This article was originally published on Kueez
Depending on your location, you probably dreamed of a trip to Disney World growing up. The luckiest kiddos got to visit all the Disney parks, and they enjoyed the fun and fantasy. But what was it like for the workers who made the magic real? Now that we are all grown up in age — though not at heart — we can consider the other aspects of the happiest place on earth. But what is the real deal for the thousands employed there? We assure you, it's not what you would think!
There Is a Disney Jail for Wild Guests
With so many visitors to the theme park, there are bound to be at least a few trouble makers who make it in. 50,000 people pay to play, each and every day. At that scale, even 1% means 500 crazy guests. For these folks, Disney has a jail on-site to prevent chaos. There is a holding area for thieves, lunatics, and Maryjane smokers. This isn't just a myth, as funny as it may sound.
You may not know it, but some famous names have been to the Disney jail, like Blake Lively and Robert Downey Jr. Blake tried to sneak into the park as a child, and Rob tried to smoke at the park as an adult. To each their own, we say.
Beware, There a Million Ways to Get Fired
After jumping through all the hoops of training to become a part of the Disney universe, one might think the coast is clear. But no, it never is. Once you make it into full-time work, it's a reason to celebrate, but that's not all. It's also a time to start paying attention to the many rules and restrictions to ensure you keep the gig. Past fired cast members have made many errors. Smooching another worker, for example. Or gaining weight, as a princess. Yikes!
It does seem like Disney has very high standards and isn't afraid to cut the dead weight from their ranks. But hey, wearing a Mickey costume probably shouldn't be a lifelong job, either way.
All Costume Characters Have to Be Wordless
There are life-sized characters all around the park, and we know that a real human is inside. But for just a little while, we like to pretend that's not the case. It's Mickey, in the flesh! But really, those cast members must abide by a specific protocol to stay on the job. You might want to have a conversation with them, and that's understandable. But by Disney regulation, they are not allowed to chat back.
No matter how excited guests beg you to play along, you cannot verbally respond if you are in a costume. But is that really so sad? It might affect the magic if they started talking in the wrong voice!
Don’t You Dare Ask For an Autograph From Celeb Guests
Few of us can say we would keep our cool if we ran into our favorite celeb. If you are a worker at Disney, that's bound to happen once in a while. And when it does, you're not allowed to acknowledge them. You cannot ask for an autograph, for sure. The famous want to enjoy time with their kids, and Disney wants them to have a day to remember for the right reasons.
Anyway, how would Mickey Mouse know about Ryan Reynolds? They live in different universes, and this should be the only time they cross paths. Staying in character is essential at all times, even if you are starstruck behind the mask.
Please Resist the Temptation to Spread Human Ashes
It might sound perverse, but folks keep trying to release the urns of their dead at the park. Why is Disneyworld a popular destination for ashes? Maybe it was a child's favorite place, and it seems like a sentimental place to leave their spirit. Apparently, this happens often enough that the management has a policy on it. It's highly against the rules, and we are not surprised to find out that it will get you a lifetime ban.
Sure, the grieving process is hard. But unleashing this dust while a roller coaster is in motion is a big mess for everyone. It will just get swept up at the end of the day, anyway. In summary: Just don't.
Spooky Cast Members Are Not Allowed to Crack Smiles
Much of Disney is whimsical. But visitors to the park love its creepy side, too. The Haunted Mansion is one of its most popular and enduring attractions. It's a ghost train kind of situation, and for the mood to be authentic, the cast members need to make sure their usual grins are left at the door. If things are haunted, you've got to act like you're undead. Is that so hard?
For the less smiley among the staff, the mansion is the perfect place to show off their dead eyes. It's part of the reason why people return to get freaked out, over and over. Great ghouls, Disney!
It’s Time to Hear About the Disney Princess Diet
In the modeling biz, thin is always in. Sure, there are plus-sized ads now, too. But for the most part, the industry favorite remains the same. One would think that Disney is a little more welcoming since it's a place for kids. But no! The company does want its princesses to be quite trim, just like their animated selves. The question is, how do female employees keep their figures and their jobs?
Anonymously, one former princess claimed: “Some of the princesses did cleanses to stay fit; a lot of the girls were naturally thin. We’d go to the gym after work or do workout videos together during our breaks.”
This Unappealing Green Is All Over for a Reason
We already know that an incredible amount of planning is put into every building and attraction. But what about the ugly space in between? As it turns out, Disney planners have that covered, too. Whenever there is something guests might find irrelevant to the overall theme, it gets painted. One special color is always used, as seen here. It's a mean green, and allegedly, you're not supposed to like it.
So, what do you think? The hue is used for non-magical distractions. You will see it on staff doors and eyesores, galore. With these things coated in the same color, the mind starts to ignore them as a pattern. Sneaky, really!
It Turns Out That The Castles Are Optical Illusions
Sleeping Beauty copied Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Snow White showed off a style taken from Alcázar de Segovia in Spain. The animators were inspired by the best of the best when they created those fairytale visuals for us. And at Disneyworld, we can visit them without flying all the way to the mountains of Europe. But there's one thing only park workers know for sure: Their size is a sneaky engineering trick.
What do we mean? Disney planners decided to use a shortcut to make the structures appear larger than they really are. By placing smaller bricks at the top, it fools the human eye into thinking buildings are taller. Additionally, the second and third stories are scaled-down. Fooled us, that's for sure!
It’s Not an Accident You Hear Cloppy Horse Feet
On main street at the park, you can hear the sounds of horses walking all around you: Clop, clop, clop, it never stops. Since you probably don't hang out with stallions every day, you might think that's normal. But it's not! Disney has intentionally enhanced the feet of their horses for your enjoyment. It's a magical little detail you would never plan. But at Disney, they have truly thought about everything.
Each Disney horse is fitted with a unique horseshoe to enhance the sound of their step. They are coated in a special polyurethane material to make the sound as pleasant as possible. Incredible!
Real Cats Roam the Park as Animal Employees
If you were to get trapped in Disneyworld after hours, you might be surprised to find what comes out at night. The park unleashes a legion of felines that it uses to keep things clean. In what way? Why, their natural instinct to hunt rats, of course! No Disney experience should involve rodents. The planners at this world-class park are willing to use any method to ensure your satisfaction.
When the park was first constructed, workers found some strays hanging out. At first, they tried giving them away to staff as pets. But after a while, they reconsidered. Why deal with the cat and rat infestation separately? It's a natural ecosystem, as is!
There Is a Trick to Making Those Characters Feel Real
Disney takes their mission very seriously. All they want to do is recreate the magic of the movies for millions of children to remember for the rest of their lives. No big deal! To accomplish this task, all cast members must stay in character at all times. But that's not all. There can never be two of the same personality roaming around at once. That would be blasphemous, in Disney terms.
In practice, that means you’re never going to spot more than one Cruella at Disneyland at the same time. There won't be multiple Snow Whites, either. And just to make sure no one ruins it from the outside, adults are not allowed to arrive at the park in their own costumes. That could mess up the plan, you see.
Disney Calls All Employees Cast Members
When you sign up to be a worker at Disney, you are never hired as a worker. You are hired as a cast member. That's right, the most magical place for employment has a special name for its staff. The theme park is considered a stage, and they try to make people feel it with their job titles. From the cashiers to the janitors, everyone is an important part of the Disney experience.
Cast members are all participants in a live show for the duration of your visit. There's no way Disney would have the reputation it does if they just did everything the standard way. This place is a whole new world!
All Those Smells Are Not Just Your Imagination
Visitors often remark that things just smell delightful; It's an added bonus since everything else is already pure magic. But none of the scents are an accident, as we can now confirm. The distinct smells in each part of the park are all part of a plot to force you to enjoy every minute. The salty sea air is no mistake at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The aroma of baked goods on main street is a planned aroma, as well.
Disney installed special smell pumps to constantly waft smells your way. Why are they going this far? They say that this sense is the strongest one tied to human memory. Maybe Disney is smarter than we knew!
The Disney Worlds Are Kept Super Separate and Distinct
Disney parks are well planned, and they all contain very diverse attractions. Disneyland has attractions like Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Critter Country. Disney World has Epcot and the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The idea seems to be that there should be something for everyone. And over the decades, that has certainly proved to be a winning formula. Walt himself wanted to have a park set up this way.
What is especially smart is the way they are all totally separated. Views are intentionally obscured, and sound is blocked off to make sure experiences don’t get mixed together. It’s perfect, in a park!
They Also Have the Most Magical Lost and Found Ever
You probably never thought about the sheer size ad scope of the lost and found at a place like Disneyworld. But imagining it now, it's got to be significant. As you might assume., sunglasses are a common item that visitors keep losing. On a daily basis, more than 200 pairs are left behind at the park. It's a diverse collection of shades. But is that all that people keep abandoning in odd places?
Staff members have actually revealed some shockers. Once, they came across a glass eye. Another time, they discovered a prosthetic leg! It's hard to understand why these items are even being removed in the middle of a trip. But after enough time passes, finders keepers!
You Can Actually Eat Any Plant Growing in Tomorrowland
You might think that theme parks are mostly concrete, metal, and plastic. And in many ways, they are. But at Disneyworld, they don't want things to be totally urban. Vacation is about nature as well as architecture, to the sophisticated traveler. That might be why they integrated plants so much into Tomorrowland. It's gorgeous, but there is something special about the greenery there you won't guess without a hint.
Walt Disney liked the idea of sustainable gardens, and this part of the park reflects that dream. Get this: All the plants are edible, and you can take a bite. Love the idea, Walt!
It’s Best to See the Beast at Dinner
Frequent visitors to the Disney parks will be familiar with most characters on site. It's lovely to see the princesses up close and personal, and classic Mickey and Minnie are a hoot. Seeing Prince Charming will make you swoon. But what about the prince you love most of all? The Beast is on the grounds too, but you have to know where to find him. Where does he usually hang out?
Apparently, he spends all his time in one specific spot. Go ahead and find the Be Our Guest restaurant at the edge of the Beast’s castle. He likes to have dinner there, just like in the movie. Be his guest, please!
Disney's Secret for Keeping Away All the Mosquitos
Disney World is located in Orlando, which always has a hot and humid summer season. Mosquitos are therefore a fact of life in Florida, but that is no fun at a theme park. Why didn't you get bitten up when you visit The Magic Kingdom? As it turns out, it's not a lucky accident. Disney World rejected pesticides as a solution, but they didn't give up that easily. To keep their visitors comfy, they used liquid garlic.
Mosquitoes hate the stuff, it turns out. They made sure to use just the right amount s that you don't notice it, but the bugs do. It's genius, and maybe this is a tip we can use at home, too!
Character Autographs Are Consistent Across Time
One thing park visitors cannot resist is a unique souvenir to remember their trip. And we can understand the sentiment. Even though there are shops absolutely everywhere to buy stuffed animals and posters, a personalized mark from their favorite character is what might mean the most. Disney picked up on this trend a while ago and added it to their official training. Did you know that all signatures are standardized?
All employees who dress up for a living are required to learn the specific squiggle of their character. Leave your own handwriting at the gate, says Disney. Hey, they are probably right.
You Must Graduate from Disney University
To work at the best park on the planet, you need to get educated. In fact, you have to go to university. Disney Unversity! A simple job application is really not enough here. At the employee school, you will learn everything you need to know to keep protocol at all times. That means how to talk, how to walk, and how to dress. Conveniently, there are a few locations to choose from: Walt Disney World near Orlando, Disneyland Anaheim, or the Burbank headquarters.
What can a grad expect, afterward? Published figures show that a Disney princess gets starting salary of around $27,000. It doesn't really go much higher than that, though, if that was your specific dream.
The Tree of Life Isn’t as Real as It Looks
It's an absolutely magnificent tree, if we do say so ourselves. Right in the middle of the Animal Kingdom sits the Tree of Life. It certainly looks like a genuine baobab tree. But it's artificial, and we've never seen a fake plant quite like it. A lot of effort went into this project by hand, like the animals carved into the trunk. The leaves are hand-crafted, too. More than 100,000 man-made leaves sit on 8,000 sculpted branches.
It's totally fake, but we are impressed! If we never told you it was an art piece, we bet you wouldn't have guessed. But we can't blame you for falling for it: That was the Disney plan, all along.
Playing a Face Character Is a Soul Consuming Gig
You probably noticed that some characters do show their faces. The cast members are heavily made up to look just like the originals, and it's even more impressive that they give hugs and hold conversations in character, all day long. They stay in acting mode the entire time they are in front of the public, even if you ask about the bathroom. It's part of the unique charm of Disney and proves why they are the very best in the game.
But do these workers ever get to take a breather? For a full 8 hour day, they really don't get to be themselves. There is a small backstage area where they can pause, though. As there should be!
Be Prepared to Know the Answer to Everything in the Universe
Most people know a lot about a little bit. On all other matters, they might be a jack-of-all-trades. And that's okay! The only time you need to be an encyclopedia is if you happen to work at a Disney park. When a guest asks a character or a cashier a question, they are not allowed to say they don't know. That's just not the Disney way. It's totally not allowed, or else.
Your knowledge as a cast member needs to be pretty high to succeed. In an emergency, you can get help. Secret phones can reach a park operator in serious situations. No one is required to be a doctor or a cop!
They Under Promise but Over Deliver on Line Times
Long lines are a feature of just about every amusement park if it's popular. That significantly reduces the fun, don't you think? Well, Disney has tried to find a psychological solution to this issue for their rides. Sometimes, the waiting time is listed as two hours outside an attraction. Can that really be true? If it is, we can't imagine who would bother. Most would move on and abandon the plan.
Some Disney guests have noticed a funny phenomenon once the wait is over: The line didn't feel as long as they anticipated. They're right about that: Disney actually writes longer times than they expect, just to make sure you are pleasantly surprised when you reach the ride. Sneaky!
The Perks of Being a Cast Member Are Magical
So far, we've heard a lot about the rules and restrictions that Disney imposes. But it can't be all bad. What about the perks that come with the gig? There are definitely a few worth talking about. First and foremost, cast members get free or discounted entry to all Disney locations around the world. It's not clear if you would want to spend your day off at work, but the option is there. What else?
They also get discounts on merch and food. And then, there are the events, exclusive tours, and parties for cast members. For what it's worth, many jobs offer no perks, these days.
Griping on Social Media Is Forbidden
Most of the information we've found hasn't been easy. That's because the official policy of the company is silence. On social media, employees are not allowed to complain about their jobs. Should they violate the rule, they will get booted faster than they can say Tinker Bell. As a result, a lot of the beans have been spilled anonymously online. But that's just the beginning of the secrecy pact. It gets darker!
Some employees are not even allowed to tell other people which character they play at the park all day. Why so cruel, Disney? If you get a dream job as a princess, can't you at least tell your friends?
Secret Security Guards are Hiding Throughout the Park
Disney has a responsibility to make sure things run safely and smoothly inside their magical parks. For that purpose, they have installed security all over the place in plain clothes. You may not see them, but rest assured, they're lurking. Is it the man in the Hawaiian shirt behind you? Is the lady eating ice cream out of the corner of your eye? Who knows. But they're there.
One Twitter user weighed in to confirm the rumor: “I’ve seen them when they’re working and they look like the biggest dork tourists you could possibly imagine (big hats, zinc on the nose, silly character shirts tucked into ill-fitting shorts, hiking boots, etc.) so they fit right in.”
Those Animals on the Jungle Cruise Were Not Always Robots
The Jungle Cruise is a beloved, classic ride. It's exotic and wild in the best way. Few know that the concept has changed over the years: The original idea involved real animals around the gear, and this meant live alligators at Disney World. What could go wrong? Obviously, a lot. When someone inevitably died, the park moved to the obvious solution: animatronic wildlife! How are things now, with the upgrade?
It's an incredible fake safari, that's how things are going. We're still willing to give it a go. According to Disney: "It's a 10-minute, 10,000-mile journey that you won't soon forget!"
The Tower of Terror Has Preset Screams on Loop
The Tower of Terror is an iconic ride at Disneyland. It's the clear favorite for many guests. One of the most important parts of the experience is the sound: All around you, screams make things super scary. The screams are dramatic, and you probably thought they sounded authentic. As it turns out, they're real human screams. But they are pre-recorded and played over and over, day after day. Sorry, but it's true!
Maybe some of the noise is coming from people on the ride. But for the most part, it's the magic of a recording. It's still a spooky time, but maybe a little more rehearsed than your wildest nightmare.
Underground Tunnels Let Workers Zoom Around Quick
It's a giant, magical wonderland. How do workers get from place to place in a flash? With the massive crowds on a day-to-day basis, you might think they need hovercrafts, but no one has seen that happen yet. Ever wonder what's underneath the park? As it turns out, there is a super-secret tunnel system. Employees refer to the network as an underground city. Sounds fascinating, though we will probably never get a peek!
The tunnels have a few functions. There are places for cast members to store their belongings. There are prep spaces for the kitchens that serve thousands of guests. The costume department, the electrical controls, and the garbage system are also down below. Disney sounds like a military operation!
Cinderella Has a Hidden Suite You Can Sleep In
Cinderella’s castle is a classic attraction at Disneyland. Fans will always love it, no matter what bells and whistles new attractions might boast. But even longtime fans may not know that the tower has a secret. It's a suite fit for royals, and very few guests have ever stepped inside. This little place was made for Walt himself, and most people never knew of its existence. However, in 2006 it was opened up for special occasions, like as a prize for competitions.
If you are ever lucky enough to win a spot, be prepared for a suite that can fit up to six guests. The design has 17th century furniture, a real fireplace, and a pumpkin-carriage Cinderella mosaic on the floor. Ultra-exclusive, and ultra-Disney!
The Trash Cans Are Still Placed Just How Walt Wanted Them
With thousands of guests walking around, eating, and disposing of waste, you might think things would get dirty. But at Disney parks, there never seems to be a speck out of place. How s that possible? Well, the constant cleaning crews help. But there's one more trick around the park that might be an unseen factor. When old Walt was around, he instituted a rule about can placement. He ate a hot dog while walking. He counted steps. And when he finished, he reported the number as the perfect distance between cans.
It's cute that the modern designers have kept his idea in pace, all these years later. It's authentic, but it's also smart to encourage people to have cans right when they need them. Walt was a smart guy, as we already suspected!
The Floor Colors Are Planned Out for Selfies
Disney has planned out every single detail of the rides, rooms, and meals on their premises. But would you believe they also thought about the floors all around the park? Whether it's outside or inside, the colors were chosen with intention. Designers think that the ones currently in place encourage people to take pictures. That's nostalgia to return one day. And it's free advertising on fridge magnets across the country. We see what you did there, Disney!
Thinking about it, we kind of agree that a bright red floor is a great place for snapshots. Plain old concrete just doesn't have that same appeal.
There’s a Secret Hair Salon
Disney is pretty strict about the appearance of its cast members at all times. Authentic characters are what draw in the crowds, and management takes that seriously. But being a full-time worker is hectic, and it might not be easy to keep up with grooming in between shifts. That's why Disney has cleverly decided to hire hairstylists. Right under the Fantasyland tunnels, employees can visit Kingdom Kutters. How does it work?
Simply, it's for employees only, and it's a quick fix. If your hair isn't neat, combed, and styled, there are professionals who can help you in a jiff. But for a total makeover, a real salon is still your best bet.
Gum Is an Absolute No-No at Vending Stands
The nation of Singapore has a special rule we've heard about from afar. Since 2004, it has been illegal to import or sell gum. The clean, modern nation wanted perfectly manicured streets without black spots all over the places from discarded chew. It may sound a little extreme. But it turns out that Disney has adopted the very same stance at its parks! None of the vendors sell it, and that has kept the place spic and span.
In the meantime, feel free to buy anything else you want. Snack food and fine dining are all top quality, and you can even buy booze. Hey, parents want to have fun too!
There Are Hidden Mickeys All Over the Place
Disney has created so many characters already, and new ones pop up every year. It's hard to keep track of them all, frankly. The one thing we know for sure is that Mickey Mouse is the king. Animators love to insert him into secret places in movies, and the park has done the same thing. Visitors love to try and find all the mice, and around 1,000 have been documented so far.
One of the largest examples could never be seen from the ground. An aerial view of Expedition Everest in Disney World shows that the entire installation looks like a mouse. There is no way that is by chance!
High Tech Garbage Disposals Are All Over the Park
We already know that there are trash cans everywhere you turn. But does the park have other methods of garbage disposal? Yes, of course. With waste from 50,000 visitors a day, it’s hard to imagine the job they have in this area. The cleaning staff and the public bins are just part of the process. Have you heard about the underground trash tubes? They are very real indeed.
The tubes are located in 17 different places, and they suck in the garbage at high speed. How fast? Staff say that things disappear at 60 miles per hour into the earth. Try not to lose anything in that area, we suppose.
Some Stars Made Their Start as Disney Princesses
You may be surprised to learn that some of the biggest names in Hollywood started at the park level of Disney. Before he was the voice of the Genie, Robin Williams was one of its Jungle Cruise Skippers at Disneyland in his day. Steve Martin did magic tricks at Fantasyland. And Michelle Pfeiffer played Alice at the park! This was all long ago, in the 1970s. But we've noticed it on the CV!
These factoids are amusing, without a doubt. But the most extreme example of a cast member rising up the ranks has to be Disney director John Lasseter. He actually used to be a street sweeper at Tomorrowland!
They End Each Night With a Charming Song
Anyone who has visited Disney parks came away with a little magic, or at least a few souvenirs and a full stomach. It's just that kind of day, and you rarely hear negative reviews. The biggest fans return each year to see new attractions and relive their faves. But the one thing just about everyone misses is the song at the end of the night. Have you ever stayed until the final closing?
Spoiler alert: The castle becomes illuminated. “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays. And finally, there is the announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, on behalf of everyone here at the Magic Kingdom, we thank you for joining us today for a magic gathering of family, friends, fun, and fantasy. We hope your magical journey with us has created wonderful memories that will last a lifetime."