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“They Don’t Actually Care” – Disney Cast Member Speaks From The Heart

A Disney cast member dressed in a Mickey Mouse costume stands in front of a castle at the theme park. The character is smiling and has arms open wide. In the foreground, there are illustrations of gold coins and a money bag, with dollar bills floating nearby.
Credit: Disney Dining

It can’t be denied that each individual Disney cast member holds both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort vacation destinations  together.

That being said, the average Disney cast member has felt under-appreciated as of late (or maybe for longer, depending on who you ask).

A person wearing a bright green shirt with black trim holds a camera up to their face, taking a photo. They stand in front of a building with a sign that reads "Disney PhotoPass." The background includes part of a decorative awning and other architectural elements.

Credit: Disney

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It’s no surprise that the army of cast members hired by Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort aren’t treated with the respect they deserve, nor are they properly compensated. After all, they have one of the most physically and emotionally taxing jobs around.

Imagine interacting with hundreds of people, staying on your feet for up to twelve hours straight, and being held to some of the highest customer service standards in the country. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for a Disney cast member’s average day at work!

cast member animal kingdom

Credit: Disney

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Now, it’s getting to a point where even guests are starting to notice that cast members aren’t feeling as magical as they used to.

One guest, in particular, took to social media, asking cast members about the recent working conditions and wages; a few anonymous cast members working at Disneyland responded.

A young girl dressed as a princess with a blue gown and tiara smiles while sitting in a chair. An adult woman, wearing a purple costume and a name tag, sits beside her and smiles warmly. The setting appears to be a themed dressing room or salon.

Credit: Disney

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One cast member writes,

Current CM here: in short; it sucks. A lot of our departments are understaffed and overworked. Our wages suck and a lot of us can’t afford rent unless we share a apartment with 3 other people. And then hope we have enough money left for groceries and gas. There’s plenty cast members sleeping in their cars. Our attendance policy was changed to be stricter which means many of us aren’t calling out when we are sick and are legitimately working while sick. The costumes we wear are awful. It’s hot and sticky this summer and none of the costumes are actually comfortable. The guests are rude. (Not all, of course but enough.) and all of us are chronically exhausted.

A person with long brown hair, dressed in a light blue dress, smiles while holding a pin in a store filled with various pins on display. They have a black shoulder bag adorned with several colorful pins. The background shows red walls lined with pins and colorful items.

Credit: Disney

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Another writes,

CM here as well in attractions.. I feel right now especially this last month the heat has been a major factor in people’s attitude. I have noticed though that since around spring break to now guest have really been on another level. More rude and condescending to us. So It’s been a combination of things. Burnout is definitely beginning to set foot in a lot of CM.

Minnie Mouse, dressed in her classic red and white polka-dot dress with a matching bow, poses cheerfully with one hand on her cheek. She stands in front of a whimsical building, likely within a theme park setting, exuding joy and playfulness.

Credit: Disney

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While it’s disheartening to hear that the Walt Disney Company doesn’t appreciate or compensate the bulk of its workforce, it’s not entirely surprising.

If you enjoy visiting the Disney Parks, consider thanking each cast member who helps you on your next visit. It’s important to treat these magic-makers with kindness and consideration, as they truly are the backbone of each Disney Park.

About Isabella Reimer

Isabella Reimer grew up visiting Walt Disney World and relocated to Central Florida to be even closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. She earned her Bachelor’s from Florida State University, where she studied Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Her biggest hobby is bonding with the ikran at Avatar Flight of Passage, and her retirement plan includes becoming the 1,000 Happy Haunt of the Haunted Mansion.