From All of Us at ITM: Thank You, Disney Cast Members, For Everything!

It’s actually happening. The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, and Disneyland Paris are closing for the rest of March. That means as of March 16, every single Disney resort and theme park around the world — including Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort — will be closed for the first time ever.

For all of us at Inside the Magic, this still feels like a bad dream, and as we continue to cover shutdowns we are in just as much shock as you are. As we go about our daily lives, our hearts are left sitting just outside the gates of the kingdom, waiting a very special mouse to let us back in.

But a day at the Disney Parks is nothing without the outstanding Cast Members that bring the magic to life for every guest every day. Every smiling face “on stage” has a hand in making a person’s Disney Day, whether they are a cashier at the emporium, a pastry chef, a Disney Princess, a PhotoPass photographer, or a custodian — all have a little extra magic about them.

Their talent, their warmth, their dedication, and expertise is unmatched, and we could not be more thankful for everything that they do.

So, on behalf of the cast of Inside the Magic, thank you, Disney Cast Members, for everything you do. 

Thank you to everyone who makes Disney Magic come alive for every Disney Parks guest: Cast Members — including those who are full-time, part-time, seasonal, Disney college program, Disney Cultural Representative Program, Disney Culinary Program, and more — employees, contractors, performers, and everyone else who keeps the Disney Parks running. Ever since I can remember, the magic of Disney has been part of my life — my dad was an animatronic mechanic, my grandfather was an Imagineer, and everyone at Disney has shaped my life for the better.

It’s because of all of you that I love Disney Parks. These are trying times for everyone — and I hope every person who works at Disney can continue to keep their physical and mental health a top priority now and always. You deserve some extra pixie dust. See ya real soon!
– Bailee Abell 

As a two year member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and a dedicated Annual Passholder, I got to see, meet, and befriend more than my fair share of Cast Members. I was luckily able to experience (nearly on a daily basis) the tangible magic that you provided not only to Guests around the globe, but to each other, and also to me. Thank you for the countless times you’ve diffused a difficult situation, helped to create an enlightening and warm moment for someone, and for creating memories that I still carry with me in my heart. As we hunker down for what truly could be the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” I thank you for playing your part with the grace and devotion of Snow White. Mary Poppins told us,
“Memories you’ve shed, Gone for good you feared…
They’re all around you still, Though they’ve disappeared.
Nothing’s really left, Or lost without a trace
Nothing’s gone forever, Only out of place.”  – The Place Where Lost Things Go, Mary Poppins Returns
We’ll see you again real soon! – Lindsey Paris

As a previous Cast Member and as someone who currently has very close friends who are current Cast Members, I can’t even imagine what all of you are going through. This is such a tough time — not just on the guests who are visiting the parks, but for those who do this for a living. Those who walk into the parks day in and day out with the goal in mind of creating magic and memories for the guests. And even after you all found out this unfortunate news, you continued on with a smile on your face, continuing as if nothing as happened. And for that, I thank you.

I have been right here by your side through all of this. Not as a CM but as a guest and I can see the struggle. I can see the frustration. But yet, you have still made this entire experience for me one of the most magical vacations yet. And as we all say — This isn’t goodbye. It’s see ya real soon.
– Kelly Coffey

 

To the real magic makers; the cast! We are going to miss you during this time of waiting. It’s hard to believe our happy place will be closed down. But we know it’s only temporary. Thank you for everything you do to make each visit so special to all the families and guests that step foot at the most magical place on earth!

I’ll be counting down the days until we meet again! Until then, I send you all the pixie-dusted vibes through this challenging time of uncertainty. And in the meantime, we can all hold true to Walt’s wise words: 

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…” -Walt Disney 

May we be strengthened by this season and come back better, stronger, and ready to make all our dreams come true!  –Emille Crawford

 

Thank you Cast Members for all that you do. I know it doesn’t always go appreciated sometimes, and you still do it with a smile on your face when a guest may not be the most friendly. You are what makes the parks so magical. All of you truly embody the Disney character and without you the atmosphere wouldn’t be what it is. I know this isn’t the way you all want to take a break, but use this time to recoup and recover. Magic isn’t easy! To all the parade Cast Members, I know it’s hard to not be able to perform those numbers you tirelessly rehearse day and overnight. We notice! And we can’t wait to see you all back out there especially where the Magic Happens! – Kristin Yep

 

Magic IS REAL! One needs to look no further than the talented, loving wonders also known as cast members.  I have been fortunate to have been going to WDW since year one. I’ve seen my share of amazing and tender moments, from wedding proposals, to making someone’s day extra special.  Thrice, I was privileged to be part of that magic – an experience I will treasure.

I’ve lost count of how many times cast members have totally wowed me (both personally and by going above and beyond with other guests). Perhaps the most amazing and personal impact from the hearts of these wonderful humans took place when the Adventurer’s Club was still around.  Having mentioned that a loved one was dealing with cancer, several of the performers rallied not only at the club (to make me smile), but even outside Disney by helping to organize a talent show fund raiser!  KUNGALOOSH!

It seems small, in comparison to what many cast members are currently facing with park closures, but expressing gratitude for appreciation for almost 50 years of entertainment and escape is long overdue.  Thank you, ALL of YOU who do what you do, and do it so well!  You have our support, love and appreciation!

See Ya Real SOON! –Michael Gavin

 

Thank you Cast Members for making the sacrifices everyday to make strangers smile, the early morings for rope drop, the late nights closing up the park, and the late night rehersals and blistering hot days in between. It takes a special kind of person to live and breathe Disney like you do. While many may say “I love Disney,” you are the ones who can truly say it. Because you are on-stage and back stage every day. No one is more disillusioned as you yet you spend everyday taking the magic to new heights. You still love Disney–both the idea and the institution–and you continue to leave your mark on your Disney park. You have the unfathomable amounts of patience and you handle crowd control better than most police departments. I hope you find some joy and peace in this little unscheduled yet much-deserved break and that you come back refreshed and ready to make more dreams come true. Have a magical day!  -TJ Muscaro

 

Having just returned from Disneyland last night, I commend the cast members who never faltered in providing a magical experience for all of us!

Through the years, my family has had many wonderful cast member experiences, but just yesterday we encountered two of the best. Thank you to Cass at Elias & Co. and to Donald Duck for making my daughter’s trip extra amazing. 

We can’t wait for you to return and thank you SO much for all you do to help us make lifelong memories. – Rebekah Barton

 

Thank you Cast Members for the countless times you made my experience extra magical, thank you for continuing to smile even when life gets tough.  Every one of you deserves the biggest #CastCompliment because Disney Magic starts with you. Stay safe and take care of yourself now more than ever. The parks will reopen before we know it and I can’t wait to see you again soon. – Kurt Schmidt

Ask anybody who has visited a Disney park, and we guarantee they will have a story about how a Disney Cast Member. If anything keeps the magic alive during this time, it will be those stories, retelling and reliving them, and the promise of more stories yet to be made.

While Shanghai Disney Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris could possibly remain closed, the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World resort are hopefully scheduled to reopen in April 2020. Our calendars are marked, Disney Cast Members. We’ll see ya real soon!

Do you have a magical Cast Member story tell? Please share it in the comments or email your own personal “thank you” to CastMemberCompliment@insidethemagic.net — we’d love to share your experiences!