“I hate Disneyland. It primes our kids for Las Vegas.” – Tom Waits. Disneyland has become something more than just a theme park, especially in America: it has altered into a staple in homes everywhere and a byword for both fun and scandal. Though it claims to be the “happiest place on earth”, the question is, is it really? Well, who better to answer this question than the Disney park employees themselves? Reddit has taken on this challenge and has asked both Disneyland (California) and Disneyworld (Florida) employees to share their stories on what really happens in the famous theme park. For example, what does it take to work for the Big Mouse himself? And who is leaving all these brown “parting-gifts” over the parks? These 42 shocking pictures give a glimpse into what really happens behind-the-scenes at the Disney parks.
“I hate Disneyland. It primes our kids for Las Vegas.” – Tom Waits. Disneyland has become something more than just a theme park, especially in America: it has altered into a staple in homes everywhere and a byword for both fun and scandal. Though it claims to be the “happiest place on earth”, the question is, is it really? Well, who better to answer this question than the Disney park employees themselves? Reddit has taken on this challenge and has asked both Disneyland (California) and Disneyworld (Florida) employees to share their stories on what really happens in the famous theme park. For example, what does it take to work for the Big Mouse himself? And who is leaving all these brown “parting-gifts” over the parks? These 42 shocking pictures give a glimpse into what really happens behind-the-scenes at the Disney parks.
On our family trip to Disney World, I leaned over a railing and noticed a small alligator swimming in the water. Being from Africa, I was relatively unfazed by seeing the giant lizard lurking a few feet beneath me. I called to my mom and said, “Look, an alligator! How cool!” This turned out to be a mistake. At Disney World, ears, both mouse and human, are everywhere. As soon as I called out to my mom, a Disney World employee was next to me, looking over the railing, whispering on the radio. Immediately after, we were kindly escorted away in a golf cart. Come to find out later, a huge section of the park was blocked off. We were taken to a room where we received many apologies and a ton of free stuff. Seriously, we got a free day at the park, VIP passes, and the more. We gave them our thanks and took what was offered. Now I know, if I ever want free stuff at Disney, all I have to do is smuggle in small, harmless creatures.
On our family trip to Disney World, I leaned over a railing and noticed a small alligator swimming in the water. Being from Africa, I was relatively unfazed by seeing the giant lizard lurking a few feet beneath me. I called to my mom and said, “Look, an alligator! How cool!” This turned out to be a mistake. At Disney World, ears, both mouse and human, are everywhere. As soon as I called out to my mom, a Disney World employee was next to me, looking over the railing, whispering on the radio. Immediately after, we were kindly escorted away in a golf cart. Come to find out later, a huge section of the park was blocked off. We were taken to a room where we received many apologies and a ton of free stuff. Seriously, we got a free day at the park, VIP passes, and the more. We gave them our thanks and took what was offered. Now I know, if I ever want free stuff at Disney, all I have to do is smuggle in small, harmless creatures.
I worked on the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios and I can recite the 22-minute tour guide speech from heart. Before going “live” as a friendly tour guide, you have only three days to memorize your speech, all the speeds on the ride, the go’s, the stops, and all of the controls. Those three days of training consist of just sitting in a room with your script, reciting it over and over to your trainer. If you are slightly off, like if you said “okay” instead of “alright”, then you would have to stop and start over from the very beginning. Easy to say, those three days were absolutely tedious! On top of that, there is one button on the car, which is very close to all the buttons you have to use every day, that if you push then you are immediately fired.
I worked on the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios and I can recite the 22-minute tour guide speech from heart. Before going “live” as a friendly tour guide, you have only three days to memorize your speech, all the speeds on the ride, the go’s, the stops, and all of the controls. Those three days of training consist of just sitting in a room with your script, reciting it over and over to your trainer. If you are slightly off, like if you said “okay” instead of “alright”, then you would have to stop and start over from the very beginning. Easy to say, those three days were absolutely tedious! On top of that, there is one button on the car, which is very close to all the buttons you have to use every day, that if you push then you are immediately fired.
I never worked at a Disney park, but I do know something interesting. If ever a major security threat like 9/11 occurs, the cast members are instructed to head to the back of the park, link arms, and slowly head to the front. Normally, Magic Kingdom takes 2 hours to clear out, but it took them about 15 minutes on 9/11.
I never worked at a Disney park, but I do know something interesting.
If ever a major security threat like 9/11 occurs, the cast members are instructed to head to the back of the park, link arms, and slowly head to the front. Normally, Magic Kingdom takes 2 hours to clear out, but it took them about 15 minutes on 9/11.
While I was cleaning a Code V backstage, Belle came by and pulled a cigarette out of her bra while talking smack about annoying brats.
While I was cleaning a Code V backstage, Belle came by and pulled a cigarette out of her bra while talking smack about annoying brats.
While attending college, I worked at Disneyland. I have to be honest; it is very weird to see a mouse character without a head. It’s even worse when inside the boy mouse is actually a very aged female. If I remember correctly, she was smoking too. Let’s just say there are some things that cannot be unseen. Overall though, it was a great experience.
While attending college, I worked at Disneyland. I have to be honest; it is very weird to see a mouse character without a head. It’s even worse when inside the boy mouse is actually a very aged female. If I remember correctly, she was smoking too. Let’s just say there are some things that cannot be unseen. Overall though, it was a great experience.
A friend of my family played Aladdin at Disney World and he actually married a girl who played Jasmin. The wedding was amazing, on account that her family was super rich. Their wedding was at the biggest Catholic church in Seattle, and the reception was held at the Columbian tower (the tallest building in Seattle). I was in awe the entire time. They even had a room filled with chocolate. Yes, they had a chocolate ROOM! The best part for me though was seeing my 5-year-old cousin being in awe as he watched Jasmin and Aladdin dancing their first dance. It was truly magical. The bride even went out of her way to talk to my cousin as though she really were the princess. On her biggest day, she still took time to play the part. It was so special! Unfortunately, though, the marriage didn’t last, but, being able to see a princess through a child’s eyes, was an amazing experience.
A friend of my family played Aladdin at Disney World and he actually married a girl who played Jasmin. The wedding was amazing, on account that her family was super rich. Their wedding was at the biggest Catholic church in Seattle, and the reception was held at the Columbian tower (the tallest building in Seattle). I was in awe the entire time. They even had a room filled with chocolate. Yes, they had a chocolate ROOM! The best part for me though was seeing my 5-year-old cousin being in awe as he watched Jasmin and Aladdin dancing their first dance. It was truly magical. The bride even went out of her way to talk to my cousin as though she really were the princess. On her biggest day, she still took time to play the part. It was so special! Unfortunately, though, the marriage didn’t last, but, being able to see a princess through a child’s eyes, was an amazing experience.
A guy in one of my classes works on the monorail at Disney World. Today, he told me that a dad, who brought his 9-year-old daughter to the park, had heart failure coming in.
A guy in one of my classes works on the monorail at Disney World. Today, he told me that a dad, who brought his 9-year-old daughter to the park, had heart failure coming in.
When I first started working at Disney World, I was in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Bontique in the Cinderella castle. I was a Fairy Godmother in training and I mainly helped little girls get their nails, hair, and “makeup” done. It was such a fun job, and we even got tips! One moment that really stood out for me was when I was doing this little girl’s hair. I noticed that there were two small lumps on her head. On further inspection, I knew that they were ticks. We have a code word for lice (“Pumba”), but I didn’t know what to call this one. I called my manager, who brought the parent to the side and explained that we wouldn’t be able to do her daughter’s hair because she has ticks. In response, her mom grabbed a Kleenex and her daughter and pulled out the ticks. Afterward, she presented them to my manager. Got to give the moms props, she got it done!
When I first started working at Disney World, I was in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Bontique in the Cinderella castle. I was a Fairy Godmother in training and I mainly helped little girls get their nails, hair, and “makeup” done. It was such a fun job, and we even got tips! One moment that really stood out for me was when I was doing this little girl’s hair. I noticed that there were two small lumps on her head. On further inspection, I knew that they were ticks. We have a code word for lice (“Pumba”), but I didn’t know what to call this one. I called my manager, who brought the parent to the side and explained that we wouldn’t be able to do her daughter’s hair because she has ticks. In response, her mom grabbed a Kleenex and her daughter and pulled out the ticks. Afterward, she presented them to my manager. Got to give the moms props, she got it done!
I was able to go on a “keys to the kingdom” tour once and even got to go down to the utilidors. It smells like rotten ketchup down there.
I was able to go on a “keys to the kingdom” tour once and even got to go down to the utilidors. It smells like rotten ketchup down there.
I worked at Splash Mountain. Many people thought that it would be a brilliant idea to hop out of the log during the ride just because they didn’t want to ride anymore. Well, we saw it, every time. What many don’t know is that the ride is littered with motion sensors, pressure pads, and more. Working there for so long, I now have a photogenic memory of the layout of the ride, and even I know that I wouldn’t be able to go undetected if I were to jump out of the log. As for the flashers, they don’t happen that much, and when they do its mostly men taking their shirts off. In cases like this, the photo is blanked out and the riders are unable to purchase it. What we do have a lot is parents who try to sneak children on the ride who do not meet the height requirements. There was one time where these parents were trying for hours, thinking that cast members don’t talk to each other about problematic parents. Ride evacuations were interesting. The trick is to be strong and confident with the guests, and, usually, they listen. It’s also really important that you walk them through what is going on. Though it was stressful at times, every day was an adventure and I loved every minute of it.
I worked at Splash Mountain. Many people thought that it would be a brilliant idea to hop out of the log during the ride just because they didn’t want to ride anymore. Well, we saw it, every time. What many don’t know is that the ride is littered with motion sensors, pressure pads, and more. Working there for so long, I now have a photogenic memory of the layout of the ride, and even I know that I wouldn’t be able to go undetected if I were to jump out of the log. As for the flashers, they don’t happen that much, and when they do its mostly men taking their shirts off. In cases like this, the photo is blanked out and the riders are unable to purchase it. What we do have a lot is parents who try to sneak children on the ride who do not meet the height requirements. There was one time where these parents were trying for hours, thinking that cast members don’t talk to each other about problematic parents. Ride evacuations were interesting. The trick is to be strong and confident with the guests, and, usually, they listen. It’s also really important that you walk them through what is going on. Though it was stressful at times, every day was an adventure and I loved every minute of it.
I have an autistic cousin. One time, we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean and it broke down. Instantly, my cousin was freaking out. Then, out of nowhere, the Disney security literally appeared out of the walls. They took us off the ride and into the back tunnels where we went into a freight elevator. Before we knew it, we were back outside – just like magic. I was happy to get off the ride but I was even more pleased with how well the cast members helped in calming my cousin down.
I have an autistic cousin. One time, we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean and it broke down. Instantly, my cousin was freaking out. Then, out of nowhere, the Disney security literally appeared out of the walls. They took us off the ride and into the back tunnels where we went into a freight elevator. Before we knew it, we were back outside – just like magic. I was happy to get off the ride but I was even more pleased with how well the cast members helped in calming my cousin down.
As a Disney character, you are NEVER supposed to take off your mask. NEVER! Even if you’re sick and are about to throw up, you are given no other choice but to vomit in your mask, which is not the best of experiences. If you’re able to hold it down, you are directed to raise your arm in the air, alerting the maintenance team that you are not well. Also, if there is another character dressed like you, you are not allowed to be seen together. There is also a course that you have to take to match the signature style for autographs.
As a Disney character, you are NEVER supposed to take off your mask. NEVER! Even if you’re sick and are about to throw up, you are given no other choice but to vomit in your mask, which is not the best of experiences. If you’re able to hold it down, you are directed to raise your arm in the air, alerting the maintenance team that you are not well. Also, if there is another character dressed like you, you are not allowed to be seen together. There is also a course that you have to take to match the signature style for autographs.
A friend of mine once told me that workers at the European Disneyland have extremely strict rules, so much so that the cast members started calling it Mouseshwitz. Well, the name started to spread and word got to the management. They later told them that if anyone was found using this name they would be fired on the spot. It was only a couple of hours before the workers were calling it Duckau.
A friend of mine once told me that workers at the European Disneyland have extremely strict rules, so much so that the cast members started calling it Mouseshwitz. Well, the name started to spread and word got to the management. They later told them that if anyone was found using this name they would be fired on the spot. It was only a couple of hours before the workers were calling it Duckau.
In the 90’s, my cousin worked at Disney. One time he told me that the cable Tinkerbell “flies” on once snapped and she got a major settlement. Oh, and Snow White gave him crabs.
In the 90’s, my cousin worked at Disney. One time he told me that the cable Tinkerbell “flies” on once snapped and she got a major settlement. Oh, and Snow White gave him crabs.
I once saw Mark Hamill backstage putting on a Darth Vader’s helmet. I so wish that we were able to take pictures. It was amazing.
I once saw Mark Hamill backstage putting on a Darth Vader’s helmet.
I so wish that we were able to take pictures. It was amazing.
Disney security listens to ALL Disney Radio channels at ALL times, just in case there are any distress calls or any other issues that involve Security. My friend Daniel once worked at one of the resorts at Disney World. I’m not exactly sure what his job was, but his radio call sign was “Movie Runner”. There was one time he was walking through the resort when he rounded a corner and found a momma bobcat. Usually, this would not be a big threat because the bobcat would eventually see that the human is not a threat, but this particular bobcat was beginning to corner him, so he called it in. Quickly afterwards, the next radio transmission: “Movie Runner, this is Disney Security Base, we understand you are being cornered by a bobcat. Please remain calm, we have two units approaching your location, ETA two minutes, please acknowledge, over.” Disney, obviously, doesn’t mess around, especially when it comes to bobcats.
Disney security listens to ALL Disney Radio channels at ALL times, just in case there are any distress calls or any other issues that involve Security.
My friend Daniel once worked at one of the resorts at Disney World. I’m not exactly sure what his job was, but his radio call sign was “Movie Runner”. There was one time he was walking through the resort when he rounded a corner and found a momma bobcat. Usually, this would not be a big threat because the bobcat would eventually see that the human is not a threat, but this particular bobcat was beginning to corner him, so he called it in. Quickly afterwards, the next radio transmission: “Movie Runner, this is Disney Security Base, we understand you are being cornered by a bobcat. Please remain calm, we have two units approaching your location, ETA two minutes, please acknowledge, over.” Disney, obviously, doesn’t mess around, especially when it comes to bobcats.
I was working as a candy maker at Disneyland on Main Street. There was a little pot of vanilla and a fan behind it to spread the scent to the guests as they walked by. Once when I was taking out some cardboard, I saw a rat by the trash compactor. There was another time where I was written up by management for dropping about $1,000 worth of caramel apples on the floor because a feral cat scared the heck out of me. In short, there is a cat and rat turf war backstage at Disneyland.
I was working as a candy maker at Disneyland on Main Street.
There was a little pot of vanilla and a fan behind it to spread the scent to the guests as they walked by. Once when I was taking out some cardboard, I saw a rat by the trash compactor. There was another time where I was written up by management for dropping about $1,000 worth of caramel apples on the floor because a feral cat scared the heck out of me. In short, there is a cat and rat turf war backstage at Disneyland.
Ex Disney character here. Being a 6-foot-tall girl, I was given all the tall characters – Goofy, Captain Hook, Tigger, and more. Mostly I was Tigger and I did a lot of breakfast meetups. My mask had a small hole where the mouth was, so I would go around visiting children and drinking their orange juice. The kids were so amazed, and plus, it helped me get over my hangovers. This job was fun and perfect for me because I would party a lot at night, sometimes coming home at 6am and having to report for work at 8am. But, because I had to wear a mask, I never had to show my face. It was perfect! As Goofy, I snuck on rides. There was this one time that I went on the kiddie roller coaster and almost lost my head because of it. After that, I wasn’t able to be Goofy anymore because Goofy was getting a “ghetto booty” (exact words from my supervisors). Another cool thing about being a character is that you work 30 minutes on set and 30 minutes off. So, you’re really working for 4 hours but get paid for 8. A couple of other things . . . If you talked in your costume, you would get in serious trouble. The underground tunnel is real. Oh, and I got fired for asking Joey Fatone for a picture before my shift began.
Ex Disney character here.
Being a 6-foot-tall girl, I was given all the tall characters – Goofy, Captain Hook, Tigger, and more. Mostly I was Tigger and I did a lot of breakfast meetups. My mask had a small hole where the mouth was, so I would go around visiting children and drinking their orange juice. The kids were so amazed, and plus, it helped me get over my hangovers. This job was fun and perfect for me because I would party a lot at night, sometimes coming home at 6am and having to report for work at 8am. But, because I had to wear a mask, I never had to show my face. It was perfect! As Goofy, I snuck on rides. There was this one time that I went on the kiddie roller coaster and almost lost my head because of it. After that, I wasn’t able to be Goofy anymore because Goofy was getting a “ghetto booty” (exact words from my supervisors). Another cool thing about being a character is that you work 30 minutes on set and 30 minutes off. So, you’re really working for 4 hours but get paid for 8. A couple of other things . . . If you talked in your costume, you would get in serious trouble. The underground tunnel is real. Oh, and I got fired for asking Joey Fatone for a picture before my shift began.
I went to Disney with my dad, who was working with a radio station at the time. A new ride had opened and my dad’s station was invited to do some press. One of the crew members spilled soda on one of the mics and my dad had to find another replacement. Also, the mic was apparently a special one, meaning not an easy one to find, and the DJ insisted on nothing else. My dad hoped that Disney would have a spare, to which the Disney guy just laughed and brought us to the underworld. They had a room full of TV and radio equipment, most of which were brand-new. They had spares of every brand imaginable, and then some. Here, in this single room, was millions and millions of dollars just collecting dust, just in case. Disney doesn’t mess around!
I went to Disney with my dad, who was working with a radio station at the time.
A new ride had opened and my dad’s station was invited to do some press. One of the crew members spilled soda on one of the mics and my dad had to find another replacement. Also, the mic was apparently a special one, meaning not an easy one to find, and the DJ insisted on nothing else. My dad hoped that Disney would have a spare, to which the Disney guy just laughed and brought us to the underworld. They had a room full of TV and radio equipment, most of which were brand-new. They had spares of every brand imaginable, and then some. Here, in this single room, was millions and millions of dollars just collecting dust, just in case. Disney doesn’t mess around!
While living in Orlando, I knew a woman who played Tinkerbell. I asked her about the auditioning process and she described it to me. What she said was not what I had expected. First off, you have to be really tiny and very light, mainly because your job requires you to ride on a zip line at an incredible height. If you’re heavy . . . then things can go wrong really fast. The final part in the audition is being lifted up on a hundred-foot crane for about 2 hours. This is just to ensure that you aren’t afraid of heights. Typically, girls who make it to this stage drop rapidly, many of them ending up hysterical for about 20 minutes. I ended up having a lot of friends that worked as characters at Disney World, and, apparently, it’s a pretty intense job.
While living in Orlando, I knew a woman who played Tinkerbell.
I asked her about the auditioning process and she described it to me. What she said was not what I had expected. First off, you have to be really tiny and very light, mainly because your job requires you to ride on a zip line at an incredible height. If you’re heavy . . . then things can go wrong really fast. The final part in the audition is being lifted up on a hundred-foot crane for about 2 hours. This is just to ensure that you aren’t afraid of heights. Typically, girls who make it to this stage drop rapidly, many of them ending up hysterical for about 20 minutes. I ended up having a lot of friends that worked as characters at Disney World, and, apparently, it’s a pretty intense job.
You know how it gets really crowded at Disney, especially at the exits when the park is shutting down? Well, there was this one time that I was leaving the park and I got elbowed in the face and got a bloody nose. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the staff swooped in and took me to the underground tunnels. They brought us to a golf cart and took us to our car. It was the fastest exit I have ever made at Disney.
You know how it gets really crowded at Disney, especially at the exits when the park is shutting down?
Well, there was this one time that I was leaving the park and I got elbowed in the face and got a bloody nose. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the staff swooped in and took me to the underground tunnels. They brought us to a golf cart and took us to our car. It was the fastest exit I have ever made at Disney.
A person who I went to school with used to have a job with security at Disney. She eventually got married and had children soon after. Since then, Disney World hired her husband and her children to walk/patrol the park as a family. As far as I know, they still work there.
A person who I went to school with used to have a job with security at Disney. She eventually got married and had children soon after. Since then, Disney World hired her husband and her children to walk/patrol the park as a family. As far as I know, they still work there.
I used to work at DLR in Anaheim. One time, I found an unattended lunch pail that I was certain was harmless. But, knowing how much Disney is such a stickler for security, I decided to call it in. Within about 2 minutes, they had three security cars blocking off the area that I was in. The “Pluto” (Drug and Bomb Sniffing Dogs that assist Security) was deployed to investigate the lunch pail. My supervisor’s supervisor questioned me for around 30 minutes, and then sent me home, saying that there was commendation on my record now. It was only after that I figured out who were the ID secret hidden security people. If they have a Bluetooth headset, they are most likely undercover security. The Mouse truly does see all!
I used to work at DLR in Anaheim. One time, I found an unattended lunch pail that I was certain was harmless. But, knowing how much Disney is such a stickler for security, I decided to call it in. Within about 2 minutes, they had three security cars blocking off the area that I was in. The “Pluto” (Drug and Bomb Sniffing Dogs that assist Security) was deployed to investigate the lunch pail. My supervisor’s supervisor questioned me for around 30 minutes, and then sent me home, saying that there was commendation on my record now. It was only after that I figured out who were the ID secret hidden security people. If they have a Bluetooth headset, they are most likely undercover security. The Mouse truly does see all!
When my dad went to college, he worked at Disney driving the ferry boats in the Magic Kingdom. One day, he told me he was walking around the park and saw some woman kicking the Cinderella castle. He took her aside, to which she said that there was a brick loose and she was only trying to put it back in place. After my dad informed her that the bricks were painted on, she threatened a lawsuit, blaming Disney for her injured foot.
When my dad went to college, he worked at Disney driving the ferry boats in the Magic Kingdom.
One day, he told me he was walking around the park and saw some woman kicking the Cinderella castle. He took her aside, to which she said that there was a brick loose and she was only trying to put it back in place. After my dad informed her that the bricks were painted on, she threatened a lawsuit, blaming Disney for her injured foot.
My dad works at Disneyland and one of his jobs is driving the Jungle Cruise. He told me that one time, when he was swimming along the boat path checking for debris or any issues, he found someone’s leg. Mind you, it wasn’t a real leg. Otherwise, the situation would have escalated pretty quickly. Instead, it was a prosthetic leg. They turned it in but it was never claimed. How could someone lose their fake leg AND not report it?
My dad works at Disneyland and one of his jobs is driving the Jungle Cruise.
He told me that one time, when he was swimming along the boat path checking for debris or any issues, he found someone’s leg. Mind you, it wasn’t a real leg. Otherwise, the situation would have escalated pretty quickly. Instead, it was a prosthetic leg. They turned it in but it was never claimed. How could someone lose their fake leg AND not report it?
One of my old friends, ex-friend really, used to work at Disney and would tell us about the ghost that supposedly lived in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Jeffery was his name. The story goes that at night, when the whole place is empty, there is this shadow figure that would appear on this one part of the ride. So, creepy!
One of my old friends, ex-friend really, used to work at Disney and would tell us about the ghost that supposedly lived in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Jeffery was his name. The story goes that at night, when the whole place is empty, there is this shadow figure that would appear on this one part of the ride. So, creepy!
I’m not a cast member, but there was this one time I was aboard the Gully Whumper that went around Tom Sawyer’s island at Disneyland. It was the last ride of the day and the capacity was over its limit. When we went around one corner, water came on the boat. The cast member saw this and said that we should try and even out the weight. We tired, and by the third attempt, the boat capsized. My brother, sister, and I were in the middle of the boat and when we were under the water it was the scariest couple of seconds of my life. Thankfully, we quickly found out that the water is only 5 feet deep. After that, we focused on getting everyone out. Meanwhile, cast members were coming from every nook and cranny, throwing us inflatable life vests, and pulling people out of the water as fast as they could. I was amazed at how efficient the cast members were. Quickly after the event, they were putting us on buses and taking us behind the scenes and to the medical facility. They kept asking us if we were okay, if we needed immediate medical attention, and what we lost. We were honest and told them that we were fine, and the only thing we lost is some glasses. I will never forget watching other people who were also fine walking around, letting it slowly dawn on them the things that they could now milk from Disney. I will also never forget the driver of the boat who had his head in his hands, crying his eyes out. It was clear that he liked his job and was worried for the outcome of his mistake. In the end, we were compensated for our lost/damaged items, and also got a free meal at the Blue Bayou restaurant. We also got a handful of fast passes that lasted us our whole trip. Overall, I am just impressed with how well everything was handled.
I’m not a cast member, but there was this one time I was aboard the Gully Whumper that went around Tom Sawyer’s island at Disneyland.
It was the last ride of the day and the capacity was over its limit. When we went around one corner, water came on the boat. The cast member saw this and said that we should try and even out the weight. We tired, and by the third attempt, the boat capsized. My brother, sister, and I were in the middle of the boat and when we were under the water it was the scariest couple of seconds of my life. Thankfully, we quickly found out that the water is only 5 feet deep. After that, we focused on getting everyone out. Meanwhile, cast members were coming from every nook and cranny, throwing us inflatable life vests, and pulling people out of the water as fast as they could. I was amazed at how efficient the cast members were. Quickly after the event, they were putting us on buses and taking us behind the scenes and to the medical facility. They kept asking us if we were okay, if we needed immediate medical attention, and what we lost. We were honest and told them that we were fine, and the only thing we lost is some glasses. I will never forget watching other people who were also fine walking around, letting it slowly dawn on them the things that they could now milk from Disney. I will also never forget the driver of the boat who had his head in his hands, crying his eyes out. It was clear that he liked his job and was worried for the outcome of his mistake. In the end, we were compensated for our lost/damaged items, and also got a free meal at the Blue Bayou restaurant. We also got a handful of fast passes that lasted us our whole trip. Overall, I am just impressed with how well everything was handled.
As a cast member, you cannot and WILL NEVER NOT say under any circumstances that you have seen a cockroach or any other pest in the park. Also, saying the word “died” over the radio is strictly prohibited. Which is why when I said, “My radio battery died” – I got reprimanded by my managers pretty hard.
As a cast member, you cannot and WILL NEVER NOT say under any circumstances that you have seen a cockroach or any other pest in the park.
Also, saying the word “died” over the radio is strictly prohibited. Which is why when I said, “My radio battery died” – I got reprimanded by my managers pretty hard.
When working at Disney, I was very aware of the Disney Look policy. I was working at a restaurant, during which I was trying to grow out a mustache. After two weeks in the hair growing process, my manager noticed and called me offstage and back into their office. There, he reminded me of the Disney Look, pulled a razor out of his cabinet and told me to go the bathroom and shave it off. He told me that I could “grow one on [my] own time, but not at work.”
When working at Disney, I was very aware of the Disney Look policy.
I was working at a restaurant, during which I was trying to grow out a mustache. After two weeks in the hair growing process, my manager noticed and called me offstage and back into their office. There, he reminded me of the Disney Look, pulled a razor out of his cabinet and told me to go the bathroom and shave it off. He told me that I could “grow one on [my] own time, but not at work.”
A while back, I was an intern for Disney. Around Jan, May, Aug, the housing department does a “purge”. Come to find out that they purposely over accept people into the program, knowing ahead of time that they will eventually terminate the “bad kids”, which can be anything between a kid the roommate doesn’t like to someone who is underage drinking. In all honesty, they just look at the numbers and terminate the interns how they please.
A while back, I was an intern for Disney.
Around Jan, May, Aug, the housing department does a “purge”. Come to find out that they purposely over accept people into the program, knowing ahead of time that they will eventually terminate the “bad kids”, which can be anything between a kid the roommate doesn’t like to someone who is underage drinking. In all honesty, they just look at the numbers and terminate the interns how they please.
I recently just came back from doing a Disney college program. If you happen to see a cast member with their college name on it, they are doing the program as well. I was an international rep, as were about one-third of the people living there. The one thing that astonished me the most was how much was going on in the housing departments. So. Much. Sex. Also, so many drugs. And, if that wasn’t enough, so much alcohol. Hell, every Monday we would have happy Monday events, where we get into our countries teams and go bar hopping. I knew one guy who was Goofy, and he did cocaine all the time. It was just like a typical college, except we all work for Disney. The best story that I have is the day that I managed to get a girl’s number at the park. We meet up that night and eventually got up to some . . . stuff.
I recently just came back from doing a Disney college program. If you happen to see a cast member with their college name on it, they are doing the program as well. I was an international rep, as were about one-third of the people living there. The one thing that astonished me the most was how much was going on in the housing departments. So. Much. Sex. Also, so many drugs. And, if that wasn’t enough, so much alcohol. Hell, every Monday we would have happy Monday events, where we get into our countries teams and go bar hopping. I knew one guy who was Goofy, and he did cocaine all the time. It was just like a typical college, except we all work for Disney. The best story that I have is the day that I managed to get a girl’s number at the park. We meet up that night and eventually got up to some . . . stuff.
Shaq once took a dump backstage and clogged the toilet. It was all we could talk about for a week.
Shaq once took a dump backstage and clogged the toilet.
It was all we could talk about for a week.
I started working at the Little Mermaid’s ride at the Magic Kingdom a couple of weeks after it opened. I was working there as part the college internship, and I will never go back because I have been there so many times. Anyway, the Little Mermaid actual broke a lot of records such as attendance and speed, but, even then, that didn’t stop the hoard of crowds from coming in. One day, it was really hot and I was on my break at the underground Subway. On my way back, I walked through the backstage side of the Little Mermaid ride, which is pretty uneventful. The problem lies in the fact that many of the secret passages look like restrooms for the guests to use. On the way back to my post, I noticed a small stain on the wall. I got closer and saw that it was a poop stain. Underneath, there was a pile of human feces, which could have only been done by an adult given the height of the stain and the mere size of the turd. All I can say is, y’all are nasty!
I started working at the Little Mermaid’s ride at the Magic Kingdom a couple of weeks after it opened.
I was working there as part the college internship, and I will never go back because I have been there so many times. Anyway, the Little Mermaid actual broke a lot of records such as attendance and speed, but, even then, that didn’t stop the hoard of crowds from coming in. One day, it was really hot and I was on my break at the underground Subway. On my way back, I walked through the backstage side of the Little Mermaid ride, which is pretty uneventful. The problem lies in the fact that many of the secret passages look like restrooms for the guests to use. On the way back to my post, I noticed a small stain on the wall. I got closer and saw that it was a poop stain. Underneath, there was a pile of human feces, which could have only been done by an adult given the height of the stain and the mere size of the turd. All I can say is, y’all are nasty!
My sister was an intern at Disney, and she told me that the magic of the park was lost on her after she watched Cinderella smoke a cigarette in her underwear.
My sister was an intern at Disney, and she told me that the magic of the park was lost on her after she watched Cinderella smoke a cigarette in her underwear.
While riding the Pirates of the Caribbean water ride, my brother and I got stuck for about 20 minutes. The worst part was being stuck on a ride where you had to listen to “yohoyoho the pirate’s life for me” on repeat. After about 15 minutes, my brother and I finally cracked and yelled, “At least turn off the music!” They did.
While riding the Pirates of the Caribbean water ride, my brother and I got stuck for about 20 minutes.
The worst part was being stuck on a ride where you had to listen to “yohoyoho the pirate’s life for me” on repeat. After about 15 minutes, my brother and I finally cracked and yelled, “At least turn off the music!” They did.
I used to work in Epcot in Future World and if I had a street shift, I would get Hub 2 aka Spaceship Earth. During my 7-hour shift, I would get at least two or three Code V’s, aka “popcorn spills”, meaning that someone threw up on the ride. Cleaning up a Code V was definitely the worst part of the job.
I used to work in Epcot in Future World and if I had a street shift, I would get Hub 2 aka Spaceship Earth. During my 7-hour shift, I would get at least two or three Code V’s, aka “popcorn spills”, meaning that someone threw up on the ride. Cleaning up a Code V was definitely the worst part of the job.
The only time you will ever hear an announcement on the parkwide sound system is if it is really important. Usually, they are looking for a specific person. Announcements like that need to have a chain of approval before Disney will lift away the “magic” illusion. But the announcements are not always gloom or doom. There was this one time that I made an announcement to inform someone that they found an organ donor that matched, a medical courier was on their way to Orland, and that they needed to go to the hospital ASAP.
The only time you will ever hear an announcement on the parkwide sound system is if it is really important.
Usually, they are looking for a specific person. Announcements like that need to have a chain of approval before Disney will lift away the “magic” illusion. But the announcements are not always gloom or doom. There was this one time that I made an announcement to inform someone that they found an organ donor that matched, a medical courier was on their way to Orland, and that they needed to go to the hospital ASAP.
Monorail pilot here. People have sex on the Epcot monorail at night. We act like we don’t know. Surprise, we always know.
Monorail pilot here. People have sex on the Epcot monorail at night. We act like we don’t know. Surprise, we always know.
I briefly trained for my job for Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney World. There is one point on the ride that you go over a bridge that has real-life crocodile’s underneath. As I was riding with my trainer, she informed me that if there was a case that one of the guests fell over the bridge, that I was obligated to drive away as fast as I can so that other people wouldn’t have to see the carnage or try to rescue the person. This is because the crocodiles are fed from that bridge and anything that drops from there is food to them.
I briefly trained for my job for Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney World. There is one point on the ride that you go over a bridge that has real-life crocodile’s underneath. As I was riding with my trainer, she informed me that if there was a case that one of the guests fell over the bridge, that I was obligated to drive away as fast as I can so that other people wouldn’t have to see the carnage or try to rescue the person. This is because the crocodiles are fed from that bridge and anything that drops from there is food to them.
So, no two agents have the same name to the guests, everyone in the call centers are given a “stage name”. The more unique names that I can remember: Cotton, Casper, Arizona, Lucinda, and so on. When in training they only give you 20 names to choose form, so you have to choose fast or you’ll end up with a name like Cotton.
So, no two agents have the same name to the guests, everyone in the call centers are given a “stage name”.
The more unique names that I can remember: Cotton, Casper, Arizona, Lucinda, and so on. When in training they only give you 20 names to choose form, so you have to choose fast or you’ll end up with a name like Cotton.
I am not an employee, but I do have an interesting story about Disney. I went to Disney World when I was seven, and on the third night I rolled out of my bed and cut my forehead on the hotel nightstand. My mom came to comfort me, not knowing that I cut my forehead. After I wouldn’t stop crying, she put on the lights and she said that it looked like a crime scene. The paramedics were called and what I assumed were Disney cast members swarmed our hotel room. After I was all patched up, a Disney employee took my mom and I to a gift shop at 2am in the morning. With no cost to my family, I got to choose 3 toys. It was such a cool experience! When we returned to our room about 25 minutes later, the blood was cleaned up, guard rails were put on the bed, and there was a basket of sweets on the bed. Disney’s customer service is no joke!
I am not an employee, but I do have an interesting story about Disney.
I went to Disney World when I was seven, and on the third night I rolled out of my bed and cut my forehead on the hotel nightstand. My mom came to comfort me, not knowing that I cut my forehead. After I wouldn’t stop crying, she put on the lights and she said that it looked like a crime scene. The paramedics were called and what I assumed were Disney cast members swarmed our hotel room. After I was all patched up, a Disney employee took my mom and I to a gift shop at 2am in the morning. With no cost to my family, I got to choose 3 toys. It was such a cool experience! When we returned to our room about 25 minutes later, the blood was cleaned up, guard rails were put on the bed, and there was a basket of sweets on the bed. Disney’s customer service is no joke!
I was working as a cashier in Tomorrowland. One day, a man had a heart attack and died about 10 feet from me. I called it in as soon as it happened, but they already knew about. I went on my break shortly afterward and saw the family backstage crying their eyes out. Guests were never allowed behind the scenes, unless someone died, I guessed. It was heartbreaking. On the bright side, they all got lifetime passes.
I was working as a cashier in Tomorrowland.
One day, a man had a heart attack and died about 10 feet from me. I called it in as soon as it happened, but they already knew about. I went on my break shortly afterward and saw the family backstage crying their eyes out. Guests were never allowed behind the scenes, unless someone died, I guessed. It was heartbreaking. On the bright side, they all got lifetime passes.