BY TRISHA DAAB
Oct . 1 , 2021 , the day of Walt Disney World ’ s 50th Anniversary Celebration . By 6:00 AM , thousands of guests were crowding the Magic Kingdom gates . TV cameras were everywhere . Yet during all this craziness , I saw a Cast Member take the time to give a quick tour of the monorail driver ’ s area .
Even on that busy day , this CM sprinkled serious pixie dust for that family . Back in the ’ 90s , a monorail CM did the same for my family . I remember it to this day . This is the kind of unforgettable magic Cast Members make .
INTERACTING WITH CAST MEMBERS Cast Members are very helpful and want everyone to have a great experience . Encourage your kids to talk to Cast Members when appropriate .
Not sure what to say ? Kids feeling a bit shy ? Remind them that CMs hang out with Mickey , work in a castle , get to explore Magic Kingdom underground , and are some of the biggest Disney fans . That should give them plenty to talk about .
Ask them their favorite movie and character . They all have them .
But remember , Cast Members are working . If they need to focus on their job , give them a smile and a wave and go search for more magic elsewhere .
BEST TIMES TO INTERACT WITH CAST MEMBERS : MEALS Ask the CM ' s favorites menu items and tips when at character meals . IN STORES Tell a CM your favorite character or movie and ask for merch recommendations . RESORT CHECK-IN CMs can sprinkle serious pixie dust upon your arrival — a birthday card signed by characters , balloons and treats , and even a Pirate Room upgrade . RESORT POOL ENTERTAINMENT One of the best times for kids to play with a CM . DISNEY TRANSPORT Bus drivers love friendly hellos and thank yous . CUSTODIAL SERVICES These CMs keep the parks clean and make Disney character magic : Mickey in leaves , sponge drawings of Pooh , and more . Make their day with a thank you . PHOTOPASS PHOTOGRAPHERS Be kind , smile , and say thanks , and they ’ ll give you vacation photos even teens will share .
WHAT DO CAST MEMBERS LOVE ? Excitement . You think you ’ re excited to be in a Disney Park ? CMs are happy to be back in the parks too . Share your excitement and how much you appreciate them .
Safety . Running , sitting on railings , and cutting in line are all things CMs don ’ t love . They see thousands of guests each day , know how people get hurt , and want you to be safe . Listen when they give you safety instructions or ask you not to do something . They want you to visit Fantasyland , not First Aid .
Wilderness Explorers is a great opportunity for Cast Member interactions with your kids . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG
R-E-S-P-E-C-T . It ’ s important to respect CMs just like you respect teachers . Listen , follow the rules , and use manners ( please and thanks go a long way anywhere and with anyone ). Make sure younger kids see older siblings and grown-ups modeling these behaviors and not getting mad at CMs for things they can ’ t control — like rain , heat , or long lines .
Remember , CMs are people too . They ’ re grandmas , dads , older sisters , best friends . And it ’ s a hard job . Please be patient with Cast Members . They are on their feet all day . They have a much longer bus ride and don ’ t get strollers . Probably no piggyback rides either .
LOST PARENTS Teach kids that CMs are the ones to approach if their parents get lost . Show them how to spot the CM nametag . CMs wear different uniforms based on where they work , so it ’ s helpful to point out outfit changes while walking through the parks .
GET TO THE POINT A favorite to point out to my own kids : CMs point with two fingers . This is because Disney guests come from around the world , and in some cultures , it ’ s rude to point with one finger . Can you spot CMs doing the “ Disney point ”?
SAY THANKS CMs work incredibly hard . Saying thanks is important , and Disney has made it easier than ever to compliment CMs . For unique , Disney-approved ideas to thank a Cast Member , check out our Top 5 on page 30 .
CAST MEMBER MAGIC Riding Dumbo , giant fireworks , meeting Mickey ... These things are all magical , but what makes a trip to WDW unforgettable are the Cast Members .