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Credit: DisneyThere are a lot of things that can make your Disney vacation a magical experience — the amazing rides and attractions, memorable character meet-and-greets, mouthwatering meals, and stunning nighttime spectaculars. However, many people would also say that their vacation was made even more special by the cast members they interacted with during their trip.
Disney cast members work incredibly hard to make vacations memorable for each and every guest who walks through the theme park gates. They keep the rides running smoothly, keep the bathrooms sparkling clean, cook the food, and do anything and everything you could possibly think of.
Related: Disney’s Most Complimented Cast Member Receives Major Award!
Being a Disney cast member might look like a fun job, but there is a lot that goes into it. Cast members undergo rigorous training and have a lot of rules they must follow, although some of those rules have changed a bit.
Most recently, Disney relaxed its rules on cast members’ looks, finally allowing them to have some facial hair, display their tattoos, and allow for more inclusive styles of hair and nails. They also began offering gender-neutral costumes and even allowed male cast members to wear costumes generally reserved for female cast members.
Cast members praised these changes, enjoying the fact that they were able to express themselves more than ever before.
Related: This Is Why Disney Cast Members Call You “Friends” (And Don’t Call You “Folks”)
While Disney’s rules for cast members are becoming more relaxed and inclusive than ever before, there are still very strict protocols they must follow. These rules are in place to keep the Disney magic alive and keep both guests and cast members safe.
A former Disney cast member who went by the pseudonym “Michael” recently spoke to The Daily Mail about just how stressful being a cast member can be. He worked at the company for nearly ten years, working mainly on attractions, before becoming “coordinator,” which he said is a role that comes just under manager.
Michael admitted that the role came with a number of perks, but there were even more drawbacks to working for the Mouse House.
Related: In Devastating Video, Disney Cast Member Reveals How Damaging Disability Changes Have Been
Michael noted that one of the most important rules that cast members must follow is one that a lot of people might not think about — wearing a smartwatch, like an Apple Watch.
Millions of people wear smartwatches daily without even thinking about it, but at Disney, it’s a huge no-no.
He explained that employees had to follow strict rules, like not being able to take any photos backstage or wear smart watches, or you’d be fired.
‘Safety critical roles, such as [working the] attractions had some strict guidelines,’ Michael shared.
‘An example of a strict rule, was no smart watches. Any device could be a distraction from vehicle motion and could get you fired if you’re caught wearing one.’
Smartwatches can be used for many things, so it makes sense that Disney worries they could be a distraction. Any distraction, especially while operating a ride or attraction, could result in injury to a guest or even another cast member.
Cast members have been fired for a variety of reasons, with many losing their jobs for sharing videos from backstage areas that Disney does not want guests to see. One video of cast members in costumes even went viral, with many guests shocked at their inappropriate behind-the-scenes behavior.
Disney cast members have also been outspoken in their desire for Disney to increase their compensation. Florida cast members do make more than minimum wage, but it’s not enough to afford the skyrocketing cost of living in the area. Disney has also been sued for not paying their Disneyland cast members what they were required to pay.
Does it make sense that Disney does not allow cast members to wear smartwatches? Do you think something like an Apple Watch could be a distraction? Do you like the more inclusive changes being made to Disney cast member appearance rules? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!