i have seen a cast member swear at my older brother when he was nine years old for running towards the monorail at the polynesian . there is a gate there now . the cast member said sorry multiple times and said that if he swore at a guest and it was reported he would be fired. my mother and father told him not to worry ''we swear at him all the time''. it was never reported.
Probably not fired, safety comes before courtesy ALWAYS. Safety, Courtesy, Show (maintaining the magic), then Efficiency are the most basic “rules” in that order.
@@missJazz911 - A few years back my kids and I were riding Tower of Terror in Disneyland. As the ride was beginning, they put a stop to it. All courtesy, show and efficiency were gone. Turns out the couple directly behind my kids had completely slacked their seatbelts and got busted. I'm not sure how the ride operators picked up on that on a completely dark ride, but I was extremely grateful that their focus was on safety. I wish I had taken the time to pass a thank you onto them.
As a former cast member, I can attest to these. I once worked at Kilimanjaro Safaris and while on stage there, you're not at WDW, you're in Africa. I had more than one person ask why I wear a nametag with Mickey on it, to which I replied "We're really big fans!"
@@jondavidtheauthor6318 The pay might not have been brilliant, but as a former ICP (International College Programmer), I would go back in a heart beat if I could.
As a former Disney College Program participant I can attest to all of these, but honestly it’s super fun to get into your character. I worked at Pecos Bills in Frontierland, so I would constantly joke about how I was jealous of the guests ‘fancy technology’ (because you know, Frontierland is set in like the 1800s Wild West era) and if they asked me about the paintings or artifacts on the wall “Oh that there is Widowmaker, Pecos’s trusty steed!” Or something similar It was sooo much fun I hope I get a chance to do it again someday
I would have loved to do the DCP, but unfortunately I don't think they're running it as of right now. Plus I dropped out and thus I'm not in college anymore.
Former CM at Epcot and DAK I actually loved the cast member cafeteria at Epcot. I have had some serious cravings for their grilled chicken sub throughout the years. I also really loved that costuming was on site, so you came in street clothes, had them hand you your costume, changed, worked your shift, changed back, turned in your costume and left. It helped with the mental switch of being on stage versus being off stage, plus it made it possible to head right into the parks after a shift. As many have stated below, the pay isn’t great, but it is still to this day my favorite job ever, and I haven’t worked there since 1999!
I loved having them do my laundry but it was impossible to get to the cafeteria and back before my break was over and I worked in Futureworld!! Most of the time I was stuck with the vending machines unless I packed my lunch. Circa 2018!
I will warn you, once you’ve done the two finger point a few times, you won’t be able to point normally again for a while. I’m still pointing with two fingers and I honestly do like that better lol.
For me, it's the recognizing people's celebration pins. It's innate to me to wish a princess happy birthday, but when I'm off work, I'm just a weirdo wishing a stranger's child a happy birthday.
Crouch down "elegantly", grab a piece of trash by the wrapper from above, avoiding anything possibly underneath and/or getting your fingers dirty, for safety. Always pick up any loose trash or litter because Big Mick is always watching
OMG! I remember my last trip to the MK, when one of those horses pulling the trolley "did their business" right on Main Street and the guy following the trolley did his Swoop and Scoop to pick up the horse sh-- !!!!!!!!!!!!! I later found out that this was the CM's job -- follow the horses and clean up after them (and they had a water canister for when the horse has to do a #1). Too funny but I wanted to know how THAT job interview went. Um, Mr. Jones, you're now a CM, but your job is to clean horse pee and poop.....
Depending on the costume it can be hard. I never had difficulty in my regular costume UNTIL I picked up a shift during the Halloween party. The women have to wear skirts (that are super hot in the already 80+ degree weather) and it’s super hard to do the Disney Scoop when you’re being conscious about the fact that you forgot to wear shorts under the skirt. Long story short a child in a stroller dropped I think it was a tinker bell wand, the parents didn’t see and kept walking and I tried to do the scoop and almost fell... 🤦🏻♀️
When I was a cast member at Hong Kong Disneyland, "Traditions" was called "Disney University", and it lasted all day (including a lunch break and a walk through the park). Since all of the new cast members in Hong Kong didn't grow up with Disney as a major pop culture element, Disney University was longer because they taught more background information about Disney characters/IP.
if you don't mind me asking, how did you get your job at hong kong disney? when i worked at wdw there were never any internal job postings for any of the international parks :/
@@user-bl6ux4jt6m I don't mind you asking. : ) I auditioned for Hong Kong Disneyland in NYC, and I ended up working as a performer in Entertainment. It doesn't surprise me that you never saw any internal international job postings while you worked at WDW. I never saw those postings during my two stints as a WDW cast member. In my limited experience, it seems like the international parks primarily hire locals. They only hire foreigners (in our case, Americans) for specific performer roles in Entertainment, or a specialized executive position that can't be filled by locals. While I was at HKDL, aside from a few singers and most of the face characters, that park employed one American. He was one of the three Entertainment heads (he'd been a dancer at Disneyland for 10+ years). A couple months into my time at HKDL, that guy was transferred to Shanghai to lead that park's Entertainment division.
@@chriswhiteauditions thank you so much for answering, i really appreciate it! that's exactly what i thought, since its almost impossible to work at one of the international parks without being a performer. that's a part of the reason why i took my role with disney, because i thought once i was working at one of the parks it would be "easier" to transfer to another park, even if i was just a QSFB cast member lol
As a former cast member, I can attest to these. I once worked at Kilimanjaro Safaris and while on stage there, you're not at WDW, you're in Africa. I had more than one person ask why I wear a nametag with Mickey on it, to which I replied "We're really big fans!"
When I used to work at The Haunted Mansion, and had to run into the grocery store or get gas after work, I took off the top part of the tuxedo, and just wore a white t shirt with those mansion green pants. People knew. They would look at me, and we both knew they knew. But hey I tried lol
Haha - you did your best to be discreet and maintain the magic! I used to frequently see Fantasyland and Tomorrowland cast members in full costume (minus name tags) at the Publix and the Starbucks behind Magic Kingdom.
I love your channel but as a woman in a wheelchair with many disabilities I would love a video about all the AMAZING things Disney does to accommodate people with disabilities since they are so known for it!
I love so many of the accomodations they provide but it is such a challenge to accommodate a trip with an invisible disability :/ I wish more CM were sensitive/ more knowledgeable about them since in my experience it’s just brushed off
Ariana I know exactly what you mean! I went to Disney a few years ago before my illnesses progressed to the point they are now and I was still able to hide my symptoms from the general population. I was dismissed very often by Disney cast members but once I started having to use mobility aids they would go out of their way to help me and that left a very bad impression to me.
Ariana but these things are much harder to spot and I’m sure ppl lie about that sort if thing all the time. I’m a wheelchair user myself and can see both sides of the issue
Tiggi's Trundlings ya i definetly agree with that for sure people do unfortunately lie. It was just so hard because it sucks to have to justify yourself to everyone since disabilities can be invisible. I’m a former cast member so I used to always discuss this stuff with my supervisors and some were really awesome and agreed. But a different time as a guest I had a bad experience and called guest services and basically got told it was my fault for what happened and I can’t be treated special just because I have a disability which is just the worst thing to hear ever. But I know that one encounter is so rare because Disney cast members r most always the best still it was upsetting to get that response :( but ya definetly agree to seeing both sides of it. I think there could be changes/ improvements tho to try and make experiences for all individuals with needs to be more accommodating
I worked security at Disneyland for a month, I resigned due to the low pay and very strict rules. No disrespect or ill will towards Disney, it just wasn't for me. I currently work overseas and to this day I use the two finger "Disney point" lol.
The “A Million People Would Kill for THIS Job” mentality was awful. In my workplace it was fine but that week of training was the absolute worst. I felt so accomplished getting the offer my first time applying but then I realized that I could be replaced in a heartbeat whenever I screwed up.
something DFB isn't clear about, the rule includes drinking of any kind, not just alcohol. No soda, coffee. At least that's the way it was when I worked there decades ago when we didn't even have water bottles in society. We just toughed it out. (I'm talking the 80's)
@@23vespid oh! That indeed wasn't clear. My job doesn't allow drinking either, but I work indoors. I can't imagine not being allowed to drink in the florida sun. I think most customer service jobs will tell you not to eat or snack outside outside of your breaks.
I worked in Hollywood Studios and one day I went to Galaxy’s Edge to ride Smugglers Run. I was placed with 2 other women and 2 kids. At the end of the ride they were talking about how to find the nearest restroom and I gave them directions, using the Disney point out of habit, and they were like “SHES A CAST MEMBER, SHE DID THE DISNEY POINT!” It sounded like it was out of excitement 😂
Lol thats the best, its like there’s “secret magic all around and ANYONE could be a CM!” One time it kinda stunk cause I had merch I bought at the store in DU and a lady asked where she could find one and I had to break it to here that it was exclusively for CMs
I was a college programmer on the opening team for Galaxy’s Edge in FL, and it was amazing! And yes, we have strict guidelines on how we refer to “on planet” and “off planet” things, but we’ll break character when giving information all the time. People don’t always understand the theming or want to hear the explanation so we have to be mindful of their needs.
agreed- the 'anyone can do their job' mentality some ppl have doesn't hold water- unless they stand a shift, deal with guests, the weather, the stress, and everything that comes with it, people have no reason what CM's really go thru
Yep. When I was a CP, the one thing people forgot to pack for their vacation was a brain. Too many people want to ensure they have the 'perfect vacation' that they end up ruining it themselves by being mean to cast members.
@@megangeorge9257 agreed, you can't control the weather coming off lake Erie, why Steel Veangence is down for the day, why Top Thrill Dragster is still closed, or why the Friar's Nook doesn't have your french fry toppings. Yes dear customer, you paid money to come in and enjoy the day, but you don't get everything on a silver platter 'just because'. I work hospitality, and we see the same thing- some ppl just feel that entitled
I once asked for the handicapped viewing area for fireworks. The castmember said she"didn't know of one". A horrified and more experienced castmember rushed over to help me find it.
A shoutout to all the Disney cast members! Thank you for always make my time in Disney world so memorable and keeping the parks well maintained, serving delicious food, and also keeping the parks alive with guest interactions. I never feel scared to ask for decorations or schedules with a cast member because their always so friendly😄
@@Asthif I honestly can't remember. It was back in 2012. I know it was a color correcter that was orange (because of my skin tone), then a full coverage foundation or concealer, then a setting spray that was waterproof
All of these seem pretty reasonable. When I was young, I worked in restaurants and in retail and now in office environments for the last dozen years post college. Everywhere I worked had rules about appearance, how to protect sensitive company information, how to interact with customers and co-workers and prohibiting trying to sell things you get for free from work. It all seems pretty normal.
Especially since it’s worth 300 hours of work... I always used them for when my family came down. But I’ve seen several people try to get in with comp tickets that they bought off of someone and it stinks since they have to then buy regular park tickets if they still want to go in...
Castmembers also get a maingate pass that they can use for themselves any time, and up to 3 guests, 12 times per year. The comp tickets mentioned in this video are additional tickets they receive for the holidays and such. There are a few exceptions; for example, their maingate passes weren’t valid at Studios from the time that Galaxy’s Edge opened until the closure in March, and since the reopening they’ve only been able to use them a handful of days in any of the parks. Hopefully things will get closer to “normal” soon, for the guests and the castmembers!
There’s also the “Disney Lean”. You aren’t supposed to lean up against anything, and always try to maintain good posture. If you do wish to lean, you can put your hands behind your back and use 3 fingers to support yourself against the wall. 🙂
Had lunch with former CEO Michael Eisner at the cafeteria at Disney MGM, it will always be Disney MGM Studios to me, after I mistakenly said “HEello Mr. Eisner”, he just looked at me and said, I am Michael, the asked me my role, College Program, and how I was enjoying my experience, then invited me to sit down with him to have lunch, he even paid. Lol
I’m so glad Disney now allows me to show my arm tattoo. It’s all four park icons (MK castle, Epcot ball, Mickey Sorcerer hat, and AK Living Tree) and have gotten a TON of complements on it. “101” actually means there’s lightning in the area. “102” means all clear.
I was a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach and some of the rules didn’t always apply to us because we were in a safety critical role. For example you’re expected to make eye contact and smile at guests when interacting but for lifeguarding it was more of do it when you can and if you can’t that’s okay.
That's kinda how I managed to wear dark sunglasses (always supposed to be able to see a cast members eyes, so only "lightly tinted" sunglasses). Most of the afternoon, Astro Orbiter would have you stairing into the sun to keep an eye on the ride. Might have gotten asked about it once, but after telling them why, didn't get bothered again.
As long as you have your name tag off, it’s really not that big of a deal to do grocery shopping in your costume... they understand we have lives outside of work and don’t always have the time to go home and change or always bring a change of clothes with us or whatever when we just need to pop in for some food for dinner, of course should still be respectable and everything but it’s not a big no-no to do that tbh!!
I'm curious about this. When I worked there decades ago, you couldn't leave with your costume. You checked it in at the costume counter at the end of each shift and then picked up a new one the next day. The story was that they maintained 5 sets for each employee so you always had a fresh one available. Is it different now?
@@23vespid correct. I was already working there when it used to be that way. They changed it at least 8 years ago, if not more. You take between 3 to 5 outfits home (depending on if you're full or part time), and you have the option of washing it at home or returning it to costuming to exchange them for clean ones. In MK, costuming is no longer in the tunnel.
@@millieroman2017make sense since there also allergies to certain laundry soaps. so letting the cast member wash their uniform to make sure they used that they used than having a skin rash because they used the wrong detergents.
As a CM, I say "I don't know" all the time. I do my best to try to figure out the information, but if I don't know I don't know. I'd rather say "I'm not sure" and have them ask someone else than come up with the wrong answer and have them walk around the park for half an hour the wrong direction.
Correct Royale, I used to be a cast member and if someone asked a question about the Disney Company and not just,”Where is Haunted Mansion”, cast members are to supposed to say I am not sure of that answer but let me find out. You can then call down to Main Street and ask at the Lost and Found and they look up that information for you. If the guest wants more information on that particular information, you can then at that time, direct them down to Main Street, Lost and Found and they can have a more lengthy conversation.
I never used to change after work 😭headed to Walmart and Walgreens in full liberty square costume. Sometimes i wore a sweatshirt to cover up but not much to hide with a huge colonial dress lol
I started in 1997 then Traditions was 3 days with often once you got to the location where you'd be employed, say like one of the resorts, there would be more---their traditions...before I was hired it had been a week-long thing...when they went to a day & a half everyone thought "mistake" and now that it is 4 hours? As Disney lessened the sessions, so did their "quality" and it showed. New cast members may have been given the rules but not what stands behind, nor stressed why those rules & standards are so important. Also, traditions used to cover the entire property which is as huge as many metropolitan cities and there is so much to learn, even the layout, where things are, what services there are to be offered, etc...it was like Disney expected you to JUST KNOW IT and instead of taking newbies out to explore NOW THEY are told to be sure to ON YOUR OWN TIME explore the parks, the resorts and water parks/golf courses, restaurants on your own! This means new hires no longer are getting the benefits of having an experienced cast member guiding them who can answer the new hire's questions and point out important things the newbie might miss.
I just feel for the costume cm's. I waited 3hrs in line to meet Pooh & Tigger. It was mid August & 104 degrees out. They were changing every 15-20 minutes. During 1 trip back to the "Hundred Acre Wood" Trigger stumbled & his knees buckled. A parent & CM helped him upright & escorted him to those famous green doors. Kermit once said it's not easy being green, try being Tigger!
I'm a college student and I'm not currently planning on going to Disney World, but I love watching these videos because they are surprisingly satisfying. Thank you!
The last time I went to WDW was in kindergarten (and for the record, I'm nearly 40 now) and I got separated from my parents due to a miscommunication about where to meet up after a bathroom break. I still remember the very nice cast member who connected us back up and made me giggle instead of cry. I recognize working in a park probably isn't a high paid job, but I could see how it would be a very satisfying one.
I don't understand why pin trading is on this list, I mean depending on your position and location pin trading can be part of your job, but there is a pin board or other display of pins giving to cast members with pins already on there to trade with guests, obviously cast members can't deny a guest of trading but that isn't something we would lose our jobs over or mandatory, its not like we bringing our own personal collection of pins to trade.
Yeahhh imagine NOT wanting to trade or making trading difficult for guests. Guests would report you and say you're being unreasonable and difficult, and 'negatively impacting their day'. Disney may have come out and said you HAVE to trade to promote the pin trading program and push interactivity with the guest. "look, we're not just going to pay you to stand in front of a store in Animal Kingdom and do nothing for 13 hours, you need to be engaging with guests and pushing our $14.00 pins "
If you got a particular cool pin then you could always just take your lanyard or pin square off and stick it in your pocket and trade with yourself at home. Also if it got too busy and you just didn’t want to stop and pin trade every 2 mins then you could just take it off too.
All of these make total sense. People go to Disney for a break. They want the magic and they know they will get it at a Disney Theme Park. I have had friends who have worked there tell me about the rules before. They also told me it really isn't hard to follow them.
I wouldn't call them 'strict' -- rather just basic common sense..most apply to any job-- and people have to remember they are representing a brand which is one of a family oriented place.
The rule about costumes out of work aren't as strict as you suggest here. Cast members are allowed to wear their costumes WITHOUT a visible name tag or ID to do a quick grocery/gas/bank run. As long as it's not a hyper-stylized costume, you're basically good for a quick run. And the not selling your tickets is a LOT stricter than suggested here. If your cast member friends let you into the park for free and you buy their lunch for them to say thank you, that cast member can get fired for "selling" that comp ticket. It has happened before and it will happen again.
The other thing they didn’t mention is the CM discount!! I had one CM (who WASN’T a CP) trying to let her mom use her discount with the mom using a card to pay and actually screaming at my leader when she refused to process the transaction. This was during the holidays with the elevated discount, and I’m not sure what came of it but I hope that lady was fired.
Also I heard a rumor of one CP who used her Blue ID to get into the park backstage and then go onstage as a guest on her off day during the blackout days of the holidays, well she got caught and thrown out of the program.
There's no rule against a friend buying you lunch after you let them in the park. Nobody would know of that "arrangement" unless they went out of their way to tell somebody. People can do as they please with their money, and there are no rules against it. Like I said, how would anybody even know if a friend bought you lunch?
@@Cleavatr0ntrue, cast-member would be pissed at disney since they have no control what their friend would do for them. Heck, it even better if they pay the meals without the castmember using their discount, that practically 0$ loss for disney.
As a current crew member for Disney Cruise Line, these are sooo true. I actually live in Charlotte, NC I was at Trader Joe’s during my vacation, and this woman kept following me and giving me weird looks. She finally approached me and asked if o was just on the Disney Wonder, she had just sailed and remembered me from a show I hosted. I instantly removed my sunglasses and had a conversation with her as if we were on the ship. Those Disney rules become a way of life hahaha, and I’m sure any cast member would agree.
I worked merchandise on Main Street USA during my Spring 2020 DCP and miss it all so much. BUT pin trading was not required for us. We had the choice and never were forced to trade because sometimes guests would get a little too aggressive with us.
My friend used to work at MGM in Houston to point with one finger all the time he never got in trouble and a lot of other people he worked with did the same thing.
Working at Disney World was a lot of fun! Living vicariously through people having the time of their life on vacation was a thrill. Watching parents doting on and having as much fun as their kids, brought back memories of the fun I had when my kids were little. Best job ever.
To be honnest, we had almost all the same rules when I was working in high-end hospitality services. The only rule we did not have was the 2-finger pointing. We just were not really allowed to point, only gesture with then palm of your hand
Several people got terminated for taking backstage photos and posting them on social media during my time at Disney. I always thought that If Disney let the head of Pixar go, who made them Billions of dollars...they'll terminate me without blinking. It's one of the first things Disney tells you not to do when your hired. I think too many cast members did not realize how important branding is in business and especially for Disney.
A few years ago my daughter threw up in the staging area for the carousel. Thankfully she didn’t on the actual ride. A few people stepped in it, but I was able to tell the cast member in charge of filling that area that there has been a Code V.
Previous Cast Member, you learn interesting facts like, Disneyland and all of the shops, hotels etc could fit in Magic Kingdoms parking lot and there would still be room for one thousand cars. (This was true pre-California Adventure) We also learned that,”officially”, Disney doesn’t have a “slogan”, that it’s known for. For example: Like a rock= Ford, Find new roads=Chevy, etc. People do often mistake, “Where dreams come true”, as their slogan, but Disney doesn’t have a slogan. You do learn a lot of information you wouldn’t have even thought you wanted to know. ;)
My dream place, which always be in my dream until I die, cause I cannot afford to see this until my last breath on earth. Lucky you people, you were able to see this magical place.
Cool to know. The Galaxy's Edge thing drives me a little nuts - I think the "put on" is too strong. I get what they're going for, but not every guest knows to ask for "the refresher" instead of the restroom. Sometimes we just want to know something.
I used to work in Custodial in Galaxy's Edge and the way we were trained to handle these situations was to say something along the lines of "Restroom? Oh wait, someone from Earth told me what that is. Here we call them refreshers. The closest one is..."
@@kevinlevine6017 I guess it's not really that bad, but I still think the immersiveness is a bit too much. It is still a theme park - I want music, etc. I think that's why I still like Star Tours better than GE on the whole. I do need to get back and ride ROTR though as it wasn't yet open when I was there. It may change my mind.
@@brianjl7477 please tell me I can get a Star Wars datapad ( Iphone ) case for my Iphone 6 I been trying to hunt for a first order and resistance themed cases for months!
Former cast member here! These are all true. I was a lazy cast member though and somehow got away with not having an extremely well kept beard, i only touched it up once ever 2 weeks but surprisingly never was told anything. To say the have relaxed the hair rules is an understatement.
It stems from Walt hiring former military men to work at Disneyland. He liked the crew cut and at that point all men had to have a short hair cut. I was working at Disney when they finally allowed facial hair for men, and we had to take time off from work to grow the beard.
dyed hair too, and piercings imo. but dyed hair especially, kids love it, they get so excited when they see my coworker with half and half neon pink and green hair lol.
The Cast members of Galaxy's Edge remind me that Episode of Southpark where they go to a place that pretends it is 1869 and will not break character for any thing, even when threatened by terrorist.
I have friends who are CM's, sometimes (pre COVID), they wouldn't leave the parks until well after 2 am- they can't leave until the last guest does, security sweeps, and they get the all clear...for some CM's the park NEVER closes *sigh*
I worked in the parks for 2 years and in the cruise line for 3 years. The Disney Look is a lot more strict in the ships, for ejemple, no beard or facial hair at all. In general, everything is more controlled on board.
One time when it was raining when I had gone to Disneyland with some friends, I had accidentally slipped on one of the rules breaking my wrist and ankle when I had tried to brave myself. The employees on the ride were incredibly to as I had screamed out in pain when they had tried to get me to stand up on the broken ankle as well as breaking my wrist in four places, and had promptly called for an ambulance when I had started screaming in pain. When I had got out of emergency surgery to fix my broken wrist and ankle ( and no I wasn't too happy), the people from Disneyland had sent me a huge care package with six free tickets for Disneyland plus paying my hospital bills.
I worked as a Deep Lifeguard for one of the hotels while in College (part time, the CP is a scam). We went though about ~80 hours of training( (from traditions, onboarding, and job specific training) before goin on the stand.
I agree that the CP is a scam. You are underpaid and have no union rights whatsoever - yet, CPs seem to work more often than a lot of FT/PT CMs that I know. It's ridiculous.
I lol'd when AJ said, "CMs are definitely allowed to take breaks for a meal." Since when? XD Working at WDW is simultaneously wonderful and awful. But I will love the WD company for forever.
I’ve worked at blizzard beach, Casey’s corner and The Haunted Mansion on my two Disney college programs and as much as guests can wear you down it was so great working at an attraction with such a deep history and die hard fan base.
This isn’t a rule but a heads up for anyone wanting to work at Disney. They do use 24 hour time on their schedules so start getting used to it ASAP for the best transition. A couple months before my CP I turned my phone and watch to 24 hour time it took me a while to get used to it but now that I have, I won’t ever go back to a 12 hour clock.
Im ex military, we had to get used to 24 hour time in a heart beart in boot camp- it's kind of hard to shake after awhile, I'll still slip up and tell someone it's 16:24 :)
As a Cast Member at Disneyland in the 70's . . most of these rules still applied . . no facial hair on guys at all, no eating or drinking on stage (we had 3 different employee cafeterias in the underground tunnels) no pictures, but cell phones didn't exist back then, and nobody had piercings or tattoos . . and your first week was attending Disney University . . and at the end of your shift, you had to turn in your costume (you got a fresh one every start of shift) anyway, a fantastic place to work, Disney was very good to it's Cast Members . . best job I ever had!!
I was a cast member as a 16/17 year old in 1979/1980. Back then you got your costume each day and left it each day. Odd that you can leave with it now! Also, a friend showed up for her shift with a sunburn and she wasn’t allowed to work that day. I think the costume sizes only went up to a size 14 or 16 or so, correct me if I’m wrong. But I know someone who couldn’t work there due to that limitation. Seems that has changed as well. Management totally set us up for success and supported us in difficult situations. As Mickey was my first “boss,” the experience was outstanding and set the bar high for future management expectations. I had a ball working there, in the tickets department, back when each shift I could be working in any Land in their ticket booth, or making change at the Penny Arcade! When I first started, I worked the TTC and MK gates. I got to let Meatloaf in through the pass gate! Oh the stories we have. So.....much....fun working at Disney World!
The Matt at the first couple of seconds of the video was actually one of my coordinations during my CP! He’s the one in the Christmas party costume holding the bands! For the water bottle rule I’m not sure if it’s because my leaders were more lenient but I was able to use a black Yeti that I attached to me belt loop with a carabiner (without the logo removed or covered) during my CP when I worked outside as well as when I got transferred to an inside attraction. I was there from May 2019-Jan 2020. For the Subway, I don’t know about Animal Kingdom since I never picked up a shift there but there is a Subway location at the Hollywood Studios and Epcot CM cafeterias as well.. *Another rule is that for safety critical/attraction roles you cannot wear a smart watch or anything that can receive calls or texts.
I used to work MK the utilidoors were magical until they weren’t 😂 sad but true I guess. After running from the entrance to Main Street while being late the stress stayed forever
giraffesondraft LITERALLY! I was lost for like 45 mins in that maze of main street/ tland at 3am until finally one of the night shift people walked me out 😭😭😭
One day when I was working in front of Test Track a couple of guys sounded like they had been around the showcase experiencing the beverages from around the world. I walked up to them to encourage them to have their fun but to tone it down a bit. That was when they said they worked there. I told them if they can't keep it down they will have to leave and leave quickly. As soon as I said that I turned to see my boss walking up. Eventually they told my boss they worked there. But because of how they were they got their one way ticket home that very night. Another rule is you are "NEVER allowed to get mad at anyone when driving in to work or on your day off. They told us everyone who is driving is "LOST" nobody knows where they are going, so getting mad at someone because they cut you off or did an immediate turn, they will fire you for it. Case in point we came in one day and two guys from "Internal Affairs" we didn't know what else to call them. were there. a few minutes one of our crew walked in, they stood up took him outside and never saw him again. One of the two guys came back in and took that cast members name off the computer. I asked and he said they caught him on camera getting mad at a guest while driving in.
My husband and I went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour a couple years ago that allowed us to go down there. It’s pretty nifty-still has a very 70s vibe to it, and it’s like a city of its own down there. The tour is expensive, but I definitely recommend it if you want to have a different experience at Disney than your standard “hit as many rides as we can.”
the tunnels are cool but they smell like a sewer. when i was a cast member we used to call those the "ruin the magic" tours. a tour came by when we were rehearsing Christmas parade and saw us half dressed and i was annoyed that the guests saw us that way without our heads on, but honestly would totally go on a tour like that now to relive the memories.
My dad was given an under ground tour of Disneyworld and one of things he tour group was told that even off duty Disney Employees are required to pick up trash.
This is an 'obligation' that could be adhered to on the entire planet. Think about how the action of every human being be responsible for keeping the environment clean would do in our world!
I am a former Disney store cadt member and we used to say 'I'm going to see Minnie ' when we needed to leave the stage, sales floor, and go to the restroom.
We went on vacation to Disney World at the start of this year and hardly anyone pin traded. We were told by customer service that it is no longer a requirement and is It cast members choice if they want to or not. If they don't want to, they simply don't have to wear a lanyard, but if they are wearing pins, then they have to trade.. I would say that probably 70% of all cast members we encountered throughout our entire trip, were not trading pins.
I love the high Standards. Once they lose that it will never be the same. I’ve gone at least once a year now twice a year and I think I’ve seen the infractions you spoke of broken maybe twice. That’s a pretty good batting average. Well Done Disney. Keep it up. See you early November for 2!weeks. Can’t wait!
Remember people walking through the door at “Disney class” and a girl getting lectured for having hair that didn’t match her complexion. I spent the whole class staring at peoples hair. I always loved getting those Comp tickets for holidays though
There was one exception to the celebrity rule that I'm aware of. And was a visit from the Genie himself. Robin Williams wanted to take photos and sign autographs.
Sorry the 'I don't know' thing is NOT a rule. You can say it they do not want you to lie. It's actually worse if you give a guest the wrong information. A crew/cast member can say 'I don't know, but I can find out for you'. I am a Crew Member on DCL.
Also, some roles you just cannot call to look up random info. There are many times you just direct guests to appropriate people instead. (Guest Relations, a merchandise location, etc.)
I've worked in a theme park for 3 years. I myself as well as a handful of other people tried to uphold disney ethics when wearing our uniform however a lot of other workers could be quite disrespectful towards guests. I always got the "why do all the effort" from people and my answer was always the same. I just wanted to make people laugh and have a great day! The smallest things can make or break a guests visit!
As a former recent cast member, i see you focused this video on the CM park rules. I worked in a disney resort, and some of these rules dont apply fully or are more strict or loose depending on the resort.
Disney may have a lot of rules but that is why it is the best experience for guest, at least in California with Knotts being a close second. There are two theme parks in Northern California I just won't go to. I will drive 6 hours to Knotts or Disney than 2 hours to the parks up North. That is because Disney and Knotts do have a lot of rules for their employees. The other two parks up North are not a good experience. I have not been to Magic Mountain in 30 years so I have no comment on that park.
@@theredboneking I said I have not been there in 30 years, so I have no comment on Magic Mountain. But it is a Six Flags park, and the Six Flags Park in Northern California is not even close to Disney.
A lot of these rules sound exactly the same as working anywhere else. You represent the company you work for so you should behave appropriately and look professional at all times.
I love when y'all use the clip of millie at astro. We did our dcp together and I miss her so much. Also in tomorrowland, we hiss at each other to get each other's attention. If you listen for it, you'll hear it
Navy vet here, I feet ya. This is just like military regs, which i STILL follow ('s hard to get it out of your system)- short cut hair, neat clean professional appearance- be the face of the company you represent, take some damn pride in yourself and your job :)
I managed a Disney Store for 3 years in the ‘90s and being a cast member is NO JOKE! The rules are a lot, and apply to EVERY SINGLE CAST MEMBER! We had a couple of conferences at Disney Land and you are scrutinised constantly. It’s not all bad. I loved being a cast member!
i have seen a cast member swear at my older brother when he was nine years old for running towards the monorail at the polynesian . there is a gate there now . the cast member said sorry multiple times and said that if he swore at a guest and it was reported he would be fired. my mother and father told him not to worry ''we swear at him all the time''. it was never reported.
Probably not fired, safety comes before courtesy ALWAYS. Safety, Courtesy, Show (maintaining the magic), then Efficiency are the most basic “rules” in that order.
@@missJazz911 - A few years back my kids and I were riding Tower of Terror in Disneyland. As the ride was beginning, they put a stop to it. All courtesy, show and efficiency were gone. Turns out the couple directly behind my kids had completely slacked their seatbelts and got busted. I'm not sure how the ride operators picked up on that on a completely dark ride, but I was extremely grateful that their focus was on safety. I wish I had taken the time to pass a thank you onto them.
Well, that was an emergency..... what exactly was your point????
Fifthward1983
Well unfortunately, you just inadvertently reported him and my uncle happens to own Disney sooooo he's going to get fired now lol
@@jeanettelester9609 Probably have 4k cameras on them or sensors
As a former cast member, I can attest to these. I once worked at Kilimanjaro Safaris and while on stage there, you're not at WDW, you're in Africa. I had more than one person ask why I wear a nametag with Mickey on it, to which I replied "We're really big fans!"
I know a few former CM and they all said that you have to really love what you do because the pay was awful! That's why they are former CM.
Is working at Disney as 'magical' as visiting Disney?
@@eusouagua it had some good moments but you really gotta love what you do and have that Disney magic running through your veins. And the pay sucked.
@@jondavidtheauthor6318 ahh ok, got it. Thank you for answering me ☺
@@jondavidtheauthor6318 The pay might not have been brilliant, but as a former ICP (International College Programmer), I would go back in a heart beat if I could.
My sister in law is a cast member and whenever I see her it’s always fun to try and act like we don’t know each other
As a former Disney College Program participant I can attest to all of these, but honestly it’s super fun to get into your character. I worked at Pecos Bills in Frontierland, so I would constantly joke about how I was jealous of the guests ‘fancy technology’ (because you know, Frontierland is set in like the 1800s Wild West era) and if they asked me about the paintings or artifacts on the wall “Oh that there is Widowmaker, Pecos’s trusty steed!” Or something similar
It was sooo much fun I hope I get a chance to do it again someday
I used to work at Pecos in 2018 for my college program!! Yeehaw!!
When I’m old enough, I want to do the Disney College Program. It seems like a really cool thing to do
I would have loved to do the DCP, but unfortunately I don't think they're running it as of right now. Plus I dropped out and thus I'm not in college anymore.
Is it possible that Disney needs child actors me and my cousin have pretended to be Elsa and Anna for I don’t know how long
15 rn and I wanna work at Disney, and is this collage program where you work at Disney while going to college or?
Former CM at Epcot and DAK
I actually loved the cast member cafeteria at Epcot. I have had some serious cravings for their grilled chicken sub throughout the years. I also really loved that costuming was on site, so you came in street clothes, had them hand you your costume, changed, worked your shift, changed back, turned in your costume and left. It helped with the mental switch of being on stage versus being off stage, plus it made it possible to head right into the parks after a shift. As many have stated below, the pay isn’t great, but it is still to this day my favorite job ever, and I haven’t worked there since 1999!
Virgil Richardson
Thanks for being a Disney cast member 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved having them do my laundry but it was impossible to get to the cafeteria and back before my break was over and I worked in Futureworld!! Most of the time I was stuck with the vending machines unless I packed my lunch. Circa 2018!
Is the employee cafeteria free or discounted?
I will warn you, once you’ve done the two finger point a few times, you won’t be able to point normally again for a while. I’m still pointing with two fingers and I honestly do like that better lol.
I have never even worked at any Disney location, and the habit has infected me from friends who did the College Program.
I work in a public library and our branch librarian worked for Disney so she taught us all to do the 2 finger point.
They being a blackjack dealer and clearing your hands...ALL...THE...TIME.
I’m retired army, been retired since 2011 and I still occasionally switch to the whole hand point ( knife hand).
For me, it's the recognizing people's celebration pins. It's innate to me to wish a princess happy birthday, but when I'm off work, I'm just a weirdo wishing a stranger's child a happy birthday.
I wanna see what this "Swoop and Scoop" is. I will never know peace until I see it performed.
Lmbo!! Let me google it!
Crouch down "elegantly", grab a piece of trash by the wrapper from above, avoiding anything possibly underneath and/or getting your fingers dirty, for safety. Always pick up any loose trash or litter because Big Mick is always watching
OMG! I remember my last trip to the MK, when one of those horses pulling the trolley "did their business" right on Main Street and the guy following the trolley did his Swoop and Scoop to pick up the horse sh-- !!!!!!!!!!!!! I later found out that this was the CM's job -- follow the horses and clean up after them (and they had a water canister for when the horse has to do a #1). Too funny but I wanted to know how THAT job interview went. Um, Mr. Jones, you're now a CM, but your job is to clean horse pee and poop.....
@@Steve_in_NJ hearing this story makes feel better about being in the sanitation industry...😌
Depending on the costume it can be hard. I never had difficulty in my regular costume UNTIL I picked up a shift during the Halloween party. The women have to wear skirts (that are super hot in the already 80+ degree weather) and it’s super hard to do the Disney Scoop when you’re being conscious about the fact that you forgot to wear shorts under the skirt. Long story short a child in a stroller dropped I think it was a tinker bell wand, the parents didn’t see and kept walking and I tried to do the scoop and almost fell... 🤦🏻♀️
When I was a cast member at Hong Kong Disneyland, "Traditions" was called "Disney University", and it lasted all day (including a lunch break and a walk through the park). Since all of the new cast members in Hong Kong didn't grow up with Disney as a major pop culture element, Disney University was longer because they taught more background information about Disney characters/IP.
I was a cast member in Shanghai and we had something similar to Traditions too. I think ours was called "Disney Beginnings"
if you don't mind me asking, how did you get your job at hong kong disney? when i worked at wdw there were never any internal job postings for any of the international parks :/
@@user-bl6ux4jt6m I don't mind you asking. : ) I auditioned for Hong Kong Disneyland in NYC, and I ended up working as a performer in Entertainment. It doesn't surprise me that you never saw any internal international job postings while you worked at WDW. I never saw those postings during my two stints as a WDW cast member. In my limited experience, it seems like the international parks primarily hire locals. They only hire foreigners (in our case, Americans) for specific performer roles in Entertainment, or a specialized executive position that can't be filled by locals. While I was at HKDL, aside from a few singers and most of the face characters, that park employed one American. He was one of the three Entertainment heads (he'd been a dancer at Disneyland for 10+ years). A couple months into my time at HKDL, that guy was transferred to Shanghai to lead that park's Entertainment division.
@@chriswhiteauditions thank you so much for answering, i really appreciate it! that's exactly what i thought, since its almost impossible to work at one of the international parks without being a performer. that's a part of the reason why i took my role with disney, because i thought once i was working at one of the parks it would be "easier" to transfer to another park, even if i was just a QSFB cast member lol
As a former cast member, I can attest to these. I once worked at Kilimanjaro Safaris and while on stage there, you're not at WDW, you're in Africa. I had more than one person ask why I wear a nametag with Mickey on it, to which I replied "We're really big fans!"
When I used to work at The Haunted Mansion, and had to run into the grocery store or get gas after work, I took off the top part of the tuxedo, and just wore a white t shirt with those mansion green pants. People knew. They would look at me, and we both knew they knew. But hey I tried lol
Haha - you did your best to be discreet and maintain the magic! I used to frequently see Fantasyland and Tomorrowland cast members in full costume (minus name tags) at the Publix and the Starbucks behind Magic Kingdom.
LOL no name tag and you’re not in full costume so you’re good!!
I thought you worked at Soarin 😆
@@CamrynGleason I did work at soarin too!
That’s awesome! My dream job is to work at Soarin!
I’ve never been to Disney wold but I watch all DFB videos just in case
There's a tour that will take you thru them (in addition to a lot of other fun things!), not sure if operating now, but it's worth the price.
Same
Same
Hopefully you will someday. It’s amazing
I live in the other side of the world and I still watch too
I love your channel but as a woman in a wheelchair with many disabilities I would love a video about all the AMAZING things Disney does to accommodate people with disabilities since they are so known for it!
You should watch PammyPlusParks!! Her channel covers alllll the things you need to know about going to florida parks with disabilities!
I love so many of the accomodations they provide but it is such a challenge to accommodate a trip with an invisible disability :/ I wish more CM were sensitive/ more knowledgeable about them since in my experience it’s just brushed off
Ariana I know exactly what you mean! I went to Disney a few years ago before my illnesses progressed to the point they are now and I was still able to hide my symptoms from the general population. I was dismissed very often by Disney cast members but once I started having to use mobility aids they would go out of their way to help me and that left a very bad impression to me.
Ariana but these things are much harder to spot and I’m sure ppl lie about that sort if thing all the time. I’m a wheelchair user myself and can see both sides of the issue
Tiggi's Trundlings ya i definetly agree with that for sure people do unfortunately lie. It was just so hard because it sucks to have to justify yourself to everyone since disabilities can be invisible. I’m a former cast member so I used to always discuss this stuff with my supervisors and some were really awesome and agreed. But a different time as a guest I had a bad experience and called guest services and basically got told it was my fault for what happened and I can’t be treated special just because I have a disability which is just the worst thing to hear ever. But I know that one encounter is so rare because Disney cast members r most always the best still it was upsetting to get that response :( but ya definetly agree to seeing both sides of it. I think there could be changes/ improvements tho to try and make experiences for all individuals with needs to be more accommodating
Missing my program everyday :( I was Spring Advantage 2019! I worked in Tomorrowland food stands and Be Our Guest!
That’s what I wanna do in the future
That's so cool, disney food is so good yet so expensive
Woah, lucky ;( I wish I was you now
I was in the Spring 2020 Program and miss it terribly.
*Mickey wants to know your location*
I worked security at Disneyland for a month, I resigned due to the low pay and very strict rules. No disrespect or ill will towards Disney, it just wasn't for me. I currently work overseas and to this day I use the two finger "Disney point" lol.
The “A Million People Would Kill for THIS Job” mentality was awful. In my workplace it was fine but that week of training was the absolute worst. I felt so accomplished getting the offer my first time applying but then I realized that I could be replaced in a heartbeat whenever I screwed up.
Drinking on duty for most jobs will get you fired.
'why is the rum always gone?' 'ask our Jack Sparrow walk around'...' 'My god is he crocked again?! I thought it was just part of the act...'
something DFB isn't clear about, the rule includes drinking of any kind, not just alcohol. No soda, coffee. At least that's the way it was when I worked there decades ago when we didn't even have water bottles in society. We just toughed it out. (I'm talking the 80's)
@@23vespid oh! That indeed wasn't clear. My job doesn't allow drinking either, but I work indoors. I can't imagine not being allowed to drink in the florida sun. I think most customer service jobs will tell you not to eat or snack outside outside of your breaks.
The whole nail polish, drinking, having no piercings or tattoos is a thing in allot of jobs in America lol 😂
Yes but then they also said a rule was cannot drink off duty when In park..... how does that work if your in everyday clothes?
"You can't wear you costume in public." These people have clearly never been to Miller's Ale House after park close.
If a cast member identifies a person as a “customer” that is code for shoplifter. All other individuals visiting the park are referred to as “guests”.
You should compile a list of Disney stories from comments, from friends, and your own experience and make a video about them!!
Going to Denny's or IHOP right after work at 2 am in my costume. Who can relate?
I went to millers and ihop in costume so much
mega bonus points if you're a fur character, in full suit- :)
Absolutely. Waffle House too
@@foofypig hahahahah unofficial "character breakfast" :)
Eclipse horse you know it hahaha. The best feeling is seeing other cms at the same time and going off about our days !
I worked in Hollywood Studios and one day I went to Galaxy’s Edge to ride Smugglers Run. I was placed with 2 other women and 2 kids. At the end of the ride they were talking about how to find the nearest restroom and I gave them directions, using the Disney point out of habit, and they were like “SHES A CAST MEMBER, SHE DID THE DISNEY POINT!” It sounded like it was out of excitement 😂
Lol thats the best, its like there’s “secret magic all around and ANYONE could be a CM!” One time it kinda stunk cause I had merch I bought at the store in DU and a lady asked where she could find one and I had to break it to here that it was exclusively for CMs
I was a college programmer on the opening team for Galaxy’s Edge in FL, and it was amazing! And yes, we have strict guidelines on how we refer to “on planet” and “off planet” things, but we’ll break character when giving information all the time. People don’t always understand the theming or want to hear the explanation so we have to be mindful of their needs.
"That will be 1275 credits." "Oh it's really $12.75" lol
was wondering in the scenario of the child. Most people would use nickname that make sense. Baby yoda is one thing.
Would be a much tougher job than people realise.
agreed- the 'anyone can do their job' mentality some ppl have doesn't hold water- unless they stand a shift, deal with guests, the weather, the stress, and everything that comes with it, people have no reason what CM's really go thru
ESPECIALLY with how the public behaves now. Is beyond comprehension sometimes.
Yep. When I was a CP, the one thing people forgot to pack for their vacation was a brain. Too many people want to ensure they have the 'perfect vacation' that they end up ruining it themselves by being mean to cast members.
@@megangeorge9257 agreed, you can't control the weather coming off lake Erie, why Steel Veangence is down for the day, why Top Thrill Dragster is still closed, or why the Friar's Nook doesn't have your french fry toppings. Yes dear customer, you paid money to come in and enjoy the day, but you don't get everything on a silver platter 'just because'. I work hospitality, and we see the same thing- some ppl just feel that entitled
I've worked retail on boxing day, I know how crazy it can get lol
I once asked for the handicapped viewing area for fireworks. The castmember said she"didn't know of one". A horrified and more experienced castmember rushed over to help me find it.
A shoutout to all the Disney cast members! Thank you for always make my time in Disney world so memorable and keeping the parks well maintained, serving delicious food, and also keeping the parks alive with guest interactions. I never feel scared to ask for decorations or schedules with a cast member because their always so friendly😄
When I was a DCP cast member, covering a tattoo on my wrist was my activity on my morning bus ride to my park 😂
Can I ask which king of makeup you used ?
@@Asthif I honestly can't remember. It was back in 2012. I know it was a color correcter that was orange (because of my skin tone), then a full coverage foundation or concealer, then a setting spray that was waterproof
@@LolaRobles17 actually it does help ! Thank you so much
@@Asthif Aren't tats allowed now?
@@feistyy Yeah, I know CMs with sleeves. It's not an issue anymore.
All of these seem pretty reasonable. When I was young, I worked in restaurants and in retail and now in office environments for the last dozen years post college. Everywhere I worked had rules about appearance, how to protect sensitive company information, how to interact with customers and co-workers and prohibiting trying to sell things you get for free from work. It all seems pretty normal.
The Dance teacher at my daughter's high school was a Choreographer at Disney land for 10 years. He had some great stories to tell.
Disney always does such an amazing job. All of you cast members are so wonderful. Thank you
I don't understand why you'd want to sell your comp tickets, I'd be using the heck out of those with my friends/family lol
I suspect it's like working at the candy factory..you get so tired of dealing with it day in and day out, you lose interest in getting it yourself.
Yes they’re precious * holds gently *
Especially since it’s worth 300 hours of work... I always used them for when my family came down. But I’ve seen several people try to get in with comp tickets that they bought off of someone and it stinks since they have to then buy regular park tickets if they still want to go in...
Castmembers also get a maingate pass that they can use for themselves any time, and up to 3 guests, 12 times per year. The comp tickets mentioned in this video are additional tickets they receive for the holidays and such. There are a few exceptions; for example, their maingate passes weren’t valid at Studios from the time that Galaxy’s Edge opened until the closure in March, and since the reopening they’ve only been able to use them a handful of days in any of the parks. Hopefully things will get closer to “normal” soon, for the guests and the castmembers!
These people are paid like 15$ an hour. I’d absolutely try to sell some if I worked there.
2:07 that dude waving while smiling that’s my dad
That’s so cool
Noice
Cool
There’s also the “Disney Lean”. You aren’t supposed to lean up against anything, and always try to maintain good posture. If you do wish to lean, you can put your hands behind your back and use 3 fingers to support yourself against the wall. 🙂
Had lunch with former CEO Michael Eisner at the cafeteria at Disney MGM, it will always be Disney MGM Studios to me, after I mistakenly said “HEello Mr. Eisner”, he just looked at me and said, I am Michael, the asked me my role, College Program, and how I was enjoying my experience, then invited me to sit down with him to have lunch, he even paid. Lol
I’m so glad Disney now allows me to show my arm tattoo. It’s all four park icons (MK castle, Epcot ball, Mickey Sorcerer hat, and AK Living Tree) and have gotten a TON of complements on it.
“101” actually means there’s lightning in the area. “102” means all clear.
I was a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach and some of the rules didn’t always apply to us because we were in a safety critical role. For example you’re expected to make eye contact and smile at guests
when interacting but for lifeguarding it was more of do it when you can and if you can’t that’s okay.
That's kinda how I managed to wear dark sunglasses (always supposed to be able to see a cast members eyes, so only "lightly tinted" sunglasses). Most of the afternoon, Astro Orbiter would have you stairing into the sun to keep an eye on the ride. Might have gotten asked about it once, but after telling them why, didn't get bothered again.
I was a lifeguard at Blizzard in fall of 2018!
maddy t hmu :)
As long as you have your name tag off, it’s really not that big of a deal to do grocery shopping in your costume... they understand we have lives outside of work and don’t always have the time to go home and change or always bring a change of clothes with us or whatever when we just need to pop in for some food for dinner, of course should still be respectable and everything but it’s not a big no-no to do that tbh!!
I was going to comment that myself. Three of us ate at an Olive Garden all in costume sometime last year.
I agree with this! Sometimes you can’t control what happens after work, but I just would always take the nametag off
I'm curious about this. When I worked there decades ago, you couldn't leave with your costume. You checked it in at the costume counter at the end of each shift and then picked up a new one the next day. The story was that they maintained 5 sets for each employee so you always had a fresh one available. Is it different now?
@@23vespid correct. I was already working there when it used to be that way. They changed it at least 8 years ago, if not more. You take between 3 to 5 outfits home (depending on if you're full or part time), and you have the option of washing it at home or returning it to costuming to exchange them for clean ones. In MK, costuming is no longer in the tunnel.
@@millieroman2017make sense since there also allergies to certain laundry soaps. so letting the cast member wash their uniform to make sure they used that they used than having a skin rash because they used the wrong detergents.
As a CM, I say "I don't know" all the time. I do my best to try to figure out the information, but if I don't know I don't know. I'd rather say "I'm not sure" and have them ask someone else than come up with the wrong answer and have them walk around the park for half an hour the wrong direction.
Well this rule would typically mean you respond with “let me get the answer for you”
Correct Royale, I used to be a cast member and if someone asked a question about the Disney Company and not just,”Where is Haunted Mansion”, cast members are to supposed to say I am not sure of that answer but let me find out. You can then call down to Main Street and ask at the Lost and Found and they look up that information for you. If the guest wants more information on that particular information, you can then at that time, direct them down to Main Street, Lost and Found and they can have a more lengthy conversation.
Former cast member here. This is one of the most accurate videos about being a cast member I’ve seen. Most are super off.
I never used to change after work 😭headed to Walmart and Walgreens in full liberty square costume. Sometimes i wore a sweatshirt to cover up but not much to hide with a huge colonial dress lol
I started in 1997 then Traditions was 3 days with often once you got to the location where you'd be employed, say like one of the resorts, there would be more---their traditions...before I was hired it had been a week-long thing...when they went to a day & a half everyone thought "mistake" and now that it is 4 hours? As Disney lessened the sessions, so did their "quality" and it showed. New cast members may have been given the rules but not what stands behind, nor stressed why those rules & standards are so important. Also, traditions used to cover the entire property which is as huge as many metropolitan cities and there is so much to learn, even the layout, where things are, what services there are to be offered, etc...it was like Disney expected you to JUST KNOW IT and instead of taking newbies out to explore NOW THEY are told to be sure to ON YOUR OWN TIME explore the parks, the resorts and water parks/golf courses, restaurants on your own! This means new hires no longer are getting the benefits of having an experienced cast member guiding them who can answer the new hire's questions and point out important things the newbie might miss.
The reason for the rules is obvious... Don’t hurt The Company’s image or you’re fired...
I just feel for the costume cm's.
I waited 3hrs in line to meet Pooh & Tigger. It was mid August & 104 degrees out. They were changing every 15-20 minutes. During 1 trip back to the "Hundred Acre Wood" Trigger stumbled & his knees buckled. A parent & CM helped him upright & escorted him to those famous green doors. Kermit once said it's not easy being green, try being Tigger!
Be courageous and be brave, and in my heart you'll always stay...
I'm a college student and I'm not currently planning on going to Disney World, but I love watching these videos because they are surprisingly satisfying. Thank you!
The last time I went to WDW was in kindergarten (and for the record, I'm nearly 40 now) and I got separated from my parents due to a miscommunication about where to meet up after a bathroom break. I still remember the very nice cast member who connected us back up and made me giggle instead of cry. I recognize working in a park probably isn't a high paid job, but I could see how it would be a very satisfying one.
I don't understand why pin trading is on this list, I mean depending on your position and location pin trading can be part of your job, but there is a pin board or other display of pins giving to cast members with pins already on there to trade with guests, obviously cast members can't deny a guest of trading but that isn't something we would lose our jobs over or mandatory, its not like we bringing our own personal collection of pins to trade.
Yeahhh imagine NOT wanting to trade or making trading difficult for guests. Guests would report you and say you're being unreasonable and difficult, and 'negatively impacting their day'. Disney may have come out and said you HAVE to trade to promote the pin trading program and push interactivity with the guest. "look, we're not just going to pay you to stand in front of a store in Animal Kingdom and do nothing for 13 hours, you need to be engaging with guests and pushing our $14.00 pins "
A lanyard with 10 pins was part of my costume. If we forgot ours the managers would give us a spare.
If you got a particular cool pin then you could always just take your lanyard or pin square off and stick it in your pocket and trade with yourself at home. Also if it got too busy and you just didn’t want to stop and pin trade every 2 mins then you could just take it off too.
All of these make total sense. People go to Disney for a break. They want the magic and they know they will get it at a Disney Theme Park. I have had friends who have worked there tell me about the rules before. They also told me it really isn't hard to follow them.
I wouldn't call them 'strict' -- rather just basic common sense..most apply to any job-- and people have to remember they are representing a brand which is one of a family oriented place.
The rule about costumes out of work aren't as strict as you suggest here. Cast members are allowed to wear their costumes WITHOUT a visible name tag or ID to do a quick grocery/gas/bank run. As long as it's not a hyper-stylized costume, you're basically good for a quick run.
And the not selling your tickets is a LOT stricter than suggested here. If your cast member friends let you into the park for free and you buy their lunch for them to say thank you, that cast member can get fired for "selling" that comp ticket. It has happened before and it will happen again.
The other thing they didn’t mention is the CM discount!! I had one CM (who WASN’T a CP) trying to let her mom use her discount with the mom using a card to pay and actually screaming at my leader when she refused to process the transaction. This was during the holidays with the elevated discount, and I’m not sure what came of it but I hope that lady was fired.
Also I heard a rumor of one CP who used her Blue ID to get into the park backstage and then go onstage as a guest on her off day during the blackout days of the holidays, well she got caught and thrown out of the program.
There's no rule against a friend buying you lunch after you let them in the park. Nobody would know of that "arrangement" unless they went out of their way to tell somebody. People can do as they please with their money, and there are no rules against it. Like I said, how would anybody even know if a friend bought you lunch?
@@Cleavatr0ntrue, cast-member would be pissed at disney since they have no control what their friend would do for them. Heck, it even better if they pay the meals without the castmember using their discount, that practically 0$ loss for disney.
As a current crew member for Disney Cruise Line, these are sooo true. I actually live in Charlotte, NC I was at Trader Joe’s during my vacation, and this woman kept following me and giving me weird looks. She finally approached me and asked if o was just on the Disney Wonder, she had just sailed and remembered me from a show I hosted. I instantly removed my sunglasses and had a conversation with her as if we were on the ship. Those Disney rules become a way of life hahaha, and I’m sure any cast member would agree.
I worked merchandise on Main Street USA during my Spring 2020 DCP and miss it all so much. BUT pin trading was not required for us. We had the choice and never were forced to trade because sometimes guests would get a little too aggressive with us.
My friend used to work at MGM in Houston to point with one finger all the time he never got in trouble and a lot of other people he worked with did the same thing.
Thank you AJ for keeping The Dreams Alive during these tuff times with your videos.
Working at Disney World was a lot of fun! Living vicariously through people having the time of their life on vacation was a thrill. Watching parents doting on and having as much fun as their kids, brought back memories of the fun I had when my kids were little. Best job ever.
To be honnest, we had almost all the same rules when I was working in high-end hospitality services. The only rule we did not have was the 2-finger pointing. We just were not really allowed to point, only gesture with then palm of your hand
Several people got terminated for taking backstage photos and posting them on social media during my time at Disney. I always thought that If Disney let the head of Pixar go, who made them Billions of dollars...they'll terminate me without blinking. It's one of the first things Disney tells you not to do when your hired. I think too many cast members did not realize how important branding is in business and especially for Disney.
I was a lifeguard at Typhoon Lagoon and absolutely miss my time there. Still the best job I've ever had and I've had a lot of good jobs. Love Disney!
Same I love Disney . My dream is to get married in Galaxy Edge
A few years ago my daughter threw up in the staging area for the carousel. Thankfully she didn’t on the actual ride. A few people stepped in it, but I was able to tell the cast member in charge of filling that area that there has been a Code V.
Previous Cast Member, you learn interesting facts like, Disneyland and all of the shops, hotels etc could fit in Magic Kingdoms parking lot and there would still be room for one thousand cars. (This was true pre-California Adventure) We also learned that,”officially”, Disney doesn’t have a “slogan”, that it’s known for. For example: Like a rock= Ford, Find new roads=Chevy, etc. People do often mistake, “Where dreams come true”, as their slogan, but Disney doesn’t have a slogan. You do learn a lot of information you wouldn’t have even thought you wanted to know. ;)
My dream place, which always be in my dream until I die, cause I cannot afford to see this until my last breath on earth. Lucky you people, you were able to see this magical place.
i only recently discovered your channel but i love it!! your content is so cheery and relaxing.
Cool to know. The Galaxy's Edge thing drives me a little nuts - I think the "put on" is too strong. I get what they're going for, but not every guest knows to ask for "the refresher" instead of the restroom. Sometimes we just want to know something.
I used to work in Custodial in Galaxy's Edge and the way we were trained to handle these situations was to say something along the lines of "Restroom? Oh wait, someone from Earth told me what that is. Here we call them refreshers. The closest one is..."
@@kevinlevine6017 I guess it's not really that bad, but I still think the immersiveness is a bit too much. It is still a theme park - I want music, etc. I think that's why I still like Star Tours better than GE on the whole. I do need to get back and ride ROTR though as it wasn't yet open when I was there. It may change my mind.
@@brianjl7477 please tell me I can get a Star Wars datapad ( Iphone ) case for my Iphone 6 I been trying to hunt for a first order and resistance themed cases for months!
@@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840 I haven't seen anything like that. It may be out there. You might try an unnoficial source, like etsy.
@@brianjl7477 thanks !
I get it and it doesn't seem so bad. It's maintaining the magic and professionalism 🙂
Former cast member here! These are all true. I was a lazy cast member though and somehow got away with not having an extremely well kept beard, i only touched it up once ever 2 weeks but surprisingly never was told anything. To say the have relaxed the hair rules is an understatement.
The rule against long hair for men seems really outdated and pointless, so long as they keep it clean and out of the way it should be fine.
It stems from Walt hiring former military men to work at Disneyland. He liked the crew cut and at that point all men had to have a short hair cut. I was working at Disney when they finally allowed facial hair for men, and we had to take time off from work to grow the beard.
@@pauleydm makes sense, SO many of the grooming standards are identical to the military
dyed hair too, and piercings imo. but dyed hair especially, kids love it, they get so excited when they see my coworker with half and half neon pink and green hair lol.
I’m glad they have the grooming standards.
The Cast members of Galaxy's Edge remind me that Episode of Southpark where they go to a place that pretends it is 1869 and will not break character for any thing, even when threatened by terrorist.
No way! Now I want to see it even more!
'what's the combination to the safe!' LOL
@@anniebeauleau1601 "Super Fun Time" Season 12, Episode 7"
@@johnharris6655 'you're my accoutability buddy Eric...'
They will also never tell you what time the park closes. They'll say the park is open until...
I have friends who are CM's, sometimes (pre COVID), they wouldn't leave the parks until well after 2 am- they can't leave until the last guest does, security sweeps, and they get the all clear...for some CM's the park NEVER closes *sigh*
I’m a current Disneyland CM and I’ve never heard of this lol.
Yeah that's not a thing.
@@Samsungsamsung-ec5gl It is. Google it.
@@eclipsehorse8693 And sometimes they are scheduled to work until close and have to come back for open! Crazy
I worked in the parks for 2 years and in the cruise line for 3 years. The Disney Look is a lot more strict in the ships, for ejemple, no beard or facial hair at all. In general, everything is more controlled on board.
One time when it was raining when I had gone to Disneyland with some friends, I had accidentally slipped on one of the rules breaking my wrist and ankle when I had tried to brave myself. The employees on the ride were incredibly to as I had screamed out in pain when they had tried to get me to stand up on the broken ankle as well as breaking my wrist in four places, and had promptly called for an ambulance when I had started screaming in pain. When I had got out of emergency surgery to fix my broken wrist and ankle ( and no I wasn't too happy), the people from Disneyland had sent me a huge care package with six free tickets for Disneyland plus paying my hospital bills.
This is similar to when I was in a professional marching band. We never appeared in part uniform/costume and we had to take it off after performances.
I did a Disney College Program, and I even remember one day when I was off even cleaning up a little trash. It was out of habit.
I worked as a Deep Lifeguard for one of the hotels while in College (part time, the CP is a scam). We went though about ~80 hours of training( (from traditions, onboarding, and job specific training) before goin on the stand.
I agree that the CP is a scam. You are underpaid and have no union rights whatsoever - yet, CPs seem to work more often than a lot of FT/PT CMs that I know. It's ridiculous.
I lol'd when AJ said, "CMs are definitely allowed to take breaks for a meal." Since when? XD Working at WDW is simultaneously wonderful and awful. But I will love the WD company for forever.
I’ve worked at blizzard beach, Casey’s corner and The Haunted Mansion on my two Disney college programs and as much as guests can wear you down it was so great working at an attraction with such a deep history and die hard fan base.
This isn’t a rule but a heads up for anyone wanting to work at Disney. They do use 24 hour time on their schedules so start getting used to it ASAP for the best transition.
A couple months before my CP I turned my phone and watch to 24 hour time it took me a while to get used to it but now that I have, I won’t ever go back to a 12 hour clock.
Im ex military, we had to get used to 24 hour time in a heart beart in boot camp- it's kind of hard to shake after awhile, I'll still slip up and tell someone it's 16:24 :)
As a Cast Member at Disneyland in the 70's . . most of these rules still applied . . no facial hair on guys at all, no eating or drinking on stage (we had 3 different employee cafeterias in the underground tunnels) no pictures, but cell phones didn't exist back then, and nobody had piercings or tattoos . . and your first week was attending Disney University . . and at the end of your shift, you had to turn in your costume (you got a fresh one every start of shift) anyway, a fantastic place to work, Disney was very good to it's Cast Members . . best job I ever had!!
I'm going for the Culinary Internship Program at Disney World. Its backstage. I think I can handle being a Cast Member. Joe
I was a cast member as a 16/17 year old in 1979/1980. Back then you got your costume each day and left it each day. Odd that you can leave with it now! Also, a friend showed up for her shift with a sunburn and she wasn’t allowed to work that day. I think the costume sizes only went up to a size 14 or 16 or so, correct me if I’m wrong. But I know someone who couldn’t work there due to that limitation. Seems that has changed as well. Management totally set us up for success and supported us in difficult situations. As Mickey was my first “boss,” the experience was outstanding and set the bar high for future management expectations. I had a ball working there, in the tickets department, back when each shift I could be working in any Land in their ticket booth, or making change at the Penny Arcade! When I first started, I worked the TTC and MK gates. I got to let Meatloaf in through the pass gate! Oh the stories we have. So.....much....fun working at Disney World!
The Matt at the first couple of seconds of the video was actually one of my coordinations during my CP! He’s the one in the Christmas party costume holding the bands!
For the water bottle rule I’m not sure if it’s because my leaders were more lenient but I was able to use a black Yeti that I attached to me belt loop with a carabiner (without the logo removed or covered) during my CP when I worked outside as well as when I got transferred to an inside attraction. I was there from May 2019-Jan 2020.
For the Subway, I don’t know about Animal Kingdom since I never picked up a shift there but there is a Subway location at the Hollywood Studios and Epcot CM cafeterias as well..
*Another rule is that for safety critical/attraction roles you cannot wear a smart watch or anything that can receive calls or texts.
There is a subway at AK as well
you don't have to take part of pins if you don't want to. if you take a lanyard than yes if a gust asks you must trade.
Ah the Utilidors. Once you head down there, you enter a whole new world. It’s cool you can walk through the Utilidors on the Keys to the Kingdom tour
The KTTK Tour is amazing!!!
I loved that tour. Rapunzel walked out while getting ready when we were in the Utilidors and she looked a little shocked to see us.
I used to work MK the utilidoors were magical until they weren’t 😂 sad but true I guess. After running from the entrance to Main Street while being late the stress stayed forever
@@foofypig that walk from the entrance to main street felt way longer than it should be ugh and the amount of times i got lost down there
giraffesondraft LITERALLY! I was lost for like 45 mins in that maze of main street/ tland at 3am until finally one of the night shift people walked me out 😭😭😭
One day when I was working in front of Test Track a couple of guys sounded like they had been around the showcase experiencing the beverages from around the world. I walked up to them to encourage them to have their fun but to tone it down a bit. That was when they said they worked there. I told them if they can't keep it down they will have to leave and leave quickly. As soon as I said that I turned to see my boss walking up. Eventually they told my boss they worked there. But because of how they were they got their one way ticket home that very night. Another rule is you are "NEVER allowed to get mad at anyone when driving in to work or on your day off. They told us everyone who is driving is "LOST" nobody knows where they are going, so getting mad at someone because they cut you off or did an immediate turn, they will fire you for it. Case in point we came in one day and two guys from "Internal Affairs" we didn't know what else to call them. were there. a few minutes one of our crew walked in, they stood up took him outside and never saw him again. One of the two guys came back in and took that cast members name off the computer. I asked and he said they caught him on camera getting mad at a guest while driving in.
Thank you Disney for keeping the magic real. I wouldn't last an hour working there.
I got got accepted to be a College Program Cast Member and I’m soooo excited!!!
I always wanted to take a tour of the tunnels under Magic Kingdom.
Keys to the Kingdom is great! And not as costly as some. Do it it you ever get the chance.
@@joysharpe1500 Do they still have those VIP Tours? I looked into that but at $625 for 5 hours, told them I'll pass.
Steven S I think they are on hold right now, but I took the Backstage Tour that hits all the parks’ backstages, and the tunnels. Great tour.
My husband and I went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour a couple years ago that allowed us to go down there. It’s pretty nifty-still has a very 70s vibe to it, and it’s like a city of its own down there. The tour is expensive, but I definitely recommend it if you want to have a different experience at Disney than your standard “hit as many rides as we can.”
the tunnels are cool but they smell like a sewer. when i was a cast member we used to call those the "ruin the magic" tours. a tour came by when we were rehearsing Christmas parade and saw us half dressed and i was annoyed that the guests saw us that way without our heads on, but honestly would totally go on a tour like that now to relive the memories.
Watching this brings back so many memories of being a cast member. BEST JOB EVER!
I agree I’m a former cast member myself and I loved my job.
My dad was given an under ground tour of Disneyworld and one of things he tour group was told that even off duty Disney Employees are required to pick up trash.
This is an 'obligation' that could be adhered to on the entire planet. Think about how the action of every human being be responsible for keeping the environment clean would do in our world!
@@eusouagua I would be happy if people just threw their used mask in the trash.
@@johnharris6655 or even their unused ones
I am a former Disney store cadt member and we used to say 'I'm going to see Minnie ' when we needed to leave the stage, sales floor, and go to the restroom.
3:02 Walt pointing with one finger!!! NOOOOO!
We went on vacation to Disney World at the start of this year and hardly anyone pin traded. We were told by customer service that it is no longer a requirement and is It cast members choice if they want to or not. If they don't want to, they simply don't have to wear a lanyard, but if they are wearing pins, then they have to trade.. I would say that probably 70% of all cast members we encountered throughout our entire trip, were not trading pins.
I love the high Standards. Once they lose that it will never be the same. I’ve gone at least once a year now twice a year and I think I’ve seen the infractions you spoke of broken maybe twice. That’s a pretty good batting average. Well Done Disney. Keep it up. See you early November for 2!weeks. Can’t wait!
Remember people walking through the door at “Disney class” and a girl getting lectured for having hair that didn’t match her complexion. I spent the whole class staring at peoples hair. I always loved getting those Comp tickets for holidays though
Was always jealous how Magic Kingdom got a Subway while Animal Kingdom had "generic" cafeteria items
Animal kingdom is like, where the most basic things stay, well except for the new avatar rides and a few places have some upgrades🤣
We have a subway now!!! I was just working there in March and there's a subway in Pride Rock now!
We have subway now lol
hahahah just tell ppl that 'Subway hasn't made it's way into Africa yet' :)
@@alyinneverland7610 congrats! is it staffed by lionesses? :)
There was one exception to the celebrity rule that I'm aware of. And was a visit from the Genie himself. Robin Williams wanted to take photos and sign autographs.
Sorry the 'I don't know' thing is NOT a rule. You can say it they do not want you to lie. It's actually worse if you give a guest the wrong information. A crew/cast member can say 'I don't know, but I can find out for you'.
I am a Crew Member on DCL.
Doublesims
Thank you for being a Disney cast member 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏻👍🏻❤️
Also, some roles you just cannot call to look up random info. There are many times you just direct guests to appropriate people instead. (Guest Relations, a merchandise location, etc.)
@@WolfgerSibenburgen That's true. However, there is never another cast member (or crew in my case) too far away.
how can you possibly give this video a thumbs down???? why??? AJ your vids are the best. Keep up the good work
I've worked in a theme park for 3 years. I myself as well as a handful of other people tried to uphold disney ethics when wearing our uniform however a lot of other workers could be quite disrespectful towards guests. I always got the "why do all the effort" from people and my answer was always the same. I just wanted to make people laugh and have a great day! The smallest things can make or break a guests visit!
Thank you!!!
As a former recent cast member, i see you focused this video on the CM park rules. I worked in a disney resort, and some of these rules dont apply fully or are more strict or loose depending on the resort.
Disney may have a lot of rules but that is why it is the best experience for guest, at least in California with Knotts being a close second. There are two theme parks in Northern California I just won't go to. I will drive 6 hours to Knotts or Disney than 2 hours to the parks up North. That is because Disney and Knotts do have a lot of rules for their employees. The other two parks up North are not a good experience. I have not been to Magic Mountain in 30 years so I have no comment on that park.
@@theredboneking I said I have not been there in 30 years, so I have no comment on Magic Mountain. But it is a Six Flags park, and the Six Flags Park in Northern California is not even close to Disney.
I have an interview on Wed with Disney and hope to be working for them soon, this was helpful
A lot of these rules sound exactly the same as working anywhere else. You represent the company you work for so you should behave appropriately and look professional at all times.
I love when y'all use the clip of millie at astro. We did our dcp together and I miss her so much.
Also in tomorrowland, we hiss at each other to get each other's attention. If you listen for it, you'll hear it
Military vet here, a lot of these sound like rules/regs that I had to adhere to while in the USAF.
Navy vet here, I feet ya. This is just like military regs, which i STILL follow ('s hard to get it out of your system)- short cut hair, neat clean professional appearance- be the face of the company you represent, take some damn pride in yourself and your job :)
Someone on another thread said that Walt Disney purposefully adopted army regulations for appearance. It's not a coincidence.
Everything except for that two finger pointing thing. They should just go full knife hand.
I managed a Disney Store for 3 years in the ‘90s and being a cast member is NO JOKE! The rules are a lot, and apply to EVERY SINGLE CAST MEMBER! We had a couple of conferences at Disney Land and you are scrutinised constantly. It’s not all bad. I loved being a cast member!