How to “Do” Disney: Tips From a Former Cast Member
You may or may not be aware of the fact that I, KJ, am a former Disney Cast Member. I moved to Orlando for the Disney College Program in 2012, working on Main Street doing Parade Audience Control and once I went full-time (immediately after my College Program Graduation) I became a Trainer for Parades and a Conductor on the Trains. From Conducting to driving, I quickly moved to Engineering the Main Street Steam Trains (still the best job I’ve ever had). From Main Street, I went to Resorts as a Concierge at Pop Century and after that I transitioned into a back-office role with Workforce Management, first in the Call Center and then on the Compliance and Audit team.
After six and a half years, I relocated back to Miami four years ago to work for NBCUniversal Telemundo. However, you should know that just because I hung up my Cast Member ears, doesn’t mean I’ve stopped loving Disney. If anything, I love it more.
Anyway, the point of this post is to share with you all the things I think you should do/consider when or if planning a trip to visit the Mouse.
Let us start with the obvious: You have not seen Disney until you go outside of “the Parks”. Most people believe that the only way to “do Disney” is by going to the four parks. In reality, there is so much more to Disney than Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. This “more” includes Disney Springs, the 30+ Resorts, two Water Parks, mini golf, and even regular golf (my family is a big fan of this option).
These boots may be made for walking, but it is still exhausting. A lot of people do not realize that you can walk anywhere from 20-30K steps while at Disney, and it is one of the most exhausting things you’ll do (especially with the heat). You will need to take into consideration some air conditioning breaks, as well as water breaks. Here are some of my favorite places to take a quick break in (outdoor ones contain an asterick):
- Inside the theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- Merchants of Venus just reopened as a new seating area inside the park. Previously a gift shop for the now closed Stitch’s Great Escape, this new relaxation station also doubles as an extension for Auntie Gravity’s in Tomorrowland.
- People Mover* – this has indoor and outdoor parts, and it’s a great way to rest your feet.
- Carousel of progress – an all time favorite of mine, both for its air conditioning and it’s place in Disney history.
- Seating area at the Tangled Restrooms*
- Hall of Presidents – a lot of people, me included, use this as an air conditioning break because it’s a good 20 minute show and full of air conditioning. It’s also great during rain storms.
- Tortuga’s Tavern* – a seasonal food and beverage location, but it’s always open for outfoor seating.
- Epcot
- The Odyssey Pavillion – this is often overlooked, but it’s a great place for a pitstop. Close to the bathrooms between Future World and the World Showcase, as well as First Aid, it’s a great place for a break.
- World Showplace – when open, this is a great place to hide from the heat and the rain. Usually used during festivals, this space is air conditioned and spacious.
- American Pavillion – like the Hall of Presidents this is another attraction for a quick break, and a quick nap if that’s your thing.
- Hollywood Studios
- Baseline Tap House – this opened during my last year with Disney and it quickly became a favorite for my friends and I to go after work. Not only does this Hollywoodesque bar have some of the best craft beer in Disney World, but it is one of the coolest places to cool off for a hot second. This does have an indoor and outdoor seating arrangement.
- Muppet*Vision 3D – like the other indoor theater shows with long run times, this is an excellent spot to sit down and relax for a while (especially with its air conditioning).
- Echo Lake* – the Echo Lake area is mostly passed over by visitors crisscrossing the park to more popular areas like Star War’s Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, but it offers a lot of seating for guest.
- Animal Kingdom
- Nomad Lounge* – this location is high on the list of “must-visit places” in Animal Kingdom, if only for the cocktails which are some of the best in Disney World. It is also a quiet lounge with the best little nook to take a break.
- Seating Pavillions* – there are several seating pavillions across the park that provide places for guest to take breaks in.
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney Springs
- There are a bunch of seating pavillions scattered around Disney Springs, as well as some benches behind House of Blues that most people do not know about.
- There are also some great indoor and outdoor food and beverage locations that provide air conditioning and seating.
It’s also super important for me to remind you that you need to dress for comfort, not fashion. The amount of walking you do is no joke, but rain or shine, you need to be comfortable.
Halloween / Christmas parties are more than special ticketed events. I am a huge fan of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween parties, but what most people do not know is that besides the extra price tag these are great ways to get into the park without paying full price. Why do I say this? When you purchase a ticket for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party you can get into the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 PM (the special events tend to start at 7 PM and end at midnight). This gives you three hours before the special event to enjoy the theme park, and then additional to those extra hours, when the party starts the lines are significantly less crowded. Oh, wait, the best part: the special event entertainment is specific to the party and sometimes (at least in the case of the Halloween Party) there’s treats included!
Bring your own water, or refillable cup, and lots of SPF. What most people don’t realize is that you are allowed to bring in food and water. Disney does not require you to buy from their food and beverage locations. When I go, even as a former Cast Member, I tend to bring a water bottle with me and worst case, I’ll buy more later. What I need to start doing is bring with me my Yeti or Corksicle and when I finish, I can refill it. A lot of people have been calling this their emotional support bottle, and it’s the most accurate description. You bring your emotional support bottle with you and refill it when you get a chance. Additionally, you need to bring SPF. The heat in Florida is no joke, and neither is the sun. Rain or shine, that sun will be there. If you’re ever in a pinch, First Aid has some sunscreen you can use, but it is always better to bring your own.
Always bring a poncho or umbrella. One thing I have noticed, even now as an Annual Passholder, is that when I bring my poncho or umbrella the rain that is supposed to come – does not. However, if the rain still comes, bringing a poncho or umbrella is always the best thing. Otherwise, you’ll be out $15 buying a poncho. Florida is unpredictable. One minute it’ll be sunny and 90 degrees, and the next it’ll be raining like a hurricane is at your door.
The best place for fireworks at Magic Kingdom is always going to be the Train Station. I may be biased, but the train station is hands down the best place for fireworks (especially parameter ones). If you don’t want to be so far back, you can snag a spot in the “Hub” which is the circle around the Castle. Additionally, you can see the projections and fireworks from behind the Castle (they are actually shot off behind the park which is behind the Castle).
The best pictures are taken during park open and park close. One thing I loved about working at Magic Kingdom was that my shift either opened the park or closed it. There is nothing like seeing the street in front of the castle empty. If you haven’t been to a park for rope drop or the kiss goodnight, I highly recommend it. It’s worth the memories. You’re technically not allowed to run into the parks when they’re open, so if you decide to take off in a sprin you will most likely get (politely) yelled at. Instead, I highly recommend that you perfect the art of aggressive speed-walking, like, the old ladies at the mall style. Practice definitely makes perfect!
Parades are overrated. Coming from a former parade audience control Cast Member, I will tell you that parades are most definitely overrated. A hidden secret is that while the world is running to catch the parade, the lines are almost certainly always at their lowest during this time. It’s the best time to get on your favorite ride (you know, the one with the longest line). I also highly recommend going during fireworks if you’ve seen them before, the same still applies!
