Disney fans know that cast members are the most important element in making Walt Disney World the extra special place that it is. For those of you spending time in the parks and resorts this upcoming holiday season, please send some extra gratitude their way. Most of them will be working on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and more. In fact, there are 11 holidays the world celebrates during the month of December.
Consequently, cast members will be away from their families while working holidays at Disney. In addition to full and part-time cast members, there are also students in the Disney College Program. Cultural Representative cast members travel from faraway countries to work at Disney. For some of these younger cast members, it may be their first time away from families and hometowns during the holidays. An extra smile, compliment, and “thanks” can go a long way to making their day special.
T is for Talented
Disney World is filled with wonderful live entertainment all year-round. However, the parks really come alive during the holiday season with additional theatrical shows and meet-and-greet opportunities.
It is so important to remember that these fantastic shows cannot come to life without the talents of set designers, costume designers, lighting and sound technicians, show directors, and so many more.
Truly every single person who works at Disney is talented. Each has trained for a specific job that plays a vital role in making Disney World run smoothly. Talent is on full display by those who prepare delicious meals. Cast members who serve food and drinks and manage a dining room full of guests are definitely using their talent. PhotoPass cast members who take lovely photographs for families throughout the parks – absolutely talented. These are just a few of the countless examples of everywhere you turn, cast members are making the guest experience a great one.
H is for Hospitality
The generous and friendly treatment of guests is the very essence of being a Disney cast member. Did you know that between Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the new Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, that adds 35 extra nights of after-hours events? Many of the cast members working the holiday parties are picking up shifts in addition to where they regularly work. They are working long hours beyond midnight to make these holiday events special for visitors.
Disney is certainly busy year-round, but the official holiday season actually starts in August when the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates begin. This event continues to grow in popularity each year. Consequently, in 2023 there were 37 different party dates for guests to choose from! Undoubtedly, that calls for a significant number of cast members to help out each year.
A is for Amazing
Amazing is defined as to cause astonishment, great wonder or surprise. Disney cast members are terrific at delivering such unexpected magic to guests, both big and small. Here are just a few examples from my most recent Disney trip that I fondly recall. Two cast members from the BoardWalk Ice Cream Shop decided to do something special for those of us braving a rainy and humid evening. What a show it was as Mickey and friends came to life right before our eyes on the store windows. The cast members appreciated our applause and thanks for the wonderment they provided to us that night.
When asked by our server at Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion if we would like parmesan cheese, we had no idea he would deliver this masterpiece. The Mickey-shaped cheese, along with one red pepper flake ear, really brought a smile to our faces. Enrico was proud of his delicious creation and we were thankful for his thoughtfulness and exceptional service.
N is for Nametag
While in the parks and resorts, take a moment to pay attention to cast member’s badges. Each one lists their name and hometown city and state. Focusing in on a nametag can spark an entertaining conversation. Perhaps you share an unusual spelling of the same name. I can certainly identify with this as I’ve always been known as “Juli with no e.” Conversely, maybe you are from the same city or state. Cast members always enjoy finding a personal connection with guests.
The nametags in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are quite unique in nature. Cast members’ first names are printed on top and spelled out in Aurebesh, the written language of Batuu, below their names. Moreover, cast members in the Disney College Program have the names of their universities printed on their badges. Strike up a conversation with them if you are an alum from the same college.
K is for Knowledgeable
To be knowledgeable is to be well-informed. Each and every cast member can help you with what you need to know. Do you need directions, help with a dining reservation, location of a character meet and greet, etc.? The questions are endless and cast members are there to help.
Look around for the closest cast member and they can lend a hand. Cast members in merchandise are great at answering your questions while assisting with purchase needs. Even children can get helpful information from cast members. Kidcot Fun Stops at EPCOT and other child-focused kiosks in the parks can teach them about different cultures, animal facts and so much more. Additionally, I must give a special shout-out to all custodial cast members. You all are the true unsung heroes of Disney. Not only do you keep the parks and resorts tidy, but you also dole out some of the best information and advice on property!
S is for Safety
Thank you to all cast members that serve in safety critical roles at Disney. Among these include life guards, ride operators, nurses, security officers, first aid station staff and many more.
Also, a thank you goes out to all cast members in transportation. There are so many ways to get around Disney including by bus, boat, monorail, skyliner, trams, Minnie vans and more. These wonderful cast members get us where we need to go in a safe and efficient manner. Also, we are thankful for the veterinary and animal care specialists who keep the beloved animals at Disney World safe and healthy.
One Last Thanks
If your interaction with a cast member is truly exceptional, let Disney know through the My Disney Experience App. It is quick and easy to use your mobile phone and search for Cast Compliment. Simply follow the prompts to choose the reason for the compliment and location. Additionally, if you have the cast member’s first name, hometown, and date of interaction, the cast member will receive a message that a compliment has been sent their way. Nothing brightens a day more than a cast member receiving recognition for a job well done.
Finding fun and informative ways to provide Disney goers a unique perspective on the information they seek about the parks, resorts, food, history and so much more. Been bringing kids to Disney from toddlers to teens, so plenty of parent tips will be given.
Happiest with a pineapple Dole Whip float in my hand and an Orange Bird hat on my head.
