Working at Walt Disney World was one of the greatest experiences of my life and has given me a lot of habits that I still use today. While some of those are good habits such as waking up early to go places, there are some others that have stuck with me that not everyone understands. So here's a list of some things that probably most former Disney Cast Members will understand and maybe still do as well.
1. The Disney Point
Whether it is with two fingers or the full hand, every cast member knows the Disney point. You can recognize a cast member from miles away because they still do this. It is a habit now and everyone points it out when I do it.
2. Cry at Disney World commercials
It's been your home for so long, of course you will get emotional seeing a commercial to come visit. It's OK, Mickey, I'll see ya real soon, too!
3. Call little kids "prince" or "princess" or "little explorers"
You see a kid and you just automatically put on a smile and say, "How ya doing today, little princess?" And then realize you are not working at a park and you just look creepy. The amount of times I called kids at my pool prince or princess was a little ridiculous...
4. "Disney Scoop" every piece of trash you see
Cast members are taught to keep the parks clean and pick up any trash you see using the "Disney Scoop" method. When we leave it is just habit for us to want to pick up all the trash lying around. We need to mentally stop ourselves from picking up that burrito wrapper we see on the sidewalk.
5. Get to work 30 minutes early
After dealing with Transtar and just general Disney World traffic in general, Cast Members are used to planning to be at work at least half an hour early. While this can be really nice sometimes, other times you just get bored sitting around or you may even be asked to start early. And when you are not working somewhere cool like the Haunted Mansion or Dinosaur, you may not want to start early...
6. Sing along to every Disney song (and know the words)
Now I did this even before I worked at Disney World because I just love Disney music anyway, but it got especially bad after my college program. I would also get emotional when I sang along. But most Disney Cast Members are sad they have left their home and the music brings back all the feels, so we tend to sing at the top of our lungs to these songs.
7. Continue to buy merchandise off the Disney Store
I am guilty of this with Tsum Tsums. My bank account hurts every Tsum Tsum Tuesday because I need them all. The merchandise just makes us feel like we are back with our people.
8. Talk all about how amazing Mickey Bars and Mickey Pretzels are
Sometimes you just really crave that mouse-shaped food that was all over the parks. During the summer all I wanted was a Mickey Bar. And Mickey Pretzels are just good all the time in every season, so you always are in the mood for one.
9. Plan your next vacation
We miss our home so much so we are always finding reasons to go back: going to see friends, Christmas Party, new ride debut, marathon weekend, etc. The possibilities are endless. Some even find new jobs to apply for so they can work there again. Never underestimate our love and dedication to our home.
