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There are 12 Disney Parks, located at six different resorts, and many visitors call these locations the happiest places on Earth. But Reddit user u/memezdankton wanted to learn whether the employees agree with this description.
A few weeks ago, they submitted this question to the platform: "Former Disney theme park employees of Reddit, what are some dirty secrets or stories you can tell us about your time there?"
With 4.2K upvotes and 1.7K comments, it has people sharing really juicy, dark, and surprising secrets about what is happening behind the sparkling facade. Here are some of the most memorable ones.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Disney Employees started referring to Disneyland as Mousechwitz due to working conditions.
Management told them to stop, so they used Duckau instead
Adira Bennett 4 years ago
I am sure the working conditions are terrible, even inhumane, and of course this should be talked about and changed. But please don't use the systematic torture, enslavement, and murder of my family; my people, as a comparison. You can make your point without minimizing what a different group of people went through at a different time. Don't make jokes at the expense of genocide victims.
Hans 4 years ago
So people get systematically killed in Disneyland? Speaking up against bad working condiditions is always warranted, and sacarsm will occasionally help, but trying to put the Holocaust into perspective as a means to point to bad working or living conditions is a very, very bad idea. It is historically wrong and morally inaccaptable to do so.
TK 421 4 years ago (edited)
As a CP at WDW, I lived in one of their “dorms” vista way. We called it Mousecatraz. 2 to a room, and you paid a fortune for these rooms. No repairs were ever done. Nothing was ever clean. It was a nightmare for a lot of people who were expecting more from the company.
JessG 4 years ago
That's a much better name than the ones used in this post
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Capelli rosa e patate 4 years ago
Alright I’m with management on this one. There is NO comparison. None.
Derek Clark 4 years ago
And this is at number one why? No matter how bad the work conditions are at Disney, it will never ever compare to camps made to kill thousands upon thousands of people by starvation, torture, gas chambers, bullets and disease.
Jean Thompson 4 years ago
My friend's daughter used to work in Disney bookings. She was always required to work mornings or afternoons on Christmas day because of the huge number of bookings made on the day. Strange idea for a company that says it is dedicated to family fun - I suppose they consider closing on that one day will lose them a lot of impulse bookings (money).
Sandra Givens 3 years ago (edited)
Except people are at their resorts on Christmas or traveling to or from them. There is no way that they can just shut down the phones for Christmas. And why just Christmas? Why not Jewish or Muslim or Hindu holidays? Yes, there are going to be a lot of bookings done that day because people have received trips as gifts or Disney gift cards to use for one, and they have the time to do it.
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#2
A true story that is "dirty" ethically.
Before I worked for them, when I was just an annual passholder, I got overcome by the heat and humidity, almost had a heatstroke, at the bathrooms outside the EPCOT entrance. Two security guards wanted to take me to the park's First Aid, but a Disney manager refused. "He gets in the park when he buys a ticket." Manager walks away for a minute. Security guards say "man, I can't believe this" and "what an operation." 30 mins for Reedy Creek Fire Dept. to show up. I was so sick I didn't even pull out my AP until they got there. Security guard #1 says "NOW can he go to First Aid?" Suddenly that manager is all about helping me - and so apologetic! He pushed me in a wheelchair all the way to First Aid. "Can I get you some water, sir?"
Big f**kin' phonies.
Shelp 4 years ago
Just read the next post and finally fully understanding your comment
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Mazer 4 years ago
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are nothing to mess with, glad you recovered. Hope there are no lasting effects. I had heat exhaustion once, now I am heat intolerant. It sucks
Lindsey Morris 4 years ago
Whoa! What causes that to happen? Getting heat exhaustion and becoming "heat intolerant."
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David F 4 years ago
That's strange that they would deny emergency aid on their own property. You were discriminated against. I would sue them for that.
Sandra Givens 3 years ago
They did not deny care. Reedy Creek Rescue Squad responded.
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Neil Bidle 4 years ago
In his *slight* defense, maybe he'd seen a fair few people try and sneak in using any means possible? I dunno, maybe he was just an asshat
Hermione 4 years ago
After he is done at first aid they can easily escort him to the entrance to pay. No defence there.
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Rayne Winter 1 year ago
They make me sick.. and it’s not just them, that’s how everywhere is.. they treat like you garbage until they think you’re valuable
The question struck u/memezdankton's mind when they were watching a show on YouTube. "It's called Defunctland, and they basically review failed theme parks and theme park attractions, and I saw an episode on Disney," the Reddit user told Bored Panda.
"That got me thinking as to what is going on inside these parks, and what secret dramas and intrigues happen behind closed doors," they explained. "Plus, I really like reading stories on Reddit."
u/memezdankton has been to Disney parks twice. "Before the thread, my opinion has always been that there must be a lot going on behind the scenes for the 'magic' to happen, like everyone being in character with guests."
#3
If anybody tells you to have a magical day, they mean you were a gigantic a**hole and hated dealing with you. We call it the Disney F**k You.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
And if you reply with: I wish you a magical, enchanted, mystical life, would that translate into something like "You f***ing turdy jerk, go f*** yourself for eternity?" And the exchange would sound so civil at the same time...
Natalia 4 years ago
I steal that. From now on I wish "have a magical day" to those who deserve it ! 😂😂
SilentSyst3m 4 years ago
I'm gonna use that phrase too! Can't wait for someone to piss me off!
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Kristal 4 years ago
Ummm no? This is standard to say when getting off the customer service lines for ALL Disney entertainment (Cruise line, amusement parks, etc.). In fact, it's out of the ordinary for them not to. I've experienced a magical moment that a cast member (Disney staff) created and said with a heartwarming smile "Have a magical stay". No, this phrase is not meant for subtle insults. Most likely, since this phrase is common in Disney customer service, some cast members say it with an intent to insult while still complying with company policy.
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
Not true. It can mean that, but it usually is just something they're given as one of the exit responses to normal transactions.
Jean Thompson 4 years ago
Is this actually true? It could just be a disgruntled former employee hijacking the phrase that all Disney workers are asked to use ...
PandaAngel 3 years ago
I really hope this is wrong some places cause if someone said that to me and I was trying my hardest to be nice I would be so saddddd
#4
People sexually harass the characters super frequently. I was working with Ariel and cast members will always count down before they take a photo so people have time to get into position. I counted down and this teen boy decided to try to rip off one of Ariel's shells. I had to open his camera and expose his film so the photo didn't get developed and passed around. I found out later that I was supposed to take it to the Kodak shop to have the film developed and that one removed - but I'd always heard the rumors about ruining the film and nobody really trains you on that so I just went with it. The little a**holes deserved it.
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
I wonder what Disney's stance would've been on calling the police to report the sexual assault
May 4 years ago
A camera with actual film, so it would have been at least 15-20 years ago? My guess - Disney's stance would be 'boys will be boys'
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Alastor the radio demon 4 years ago
There was a guy who fell in love with one of the snow whites there and actually tried to murder another one when the one he loved called in sick
Mayrene Chester 4 years ago
but he still has the original film? and what about that part on sexual assault?
Mayrene Chester 4 years ago
oh dear, the new generation has no idea about film. Basically once you open the back of the camera to light, the film inside is ruined, it'll just become one big glare of light if you try to develop it.
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The comments their post received only strengthened this notion. The biggest revelation for u/memezdankton was the scope of the show the employees have to put up. "Honestly, I was surprised as to how much work goes into the acting. Literally, each person out in the park is 'in character,' which often leads to funny stories behind the scenes after these people rest from a long day of being cheerful and happy."
In fact, Disney employees aren't technically "employees." They're "cast members." And not just the ones who play actual Disney characters. Everyone working in the park, whether they're ride operators or food servers, is a "cast member."
#5
I had a friend who was a gorgeous red head in her early twenties. She got cast to play Ariel at Disney World. She returned home after a few months saying that they were pressuring her into getting breast implants. To quote her (quoting her manager), "There is no way Ariel has such small boobs."
Mickie Shea 4 years ago
Think'n some adults also focus on Ta, Tas. So sad . . .
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Neil Bidle 4 years ago
*checks The Little Mermaid on the bookshelf* yeah, she does. Creepy management being in charge of a place like this, with an attitude like this
Leodavinci 4 years ago
"There is no way Ariel has such small boobs." Clearly someone hasn't seen the Little Mermaid.
#6
I used to occasionally work at one of the outdoor carts in front of the castle at Disneyland. There’s water in various areas of the park, so we got lots of ducks, and in the springtime, the babies would hatch and walk around with their mothers. People don’t always pay attention to where they are going and sometimes step on one of them, usually killing them. If I was able, I would step away from my cart to escort a family of ducks to safety.
Wandaluzt 4 years ago
Neil. This was posted on Reddit. You can't reply to them here.
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Rod Egret 4 years ago
Who can be stupid enough to step on a duckling because they did not see it?!?
Kari Panda 4 years ago
I assume there were tons of people (it’s Disney land, after all) walking around. Lots of noise, people trying to get through the crowd, nobody looking down but at the sights around them…
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Raven DeathShade 4 years ago
I have raised baby ducks and baby guinea fowl, the ducks are fine but the guineas were all eaten save one. If anyone were to step on Popcorn, I'd find myself in prison for murder.
Sandra Givens 3 years ago
Fail to see how this is the company's fault. Most cast members are good people who would definitely look out for the little guys in their area.
Of course, working in Disney theme parks is more than just constant misery. For example, when Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida closed its doors in April 2020 due to the pandemic, close to 43,000 people were abruptly furloughed. Later, thousands were permanently let go and many mourned the career of their dreams at 'the most magical place on Earth.'
Have you worked in a Disney theme park as well? We would love to hear your story. If you're up for it, tell us about it in the comments.
#7
I think the worst part about character harassment is that Disney does not prosecute the guests, at least when I was there. When I was working in the 2000s, there was someone whose wrist was broken by a drunk guest who grabbed and twisted it really badly. They refused to prosecute, and I think she may have ended up with permanent nerve damage in her wrist, which really sucked because she was also a gymnast.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Although Disney didn't want to sue, the employee could have done so.
Andrea Purzycki 4 years ago (edited)
Could there be a clause in the employment contract that says they can't sue a guest or press charges against a guest? Is that something that they can legally put into an employment contract and enforce?
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Mauve Mouse 4 years ago
I have a serious question. Why isn’t there a police station on the grounds? I mean actual police, not “security “. I keep hearing about all this criminal activity that goes unpunished. Why should the employees have to put up with that?
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
Someone should have ejected the guest under public intoxication laws before he assaulted the player. Really sad to hear this. I didn't know they had started serving alcohol at Disney parks. I thought that in the past that wasn't the case.
Celtic Pirate Queen 4 years ago
An employee doesn't need the company's permission to sue. Pretty sure she could also sue Disney.
#8
Both hands had to be visible in photos (e.g. one outstretched and the other on someone’s shoulder). The biggest no-no is hands behind backs not visible due to the possibility of someone saying you grabbed them inappropriately.
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
This is probably common sense for anyone coming into close contact with the public like this, they're just protecting themselves from accusations that could deeply impact their lives.
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
I think it's more that the people who do dum bass things are the reason why we need so many lawyers 🤔
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My mom was working in the nurses' station and got a call for a costume character who had heat exhaustion (the costumes get extremely warm, especially in summer). He was advised to remove the costume and walk to the nurse building to recover, but wasn’t allowed to. They were so busy trying to make sure that nobody saw him out of costume that they literally risked his health.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
They literally risked his life. On the other hand, when you're nearly dying of heat exhaustion you must be some fool when you don't take of anything that is heating you up, like a hot Walt Disney costume.
Lori Spins 4 years ago
Tell me you don't work in the USA without telling me you don't work in the USA
Load More Replies... 2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
They have a protocol for this, and it isn't simply calling the nurse's station. The cast member is removed to their backstage area where they can take off the costume as another cast member or security contacts the med team who meets the sufferer backstage.
PattonPawter 4 years ago
Was this at Magic Kingdom? If so they could have just used the Utilidors system
Archen Dodson 4 years ago (edited)
I call bullshit. Nobody would need to see him out of costume. You stay in uniform while escorted to the station and then in the nurses station you can therefore remove said costume and exit either via the main entrance without your costume or exit via a hidden exit and, regardless, nobody will know. Disney is awful but this just is illogical. Things like this are WHY disney built hidden exits to begin with.
Archen Dodson 4 years ago
This makes literally no sense. I call bullshit. If you're @ the nurses station and remove your costume and leave without a costume on... nobody is going to know its you. This doesn't break any illusion for any child because no kid is standing outside the nursing station with their parents waiting for goofy to come back out and then will go "OMG THAT GUY LEAVING IS GOOFY" when just a random person walks out....? Disney does shady things but this is so far fetched.
Mike Weber 4 years ago
I am incredulous about this claim. There are secret passages all over the place he could have gone.
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
I hope they revamp this costumes. Where I worked, we did for a time employ a mascot, and for hot days there was a solar fan in the headpiece and also pockets lining the inside of the costume shaped specifically to hold refreezable ice packs.
Mickie Shea 4 years ago
Hydration ought be readily available, plus an escort to health center.
#10
I worked in reservations. They give you a name, that is not your own and you better use it. My name is not Robyn Leigh, but in Disney reservations, it was.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago (edited)
Can't see anything wrong in protecting your privacy by giving you a fake name. I can imagine that a lot of women wouldn't mind to go under a false name for the public to avoid being harassed by creeps, weirdos, stalkers, perverts and psychopaths.
Scott 4 years ago
I worked as a floor supervisor for a corporate level handling group for a major telecom/satellite TV provider call centre (think BBB escalations, people who somehow get a hold of VPs and execs, etc.) and was very frequently asked my surname. Policy was that we cannot provide it, and I never did, but the customers would be so adamant about getting a last name that I would just provide my employee ID number: 503117. That almost invariable upset them further, so I would play it off that when we're hired they replace our names since we belong to them now. Never once got talked to about it, even when audited by my regional manager, they loved it and had a sense of humour about it. Best time I did it was actually in response to a death threat against me and my family which then escalated to a bomb threat. I heard the police arrest him. Ah.... the joys of call centre work.
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Cassie 4 years ago
This is normal. When I worked phone sales for a catalog company, my name was Jessie. My real name is not Jessie. This is a reasonable security measure.
Kyle D 4 years ago (edited)
This is true. I accidently got my father's fast pass band during one trip and on the second we reused them but I was told specifically I couldn't change it. I thought what would I do if I had to prove I was the name connected to the band. I was told I wouldn't have to prove it, but that band was mine regardless of the name because the band was attached to my fingerprint, not the name.
Johnny 4 years ago
It's common among call centers, sometimes using an alternate name is optional, sometimes it's mandatory. It's been a long time since I've worked in a call center, but one of the employees developed a stalker -- he'd keep calling and hanging up until he got to "his" girl, and he'd make sexual comments to her. This kind of stuff happens every day to call center agents, but this guy was so insistent and personal that they called the police, and he learned an important lesson -- blocking your caller ID doesn't block it from 800 numbers since they are the ones paying the call, they get your billing ANI, which is not blockable like caller ID. This agent used to use her own name, but switched to an alias after this guy.
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Sandra Givens 3 years ago
This is actually common in customer service jobs, especially if it involves phones. Nothing to see here.
#11
My SIL got a the role of Cinderella at Disneyland Paris.
She had to practice Cinderella's autograph over and over because although different actresses play her all over the world, the signature of the character has to be identical anywhere it's signed for consistency.
First Name Last Name 4 years ago
No, Cinderella is real. It is just that rather than being one good person it is a network of forgers and identity thieves.
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Diana Strassburg 4 years ago
So the poor girl had to practice false autograph? I do this with my husbands' like...always
Elizabeth Scarborough 4 years ago
This isn't out of the ordinary. They have a character to preserve. I'm sure all character signatures are the same.
Rachel Adams 4 years ago
But unless you visit every Cinderella all over the world and get an autograph, how does anyone know
Niall Mac Iomera 4 years ago
So she got a job acting as a character and had to... act as that character?
#12
This was years ago at DL but there used to be a show of Tinkerbell flying through the sky before fireworks started in the summer. They would put the spot light on her as she went down a zip line and go to black just as she crossed to a back stage area. The novelty of it was that there was no sophisticated mechanism to stop her. There were literally a couple of guys in a tower at the end of the zip line holding a mattress that she would crash into to stop. Nightly, CMs would gather at the base of the tower backstage just to see this happen. As soon as she crashed, everyone would go back to their locations.
crazy_cat_notAlady 4 years ago
well, i don't know if u r bad. but u ain't alone.
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chrissy goodman 4 years ago
they stopped doing this bc one of the women who played tinkerbell got seriously injured and was in the hospital for 6 months. it happened wen my friend worked for disney they had a new guy take charge of letting the staff kno timing he told the guys who stop her the wrong time and according to wat my friend heard bc she wasnt able to stop she ended up releasing herself from her harness so she wouldnt crash and the force she hit the ground and rolling she did is wat injured her. my friend told me her manager said shes probably the smartest tinkerbell they ever had her injuries couldve been much worse if she didnt do that. my friend went to meet this tinkerbell once she was allowed guests. apparently she used to b a camp counselor and was in charge of the rock climbing zip line area which is how she knew how to avoid all worst case scenarios
Calypso poet 4 years ago
Wow! Thanks for the info. I hope she recovered fully.
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BakuDeku Shipper 4 years ago (edited)
Love hiw everyone finds it funny for a HUMAN to go crashing down a zipline that poses many risks of injury. On top of that, you must be ROFLing at the fact that people would gather around just to laugh at someone getting hurt. I'd like to know if you'd be embarrassed if you were that person who played as Tinkerbell. Btw, idfk about your down votes.
Rayne Winter 1 year ago
It’s funny but also humiliating and I feel bad for her, wouldn’t be so bad if someone who did it didn’t mind but for the ones it humiliated that sucks
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
I remember this as I grew up in South Orange County CA where Disneyland is located. She would fly (I believe on a gondola cable) that went from the Matterhorn to where the gondola ended in Tomorrowland.
Brandy Dor 4 years ago
What they also don't tell you is it has been the same Asian man for literally decades he started in his early 20s and is now in his 50s
#13
This is not a secret, more just an observation of the culture. It really kind of makes me sick and disappointed with humanity. As a cast member at Disney World in 1979 I learned quickly that putting people in uniforms brings out the worst in the instinct to “other" people. Certain cast members in specific uniforms were very high in status, and other cast members were very low. Since you wore your uniforms all the time your status was immediately spotted and people tended to treat you better or worse based on your status. So here’s the pecking order that I observed. Many cast members told me of this pecking order. Low status to high. The street sweepers who emptied the trash cans. The folks in the yellow jumpsuits who sold the popcorn. The folks in turn-of-the-century garb who worked in the stores of Main Street. The retail workers in the other lands with costumes that matched the themes. The ride operators whose costumes were themed to match the land such as tomorrowland, frontierland etc. The ride operators of space mountain, who were near the top of all the ride operators. The monorail operators. They were the absolute pinnacle of ride operators who did not have some kind of performing role. The ride operators of the jungle Cruise. They were close to the status of the people in the entertainment division because they had lines and really had to be entertaining. Anyone in the entertainment division, like the kids of the kingdom, the performers, singers, and musicians. And they weren’t just a little bit above everyone else, they were stratospherically above everyone else. The tour guides, all females, in the English riding (horse) outfits with jodhpurs, complete with a riding crop and a fetching little cap on their heads. These girls basically were the top employees who wore uniforms. They met all the VIPs including hollywood stars, politicians, billionaires etc. They could get to the front of any line. They were unstoppable, and they certainly acted like they knew it. Now everyone I tell this to always asks, “weren’t the characters the most important people and have the highest status?” Sadly—and this is really where it gets sick—they were kind of treated like freaks. All the Goofy‘s had to be really tall thin men, all the Mickeys and Minnies had to be either short women or little people. They worked very odd shifts, a half an hour on a half an hour off, and they always had people around them to help, which also made them seem weird. So all in all my summer at Walt Disney World demonstrated to me the power of clothing in establishing a hierarchy of status. It is a sad commentary on humanity, but a fact nonetheless.
Johnny 4 years ago
"they were kind of treated like freaks... All the Goofy‘s had to be really tall thin men, all the Mickeys and Minnies had to be either short women or little people" Tall costumes need tall people, short costumes need short people, that doesn't sound freakish to me, Disney can't avoid the laws of physics, you can't put a 6 foot tall cast member into a costume designed for a 5 foot high person. Mickey fits anyone from 4'10" to 5'2", that's not freakishly small for a woman.
Otter 4 years ago
I've heard that all the "characters" have a minder because of the time that some little kid pushed a person in a giant heavy costume with a huge bobble head into the pond. And because of the weight of the costume and the giant fake head, the poor guy in the costume came very close to drowning for real! And that's when they started paying minders, not just to do crowd control, but to keep anyone from getting injured or killed on the job.
Sandra Givens 3 years ago
Welcome to the world of work. The same kind of snobbery about jobs exists in almost every workplace, not just Disney parks. Personally, I respect the folks who do the cleaning the most and try to say hi or thank you to them throughout the day. They help make Disney parks special by keeping then clean and comfortable for guests and staff alike.
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
A friend of mine got hired from the get go to be a park tour guide.
Randy Klefbeck 4 years ago
I am amazed that the performers (musicians singers in particular) are not union. I truly am amazed that they are not AGMA or AGVA. The stage hands would have to be.
Trisha Chase 4 years ago
This sounds old, do the tour guides still wear the English riding outfits?
Rissie 4 years ago
But as explained, it's not really about the uniform as it is about the position in the park. Being a street sweeper that has to clean up after everyone or the person that meets all the famous people. I have worked at a large bowling/disco/night club place and the same kind of pecking order was found there. Working as a bar man at the night club or taking coats at the bowling alley. That's the difference. Not the clothing.
#14
I just have to say one thing...people suffering from heat stroke or whatever and need to take their costume off...should be able to. F**k that "ruining the magic" BS. If your kids believe these Disney characters are real...then maybe you just shouldn't lie to your kids...idk...
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
But kids do believe. Once i took a friends daughter (5yo) to Disneyland Paris and she enjoyed the Nemo ride a lot (not me, i was thinking it was a cute ride and not a rollercoaster, i was pushing her so hard to the back of her seat, fearing for her and she was shouting "hang on i'm ok!"). But she was really afraid in the Snow White ride because of the witch. and i had to line up to see Mickey, because she wanted to see him and gave him a drawing of him. And Mickey is an ass, he (she) made fun of her because she drew him huge legs, the Mickey bodyguard told her that Mickey should play basketball with such huge legs and Mickey nodded. The girl was hurt, i had to turn it into a compliment. Not cool Mickey, not cool.
Johnny 4 years ago
"If your kids believe these Disney characters are real...then maybe you just shouldn't lie to your kids...idk..." That's one of the big reasons parents go to Disney - because Disney doesn't break the "magic". You may not agree with it, and you certainly don't seem to understand it, yet that's how it is.
BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing 4 years ago
I think if they were allowed to take off their costumes in these cases and a kid saw them, just explain that they aren't real and that the person in there was in danger. I think people would be surprised with how understanding kids can actually be
Kari Panda 4 years ago
I understand not wanting to break the magic, but how exactly is a kid seeing their favourite Disney character being half dead better?
Flexiegirl94 4 years ago
It shows them that they are just like them. "Real" people. It gives them hope that anything is possible!
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#15
When the princess face characters come backstage they have to take off their dresses so they don't get dirty while they're on break so the princesses are usually walking around in a smock and bloomers if you see them back there. There is some serious cognitive dissonance when you walk back and see Snow White in her bloomers on her phone cursing up a storm.
Caitlin M. Maguire 3 years ago
That last sentence reminds me of an interaction with my ex-best friend and her grandmother. So, our sorority's family line was the Princess Line. Now onto the conversation: Grandma: "I thought you were a perfect princess". Ex-Friend: "F**k that s**t!"
#16
No one can actually ‘die’ in a park. They remove the dead person and declare them dead outside the park. Also haunted mansion people can’t smile, a favorite pastime is to get them to crack.
GirlFriday 4 years ago
People die at Disney all of the time. There is a list that you can Google that lists the deaths at Disney World. This is an urban legend.
WhatEvenIsLife 4 years ago
I think OP means they can't be legally declared dead inside the park. It's the same with ambulances. No one 'dies' in an ambulance. They aren't legally declared dead until they reach the hospital (or so an EMT told me once).
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cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
I managed to do it as a kid! An evil witch pushed gently my mother, whispering "get away from the walls" and the 4 yo me stood up "You don't touch my mother, YOU!" and my mother told me that she had a giggle.
zims 4 years ago
I...I misread that and thought you managed to die in Disneyland as a child...
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Ms.GB 4 years ago
My friend was one of the maid characters at the haunted mansion. I guess what a lot of people don't know is that you are on camera throughout the entire ride and there are people watching those cameras...so apparently a lot of teenagers and couples try to have sex or perform sexual acts on eachother in the doom buggies. If you've ever been on the ride when it pauses for a moment they are most likely breaking something up lol!
Hermione 4 years ago
So they write the actual time of death on the death certificate or the time when they reach the outside?
chrissy goodman 4 years ago
i was at disney wen someone died. they died bc of a sudden heart attack they literally took the guy out of the park and declared him officially dead once he was outside. it was really messed up these poor kids had to watch their parents scream at employees who wouldnt explain wat they were doing carry their dead grandpa outside the park. me and my friends were curious so we followed they have a specific area outside the entrance for wen someone dies so it doesnt scare ppl coming in. they even have a special exit. i hope this answers ur question
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#17
We actually care a lot about the guest experience. If someone drops their ice cream, I can get them A new one free of charge. It’s called “keeping the magic”.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
But if an employee nearly dies of heat exhaustion due to a hot costume we tell them to man up and just find some shade.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
If it's the magic from the "have a magical day" salute, the message to the visitor is don't drop your f***ing ice cream?
chrissy goodman 4 years ago
in a way bc thats part of their policy. happy customer means better customer reviews. disney cares about guests bc they want that income and good reviews anything negative is bad. its y they r so secretive but exemployees and ppl like me who kno a lot of ppl who worked there kno where to expose disney. alot of websites, videos or links get taken down by disney every year bc ppl want to expose them. so yes this is a positive thing but the reason the higher ups care about the guests so much isnt very nice
Load More Replies... Rayne Winter 1 year ago
Where are the saucy stories like Cinderella was caught banging goofy behind the pirates of the Caribbean ship or something lol
#18
When someone pukes on a ride, it's referred to as a "protein spill" so that it doesn't sound as gross.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
And if a person holds a hand on their mouth while puking, it's a protein shake...
Lilian 4 years ago
actually, a lot of disney employees (this may just apply to disney world in orlando) call it a code v
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Catlady6000 4 years ago
One restaurant I worked at called roaches Bob, for Bug On Booth. I didn't stay long
TheAnimalLady 4 years ago
That's for feces, not vomit. Pink would probably work?
Load More Replies... #19
In the Indiana Jones ride near the giant snakes after the bridge there is a large metal slab on the ground. Under that slab is an opening that falls into a large empty space. The opening is in the middle of the space and about 10 feet high. There is no rope, no ladder and no stairs to reach the opening from inside the space. There are no other ways to get out of that space other than the opening in the ceiling and there are no lights in the space. You could literally fall in there and be trapped forever in darkness if someone doesn’t come and help you out. It is for this and many other reasons that there is a checkout system on the ride. If you enter the ride on foot, you take a card. When you return from the ride you turn in the card. If any cards are missing than the ride cannot be turned on and a search party must go out until that person is found.
Vetus Vespertilio 4 years ago
Why would this be a dirty secret? It’s the same as having a lockout lock in any factory in the U.S.
chrissy goodman 4 years ago
i wouldnt b suprised if ppl got stuck down there and died and thats y they have the card system.
Load More Replies... Rayne Winter 1 year ago
And all the things like this and intense search parties and gps arm bands etc are what tell me Disney is behind the children trafficking of kids that go missing there. There’s no reason with all the precautions and security measures kids would go missing..
#20
You have to be in specific height ranges to play the different characters. Because Mickey's height range is so short he's usually played by a woman. Likewise for Donald, although the most successful and best known Donald that I knew while I worked there was a little person.
Serial pacifist 4 years ago
I am looking for the "dark, dirty" secret part of this info, but can't find it.
First Name Last Name 4 years ago
Mickey is a woman trapped in the body of a man.
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Butternut DerpFarts 4 years ago
And woman have light high ‘mickey mouse’ voice ranges so that makes sense
juice 4 years ago
do the costumes characters talk? i thought they weren't allowed to
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Donkey boi 4 years ago
That makes so much sense now! I had a hug from Mickey (Minnie was supervising) and after I said to my wife 'That costume's got a lot of padding in the chest! Reckon it's to prevent accidental headbutts from kids or to stop the head from bruising when they nod?'
#21
I worked at Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom. A little secret: we got paid a dollar more than all other attractions because we not only spiel, but drive 35+ guests in a truck on an uncontrolled trail. If we wanted to, we could’ve driven right out into the river where the crocs are and told you all to “run.” Hence the extra dollar an hour to keep us from doing something so crazy
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Imagine being on your last day of work and you really want to screw management....
CatWoman312 4 years ago
Y’all deserve more than $1. You’re literally dealing with animals that could potentially decide it’s time to attack.
Alastor the radio demon 4 years ago
In one of the rides I heard people can fall out of the monorail and get eaten by crocodiles if their stupid enough
David F 4 years ago
I went there and I felt sad for all the animals being harassed by the guy on the microphone all day.
Sandra Givens 3 years ago
They are quite used to it and don't feel harassed at all. In fact, the animals are trained to respond to certain sounds and at certain times of day to expect to enter or exit the savanna area.
Load More Replies... Andrew Gibb 4 years ago
just the Peter Pan ride- you can hear the ticking clock noise coming though to warn you
Load More Replies... #22
A friend of mine worked at Disney World. According to her Epcot is the best place to work. When she was at the Magic Kingdom she said she went home crying all the time because the moms were so mean.
GirlFriday 4 years ago
One of my niece's classmates worked at Disney as Tiana for four months. She quit and said it was for her mental health. She told us that the moms were so mean and rude and would push other people's children down to get to the characters and scream at her if she only took the time for one or two pictures with a child because there were 300 children waiting to meet her. She also said the most ridiculous thing is the moms that make the girls wear the princess dresses in the park to meet their favorite characters. The girls are hot and miserable and crying because they can't enjoy themselves in a cheap, almost plastic floor-length dress and heels - at an amusement park.
Pug Pug 4 years ago
If I had the money and didnt have to work, id just go be mean to the moms all day. I hate people that think they are entitled, and just cant wait their turn, and that have no respect for others. Which is also why I zip tie shopping carts to car doors of people that park like jerks...
CatWoman312 4 years ago
I remember being there (magic kingdom) during closing right after the fireworks. The group I was with literally had to all hold hands and maneuver through hundreds of people. It was so crowded.
#23
I worked there for 3 months 2 years ago with my gf at the time and anything news worthy that happens there (usually negative) immediately gets shot down by the official page of Disney (Twitter, insta, Facebook etc) they keep everything hush hush. Lighting struck a bathroom building and there was a small fire and my gf and I weren’t working that day but we were there enjoying the park for free bc we’re cast members and she records it and posted it on her Twitter. News media pages were commenting and asking her questions like when, how, what’s being done and before she could reply the Disney page said to disregard the video bc it wasn’t true and the video is edited and the media pages stopped asking after that. She gets called into the office the next day and was super close to losing her job. The reason she didn’t was bc of how much seniority she had but she was basically on probation after that. Disney is f***ed they don’t tell people s**t.
Neil Bidle 4 years ago
The only way to maintain the illusion, is to make sure nobody sees anything you don't want them to. It's like a mini facist state, excused because it "makes dreams come to life"
Vetus Vespertilio 4 years ago
The major difference being that Disney employees can always quit. Fascist countries usually don’t offer that option.
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Carolina Fernández González 4 years ago
But this is pretty standard for any job. I mean as an employee you can't post anything that they think it might hurt their name. Despite being something stupid you can't do that. I used to work with a big banking group in my country and a coworker posted a video of someone complaining about their ATMs on facebook. He was in big trouble and the complaint was about something stupid!
CatWoman312 4 years ago
This can easily transition into the real world. The media never tells us the full story
PandaAngel 3 years ago
I mean but…who’d want to go to Disney if we knew fires could catch on easily- if you had a big theme park would you want dirty news coming out?? BUT GETTING FIRED FOR THAT WOULD BE BAD NGLLL
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
"No one ever dies there" is the biggest lie. More like "delay pronouncing them dead so we have plausible deniability".
#24
When people say that it's like being part of a cult, it's 100% true. In any job you have there is bias, but at Disney, if you mess with the wrong "Leader" (manager) you'll basically be blacklisted from ever working your way up in the company. The amount of abuse I've endured from guests and other cast is asinine, especially regarding covid. I worked in my department for 3 years, was denied multiple promotions for never any real reason. I worked 50+ hour work weeks religiously, covered extra shifts, you name it, but because I made a mistake in my first year I never got anywhere. If you don't kiss the a** of every manager, eat lunch with them, and cater to their every whim, you stay at the bottom. I got so fed up after my interview for trainer. Was supposed to interview in the am, showed up, got yelled at for showing up and he told my coordinator to apologize to me, then rushed me around my area in 15 minutes because he "had a meeting" then brought up feedback he'd kept from me for months just for the interview and to deny me trainer. I quit 3 days later.
Valisbourne Spiritforge 4 years ago
I was just thinking this sounds more like a non Disney specific thing.
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#25
Someone lost a finger on the pirates ride. Also it’s not filtered so we tell you to keep your hands out of the water for multiple reasons.
1) so you can keep your limbs
2) you could get an infection
We weren’t supposed to talk about the finger thing really.
Johnny 4 years ago
The water may not be filtered, but it is sanitized (usually with bromine). There's always a chance of a splash leading to unintended ingestion, so the health department wouldn't let Disney leave the water untreated. Still wouldn't recommend drinking it, but getting some on your skin isn't going to infect you.
chrissy goodman 4 years ago
actually they only sanitize it during inspection week. so yes it can infect u if u have an open wound if its before and sometime after the inspection. for the rest of the year its bad unintended ingestion at most will get u sick but worst case vomitting and nauasea. i had multiple friends work for disney and one of my friends dads his job was to make sure things were kept up and running basically a disney engineer. he quit after his boss told him not to worry about a few saftey concerns. her dad fixes them anyways then quit considering hed b fired for disobeying orders anyways. he was in charge of making sure the water looked presentable too. it never got bad enough to get someone severely sick but a severe infection was possible for anyone with an open or fresh wound
Load More Replies... Mike Weber 4 years ago
I remember an ep of The Simpsons in which Bart drank the water on a ride and started tripping out.
#26
Ever heard about people spreading ashes of their loved ones in the POTC or Haunted Mansion ride? Its goddamn true!
TK 421 4 years ago
It’s true of all rides and all parks and all properties worldwide. There’s a training course for cast members to recognize the act and a protocol to follow to stop it.
Laura Pantazis 4 years ago
I think about the Shawshank Redemption rig where Andy hid the dirt in his pants and then lifted a string in his pocket to let out the dirt lol
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JennyLaRue 4 years ago
Do people spreading the ashes not realise that their loved ones will end up in a cleaners hoover or dustpan?
JessG 4 years ago
Doesn't really matter does it? They put the ashes where said loved one wanted. After that, it's out of their hands. You throw them in the ocean, they're wet and destroyed, Grand Canyon, blown away in the wind. All I'm saying is, what difference does it make?
Load More Replies... Vetus Vespertilio 4 years ago
If Disney catches you doing this, you get banned from all Disney parks for life, and they immediately clean up and dispose of your loved one.
CatWoman312 4 years ago
They are trying to keep it at 999 ghosts. Clearly they’re trying to cross that 1000 Threshold
Dave Morris 4 years ago
I want my remains scattered at Disneyland. Also, I don't want to be cremated.
Megan Marco Hurley 3 years ago
Our family’s favorite spot was Disney. When my dad passed in 2004 I had the genius idea to scatter some ashes at our favorite rides. I put some in haunted mansion then at splash mountain my hand got wet and I had my poor dad caked under my nails. I told my husband he had to do pirates of the Caribbean. Only instead of sprinkling them out the side he with his right hand threw them over his left shoulder! My brother and I were in the second row and we parted to not get hit but the poor people behind us were not so lucky. They got covered in my dear dad. I got off the ride and just said “idk what to say other than sorry” and ran to the exit. I know it’s awful but it is one of our funniest family memories
#27
My friend worked in the Haunted House...but before that Pirates. He said that you were under camera the whole time you are in the park and that they had tapes of people...um, being friendly. He said they would stop the ride, turn up the lights in that area and then ask them to stop over the speakers.
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago (edited)
They have to have cameras everywhere, because people are stupid. Can confirm that they will stop a ride and turn up the lights if a guest is doing anything against their rules, illegal, or dangerous.
chrissy goodman 4 years ago
im pretty sure this guy wasnt talking about dangerous stuff. he meant more of the not suitable for children x rated stuff. its sad but true ppl really will do this alot of couples who r disney fans have admitted to having sex in haunted mansion being on their bucket list.
Load More Replies... #28
I went to college with a woman who played Snow White. She said she wanted to quit on her very first day because she had so many screaming, vomiting, angry, hungry, drooling children handed to her for photos. She said it was the absolute worst. I'm not sure how long she stuck it out for but I know it wasn't long.
zims 4 years ago
Star-struck little girls dressed like princesses asking for her autograph and smiling like angels. Maybe too shy to walk up to her alone and needing mommy to come with, at the worst. Maybe a few adult dweebs there without kids.
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Lori Spins 4 years ago
Sounds like she got into the wrong business if she didn't expect or want screaming, vomiting, angry, hungry, drooling children hounding her for photos.
Francisco Scaramanga 4 years ago
It is certainly not a job for someone who doesn't like children.
Bob Stuart 4 years ago
I didn't read this, because I have ignored everything from Disney since they sued Dan O'Neil for a parody over 40 years ago.
#29
The “secret” tunnels under MK and Epcot. They smelled so bad. It’s where all the garbage went to. We had a subway and another restaurant just for cast members. They would close down cast parking without telling the cast members in appropriate time. Mandatory overtime when needed without double time. I can keep going.
kybourbonpearls 4 years ago
I did a Keys to the Kingdom tour and actually got to go into the tunnel under Magic Kingdom. It didn't smell bad at all and they were even having a catered party they day I got to go on the tour. There was a dj there and a couple of tables of delicious looking food.
Catlady6000 4 years ago
May have been for the benefit of those on the tour. I really doubt they would allow an unscheduled tour
Load More Replies... #30
Disneyland first interview papers include a blank outline of a person to indicate where you have tattoos.
It's referenced if you want to change positions internally, to indicate how said tattoos could be revealed, based on what your new uniform would be.
Anne 4 years ago
That's not a weird thing is it.. you are portraying a fantasy, a cartoon character. Those can't have surprise tattoos
ThePracticalSarcastic 4 years ago
not weird at all...a lot of companies have policies against visible tattoos - especially if you're dealing with customers
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Shelli Aderman 4 years ago
Tink doesn't have tatoos. So it makes sense that if you're auditioning to play Tink, you might want to note where your tats are, so they can make you a body sleeve.
#31
Not the theme parks, but I worked at the Disney Store back when they first started popping up at all the malls. They made us sing the M-I-C-K-E-Y song at the end of every staff meeting and about half of the staff would cry when they sang it, because they just loved Disney so much. They would send you home if you didn’t have the ‘Disney Spirit’ (if you were in a visibly bad mood or unhappy.) If you got sent home for this more than three times they would fire you. This was back when the female employees wore what was basically a 50s style cheerleader costume and we were constantly harassed. We were not allowed to be rude or dismissive when being harassed unless someone aggressively groped us. It was a super weird job.
Samantha Hurrell 4 years ago
My Mum worked part time in one the UK stores (before our local closed for several years), never heard anything too bad, so I wonder if it's an American thing for the stores.
Blarrg 4 years ago
I'm guessing it's not a US or UK thing. Maybe a single rouge manager thing. Or, it seems like there are a number of these that play a little loose with the facts. Maybe not a thing at all.
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#32
Not a WDW cast member, but I’m married to someone who was. The guest-inaccessible parts of the Haunted Mansion are gross. Think asbestos, dust, grease, cobwebs, and all kinds of other crap that has accumulated over literally decades. Every time wifey had to work there, she came home and bolted for the shower.
Neil Bidle 4 years ago
They daren't lose money by shutting it for necessary repairs, a disaster waiting to happen
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
The rides are often closed for long periods of refurbishment. Haunted Mansion at most parks is closed twice every year at least (for installation and removal of Halloween decor).
Load More Replies... 2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
No. These "secrets", however, are mostly exempt from reality.
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#33
You can usually convince a cast member to bend the rules for you early on a Friday morning. Thursday is pay day and there is, or at least was when I was there in the late 90s-early 00s, plenty of trouble to get into Thursday night so CMs are more likely to be hungover, still drunk, stoned, or a combo early Friday morning.
#34
If you worked at the diners or food service places where someone was at a register that you walked past to order/ charge your food, you didn’t get to drink anything or go to the bathroom for your full 8-10hr shift. That’s when I lost all respect for them; not even 5minutes to go to the bathroom.
#35
Worked at Disneyland for almost 5 years. I personally haven’t gone to see the “Disney” doctor for cast members but I know friends who have an heard the doctor doesn’t give a s**t about the CM’s coming in for injuries.
The time I was there, photographers and other departments weren’t allowed to drink water from the water fountains because we are “on stage”. It was a big issue the last year I worked there and some of the leads were fighting for umbrellas for photographers. It gets really brutal in Carsland where it’s 5x hotter. Almost past out from the heat and dehydration.
Karin 4 years ago
If not, there should be! And what about state labour laws? Somebody should complain!
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#36
I was on the TTC Resort Platform working the night of the Monorail crash. It will be 13 years this July and I still wake up screaming from time to time. There is no amount of therapy that will or can erase that memory from my mind.
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
They were only fined $32,500 even though a 21 year old employee died due to others' errors.
TK 421 4 years ago
There have been a lot of crashes and a lot of deaths. The mouse just suppresses the reports.
CatWoman312 4 years ago
You mean they didn’t tell the media to cover it up and say it was an edited photo?
#37
There’s a real human skull in the Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Alastor the radio demon 4 years ago
Actually there is a real skeleton in the ride and you can see it very clearly cause its decomposing
Jean Thompson 4 years ago
It could have been someone's odd final wish. No real harm in it, surely, as no customer would know - and even if they did, so what?
#38
Worked on the Jungle Cruise at Disney World. Lots of women would love to “fall” when getting off the boat and use my crotch or butt to catch themselves.
Raven DeathShade 4 years ago
I'm a tour guide on the Jungle Cruise ride, Skipper Dan is my name. And I'm doing 34 shows every day, and every time it's the same.
Bacony Cakes 4 years ago
Look at those hippos, they're wiggling their ears! Just like they've done for the past fourth years! Something something i'm swallowing my pride, and i'm working on the jungle cruise ride.
Load More Replies... #39
They issue black T-shirts and black shorts for the costumed characters to wear underneath and sweat in. One day there was an uproar because in the breakroom there was a sign “No Blacks Allowed” (meaning the undergarments). They started calling them “basics” after that.
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
Wait, so if you're not allowed into the break room in the clothes they provide, are you expected to go on break in full costume?
#40
Disney cruise line here, I used to go in to the complaint system and read all the guest complaints from previous cruises. The amount of complaints that were because of sheer stupidity on the guests part is staggering. People seem to think because they’re paying lots of money they’re allowed to do or say whatever they want, which of course can be unsafe on a ship.
#41
Worked on the cruise ships back in '87 or so. Characters were party animals. Mickey always was female due to height. I had a fling with Goofy for a few weeks. She was gorgeous. Snow White was uptight in or out of costume. The parties we would have...
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
The Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
Load More Replies... #42
Not a CM but knew a guy and his son who both worked at Disneyland. He said his son was playing Buzz Lightyear in one of the shows where they dance on the riverboat. Apparently he was feeling very sick and actually threw up in the costume while they were dancing. He then had to finish the show with throw up in his Buzz Lightyear head
Butternut DerpFarts 4 years ago
They need to make multiple ppl suffer in a costume so if someone, say, barfs in-suit, they can swipe them off the stage when nobody’s watching and replace them. “ here Mickey! Sashay over here to the edge of the stage we got you a temp replacement while you have the rest of the day off “
#43
Former cast member from the early '90s here. There was a central ‘bank’ near the Magic Kingdom tunnel entrance where all the park gift shops, restaurants, etc., would deposit the day’s cash. Each day an armored truck would drive into the tunnel to haul away the loot. I can only imagine how much cash they took outta there!
Serial pacifist 4 years ago (edited)
I am deeply shocked to learn that the purpose of Disneyland is not meeting a philanthropic urge to provide entertainment and joy for kids but to make loads of cash. So disturbing.
#44
Not a former employee, but I remember hearing about the Disney College Program. Basically, college kids work at the theme parks for an hourly wage (like ~$11 an hour.) The interesting thing is the college program offers housing, which costs like $110 - $200 a week. And there's a $400 "admin fee" when you first start (and you have to pay this fee every time you extend your contract.) And they try to keep the workers on "campus" and in the Disney properties, spending money. The whole thing ends up sounding like a revolving door of cash where the college students work and get paid but most of the money stays inside of Disney. Disney is pretty upfront with these various fees and any program with a bunch of other college kids is probably a blast but it doesn't seem to be the best way to actually make and save money.
Susan Svitak 4 years ago
I participated in the Disney College Program during the summer of 2000. I worked quick service food and beverage. I made $8/hr at the time and yes, we had to pay for our housing. I lived with 5 other girls in a 3 bedroom apartment. It was almost like the real world because you were placed with random people from all over the US and the world
Shelp 4 years ago
I'm sorry but in the real world, once you have a job, you don't have to share your room with a stranger, don't you?
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David Beaulieu 4 years ago (edited)
Back in the early 90s Disney came to our campus recruiting. They got a list of certified lifeguards on campus from the school. The called my dorm over and over trying to set up an interview. Eventually a rep came to my dorm room and asked me come in person. I went to the interview, told them I already had a job lined up, but hey were really selling hard. I agreed to NOTHING, but a few days later got a welcome package in the mail. Had to call and explain. Found out the recruiters were compensated on the type of people they recruit and lifeguards are tough to get (high bonus).
#45
You are being watched everywhere.
BlackPearltheSeaWing/NightWing 4 years ago (edited)
Hope they enjoyed watching my mom and sister go to my favorite park without me and my dad going to our hotel pool while I puked in our hotel room watching food network while almost crying because I was missing out. That was definitely the low point of our last trip to Disney...
#46
Disney will give VIP treatments to wealthy people & celebrities. Including being chauffeured from backstage between attractions, surrounded by a circle of cast members. I walked right past Justin Bieber & his family behind the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot without realizing it.
Chicagojulep 4 years ago
Same. I have seen Tom Cruise, Madonna, and Michael Jackson backstage. This was late 80s, early 90s.
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
The VIPs pay for this service, and Disney gladly offers it because having easily-recognized and popular celebrities walking through a crowded park would be a security nightmare.
Leodavinci 4 years ago
Was waiting in the POTC line reserved for those with special needs (son is autistic). It's also used for celebs. Christy Brinkley and her family were escorted and got on the ride in the boat just ahead of us.
#47
I was a cast member at Walt Disney World. I wasn’t a costume character, but was forced to wear a wig all year in the sweltering humidity of Florida because they felt my highlights and lowlights looked unnatural lol.
#48
I continued to use the backstage passages and the tunnels long after I quit. Nobody ever challenged me. As long as you met the grooming standards and looked like you knew where you were going, it was easy. I don't recommend trying this unless you are looking for a lifetime ban.
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
I once sneaked into a famous sound and lights horse show with a lot of security checks by hidding in a van, with horses, best hiding spot ever! A bit smelly but it was worth it! (just dumb rules, my friends were part of it with their horses but guests and strangers are banned from backstage). My name is Anne and it also means "donkey" in my language so technicaly i was just an equine in a van.
#49
Third hand story here: my brother told me that the costume characters (I.e Mikey Mouse) could be sued if they took off their costume heads in any circumstance- including if they fell into the fake lake, because that would destroy the magic of Disneyland.
He also said that there is a massive network of tunnels underneath the entire park.
Brandy Grote 4 years ago
I can't go to Disneyland anymore. The tunnels sort of reverberate and make me nauseous when I walk above them. Bleah.
John C 4 years ago
What about the tunnels and sewers beneath sidewalks and roads? I feel really bad for you if you can't walk on sidewalks, that must be awful!
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Doubt very much. Even in the US employees have the right to save their life despite management telling them otherwise and threatening to sue for breach of contract.
#50
Had to maintain “the Disney look” No facial hair with exception of groomed mustache (picture Walt Disney). Clean looking haircut that couldn’t hang over the ears or neck (male). Before I started a shift I was given a razor and asked to shave because of stubble/5 o’clock shadow. This was 2007-2010ish, lifeguard at resort pools.
JessG 4 years ago
Okay, lots of companies have this. I've worked at restaurants that do this exact thing. They have standards
ThePracticalSarcastic 4 years ago
yep...includes things like visible tattoos and certain piercings as well
Load More Replies... #51
Former Disneyland employee here. We see everything in the rides, there are cameras everywhere and we have night vision. Yes, I saw you cop a feel on your girl when you thought no one was watching.
Butternut DerpFarts 4 years ago
Donald knows when you sin. Do not sin or Donald will be displeased.
#52
I’ve always heard Disney will put on spontaneous parades to block foot traffic and manage crowds/congestion. Like if too many people are crowding magic mountain, boom. Instant parade blocking additional people from getting to magic mountain.
John C 4 years ago
That's a lot of hubbaboo to pull of spontaneously. Like, all those dozen and dozens of people are in costume, just waiting for the guests to get crowded?
Otter 4 years ago
What, do they have full marching bands on standby and in uniform or something?
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#53
The Mickey and friends parking structure has so much trash hidden in all the crevices. You’ll find dirty diapers, used condoms, and anything you can think off; just look at the glass panel crevices.
#54
My favorite part was getting screamed at everyday but my upper management and telling me I don’t deserve to be here. I was still training and learning when this happened lmao.
SilentSyst3m 4 years ago
Underpayment, harassment, brain wash, exploitation... no, you do not deserve that!
#55
I’ve never worked there, but once, in a professional capacity, I was given a 6am walking tour of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. What I was most struck by was the pirate characters up on bridges or seen in windows or on the attacking ship, none of them have any legs. They’re top-half only, mounted onto poles. If the boat riders can’t see a part of an animatronic character, then it doesn’t need to exist.
Butternut DerpFarts 4 years ago (edited)
On the other hand, if an animatronic jerks just a little too much while dancing his jig, the whole ride is stopped and you gotta exit. Tpm YouTube channel is a great example of how guests might experience ‘behind the scenes’ tpm vids is the name of the channel sorry I don’t have the link at the moment
#56
My mom was a nurse at the Anaheim Disneyland in the ‘80’s. She said the cast member who played Goofy was a hypochondriac. He was in the nurse’s office all the time complaining. She also said the cast member for Mickey Mouse was a “dirty old man.” I thought this kind of fit the characters.
Butternut DerpFarts 4 years ago
How would you not worry about your health when your in the blistering sun all day almost literally peeing yourself while germy kids whine in your lap?
#57
When I was 12 - my grandparents took me to Disney World and we stayed at the brand new "Contemporary" with all access cards. This hotel was 5 star, lobster dinner, steak dinner, amazingness. It also had a monorail go straight through it which was awesome as a kid. My all access card got us high end meals, nice tables, the works. The rooms were amazing. This is how I remember it anyway. 30 years later I took my 12 year old son to the same hotel. I, foolishly, did not do any research other than seeing the price was $700 a night and so assumed it would be exactly the same. I show up and the place is along the same lines as Motel 8 or a Days Inn. There were no real restaurants, fast food only. The rooms were absolutely disgusting. I did not feel safe. There was no Disney Magic. I do not know if any of the other Disney hotels are grand, magical, and amazing like I remember, but this was not. I feel dirty having gone to Disney World as an adult.
Alphabet Soupy 4 years ago (edited)
A Disney hotel seems v special or magical to a 12yr old, not so much for an adult. Secondly, I was there a couple years ago for the Mickey breakfast deal and to catch the monorail and it’s still fancy. A little outdated, but has been kept in good condition. Idk if they expect a thorough renovation but that would take shutting the hotel down, so this place has probably had normal updates/gen maintenance, it’s just not sparkling and he’s an adult who doesn’t feel safe at an expensive hotel.
#58
In disneyland, in the peter pan ride, i was always in awe with the floating stars that you zoom by in the ride.
Turns out they are just LEDs on the end of wire hangars (attached to the walls, mostly) that are wrapped in electrical tape.
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
Isn't this what light up 'Stars' are on anything other than the real night sky?
Andrew Gibb 4 years ago
there is also a live crocodile in the lagoon. The one that bit off someone's hand.
What do you think ?
Kaori Panda 4 years ago
I never understood the extreme adoration people have for Disney. I don't understand how a theme park like that is "magical" and clearly everything is there to make money.
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
I hate theme parks - and I hated them when I was a kid, too. I have zero desire to go to any Disney property. They've been abusing their staff from the moment they opened, and everyone is frightened to upset them.
GirlFriday 4 years ago
Same. I have never like amusement parks and I can't think of tooo many places that would be worse than Disney to vacation.
Load More Replies... ivan bolitekurac 4 years ago
I am not saying that there aren't things that are wrong.But we have people claiming stuff and no way to prove that claims...
David F 4 years ago
Bored Panda is for entertainment. It's up to you to decide .
Load More Replies...
Seabeast 4 years ago
Disney was sort of notorious for abusing the animals in some of his "classic" films, so it does not surprise me that employees would be treated like dirt as well.
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
The animal abuse occurred at a time when most movie productions including animals were abusive and unhealthy for the animal stars.
Load More Replies... Hans 4 years ago
Strange post. Few of these are "Dirty Secrets" as the title implies...actually, that an amusement parts creates a artifically happy world and exactly this is requested by patrons is no surprise. It is no surprise either that show business is often a sweatjob, and it is sadly no suprise that many of the jobs will be bad-paying and tend to have bad working conditions. Moreover, this post mixes individual anecdotes with hints to systematic problems. Thus, I do not think that it is very educational.
CbusResident 4 years ago
The entire Walt Disney Company has always made me feel a mixture of disgust and admiration. In a way that company is the most American company of them all, (and I'm an American, from the very average-American state of Ohio): a world-class creator of glorious fantasies, but with a willingness to be extremely harsh in how it achieves them.
David F 4 years ago
I don't get why Disneyland is not all over the place. Why don't they have a Disneyland in every state. It doesn't make sense to me.
Load More Replies...
David F 4 years ago
I'm done with Disneyland. When I was a kid man it was the best but now I'm afraid I'm never going again. It's part of growing up. The day you realize I will never go back. I never went to Magic Mountain though and they got 29 rollercoasters so maybe someday I'll go there. But Covid has me not wanting to get 6 feet near anyone anywhere now forever. I'm gonna start wearing a mask 24/7 everywhere I am. It sucks but I don't want to die that way. I almost died the last time I had the flu and they say the mask prevents it. So it works out to making sense.
Kaori Panda 4 years ago
I never understood the extreme adoration people have for Disney. I don't understand how a theme park like that is "magical" and clearly everything is there to make money.
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
I hate theme parks - and I hated them when I was a kid, too. I have zero desire to go to any Disney property. They've been abusing their staff from the moment they opened, and everyone is frightened to upset them.
GirlFriday 4 years ago
Same. I have never like amusement parks and I can't think of tooo many places that would be worse than Disney to vacation.
Load More Replies... ivan bolitekurac 4 years ago
I am not saying that there aren't things that are wrong.But we have people claiming stuff and no way to prove that claims...
David F 4 years ago
Bored Panda is for entertainment. It's up to you to decide .
Load More Replies... Seabeast 4 years ago
Disney was sort of notorious for abusing the animals in some of his "classic" films, so it does not surprise me that employees would be treated like dirt as well.
2WheelTravlr 4 years ago
The animal abuse occurred at a time when most movie productions including animals were abusive and unhealthy for the animal stars.
Load More Replies... Hans 4 years ago
Strange post. Few of these are "Dirty Secrets" as the title implies...actually, that an amusement parts creates a artifically happy world and exactly this is requested by patrons is no surprise. It is no surprise either that show business is often a sweatjob, and it is sadly no suprise that many of the jobs will be bad-paying and tend to have bad working conditions. Moreover, this post mixes individual anecdotes with hints to systematic problems. Thus, I do not think that it is very educational.
CbusResident 4 years ago
The entire Walt Disney Company has always made me feel a mixture of disgust and admiration. In a way that company is the most American company of them all, (and I'm an American, from the very average-American state of Ohio): a world-class creator of glorious fantasies, but with a willingness to be extremely harsh in how it achieves them.
David F 4 years ago
I don't get why Disneyland is not all over the place. Why don't they have a Disneyland in every state. It doesn't make sense to me.
Load More Replies... David F 4 years ago
I'm done with Disneyland. When I was a kid man it was the best but now I'm afraid I'm never going again. It's part of growing up. The day you realize I will never go back. I never went to Magic Mountain though and they got 29 rollercoasters so maybe someday I'll go there. But Covid has me not wanting to get 6 feet near anyone anywhere now forever. I'm gonna start wearing a mask 24/7 everywhere I am. It sucks but I don't want to die that way. I almost died the last time I had the flu and they say the mask prevents it. So it works out to making sense.
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