Disney has a strict adherence to always keep the music playing. But, when there’s an emergency, an exception is made. For example, when a child is lost. If you hear the music stop, you can expect that you are about to hear an important announcement.
A lot of us remember can recall where we were when 9/11 happened. Guests at Disney on that day definitely can’t forget. One former cast member shared that employees were told to close all attractions and get visitors off the premises but not to tell them why. The cast member shared, “By the way, the announcement that was made (over the public address system in the theme parks that morning did NOT mention anything about what had happened or why the parks were closing.” The announcement only sad that because of special circumstances, the Magic Kingdom is closed and that park goers should find the closest Cast Member.
There are Secret Tunnels Below Disney World
Cast members aren’t allowed to take a walk around the park when they're on the clock. This policy may have originated from something that Walt Disney observed in Disneyland. He saw a Frontierland cowboy strolling through Tomorrowland. Seeing a character in the wrong setting ruins the story. So, to deal with this, underneath Disney World, there is a network of tunnels which connects different parts of the park. Cast members use these tunnels to travel around unseen by guests. Apparently, they are so big that some people get around the underground passages by cycling or taking small cars.
While some reports say that there's an entire underground tangle of passageways, the reality is not so mysterious. The tunnels are actually built at ground level, to avoid the area's high water table. The whole park is built 14 feet above ground level. These tunnels are more convenient, but they've also been reported to be foul smelling, hot and full of trash. But, cast members have to deal with this for the sake of the story.
Cinderella’s Mansion Has a Secret Suite
The secret suite in Cinderalla's castle was originally reserved for Walt and his family to stay in when they'd come to Disney World. But now, the winners of different Disney contests get to stay in the suite. Can you imagine winning?
It must be the perfect honeymoon spot for a wife who is obsessed with Disney.
The Kilimanjaro Safari Ride Could Be Deadly
The Kilimanjaro Safari is an attraction at Disney World Orlando’s Animal Kingdom park. Thanks to the hard work of the builders, the actual off-roading adventure looks like a real safari. Apparently, when you’re on the safari ride and the driver instructs you to stay in your seat, they fully mean it.
There's a certain spot where you drive on a bridge over crocodiles. Drivers are trained to drive away quickly just in case anyone falls in so that other guests aren't witnesses to what happens next.
Cast Members Have Three Days To Learn Their Lines
Disney is strict with having everything be top notch perfection. Well, they also demand perfection in a timely manner. The cast member training process includes spending just three days getting every line and action down to exactly as the script states. This sounds like an acting job prepping for filming! It's no wonder why a number of famous actors worked at Disney World prior to becoming actors. The late Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Costner, and Wayne Brady, just to name a few. One cast member shared what it was like after they were hired to be a costumed character. “Once you are selected, you head to ‘princess school,'” Harris explains. This is where characters go to train and learn their characters' backgrounds, practice the signature, mannerisms, accent, and favorite phrases. As part of her training, Harris watched the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland movie. Once she was cast, she had to watch the movie at least 50 times. This is a lot more than most of us see the average Disney film. Harris had to memorize all of her favorite lines, all of the vivacious characters in Alice’s world, her British accent, and all of her mannerisms.
On top of learning about your character, Cast Members must also all take a class called “Traditions.” This class teaches employees about the history and traditions of Disney and all the theme parks they run. After this class, cast members may continue their training at Disney University. The training facility is even bigger than some community colleges! This is especially cool for Disney employees who missed out on the college experience.