WDW Magazine December 2014 - Crowds at WDW | Page 100

Photo by
Brett Svenson

Costume: A Cast Member’s uniform. Even the custodians wear costumes!
Step Off: Where the parade begins.
Step Down: Where the parade ends. Both of these entry and exit points occur
backstage. Disney doesn’t want their Cast Members suddenly going into character
as soon as they’re on stage. Parade performers must already be in character before
they come onstage, and must remain in character until they are fully backstage and
can no longer be seen by guests.
Alpha Unit: An EMS vehicle - usually an ambulance.
ER: Early Release. When a Cast Member requests to leave work early.
So here’s to our valiant CMs who deal with 101s, signal 70s, and the
ever-so-unfortunate protein spills on a daily basis! And here’s hoping you enjoy your
time onstage the next time you visit our beloved WDW.
By Terri Miller
Terri Miller is creator, owner and a writer for WDW Hints. Terri enjoys all things Disney,
especially researching tips, tricks and little known things about the Disney parks (and then
sharing them with you!)