Member would dial a number and who’s ever on the other end sang Happy Birthday to her (with her name included in the song). Sometimes they just got a bunch of cast members together and sang to her. I can’t say they do that for everyone, but it made her day every time she unexpectedly got pulled aside by a cast member.
What a sweet memory, Carolyn! It sounds like she had an amazing day and we love that for her! (And you!)
I am a retired cast member July 1989 to May 2003 . . . I miss the way
IT USE TO BE . . . THAT WAS THE MAGIC. 💕