Feedback for 12/8/00:

Dear Robbie:

It's true, I haven't seen a "true" private party in a while. But since I no longer work for Disney I cannot verify that they never do it anymore at all. In fact, I was under the impression that Disney would still do these, but that they raised the price so much that no one wanted to do them and opted for the mix-in instead. However, I could easily be wrong here.
 

Myself and my two friends are collage students at the University of Utah. We're all Disney lovers, and we thought it might be fun to work at Disneyland for the up-coming summer.

We did the automated phone interview, but we had questions to ask and there were no human beings on the other end of any of the phone numbers at our disposal. So, I thought I'd ask if you happen to know what the chances are of Disney hiring cast members for at least 30 hrs a week for next summer.

I've read some items on your site and it seems to indicate that normally the folks who get hired for seasonal summer work are for very small, part-time hours and strange shifts. To live down in So. Cal. for the summer, my friends and I really need to know if the chances are good that we'd be hired for a lot of hours and for the same shifts (we'd car-pool).

Our hope is that the DCA factor will tip things our way, but we don't really know for sure. Any info at all would be really appreciated.

Thanks,

Britain M.
 

Dear Britain:

I would say the chances of getting SCHEDULED for thirty hours a week as a casual-temporary are fairly slim. That said, I think it would be possible to "pick up" the remaining hours you need by doing shift-changes and working OT in Guest Control beyond your normal shifts. It just would never be certain.

DCA will indeed help. And the Cast Crunch could work to your favor... I'm just leery about saying you could for sure get 30 hours when I know very well that summertime is when there is usually a glut of people.
 

My teenaged son and I went to WDW last summer and took the "Magic Behind Our Steam Trains" tour. After some orientation on Disney (and of course Ward Kimball) railroad lore, we boarded the train and slowly went around the park. My son, much to his glee, got to switch the train onto the roundhouse spur. From your description, it is somewhat different. The four engines are maintained there, but also all the monorails on the WDW and Epcot runs, which is very impressive. 

As at Disneyland, the monorails are right above the shops for the locomotives. In addition, there is a maintenance facility for the extensive bus fleet is there too. But my favorite was something CM crews had obviously improvised and passed muster with management. The insurance guys didn't want a bunch folks wandering around in the locomotive shops, since after all there are dangerous tools not to mention the work pits under the locomotives that someone who no doubt fall into. But we went into the shops... the CM had us get on the inside of the back car (in the very back), warning us not get off, and they backed us into the shops! I grew in the shadows (well, 8 miles away and it is a long shadow) and that part of the trip was a dream come true for both me and son!

Too bad Disneyland can't do the same thing.

Brian W.
 

Dear Brian:

This is the first I've heard of it. I like that program! Well, I like it with limitations... let me explain. I've long been conflicted about showing the general public how the magic works — I'm of the opinion that this spoils the magic for them, however subtle the damage may be. That said, naturally I think there should be a venue for people who are interested — hence my entire column here

But I do end up agreeing with you — DL should have such a backstage program as well. I know for sure the interest is there!
 

The first party of the "Backstage Magic" type was held in 1980, and was called the "Disneyland Family Open House." I think they occurred every five years. There was no party this year, and who knows if they'll continue the tradition. The one you attended in 1995 (not 94) may have been the last one.

Other comments...

I would hope that Space Mountain isn't using "1960s era panels," as it was built well into the 1970s! In fact, as you know, they had to wait for technology to catch up with them so they could build it...

For Cast Blast in 1998 you could also ride Space Mountain with all the lights off. And during one of the Annual Passholder parties (96?) the lights were one. A backstage look at Star Tours just like you described was also offered at the 98 Cast Blast.

A Disneyland Line article from April 14, 1995 detailing the event through pictures:

In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, Cast Members and their families had the rare opportunity to take a look at the Backstage skill and dedication that goes into ensuring that the curtain rises daily on a perfect Disneyland Show.

For four nights our Backstage areas put out the welcome mat for thousands of us who watched, listened, were entertained and enlightened. We were able to explore areas seen by few and discover that the magic of Disneyland goes far beyond what our Guests see On Stage. It's the Backstage Magic that creates the Disneyland Show.

Costumes that have long been extinct were part of the display of the Costuming tour.

At the Roundhouse, the Monorail receive an up-close inspection.

Pyrotechnics experts Dick Francesconi, left, and Thomas Wu explained some of the techniques employed to create the pyrotechnics effects in Fantasmic!

Attractions Cast Member Jennifer C. explained the finer points of Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin operation.

The opportunity to examine Audio-Animatronics figures at the Animation shop was a big draw on the Backstage tram tour.

There was no waiting or standing on tiptoes to see this performance of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Cast Members and their guests were treated to an up-close look at a dress rehearsal.

At the Custodial display, Cast Members, from left, Paul, Garett, and Michele explained the tricks of their trade and the secrets behind Disneyland's sparkling appearance.

As would be expected, the walk-through of the Indiana Jones Adventure was a popular highlight of the evenings' events.

At the Golden Horseshoe, Disney legends Van France, below, and Marty Sklar and John Hench entertained with stories of the very early days of Disneyland.

Matt Pahl and Barbara Sanders had a "spooktacular" time walking Cast Members through the Haunted Mansion.

Where do the drivers sit, anyway? The mystery was solved when Cast Members were able to peer inside our parade floats.

Chef Oscar Garcia proudly displays some of the final culinary creations of Club 33.

In the Costuming workroom, Cast Members and their families saw the creation of Electrical Parade costumes in progress."

Dear Reader:

I'd forgotten all about the Indy walkthru!! Yes, that was actually the highlight. You could walk through it up until the first skeleton room. This was before the ride opened to the public, so we were all rather excited to see it. I was most impressed, actually.

And the float drivers... forgot about that, too. That's not such a big deal. But you should see how small and cramped that space is. Oh, and they do NOT have very good visual through all that decoration. I'll never jaywalk a parade again — I'm likely to get hit!
 

In reference to your article about the CM behind the scenes open house at Disneyland, I was a Tomorrowland attraction host from 1977 through 1985. Both in 1980 at the 25th anniversary of the park and the 30th in 1985 we had the same kind of behind the scenes open houses. As I recall it was held after hours, and the whole park was open to behind the scenes tours. They served us a chicken dinner at the Plaza Inn and then the rest of the night was free for touring. Utmost in my mind was taking a tour of the Haunted Mansion, where we walked around the ballroom and had an inside look on how the ghosts were formed.

They also brought in the parking lot trams which shuttled us to the backstage areas. Stops along the tram route included the Mill where we saw them molding new crocodiles for the Jungle Cruise, a stop at the warehouse that stored the Electrical Parade floats and a visit to a little known office area that housed the "barker bird," who in the 60's, was perched on the roof of the Enchanted Tiki Room ("Hey! stop walking while I'm squawking!"). You could punch a button and see his spiel, or you could control him directly using a joystick.

We also took an illegal detour to the Submarines maintenance area (right next to Small World), where we peeked inside the underground (under Autopia) caverns which housed the giant squid. Those were wonderful evenings, especially with the fact that the park was, for the most part, vacant and you felt that Disneyland was all your own. — -Ed
 

Dear Ed:

I know just what you mean by having the park to yourself — it's what I miss most about DL.

Interesting. DL's 25th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries spark a Backstage Magic type night, but the 45th does not? I can only hope they do one again in 2005 for the 50th.
 

In September 1980 Disneyland Cast Activities sent us dark blue heavy stock, wedding-invitation-quality envelopes with invitations mounted with 25th Anniversary medallions. The outside of the enclosed invitation read in silver lettering — "Our Family Would Like To Meet Your Family...". Inside it continued "At The Disneyland 25th Anniversary Family Open House. A Backstage glimpse of the "magic" behind the magic September 22, 23, 29 and 30. Please indicate your preferred date and time on the enclosed reservation card. We'll look forward to seeing you... and yours! A complimentary dinner will be served."

I can't find the rest of the material (I'm sure I have it somewhere — I kept everything!) but I remember that a behind-the-scenes tour of the Haunted Mansion was on the agenda. In any case, the whole thing was a class act — they were really nice to us in those days.

Thanks, 

Bryan W.
 

Dear Bryan:

A complimentary dinner?? For the whole cast? I'll say they were nice!!

Oddly, most people emailing me about this remember the Mansion backstage tour... I guess it was the big thing then — even though it wasn't brand new. We sometimes take the constantly-revised Disneyland for granted, but for much of the 70s and 80s there were not huge capital improvements.
 

I just wanted to let you know that I've been reading all your archived cast member columns, and I've been enjoying them tremendously. I love hearing all the little behind-the-scenes tidbits. Please keep them coming.
 

Dear Reader:

I know, I know <guilty grin>

I promise not to get so far behind again. I do still have stories to tell — oodles in fact, as I've saved some of my best stuff to dole out over time — but I just got busy.

Allow me to remind the CM readers out there that your stories are welcome too, as guest contributions here.
 

Pick up at EPCOT entrance, on a bus round to the rear of EPCOT World Showcase, this was already fascinating as we drove round the backs of all the countries. World Showcase was empty by the way as it does not open till 11am, it was 9am when we started the tour.

Then into the American Adventure and under the stage to see how all the show elements are stored and moved in to position. I was surprised to se that they are stored under the audience and brought forward on a huge platform and then raised in to place. We also saw the rear of the projection screen and the little projector room tagged on the back of the building. Then round to the Living Seas for a backstage look at the keeping of the fish etc.

Next back on the bus and off to Disney / MGM Studios. First call the Animation Building where we had two hands on sessions, one with an animator who taught us all to draw Pluto, and then with a cell painter were we got a cell and paints to complete our own bit of history (both pieces of artwork were taken from us and given back at the end of the tour so we did not need to carry them round all day).

Next call Star Tours where we too stood under a moving Star Speeder. We had a bit of excitement on our visit though, one of the operators watching the passengers on the CCTV was not happy with the look of one of the passengers and so stopped the ride on a code 'D' The codes I could remember are :-'D' for distress and 'V' for Vomit !!!

We had to stand in the dark under the Star Speeder, and were instructed to be silent while they unloaded the passenger from the vehicle. This was so we did not spoil the effect for the people on board and unloading by hearing and seeing us below.

Then off for lunch, we ate a Mamma Melrose's where they brought virtually everything on the menu, it was great, more food than we could eat. We also seemed to gain an extra guest a lunch, a pushy lady from New York joined us and made us all laugh. She also got on the tour bus with us, only to reveal herself as an actress with the park (now believe it or not some people were actually surprised at this !!!! I guessed as soon as she walked up to the table)

Next off to the costuming building were we saw the manufacturing of costumes for the Studios, we were also allowed to select a little set of fabrics from one of our favorite characters, I chose Aladdin.

Next back on the bus and off to the Magic Kingdom, we arrived at ground level only to find that the entire park is built on the second floor, in to those famous Utilidoors we went and had a look at cast costume pickup and then into the park computer room. Not even cast members get to go in here, very secure. We also got to see the start of the parade, all controlled by one guy at a computer desk. He quite relaxed today, but apparently the day before the computer failed and he had to run everything manually, lights, sound, timing, etc.

Next we walked down Main Street but not the usual way, totally underground, with pipes and cables everywhere. We saw cast members relaxing, taking breaks, headless Mickey's, Tigger skins. Don't worry no children were harmed during the tour, as it is only open to those 16 years or older. Then out into Town Square to see the parade arrive, back on to the bus and back to EPCOT where our artwork was waiting for us, we even got the brush and paints to keep so we could finish the cell later.

All in all a fantastic day out, I will be doing it again in a few years time when it has changed a little.

All the best,

Ian

Dear Ian:

OK, now I really want to go, thanks a lot! I've wanted to go for a long time, but your description makes it sound like everything I wanted to see and more.

The animation thing I could do without — I think this is a remnant of a program WDW had in the late 80's (what was it called again? it was part of the EPCOT backstage thing) and frankly my interest would be in the theme park stuff.

I'm gonna have to do that next time.
 

I was wondering if it possible for a Louisiana guy like me to become employed at Disneyland for just one summer. I have some family living in the vicinity so I was curious if they will take applications from out of state visitors. If you know, thanks.

Gary
 

Dear Gary:

I get questions like this all the time. The answer, unfortunately, is that the application process will require you to eventually be local. Your best bet is to apply online at disney.com, and they will contact you if you are a good match for them.

Or, if you mean just a rank-and-file job at Disneyland, I'm afraid you have to be here — they only do interviews in person and they do not hire for that from a distance.

This mean, unfortunately, that you'll have to come to the Disneyland area and hunker down somewhere, and hope that they hire you. Not exactly ideal, but I can see why DL insists on a face to face interview.
 

I spent most of my time in line that night, waiting for a walk through tour of Haunted Mansion. The tour was terrific, and worth every single second of those 90 minutes I waited! Getting to walk down the hallways with the house lights up, visit the "black room" with the turntables of dancing ghosts in the ballroom scene, plus examine the OmniMover track under the floor to see how it operates was one of the best times I've ever had at the park.

To answer your question... I have no idea if 1980 was the first time they ever did this. Someone who worked at DL prior to 1978 should be able to answer this for you. I only know that 1994 was not the first time they did it.

Judi
 

Dear Judi:

Yes, I made the mistake of assuming it was the first ever event... should have known better. I'm shocked to hear the line was 90 minutes long for HM though — I don't think Indy was that long!
 

I, too, have been in SM with the lights on. We were part way up the very steep beginning part (where the lights circle around you) when we came to a stop. After minutes of waiting the lights came on and two young fellows behind us were escorted off, using the very steep steps next to us. Rumor was they tried to change seats on the way up. CMs do watch the monitors, I guess. So, we started up again but the lights were still on and stayed on all the way down.

It was special, I thought, since not too many people get to see the inside of the mountain. At the bottom they offered to send us thru again, this time in the dark but the girl I was with wasn't keen on this, go figure. Thanks for the interesting articles.

Dave Z
 

Dear Dave:

When the ride breaks (a.k.a, goes "101" in the parlance) it is usual that work lights come up. What isn't so usual is the incident you describe — walking guests off the ride? Must have been some serious infractions — it takes a while for the computer to "cycle" the cars back into proper and safe rotation after an E-stop like that.

But back to Dust Mountain. I think it looks somehow both neat and boring at the same time. The ride is definitely nowhere near as scary.
 

I just thought I'd write ya on some stuff that I find interesting and after reading Al Lutz' most recent DIG Update, I'm sure you'll find it interesting too.

During Thanksgiving Break, when the crowds started to swell in the park I never realized what that meant to the Cast Members. Yah, I've heard stories but I guess I just didn't want to believe. One thing you can count on when the park is crowded so is Katella Lot for employees. I spent a good 15 minutes chasing shuttles to find a parking spot. From what I know, is that a good portion of the lot is blocked off for DCA parking and construction stuff. And from what I hear from lifers if its a busy day at both parks, there will be no parking for guests as well as CMs. 

Which leads to woes at the Costuming Building. From what I hear from some lifers is that actually the costuming lines got worse when split to men and women. And yes, I have had to run from the lockers to my location since many times I spent to long a time waiting in line and waiting on the CM getting my costume. And it seems that a lot of the new hires have been sent into Costuming cause half the time I've gone in to get my costume they have had trouble finding exactly where it is. Often coming back with the wrong costumes for me. 

So if all the new hires are heading into Costuming, where are all the new hires for the parks? Well, 20% of my location is heading off to DCA. Leaving a nice big chunk when they finally leave this week and next. Which isn't helping since we have lost 3 new hires after training and an unexpected rise in people calling in sick more often than not. So in the end, I have been extended on a closing shift, to go home and come back for an opening shift... which later on in the day got extended again.

Leads are often running around with the op sheets asking if anyone can extend hoping that they can keep things running. Many times Leads and Managers come running in to help fill the gaps. But once the DCA CMs leave I wonder how functional our location will be. We have trainees not showing up and soon no one will have the proper experience to train.

Flippy

Dear Flippy:

The ancient Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times" is about all I can think of right now. It must indeed be challenging for the leads and managers to keep up with things, since turnover is so high and labor is tight anyway at DL, let alone with a new park looming.

You raise an EXTREMELY important point here: DL is poised to experience a talent drain in the next 10 days or so as people transfer over to DCA. Not only will some of the most experienced Cast suddenly be gone, but just in terms of sheer numbers we can expect delays on a potentially massive scale back at Disneyland.

On second thought, perhaps these are interesting times for us all.
 

Well, I'm currently working in fashion retail right now... and I'm pretty miserable. I hate the place, and the atmosphere sucks. I'm becoming a much less happier person now. So, being the Disney freak I am, I decided to apply for a job at the happiest place on earth.. considering.. I'm there ALL the time — why not get paid? hehehe.

So I go in for the interview and everything.. and it's going GREAT!! I'm feeling good until she drops the bomb on me and tells me that nothing I wanted to do was available. She was insisting I work in the stores. I wanted to stay away from retail... and do the attractions. I want to be part of where all the magic is... not cooped up in a store till 3 a.m. I'm more than happy to be closing an attraction at 3 a.m., but not a store. So anyway ... turns out... that since I don't have my dumb car yet I can't work anyways. But they'll keep me on file. I was so upset — I was crying pretty bad. 

It's my dream to work at Disneyland and I always picture myself doing the attractions. I'm such a people person.. and I enjoy seeing the smiles on people's faces. I know I can do it. So now, I don't know what to do. Should I just wait? Like.. try again in a couple months and see if attractions are open? How do I make it known that that's really what I want to do? I hope to have a car REALLY soon.. but I'm kinda bummed about the job.

Michelle =0)
 

Dear Michelle:

The first thing I can say is: don't lose hope! I know of lots of folks who didn't get what they wanted the first time either — you can reapply in 30 days and try again.

But there's a lot I'd like to add to that advice: EVERYONE pictures themselves on the attractions; no one thinks first of foods or merchandise or ODV or whatnot. Yet people in those departments stay as long as those in attractions (indeed, frequently for even longer!) for the simple reason that the job can be just as fun.

Working with the public, doing the same job over and over (and over) again may not be all that you think it is... and this might even be at the heart of the interviewer's position when they try to talk people out of it sometimes.

In your case, you should consider reapplying, or even working merch for a year and then transferring to attractions.

As for letting them know what you really want, well that's as simple as just saying it (and repeating as necessary). My advice actually is to be a bit more flexible — in some cases the interviewer is looking to gauge your flexibility as much as they are to fit you with a job. There's just no way to know what they are thinking, fundamentally.

And you have to have a car to work at Disneyland, unless you live literally ten minutes away by bicycle. Of course it's not a legal requirement, but practically speaking it might as well be. This might have been a reason for her not wanting to commit a highly-desirable attractions slot to you, if you didn't have a car.

Try again when you get one!!!!