Disney in a Minute: What is a Cast Member?

In Disney parlance, travel destinations like theme parks are a “show” for the guests. And who is part of a show? The cast! In other words, Cast Members are the Disney employees.

When you visit a Disney park or enjoy a Disney cruise, you’ll see people who are wearing name tags. They’re Cast Members. But – and here’s the part you may not know – so are so many others who work on Disney parks and ships!

Some Cast Member roles are visible to guests. The Cast Members “on stage” can be literally on stage, dancing in a Magic Kingdom parade. But they’re also the server at your dinner. Or the person who helps you board your vehicle at Spaceship Earth. Or even the shopkeepers in the various shops.

Other Cast Members have essential roles that keep things going, but the people themselves aren’t so noticeable when you visit. These are the groundskeepers, the folks who keep the bathrooms clean, etc. Even those who designed the lighting for Cinderella Castle or roles that may never set foot in the parks. Disney believes everyone who’s part of the show, in any role, makes up the cast. They’re ALL considered to be Cast Members. Without the invisible roles these people play, the show simply would not go on!

Cast members make you feel welcome, answer questions, keep you safe, help you have fun, and create memorable experiences. In a recent park visit, we were especially grateful to Cast Members who helped us when a grandkid wandered off. Because of the name tags, all the grandkids know that if they get separated, talk to the Cast Member with the “badge”!

One final note: Cast Members deal with all sorts of guests who have all sorts of expectations and who are in all sorts of moods. When lines are long, the weather is hot, and littles get cranky in the late afternoon – it’s not an easy job to spread pixie dust and make Disney Magic for everyone. So as a guest, remember to be kind to the Cast Members in return. Smile. Say thanks. It makes their day every bit as much as they make yours! And if a Cast Member is especially helpful to you, you might show them a little love in return. Use the Cast Compliment feature in My Disney Experience, or stop by Guest Services to let someone know.

Disney in a Minute is a series of short posts designed to help you better understand a Disney term or planning topic. Do you have a Disney term that you think needs a bit more explanation? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks to Erin Foster for an earlier version of this post.