I loved being a Cast Member at Disney World. I started off on the Disney College Program and then continued as a part time Cast Member for years. I worked as a lifeguard at Typhoon Lagoon and an attraction hostess at Tower of Terror, Beauty and the Beast, and Fantasmic! Over the years, I experienced some funny guest situations. Here are my personal favorites as a Disney Cast Member.
Funny Stories from a Past Disney Cast Member
What Time is the 3:00 Clock Parade?
During training, we are teased about a lot of common questions that guests ask. One of the questions is “what time is the 3′ o clock parade.” Most of us thought this was a funny joke, but it is true. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we would sometimes be assigned to the parade. This question was asked almost every day I worked a parade. Of course, they were asking what time the parade arrives to their location; but it still made me laugh every time.
Do you know what another common question is at Disney World?
Thanks for Saving My Life…NOT!
As a lifeguard at a water park, we were in the water rescuing guests on a regular basis. It was just part of the job. I remember one situation where a woman came down the Storm Slides. On the Storm Slides, you can sometimes get sucked under. You usually just need to swim out of the current or stand up. One women was struggling, so I jumped in to help her. I pulled her out and she was okay. I found out later that day that she filed a complaint against me with Guest Relations for rescuing her. When I met with my lead about the complaint, we both laughed about it. What? You are welcome for saving your life?!!
Turn Off the Lightning
Over the summer months, it rains almost every afternoon in Orlando. At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, that meant we pulled all of the customers out of the water and moved to safe locations. During that time, a lifeguard was usually stationed around the park to keep the guests under cover. Sometimes this could be hours and the guests can get impatient.
One of the funniest guest experiences was when a man was tired of waiting for the weather. He actually asked me when we would “turn off the lightning and thunder.” What?!?!?! He actually thought it was part of the Disney “magic!” Oh sure, give me a minute and I will hit that off switch!
Let’s Get Naked!
Working at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon was such an experience. I wish I could say this only happened once, but tourists getting naked happened quite often. I understand guests visit Disney World from around the world. I also understand their customs are very different than our customs in the United States. However, when visiting other countries we always try to learn as much as we can about their customs.
We are visiting your country, so we should behave. Oh no! On a regular basis, I would have to approach men and women to tell them to get dressed or you cannot change out of your swim suit in the middle of Typhoon Lagoon. Disney is a family destination!
Do you have any funny guest stories from a Disney World vacation?
