Embarrassing Moments in Disney: Staff Stories and Tips to Avoid Them

Working at Disney as a cast member can be an incredible experience filled with joy and magic, but it can also present its fair share of embarrassing moments. Here are some stories that might resonate with anyone who has worked behind the scenes at the Magic Kingdom, or stories contributed by others who have visited.

Embarrassing Moments as a Disney Cast Member

Prop-Aid/Driver During America On Parade #

One of the more unique experiences in being a Disney cast member was working in the ‘America On Parade’ parade. As a prop-aid or substitute driver, I was responsible for the showboat float, complete with dancers both in front and behind my position. The driver had to wear an oversize headgear with a screen in the neck to see through. During one of our shows, the surgical cap that was supposed to keep the headgear in place slowly started moving, eventually completely covering my eyes. I managed to keep a composed demeanor, and thankfully, the performance continued without too much of a setback.

Lost Family Moments at Disney

A more boisterous and humorous story comes from a different cast member. This incident occurred a few years ago, likely at a different Disney park. While wandering around, this person lost their parents. Thanks to the strategic positioning of a fish restaurant and its attendant who rang a bell and called out the person’s name, they were eventually reunited. This story highlights the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and the potential for accidental humor when caught in unexpected situations.

Unexpected Costumes and Their Challenges

A member of the cast at the Magic Kingdom shared an encounter that was both embarrassing and challenging. Deployed to Cinderella's Castle for a week, the costume worn was a pair of outlandishly old-fashioned pants that tapered at the calf area. While trying to assist a young girl a few steps in front of the popcorn stand, a seam ripped between their legs. The moment required quick thinking and a strategic approach to avoid embarrassment in front of the growing crowd. The cast member managed to discreetly explain the situation to their colleagues and inform their superiors using the radio. The experience highlighted the importance of costume design and the potential for unexpected hitches while performing in them.

Preventing Future Embarrassments

Based on these tales, here are some tips for avoiding embarrassing moments while working at Disney or even visiting as a guest:

Proper Preparation: Ensure you are familiar with your surroundings and any potential challenges you might face in your roles. Communicate: Keep open lines of communication with your colleagues and supervisors to inform them of any issues promptly. Contingency Planning: Anticipate and address potential issues before they become embarrassing incidents.

By following these tips, both cast members and guests can ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free experience at the Magic Kingdom.

Conclusion

Embarrassing moments are merely a part of the broader story of working and visiting Disney. While they can be amusing and memorable, they also provide valuable lessons for personal growth and professional development. By reflecting on these incidents, we can learn how to handle similar situations more gracefully in the future.

Note

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While this incident was particularly unusual, it is not uncommon for costume wardrobes to present challenges. It is important for all cast members to be prepared for potentially embarrassing moments and to handle them with grace and professionalism.