We hold a special place in our hearts for Disney Cast Members, and we’re not the only ones.
Guest Relations Cast Member
Disney Cast Members received some shocking news recently as the company announced that they would be laying off 28,000 CMs from their Parks, Experiences and Products sector. Our hearts are hurting for the affected CMs, so we reached out to our readers to hear some of their favorite Cast Member memories.
We’ve long said that Cast Members are the true source of Disney magic. Without them, the parks just won’t feel the same. Practically anyone who’s spent some time in the parks has a fond memory of a Cast Member interaction. As a reminder to CMs of just how much good they’ve done in their jobs, we wanted to share some of these stories.
Cast Member at Pizzerizzo
We reached out to our readers via Instagram to hear some of their most treasured Cast Member memories, and the results are amazing. We received over 300 responses in a matter of hours. Let’s take a peek at a small piece of the magic CMs have brought over the years. Responses are edited for clarity!
Making Special Occasions Even More Special
A lot of stories came in that shared times that Cast Members helped to make special occasions even more special — whether it be weddings, family announcements, birthdays, or anything else!
Happy 47th Magic Kingdom!
One reader shared their recent experience when a super sweet Cast Member helped plus up their wedding celebrations.
“The All Star my fiance and I were planning to stay at during our November wedding in Disney won’t be open yet when we go. A Cast Member called to rebook us a new room and when she found out it was for our wedding, she upgraded us to the Gran Destino Tower for no extra charge! I couldn’t believe it! I couldn’t thank her enough! She was so incredibly sweet and gave great suggestions! So grateful for all Cast Members! They make the magic!”
Gran Destino Tower
This soon-to-be-wed wasn’t the only one who felt a little extra magic around the big day.
“My wife and I stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge for our honeymoon in February, just before all of this kicked off. We were surprised with a Mickey Dome Cake in our room one evening, and we got a See You Soon greeting card from a Cast Member at Boma on our final day. There were other countless things throughout our two weeks at Disney, but that made us feel really special and at home!”
Mickey Mini Dome Cake
Another reader shared a similar surprise from the Cast Members at their resort.
“Our honeymoon cruise was canceled due to a hurricane. CMs at Grand Floridian gave us free bride and groom ears and had dessert delivered to our room while we hunkered down for the storm to pass. Such a sweet gesture.”
Bride and Groom Mickey Ears Hats
Sometimes, CMs even become a big part of a very, very special announcement.
“A CM at Main Street Bakery wrote ‘I’m pregnant!’ on my coffee for me to give to my husband. She was so excited for me that she came out to give me a special cupcake so we could celebrate after telling him! I’ll always remember that!”
Main Street Bakery
One reader shared a time that CMs made them feel just like a princess on their birthday.
“It was my birthday and we walked into a store (can’t remember which), and a CM ran up to me and said there was a phone call just for me from someone special. They brought me over to the store phone and it was Goofy and Mickey wishing me a happy birthday! We only ever got to go to Disney once when I was little (I was turning 20 this time) so it made my day so special. It made me feel like a princess! Cast Members are really the magic of Disney!”
Temporary MouseGear
It can be surprising just how far a CM will go to make a little extra magic for guests, and one reader saw this first hand on their first Disney trip.
“When my now-husband and I went to Disneyland for the first time, we stopped to get our first visit buttons and then waited for rope drop. A Cast Member came up to us and asked if it was really our first time visiting. He then asked if we would like to follow him to Frontierland before the park officially opened to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. He let us pick any seat on the ride and even let us ride again once people started making their way over. Before we got off, he gave us three skip the line passes and a pass for Splash Mountain. Thinking about that Cast Member and what he did for us still makes me smile and I love telling people this story because it showcases the Disney magic.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Coming to the Rescue When Things Go Wrong
We’ve also found that Cast Members are pretty much real-life superheroes. They’re pros at coming to the rescue when something bad happens!
Baby Care and First Aid Sign in Magic Kingdom
One reader reminisced on a time that lost keys turned into a magical experience!
“About 20 years ago, I went on Splash Mountain with my uncle and cousins. As we headed out of the park that day, my uncle puts his hand in his pocket and realized he lost his rental car keys. We get a CM at Splash Mountain to pull up our photo and luckily we could see what number log we were in. From there, we went back through the exit to the unloading area. When our log came by, the CM saw the keys. Then he said if we wait a moment he would get us on the next log and we could go on the ride again, no waiting in line! It was magical!”
Splash Mountain
Did you know CMs have the power to turn a RUINED vacation into a wonderful memory? One reader had it happen to them!
“We traveled from Argentina only to find out upon arrival that our travel agency had incorrectly booked us. My family doesn’t speak English so we were all really nervous because we had nowhere to go and our vacations were RUINED. Suddenly, a CM who spoke Spanish stepped out of nowhere. He made some calls and 15/20 minutes later he got us all in a taxi on our way to Saratoga Springs Resort. Everything was fixed. To this day we still remember him. He really did go out of his way and essentially saved our entire vacation.”
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Another reader shared a sweet memory of a time that their tot’s bad fall turned into a fun surprise for the little guy, all thanks to a CM.
“My son was 1.5 years old on our first Disney trip. He face-planted and ended up with scratched all over his face and legs. The CM at our resort felt so sorry for his trip not being 100% magical. She asked what our room number was and that night we walked in to find balloons, Rice Krispie treats, and a stuffed animal of Pooh. It was amazing! They went way above and beyond when they didn’t have to.”
Pooh Plush
That little guy isn’t the only one who had gotten some cheering up from a CM. Little actions from Cast Members can go a long way when something goes wrong!
“When my son was about four years old we were rushing our way down Main Street to exit the park before a parade came through. My son tripped and scraped his knee right in front of the bakery. The CM that was standing by the doors checked to see if he was okay and told us to wait a minute. She came back with a cake pop for my son and turned his frown upside down. It was so sweet.”
Minnie Mouse Cake Pop
Skinned knees aren’t the only thing that can spur a CM to turn into a superhero. One reader shared a story of their daughter getting a big pick-me-up when she was sick.
“Years ago, my daughter got sick at Disney World. While we were waiting at first aid, a darling CM brought her a Princess Atta stuffed animal and told my daughter that Mickey heard she was sick and hoped this would make her feel better. We never forget that even nearly 20 years later. CMs are the angels of Disney!”
First Aid Center
Turning Little Moments Into Big Memories
But it doesn’t always take a special occasion or a vacation interruption for Cast Members to create some wonderful memories. In fact, most of the responses received were about times that CMs made a little extra magic for seemingly no reason. CMs out there, you might be surprised just how impactful you’ve been!
Main Street Cast Members
One reader shared a story of a time that a CM made a long-running family memory, without even trying!
“In about 2002, a CM at Animal Kingdom with a beautiful southern drawl asked my then four-year-old sister if she wanted a hand stamp. My sister, a curious Canadian, hadn’t heard an accent so thick before. She replied innocently, “What’s a heaaaand staaaamp?” doing her best to repeat the accent. The CM got a kick out of it and was very sweet to explain what she meant. We still quote it in our family so often.”
A Cast Member Provides a Guest with Information at the Gardens Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We’re not kidding when we say that little things can make for big moments.
“My favorite is probably when a female CM at Epcot’s United Kingdom store gifted my then 4-year-old daughter with a new autograph book because she had already filled up her first book. It was such a kind gesture.”
Autograph Book
And it’s not just kiddos who can benefit from a sweet moment with a Cast Member!
“Sometimes it’s the small things that Cast Members do that you remember forever. I never got to go to Disney as a kid. My first time was when I was 20, so I never got to feel like a little princess. On our last trip a Cast Member said, “Your turn next princess,” and I think I was giddier then I had ever been in my whole life. They really make you feel special and like, even as an adult, I’m a princess, too!”
Princess Cavalcade
One reader shared a sweet moment from a CM WAY back on the opening day of Animal Kingdom!
“My entire family went to Animal Kingdom on opening day and had a blast. As we were leaving, a CM was saying goodbye and my then 6-year-old sister happened to notice that they had the same name (Leanne) and told her. Leanne immediately gave my sister her name tag pin and an opening day pin and gave her a hug goodbye. To this day the pins are still hanging in my parents’ kitchen.”
Pandora Cast Member Name Tag
One CM even made a HUGE impact on this reader when it came to following their dreams!
“Back in 2015 my family and I were sailing on the Disney Dream. A Cast Member overheard that I was a stage tech for my high school musicals and that I wanted to go to college for it. That night we got a special letter inviting me to go backstage at the Walt Disney Theatre. It was one of the best and most magical moments in my life and I will never forget it.”
©Disney
We got a message from a reader who lauded the way CMs work with special needs kiddos. We have to say, these folks certainly are a gift.
“My son is non-verbal. He waited in line to meet many characters during our Halloween trip last year. The CMs in the line and the characters were so amazing. He tried to touch Mickey’s face and Mickey gently squeezed my son’s face with his big gloves and it made him giggle and smile the biggest I’ve ever seen! I cried, it meant so much. It can be tricky making magic with special needs kiddos, but they get it. I’m forever grateful for them and the memories they gave us. Their kind hearts aren’t forgotten.”
Mickey and Minnie
Is there anyone quite as good at making you feel like a kid again? We don’t think so. Check out this reader’s story.
“My boyfriend and I went to Animal Kingdom for the first time when I was 26. I was given a Simba doll on my first birthday that I still have so I brought him along with me. When getting my bag checked, the CM made sure his head was poking out of my bag because “Simba isn’t going to want to miss this.” Later, the CM working at an ice cream stand asked about my Simba doll. I told him why I had him and he gave me my ice cream for free to ‘spread some extra magic.’ It was such a special moment and two CM’s really made sure it stuck with me forever.”
Simba Plush
As you can clearly see from these stories, the impact that Cast Members have is felt for years to come. Every person on our team can certainly rattle off a TON of wonderful and magical Cast Member memories.
Our hearts break when we think about the hard times our beloved Cast Members are facing. So, to all of our readers out there, share a little bit of love with some CM memories in the comments.
Disney World Cast Member
One of our readers put it best when they said, “Disney Cast Members have made dreams I never even imagined possible for my little girl and our family come true. Their love for their jobs & the magic of Disney is immeasurable and I have seen first-hand countless times just how special the people who inhabit these roles can truly be.”
EPCOT Cast Members Wave Hello On Re-Opening Day!
If you are a Cast Member in need or are looking to help a Cast Member who has been affected by the decisions at Disney, take a look at our resource document to learn more about what you can do.
To all of the CMs who are hurting right now. We love you! Your work and your magic are so, so appreciated. From the special occasions to the big rescues, to the little moments — you are truly where the magic comes from! Our hearts are with you. <3
We’ll be keeping an eye out for any resources available for Cast Members or those who are looking for ways to help out the CMs who have been affected by the lay-offs. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates and to learn you can help.
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Do you have a sweet Cast Member story? Share it in the comments!
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I got engaged outside one night at the boardwalk, in complete shock and not knowing what to do next we stopped to get a drink at one of the carts. The CM gave us free drinks when we told them we just got engaged. Then the next day in the jewelry shop on Main Street in Magic Kingdom, we were buying a Pandora charm and the CM complemented my ring. When I told her I was just given it the night before she grabbed us pins and told us to make sure to tell the photo pass photographers we got engaged so we could get engagement photos. Everywhere we went CMs congratulated us. They really make you feel special!
This goes out to Kelsey in Animal Kingdom! It was our first day in the parks and my son really wanted to try jungle juice as his snack. Not that much excited him so we were determined to try and figure out where to find it. We stopped at the little blue umbrellas and Kelsey was the cat member who radioed around to figure out where we could find it. After she found the location she personally took us to the location and showed us her favorite picture spot in Animal Kingdom. When we arrived a cast member came out and gave my son a free cup of jungle juice. I was so touched that she took the time to take us and show us something we never would have noticed without her pointing it out!
My daughter was one of my many CPs that had their program cut short in March. She was a character performer and friends with Chip and Dale. She said one the things she loved to do while hanging out with Dale pairing with photopass and trying to find acorns on kids. She said their reactions was priceless and was the favorite part of her day.
My friend and I were on a girls only trip, starting at Disney and then cruising. We had just one night at Disney, and we wanted some of that chocolate covered bacon at the Poly BAD, but got there after the place closed. We thought we’d get some in the morning, but they didn’t open before we had to leave for our cruise. We told the CM who SEATED US (not even our waitress) at Kona Cafe about our disappointment. She went back into the kitchen and got us 2 of each kind, in a bag for us to take with us! We couldn’t believe it and made sure to let Disney know before we left about her kindness.
Several years ago I planned a surprise proposal at Magic Kingdom in the gardens in front of the castle, I really wanted someone to take pictures but none of the assigned photography cast members on Main Street were able to leave their posts to assist. An amazing cast member (I think his name was Caesar) from the parade/show team used my phone and took the best pics ever! He got multiple angles and my wife and I really treasure these captured memories.
When my son was about we were staying at Fort Wilderness Campground. He has a prosthetic leg. The foot broke and we had not brought tools with us. We called the front desk and explained and a little while later a maintenance man came with a bunch of tools and we were able to fix the foot. The CM said it was the first time he got to “operate” on a foot.
These are awesome! However, as a former Reservations CM, I can tell you that guests give us magic too. I worked with a family that I grew to love. They were the nicest guests. Right before their trip they sent in the nicest email saying they were sad they werent going to have reason to call me anymore. Along with several other compliments. I cried when I read it, and even though I haven’t been a CM for over 2 years, I still have that email print out.
My wife and I are Disney Vacation Club members and we try to go to WDW as often as we can. In September 2018, we took a 5 day trip there and on the evening of the first day, I began to feel very poorly. It was worse the next day, so I used the complimentary transportation service to go to a nearby Health Clinic. It was determined I had a severe prostate infection and had become septic. I ended up in Intensive Care. (Because of this I later learned I had very early stage prostate cancer. No worries, I’m fine). The CMs at the resort we were at (Saratoga Sprints) noticed my wife was coming in alone each day requesting a cab. They asked where I was and she told them. The CM immediately reimbursed my wife for the cab fares she already paid for and gave her vouchers for the rest of the trips to the hospital. She was then contacted by management and they reimbursed us for the remainder of our meal plan that we were not going to be using and for one of the meals we already paid for. Then the Manager of the Saratoga Springs resort called my wife one night and said we had not been able to enjoy any of our vacation, so he gave us a complimentary 5 day vacation at any DVC resort when I was healthy again. I got out of the hospital just in time for our flight home, but the do-over trip was a blast. We say it all the time, “We LOVE our Cast Members” and we try to let them know that as often as possible when we are there. They are the heart and soul of Disney. I pray God they are all back to making the Magic again very soon.
I am 48 and suffer from pretty bad anxiety at times. It was a hot and crowded day at Hollywood Studios. I was overwhelmed and didn’t think I was going to make it as we came out of Toy Story Land. I love Sully and my husband turned us into the meet and greet. It was a 30 minute wait and I begged him to let us go, but he stood fast and getting me to meet them. When I was called next, my husband stepped out of the way. As soon as I got my big hug from Sully, I quietly whispered to him that I was having a pretty bad day. Instead of a short hug, he just held me. I started to cry right there in those big blue arms. He hugged me 4 more times during our photo and never once did he stop quietly rubbing my back with his paw. I will never forget the kindness and compassion he had for me that day.
On our very first trip to Disney, my husband and daughter got in the wrong line at Fairytale Hall. We just seen Cinderella the night before and my daughter wanted to see Rapunzel and Tiana. After realizing they ik the wrong line and had been waiting for sometime, my husband had asked how they can get out of line to get into the right one. The cast member ended put them through the fast pass line.
Cast members truly are amazing! As a family, we got separated on the carousel. Too many got on and not enough horses. They put my 5 year old son and two other children at the front of the line and let them have the first pick! Little gesture like that mean the most!
I was my magical first time visit to Disney on my last night in Pop Century Resort when mi brother in law and I went to have our last dinner with our meal plan. We thought that we had 2 meals left but when we go to pay a CM told us that we only had 1 left following by “the other one I will give to you” no joke, I almost cry of excitement and gratitude. It was so magical. Thank you CMs for all your incredible work!
I will never forget the cast member who tried his best to bring a smile to my stroppy teenager who was sitting waiting for the festival of lion king show in animal kingdom to start. The said teenager was sitting at the end of the seat row with his chin resting on his knuckles looking miserable. The cast member looked at him and imitated his posture and expression, every time he walked passed us he did the same until my son finally smiled and laughed! He throughly enjoyed the show and on the few occasions we have returned to parks since, we always go the show and remember the wonderful cast member who managed to make ‘Sir Strop-a-lot’ laugh.
we brought my mom to WDW during Christmas time after my Dad passed away. we were having dinner at Artist Point when I took the baby to change her diaper. The hostess stopped me on my way back in and asked if we were celebrating anything. I told her we were just trying to make some memories for my mom her first Christmas alone. after dessert was cleared the hostess, waitress and manager came over. they presented my mom with a chocolate WL box with hand rolled truffles inside. my mom still cries when she talks about it. a few years later we were back and manager came up to ask about and meal. he remembered us and talked about the thank you card my mom sent. we love you CM’s more than you can know. thank you for thr magic and our hearts break for you.
Hmmm I could write a whole book about cm interaction and magical moments only been going there for 40 years every year at least once sometimes more been working on a letter just about this very thing interested Sarah or aj contact me I’ll share it your comment page isn’t big enough been working on it since they closed the parks then reopened and changed everything I quoted Walt a few week’s ago on this very page got no response You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world but it takes people to make the dream a reality meaning the cast members to all you wonderful cast members hope to see you soon we miss you we missed going this summer we love you all God bless you the cast members make it the greatest stage in the world we used to go down there because of the attractions but now we’ve learned that people are more important than anything we make it a point to Make the cast members feel special I sure have some great memories and great stories
Whenever we go to Disney, I always make sure to tell the cast members thank you and how much we appreciate them being there, especially when it’s so darn hot. My daughter and I love the spring roll cart in MK. One day when we visited, we were chatting up the cast member. We told her thank you for being there and talked about how much we loved the eggrolls and how they always were a big part of our trip. Not only did the cast member give us extra eggrolls, she also gave us ice cream bars. My daughter was about seven at the time and she just thought that was the coolest thing. I’m so grateful for the CMC go out of their way to try to add a little extra magic. One day when we visited, we were chatting up the cast member. We told her thank you for being there and talked about how much we loved the eggrolls and how they always were a big part of our trip. Not only did the cast member give us extra eggrolls, she also gave us ice cream bars. My daughter was about seven at the time and she just thought that was the coolest thing. I’m so grateful for the CM’s who go out of their way to try to add a little extra magic
I don’t know about anybody else, but Francis+Gallo’s story made me cry
When my wife and I were on our honeymoon we stayed in Animal Kingdom Lodge. One morning I ran down to the resort shop to grab a snack and was in line behind a young man with Down Syndrome who had just walked up to purchase the Blu ray of The Force Awakens (it had JUST released on DVD and Blu Ray). He was explaining to the cast member who was checking him out that it was a birthday gift for his mom and he was visibly ecstatic. He was paying with a gift card but when the cast member swiped it she said that it unfortunately didn’t have a balance on it. That bright joy you could see on his face just a moment before suddenly turned to instant sadness. She saw this and asked nicely if he had a credit card or anything else to pay for it with and he just said very sadly that no, that gift card was all he had. Just as I was thinking to do something, she says “hold on, just a minute” and walked into the back. The young man stood there dejected until she came back out with a little gift bag and what seemed to be a certificate, as well as the Star Wars Blu Ray, gave all of them to him and said “I just spoke to Mickey and he said he wants you to have these.” Instantly the joy was back in his face and he smiled broadly, said thank you, and gleefully left the shop.
I was literally in tears by the time I walked up to the register and just profusely thanked the young cast member. She said that it was her pleasure and completed my purchase.
Arguably the most magical experience I’ve had ANYWHERE.
kelly jeanne the whole post and comments made me cry and I’m at work…getting funny looks for sitting at my computer crying.
I was on a trip with my mom and gramma. The first magical moment was on our first full day. We were having breakfast at Crystal Palace and I had an anxiety attack. As the characters were coming through our section for the parade, Tigger came up and gave me the biggest hug – it was such a kind thing and made me feel so much better!
The second magical experience came when our flight home got canceled. Not only did the manager at Caribbean Beach personally help us figure out where our luggage was and next steps, he also got us a last-minute room at one of the All-Stars, since our new flight wasn’t until the next day.
In September 2017 my best friend’s sister, Lauren, lost her life to domestic violence. It was approximately five weeks before a planned and paid for trip to Disney World that 15 people were going on including myself and my husband. Everyone was completely devastated but after a few weeks decided the WDW vacation was much needed; especially for the kids. I knew a friend of a friend that was a cast member at Hollywood Studios, Brittany Stewart, and I reached out to her to see if there was anything special that could be done for the three boys that were going on the trip. Brittany went above and beyond by reaching out to her supervisor, Lynette Lucero, and organizing a few special gifts for the boys that she hand delivered including autograph books and pens, a Mickey backpack, lanyard and pin sets, bath toys, and Mickey ears. The next day we went to Hollywood Studios and met up with cast member Jonathan Maisel who gave each of the boys a plush Mickey then proceeded to give us the best day of meet and greets with all the Disney Junior and Star Wars characters. The kids were ecstatic and for the adults we saw the smiles we needed to get through such a difficult time in our lives. They also organized a special meet and greet with Mickey at Magic Kingdom and when we were at Animal Kingdom cast member Joe Chemor let each of the boys pick out a plush Banshee from Pandora. All of these cast members made the trip unforgettable and the most magical experience we could have asked for. With their kindness we all were able to enjoy our trip to the fullest and honor Lauren’s legacy.
So before I begin this comment I want to preface that I usually don’t post anywhere, but this article and these comments have moved me.
I am a previous Cast Member (I was accepted to the College Program for Spring 2020, the semester that got sent home at the beginning of COVID) and would like to give some input. I was a Cast Member at Hollywood Studios and though I was only able to perform my role for a short time before we had to go (thank you Disney because this pandemic turned out way worse than we imagined) I was able to witness an unimaginable amount of magic created both for the guests and for myself. I was also fortunate enough to be able to create some of these magical moments, but this post isn’t about me.
First off, I would like to thank each and every guest that I came into contact with. I know that the possibility of them reading this and remembering me is very small, but each one had a special impact on me and helped to make my job magical. But sadly, the heart of this post is not about my guest experiences either. It is about my fellow Cast Members.
Magical moments aren’t just actions or things that Cast Members give, it truly is in our DNA. I know it sounds cliché, but I was fortunate enough to get to know many Cast Members personally (and am still good friends with most of them) and I can attest that this is extremely true. No matter what background someone came from, what role they performed, or what mood they were in, they were ALWAYS magical. I have worked for quite a few companies for my young age and I have seen a common theme of people being different in front of coworkers than customers (or guests in our situation), but not at Disney. My fellow Cast Members kept that same level of magic off stage as on stage. They truly strive to keep each other magical and it truly is an extraordinary environment. There was not a single day that I dreaded going into work because of the magic that they brought to my life. So to not waste any more time I will begin my conclusion.
To each and EVERY one of my fellow past, current, and future Cast Members, keep your magic. It lives inside of us. Thank every single one of you for making my time as a Cast Member the absolute best experience of my life. I wish I could give all of you just a fraction of what you have given me. My heart is breaking for all of the Cast that were let go. I pray that each one of you thrives in life and gets all of the happiness and magic you have given out returned to you in a big way. And just remember that it’s never a goodbye, it’s See You Real Soon.
We took my daughter to Disney for the first time right before she turned 3. We waited in line to meet Goofy. When it was our turn, she wouldn’t get him close to him. On the verge of crying when we tried to get her to take a photo. The cast members nearby immediately asked her if she wanted to meet Mickey and Minnie. They took us to another building, past the others waiting in line, through a back door, and we got to meet Fantasia Mickey and Minnie. She was thrilled and I was so impressed by these CMs. I’ll never forget it.
Thank you for sharing, Greg!
Ashley, thank you for sharing this story.
In my last trip in Disney in Florida my mom and I was leaving a park after a long day. We wait for very long for our bus who never came. When a very, very, very kind castmember come to us and he call to make a private bus to come to pick us up and he stay with us until the bus arrive. I never forget him!