Why you should
Cast Members or CMs, as us Disney pros like to call them, (For other Disney Abbreviations check out our page full of them!) are an important part of all the magic that happens at the happiest place on Earth. This is why we think it’s so essential to show our gratitude for them. That’s why we wanted to offer some advice on how to thank a cast member.
They go through a lot of training, work in intense heat, sometimes have to assist difficult guests, and so much more each day. And they do it all with a smile. Most are willing to bend over backwards to make sure you have a magical time.
Sure some CMs have bad days, they are human after all, but for the most part, they are exceptional people who deserve our respect and at the very least, our gratitude. If you want to know where the Disney magic comes from, it doesn’t happen by accident. It originates from the Cast Members. So that’s what I am writing about today. I wanted to give you some ideas on how to show gratitude to the people who help make magic every day.
How to Thank a Cast Member
There are a number of ways you can thank them. You can write a handwritten letter and send it to this address:
Walt Disney World Resort
Guest Experience Services
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL. 32830-0040
This may seem a little old fashioned, however, there is just something about holding a thank you note in your hand that can mean so much. Taking the time to write this and send it can mean a lot. It is definitely worth the energy.
Then there’s the “Applause-O-Gram” that you can pick up at any of the Guest Service areas in the parks or at the resorts. You can fill them out to recognize any stellar service by a CM.
And perhaps the easiest way to thank them (other than thanking them in person) is through #castcompliments on Twitter. You simply put the hashtag in your tweet and tag @wdwtoday. And be sure to give a brief tweet about what the CM did that helped make your day more special. Also, include their name and the area where they work (i.e. which park and what section, or which part of what resort, etc). These compliments are passed along to the CMs (which they love to receive). They are also kept in their files when it comes time for evaluations and such.
What CMs had to say about this:
Finally, I reached out to some CMs and former CMs. I asked what they wished to see more of from park guests. And here are their answers:
- Be polite
- Say something positive directly to them
- Be genuinely pleasant
- Don’t talk down to them
- Be patient
These may seem like basic human decency to most of us. But you’d be surprised how many times CMs must deal with people that don’t comply with the basic tenets of a civilized society. And again, they do it all with a smile. If that’s not worthy of a little extra effort on our part, I don’t know what is.
So the next time you visit the parks, maybe take some time to think about this. How can you add some magic to those who are working to take care of the needs of others? With all they do for us, it’s the least we can do for them.
Be sure to also check out our other great Disney content. We’ve got lots of videos up on our YouTube channel Dole Whip and Castle. We also have lots of great info on our other pages here on our website. We’ve got Tips and Tricks for visiting the parks. Treats and Eats for all things tasty at Disney, and Magical Homents where we show you how to bring the Disney magic home!