Working for Walt Disney World comes with some obvious perks, like free admission to the parks and discounts around property, but Cast Members also enjoy access to many other exclusive little extras that make working for the mouse better than your average theme park job.
Here are 10 examples of great perks that Cast Members can benefit from!
10. Mickey’s Retreat
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Mickey’s Retreat is an exclusive area accessible only to Cast Members and their families. This serene little hideaway features a pool, beach, rec room, volleyball courts, hammocks, and lots of room to relax. Cast Members who want to enjoy these types of amenities far from the chaos of tourist spots in the Orlando area, can kick back and enjoy relative peace and quiet here.
9. Discounts, Discounts, and More Discounts
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Most people probably know that Cast Members get discounts on Disney hotel rooms, tickets for family and friends, merchandise, and dining on property, but the perks don’t end there. Savvy Cast Members keep their ID on hand at all times and flash it at just about every register in town at least once to see what happens. Many restaurants, stores, and non-Disney hotels offer special discounts. Cast Members can enjoy everything from a pizza buffet to bookstore finds at cheaper prices than the regular resident or visitor.
8. Company D
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At first glance, a Company D store looks like any other cute little gift shop. On closer examination, you’ll find that these backstage stores are brimming with exclusive Cast Member goodies. The merchandise here often features “Cast Member” or “Disney College Program Alumni” tag lines. Other items, like pins and home décor, are Cast Member exclusives that you just can’t buy anywhere else.
Company D stores also sell tickets to local attractions from theme parks to sporting events at special discounts. Heading to the movies? Cast Members can grab AMC ticket packages here that include low priced tickets along with popcorn and beverage coupons. If these perks weren’t good enough, these locations also offer notary services and sell stamps. There are Company D stores all over property, with at least one located in close proximity to every park.
7. Disney Libraries
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Disney has some fantastic libraries that feature all your favorite Disney films as well as documentaries, rare cartoons, and all the Disney literature you could dream of. Cast Members can check items out just like you would at any other library. While the Orange County Public Library system has more Disney rarities than most public systems, it’s these backstage wonders that really let Cast Members get in touch with their Disney heritage.
6. Cast Services
Cast Services centers are available throughout property to help Cast Members deal with any and all questions or issues related to their employment. These centers also offer free printing and faxing services, and access to their computer labs. This can save busy Cast Members from a visit to their local office store if they need to send a fax, and help them survive without replacing their printers’ pricey ink cartridges almost indefinitely.
5. Mickey’s of Glendale
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Mickey’s of Glendale is the Cast Member store located in Disneyland. Cast Members in Orlando can access all the same exclusive goodies from Walt Disney World by logging in through one of the computers on property. Like Company D, this store offers access to lanyards, pins, and other goodies that aren’t available to the general public.
4. Behind the Scenes Tours and Talks
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Disney publishes a new schedule every month of tours and classes that Cast Members can take advantage of. Many of these are held at Disney University, but others are spread throughout property. The offerings change regularly, but some of the most popular options include backstage tours of big attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Spaceship Earth, or the Great Movie Ride. Cast Members can also attend seminars led by the elusive Imagineers for an exciting peek at what’s in the works, what’s to come, and how it all gets done. Other common options include book signings and business classes.
3. Cast Member Gifts
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Cast Members get a special gift every Christmas. These typically trend toward plaques, ornaments, and other decorative items. Cast Members who open a new attraction or work through a special event or company anniversary may receive little gifts as well, like pins, lanyards, books, shirts, or other keepsakes.
The little pins that you see on Cast Member’s name tags are the most common reward for big anniversaries with the company, but those who have been around for decades can get some really great items, like statues, watches, or exclusive memorabilia. Managers will also organize special parties for these big anniversaries to honor long time Cast Members.
2. Property Control and Cast Connection
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Property Control and Cast Connection are two great backstage stores that offer Cast Members some of the best deals on property. Property Control manages Disney property that’s no longer in use or damaged. These items are offered at steep discounts and often include great finds like furniture or dishware from resorts. One whole trailer is filled with damages that Disney can’t sell to guests anymore. Some of these finds have obviously broken parts, but others are in such great shape you can’t figure out what’s wrong.
Cast Connection offers discontinued merchandise, or items that were overstocked. This store also carries staples at deep discounts. Cast Members can pick up milk, eggs, cheese, rice, salad greens, bananas, and more at rock bottom prices.
1. Magic Backstage Sweepstakes
The Magic Backstage Sweepstakes are an ongoing opportunity for Cast Members to win special perks. This might be a Vacations by Disney trip, night in Cinderella Castle, or other vacation-themed prize. It could also be an opportunity to sample new products and services. When Disney rolled out their new wristbands, Cast Members were the first to test them. The lucky participants who were selected got a free night at a Disney resort and Fast Passes to test with their wristbands.
Cast Members can also win chances to participate in special events like parade filming. They may get to help test ride enhancements by buckling up and taking a few ride throughs after hours. The opportunities change often, but always give Cast Members the chance to experience something special.
Much has been made of the fact that Disney’s hourly Cast Members start out around minimum wage, but the perks to these jobs go far beyond the paycheck. Working for Disney offers employees dozens of opportunities that Disney fans can only dream of.
