food IS a theme park
Our Disney Food Blog team is made up of current AND former cast members alike.
Cast Members
So today’s video is inspired by THEM, as well as our other cast member friends out there who have a whole bunch of tips and warnings that they WISH you knew about BEFORE taking those big trips to Disney World.
Disney World is full of surprises even when you think you know everything about it.
Disney World Cast Member
You can read every guide out there and still discover something new once you’re actually in the parks. That goes for guests and it definitely goes for the Cast Members who make the magic happen every day. There are a lot of behind the scenes rules that most visitors never see. Today we’re taking a look at a few of the most surprising ones so you can appreciate just how much work goes into keeping the show running smoothly.
We’ve got exciting news out of EPCOT, though it may NOT be what you’re expecting!
The Land Pavilion
We love seeing all the different Cast Member costumes around the parks, because depending on where you are, they change! We just got word that some iconic Cast Member outfits just changed over in The Land Pavilion, and we’ve gotta admit that we’re a big fan of the new look!
When you visit Walt Disney World, the rides, parades, and fireworks might be what you remember most, but none of that magic would shine the same way without the Cast Members.
By the castle facing down Main Street
From the smiling face that welcomes you at the gate to the performer who brings your favorite character to life, every Cast Member plays a role in creating that unforgettable Disney experience. They’re the heart and soul of the parks, working tirelessly behind the scenes and onstage to make sure the magic feels real for every guest. And while many roles get the spotlight, some of the most beloved Cast Members are the ones doing the hardest, and let’s be honest, messiest jobs in Disney World.
Gliding high above Disney World on the Skyliner feels like magic, but the Cast Members who load you in know a few truths they’ll never actually say out loud.
Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner is a gondola connecting EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with several Disney Resorts. The friendly Cast Members who are operating this free form of Disney transportation have some things to tell you, but they won’t, so we will instead!
I used to be a Disney Cast Member, and did you know that Cast Members have their own secret language at Disney World?
Cast Members!
It’s true! Disney World employees communicate with a secret language, and we’re going to pull back the curtain to let you in on the secret. So next time you’re at Disney World, keep an ear out and see if you can pick up on any of these codes.
Disney World may be the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” but it’s also a massive complex that sees millions of visitors each year, which in turn means there are often emergencies that require intervention from 911 emergency services.
Disney World Entrance
Whether it’s medical emergencies, unruly guests, injuries, or even the miracle of life, there are countless reasons for 911 calls to be made from Disney World. 911 calls made from Disney property are connected to emergency services from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Reedy Creek Fire Department.
We have several former Disney Cast Members on the DFB team, and they’re dishing on some of the secret requirements of working at Disney World.
We LOVE Cast Members!
Being a Disney World Cast Member comes with a long set of rules and regulations, including some specific dress codes. These codes can be based on specific roles and locations, but they exist, nevertheless. The former Cast Members on our team revealed what kind of shoes they were required to wear, and, as it turns out, we can see ourselves — and maybe even YOU –looking to buy a pair!
According to Deadline, the Walt Disney Company began major layoffs on June 2nd, 2025. The layoffs will impact several hundred employees globally. Many of the employees impacted are in divisions of Disney Entertainment, including marketing, television publicity, casting, development, and corporate financial operations.
©Disney
No teams are being eliminated, but several hundred employees are being laid off from The Walt Disney Company. This is the fourth round of layoffs in the past 10 months that have impacted Disney’s television operations. It is also the biggest round of layoffs in those 10 months.
It’s the end of an era at Disney World. The phased closure of the Grand Avenue area — home of The Muppets — has begun.
Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano closed its doors on May 10th, and on June 7th, both Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will permanently close as well, marking the final days of the Muppets Courtyard. While we’re dreading seeing those pesky Disney construction walls again, we are excited about bringing Monsters, Inc. to this area. But, one very lucky group will get to be the last ones to experience the area and what it still has to offer!
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