Sure, there's the last day at work in the parks. But not always. My last summer at the Magic Kingdom, I worked as a "CT," or seasonal, employee, pulling weekend shifts at Tom Sawyer's Island and weeknight shifts at parade audience control. (On weekdays, I was working as a news intern for Orlando talk radio station WDBO-AM.) I didn't take special note of my final shift as a Disney World cast member because I hadn't thought it would be my last. My plan was to come back from graduate journalism school and work the Christmas holidays at Disney. But the local newspaper up in Indiana hired me instead, so I called up and quit my Disney job, to start my journalism career.
But in some sense, I never stopped being a CM, even after that day when I quit. Obviously, my love for theme parks has endured, and I continue to use this forum to help folks get the most from their theme park visits, just as I did (in a far more limited way) working inside the parks.
And when I visit the parks themselves, whether I am at the Magic Kingdom or another Disney park, I still find myself... slipping into the CM vibe. On Natalie's birthday at Disneyland last week, I chased down one of the Main Street Vehicles to return two hats to a mother and daughter, after they'd blown off in the street in front of me. Later, at Small World, I smiled silently at an older woman whose friend was fumbling with a camera while trying to take a group picture. The woman asked her friend to hand me the camera, and I took the picture, with everyone included. A couple of lost guests stopped to ask me questions. I picked up a piece of trash from the street.
I don't slip into this same mode when visiting other companies' parks. And frankly, I don't feel it as strongly outside the Magic Kingdom and its older twin, Disneyland. But five summers of working in the Magic Kingdom taught me habits I, obviously, have yet to break.
You know what? I'm happy with that. Creating magic is really just about creating a friendly environment where folks are always ready to help one another. At one point, that was my job and Disney paid me to do it. Today, creating that magic is its own reward, helping me feel the friendship and appreciation of folks whom I can have an opportunity to help, in whatever way. (And since I don't work for Disney anymore, that can include talking about rival parks, too.)
Maybe some people never stop being a cast member - at least not entirely. Thank goodness for that.
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I came and went a few times, as a casual seasonal and part time cast member. One time, I was covered in all sorts of food on my last day. I was called into the supervisor's office to explain what had happened (while trying to hear what they were saying through the food that was still stuck in my ears). I didn't want to get anyone in trouble, but wanted to be able to be re-hired. I don't remember specifically naming anyone. When I came back a year later, I found out that one person had been fired and the lead had been demoted. I guess they took it all (and any "pranks") pretty seriously and wanted to make a point.
When I finally left for good, I think it was the same - leaving on a part-time basis, and thinking I would be back.
This same thought carries over to amusement parks. If I see trash on the ground, I pick it up.
Short answer: Never.
As a Disneyland CM from Adventure/Frontier Attractions (Jungle Cruise, etc.) back in the 1980s, I lived and loved the Cast Member experience. So much so that I went back after a 21 year hiatus and jumped onto the Jungle Cruise as a skipper again---while still working as a full-time self-employed attorney. Sadly, my litigation schedule become too hot to handle as summer approached, so I had to take leave from Disneyland employment again.
But in my heart of hearts, I never leave, and I always, always long to go back!
---Mike (jungleis101.blogspot.com)
I still find myself doing the '2' finger point...
I still find myself calling people I dont know 'guests'..
Whenever I hear a radio page, I always reach for my motorolla and put my fingers on my ear piece that dont exist...
And last but not least, whenever I am visiting a park, I never use my cell phone thinking that I am still in costume...
Sometimes before I go to the parks, I always shave the "Disney" way. Why, I dont know. The brainwashing at Disney I guess, LOL.
The article was a great read. Thank you.
As the designated family photographer, I often lament not being in many photo's and the opportunity to make a memorable moment, for the photographer, as well as the entire family/friends, is priceless.
But as you said, picking up trash, giving directions or advice and smiling or helping whenever you can, is second nature. In DRC Training class, our leaders Pat and Wade described it as the "Disney Gene" and your either born with it or not.
BTW, I drove the Cruisers' and the Launchs' in Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon and worked for nearly a year at the DRC, Disney Reservation Center.
Great article!
EZ
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