Working at Disney World may seem like a dream job, especially for those who cherished childhood memories of visiting the parks. However, the reality for the thousands employed there may not align with the fantastical image associated with the “happiest place on earth.” As adults, we can explore and consider the behind-the-scenes aspects of the theme park, understanding that the experience for employees may differ significantly from the magical facade presented to visitors.
There Is a Disney Jail for Wild Guests
It’s true that with the massive number of daily visitors to a theme park like Disney World, there’s a chance of encountering troublemakers. With 50,000 people visiting every day, even a small percentage can mean dealing with a considerable number of challenging guests. To manage this, Disney World reportedly has an on-site holding area often referred to as “Disney jail.”
Beware, There a Million Ways to Get Fired
After going through the training to join Disney, you might think it’s smooth sailing. But, not so fast! Getting a full-time job there is a reason to celebrate, but it comes with rules. Some past employees got in trouble for things like kissing a coworker or gaining weight, especially if they played a princess. Oops!
All Costume Characters Have to Be Wordless
In the park, you see life-sized characters, and we like to imagine they’re the real deal. It’s Mickey Mouse in person! But those cast members inside the costumes have to follow strict rules to keep their jobs. Even if you want to talk to them, Disney rules say they can’t chat back.
Don’t You Dare Ask For an Autograph From Celeb Guests
Imagine working at Disney and bumping into your favorite celebrity—it’s a dream, right? Well, even if it happens, you can’t show it. Disney workers can’t acknowledge or ask for autographs from famous guests. The idea is to let the celebrities enjoy their time with their kids and create a memorable day for the right reasons.
Please Resist the Temptation to Spread Human Ashes
It might sound unusual, but some people try to scatter the ashes of their loved ones at Disney World. Perhaps it was a favorite place for the deceased, and it seems like a sentimental spot. Surprisingly, this happens frequently enough that Disney has a policy against it. It’s strictly against the rules, and not surprisingly, attempting this can lead to a lifetime ban from the park.
It’s Time to Hear About the Disney Princess Diet
In the modeling industry, being thin is often considered ideal. While there are now more plus-sized ads, the preference for slim figures remains. You might think Disney, being a place for kids, would be more flexible. However, that’s not the case! Disney prefers its princesses to be trim, just like their animated counterparts. This raises the question: how do female employees at Disney maintain their figures and keep their jobs?
This Unappealing Green Is All Over for a Reason
Even though Disney puts a lot of effort into planning every building and attraction, they also consider the spaces in between. If there’s an area guests might find unrelated to the overall theme, Disney has a solution. They paint these spaces a particular color known as “Go Away Green.” It’s a shade designed to blend in and be unobtrusive. Allegedly, you’re not supposed to like it, as it’s meant to make those areas fade into the background.
It Turns Out That ​The Castles Are Optical Illusions
Disney took inspiration from real-life fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany for Sleeping Beauty and Alcázar de Segovia in Spain for Snow White. The amazing part is, at Disney World, we can visit these enchanting places without traveling to Europe. However, here’s a little secret known to park workers: the castles’ sizes are a clever engineering trick to make them appear even more magical and impressive. It’s all about creating that perfect fairytale experience!
It’s Not an Accident You Hear Cloppy Horse Feet
On Main Street at the park, you’re surrounded by the rhythmic sounds of horses’ hooves—clop, clop, clop—it seems endless. While you might think it’s just a natural part of being around horses, Disney has intentionally enhanced the sound of their horses for your enjoyment. It’s a magical detail that you might not have planned for, but at Disney, they’ve thought about every little thing to create a truly immersive experience.
Real Cats Roam the Park as Animal Employees
If you ever found yourself trapped in Disney World after hours, you might be surprised by who comes out at night. The park releases a legion of cats with a special mission—to keep things clean. How? By relying on their natural instinct to hunt rats. Disney wants to ensure that no experience in their park involves rodents. The planners at this world-class park are willing to use any method necessary to guarantee your satisfaction.
There Is a Trick to Making Those Characters Feel Real
Absolutely! Disney is on a mission to recreate the magic of movies for millions of children, no big deal, right? To achieve this, all cast members must stay in character at all times. But it goes a step further – there can never be two characters with the same personality wandering around simultaneously. That would be considered blasphemous in Disney terms. It’s all about maintaining that unique and magical experience for each and every visitor.
Disney Calls All Employees Cast Members
When you join Disney, you’re not just a worker; you become a “cast member.” Even the employment terminology is magical at the happiest place on Earth. The theme park is seen as a stage, and Disney emphasizes this by giving everyone, from cashiers to janitors, a special role in creating the Disney experience. It highlights the idea that every member of the team plays a crucial part in making the magic happen.
All Those Smells Are Not Just Your Imagination
The delightful scents in Disney aren’t accidental; they’re part of a carefully crafted plan to enhance your experience. Whether it’s the salty sea air at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride or the aroma of baked goods on Main Street, each scent is intentionally designed to immerse you in the magic and ensure you enjoy every moment of your visit. It’s another element of the meticulous attention to detail that makes the Disney experience truly special.
The Disney Worlds Are Kept Super Separate and Distinct
Disney parks are meticulously planned and feature a diverse range of attractions to cater to everyone’s tastes. Whether it’s Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Critter Country in Disneyland or Epcot and the Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Disney World, the idea is to offer something for everyone. This formula, conceived by Walt Disney himself, has proven to be a winning one over the decades, ensuring that visitors of all ages and interests can find magic and joy in the parks.
They Also Have the Most Magical Lost and Found Ever
The lost and found at Disneyworld is indeed a vast operation, considering the sheer size and scope of the park. Sunglasses are a common item that visitors tend to lose, with over 200 pairs left behind at the park on a daily basis. While sunglasses make up a significant portion, people leave behind a diverse collection of items in various places throughout the park. The lost and found likely holds a wide range of belongings, reflecting the variety of items visitors inadvertently abandon during their magical Disney experiences.
You Can Actually Eat Any Plant Growing in Tomorrowland
While theme parks often consist of concrete, metal, and plastic, Disneyworld aims to create a balance between urban elements and nature. In Tomorrowland, for example, there’s a deliberate integration of plants. It’s not just about architecture; it’s about incorporating nature into the experience. The greenery in Tomorrowland adds a special touch, contributing to the overall beauty and ambiance of the area, making the park more appealing to the sophisticated traveler seeking a vacation that blends both the man-made and natural elements.
It’s Best to See the Beast at Dinner
The Beast from “Beauty and the Beast” can often be found at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. This restaurant is themed around the movie, and during meals, the Beast makes appearances for meet-and-greet opportunities with guests. It’s a magical way for fans to get up close and personal with one of their favorite Disney characters. Keep in mind that character meet-and-greet locations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the schedule or ask a cast member for the latest information during your visit.
Disney’s Secret for Keeping Away All the Mosquitos
Dealing with mosquitoes in the hot and humid Orlando climate is a challenge, but Disney World has a unique solution. Instead of resorting to pesticides, they use a more unconventional method to keep visitors comfortable: liquid garlic. The scent of garlic helps to repel mosquitoes, making the park a more pleasant experience for guests. It’s a creative and environmentally friendly approach to pest control, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the magic of The Magic Kingdom without the annoyance of mosquito bites.
Character Autographs Are Consistent Across Time
Disney understands the value of a unique souvenir to commemorate a visit to the park. While there are countless shops offering various items like stuffed animals and posters, personalized signatures from favorite characters hold a special place in visitors’ hearts. Disney recognized this trend and incorporated it into their official training. Surprisingly, all character signatures are standardized to maintain consistency and ensure that every guest receives a signature that aligns with the character’s persona. It’s another example of Disney’s commitment to creating a magical and consistent experience for every visitor.
​You Must Graduate from Disney University
If you want to work at the renowned Disney parks, you’ll need to attend the esteemed Disney University. It’s not just a simple job application; at this employee school, you’ll learn everything necessary to adhere to Disney’s protocols. This includes not only job-related skills but also how to talk, walk, and dress in line with the Disney image. Conveniently, there are multiple locations to choose from: Walt Disney World near Orlando, Disneyland in Anaheim, or the Burbank headquarters. It’s a testament to Disney’s commitment to ensuring that every employee contributes to the magical experience the parks are known for.
The Tree of Life Isn’t as Real as It Looks
Indeed, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom is a breathtaking sight. Despite its realistic appearance, it’s not a genuine baobab tree—it’s a meticulously crafted artificial structure. The attention to detail is astonishing, with intricate animal carvings adorning the trunk and hand-crafted leaves adding to its beauty. The tree boasts over 100,000 man-made leaves, carefully arranged on 8,000 sculpted branches. This awe-inspiring display showcases the dedication and craftsmanship that Disney invests in creating a truly magical and immersive experience for visitors at Animal Kingdom.
Playing a Face Character Is a Soul Consuming Gig
The commitment of Disney cast members to staying in character is truly impressive. Whether heavily made up to resemble the original characters or engaging in conversations in character, they maintain their roles all day long. Even when asked about practical matters like the location of the bathroom, they respond in a manner consistent with their character. This unwavering dedication to the magical experience is a unique charm that sets Disney apart and contributes to why they are considered the very best in the theme park industry.
Be Prepared to Know the Answer to Everything in the Universe
Working at a Disney park comes with a unique set of expectations. Cast members are trained not to say, “I don’t know” when a guest asks a question. Instead, they are encouraged to find the answer or direct the guest to someone who can help. This commitment to providing a positive and magical experience is deeply ingrained in the Disney way. It’s all about ensuring that guests feel taken care of and that their visit is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
They Under Promise but Over Deliver on Line Times
Long lines can indeed be a downside to popular amusement parks, affecting the overall enjoyment of the experience. However, Disney has implemented a psychological solution to address this issue. The waiting times displayed outside attractions can sometimes be listed as longer than the actual wait. This can create a perception that the line is moving faster than expected, making it more manageable for visitors. While it might seem counterintuitive, this approach helps to keep guests engaged and willing to wait, rather than being discouraged by what appears to be an excessively long line.
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