Random Secrets From An Ex-Disney World Cast Member (15 items)

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  (#4) There’s A Disney University

  Every cast member has to attend a course called Traditions at Disney University. They learn the history of Disney, the parks, the role they play in the show, and about preserving the magic.

  It should also be noted that some hospitality and management students can receive college credit while working at Disney World and take extra courses at Disney University.
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  (#5) It’s A Small World, After All

  The Disney Universe is very insular and their characters don’t know about anything outside of Disney. Belle hasn’t read Harry Potter and Cinderella hasn’t worn Jimmy Choos. Cast members playing the characters are expected to "preserve the magical atmosphere," so if you ask them, they’ll say they "haven’t heard of it."

  Sometimes, it’s fun when guests test our commitment by asking about NASCAR or Beyonce.
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  (#2) We Aren’t Allowed To point The Finger

  Cast members are taught to use an open palm or two fingers to direct guests.

  There are two reasons for this: 1) Pointing with one finger is considered rude in some cultures and Disney has visitors from all around the world. 2) These methods are easier to see.
   
   
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  (#10) Disney Employees Kinda Have Their Own Language

  In order to keep the show running smoothly, cast members have a variety of code words to keep guests in the moment and unaware of the backstage activities.

  For instance, creating acronyms for parades so that they can talk about MiSiCi (Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It!) without spoiling a surprise for guests or referring to vomit as "Code V" or "Protein Spill" so that no one is put off their lunch.
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  (#3) Even our fingernails have to adhere to the Disney Look

  While we’re on the topic of cast members’ hands, there are special rules regarding fingernails. All fingernails are required to be neat and clean. A man’s fingernails cannot be painted with nail polish and a woman’s fingernails must not be longer than ¼ of an inch.

  Looks like you'll have to save the nail art tutorials for another time.
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  (#9) They Know - They Always Know

  Whether it’s the timing of a parade, directions to the nearest bathroom, or some obscure Disney trivia, cast members are always expected to know. If they don’t have the answer, they have to get another cast member who does. They aren’t allowed to tell a guest that they don’t know.

  On a slightly different note, there are people in the control rooms when you're on a ride or in a show who, for safety reasons, watch guests through night vision cameras. 

   

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