Your Thanks Don't Cost a Thing

Two of the over 60,000 WDW cast members who work hard every day.

This blog post was probably better suited for around Thanksgiving, since it's about giving thanks to cast members; unfortunately, the idea just came to me this past weekend. Depending on how you look at it, that makes it either a really late article, or a really early one.

Anyway....the approximately 60,000 employees, or "cast members" who make up Walt Disney World play a big role in creating lifetime memories for guests. Disney has always prided themselves as being a cut above. I'm not sure they were even trying to do that when Walt Disney opened Disneyland; what I do know is he wanted to create an experience like no other, and the rest just sort of happened! While at a Disney park, you truly get to be a kid again and not think about your troubles, but can escape into a place of fantasy and wonder. That type of magic doesn't happen by accident; it is through the hard work and dedication of these cast members.

With so many ways to have fun at Disney World, it's a surprise anyone has time to complain about things. Among some of the funniest things heard in my travels around Disney World over the years:

• A family upset that their grandmother, who is 87 years old, has a heart condition, a prosthetic leg, and for some inexplicable reason, is 7 months pregnant, was turned away from riding Tower of Terror;

• There are too many countries in Epcot's World Showcase;

• It's raining out, and they won't close the dome over the Magic Kingdom;

• My Mickey Mouse ice cream bar melted in the August heat and Disney ice cream shouldn't do that;

• The monorail won't go back to my non-monorail resort/the trams in the parking lot won't drive me back to a different park where I left my car; and

• The toilet paper in the bathrooms is too thin (though I agree with this last one)!

Now, I'm not suggesting you shouldn't speak up if you have a serious complaint or concern about a cast member or other matter. It's important for the powers that be to know these things so that your issue is addressed. But at the same time, if during your stay, a cast member brightens your day with a friendly smile or hello, lets you ride Space Mountain one more time without having to get off, or surprises you with a free second turkey leg (blah), take the time to smile back and say thank you. It's not something they hear too often, and they really do appreciate it! And if you feel a cast member has gone above and beyond, get their name, and then stop by guest services and fill out a comment card. A note will go in their file, and it can really help when it's time for things like performance reviews.

If you forget to do it while in the park, don't fret, you can still contact Walt Disney World when you get home, by calling 407-824-4321, or emailing wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com.  I can tell you from experience that Disney is excellent at getting back to you and they do listen to all comments and concerns -even mine.

Has a cast member ever made your visit more magical? Tell us in the comments.

Bob is a Disney travel agent and Central Florida local. You can follow his exploits here and on Facebook.  Email him at Bob@PixieVacations.com or call him at 407-810-2528 for free concierge-level help in planning your next Disney vacation.