15 Things Disney Cast Members Probably Shouldn’t Do

Although Cast Members are usually portrayed as magical, flawless, and always smiling, there are the occasional few that push the envelope. Here are some un-magical activities that will get a Cast Member in more trouble than Br’er Fox in the Briar Patch (that is, if they get caught):

1. Using the Main Gate Pass or Employee ID to get into the parks after you call in sick – When Guests scan their cards or Magic Bands to get into any of the parks, their information is logged into Disney’s system. The same goes for Cast Members anywhere on property; even if it’s just to get a food or merchandise discount… you’re being watched.
2. Sitting in the cafeteria/break rooms when not on break – Managers have to eat too, and if they know they already sent you on your lunch and they arrive two hours later to see you chatting away with Peter and batting eyes at Wendy (or vice versa), there will be trouble.
3. Wandering other areas of the park other than where you are stationed – Some Cast Members, such as those in Custodial, are privileged with costumes that are the same at every location. Still, some CMs enjoy wandering Frontierland when they should be on Main Street.
4. Trying to check-out other outfits at Costuming other than the one you’re assigned – You absolutely love the Haunted Mansion costumes, but you work at Tomorrowland merchandise. Sorry, Costuming won’t let you borrow it for your Halloween attire.
5. Taking pictures backstage – One of the most taboo subjects is what goes on “backstage” at Disney. Just like on dark rides, no photography or video recording is allowed anywhere backstage.
6. Not taking items to Lost and Found – Those new Ray-Bans that you weren’t sporting before you cleaned Space Mountain’s restrooms? Some managers may raise an eyebrow.
7. Parking in the Cast Member parking lot solely for play-time – Security is not pleased if they spot Cast Members that are dressed in their Sunday finest boarding the CM buses at the parking lot, and they will not allow you to board if they find out you aren’t working that day.
8. Riding attractions while on the clock – Unless they’re piloting the Jungle Cruise boat or cleaning a spill, it’s not in good taste for CMs to board an attraction while at work (although some managers are known to allow this for special occasions or slow evenings).
9. Entering roped-off areas during the fireworks – Sure, the fireworks aren’t for another hour, but the area around the Castle always takes some time to be prepped. The guys handling the fireworks are quick to get grouchy if they find any unauthorized Cast Members strolling around inside the off-limits area, and for good reason.
10. Being inconsiderate to Guests or other Cast Members – Although this is a no-brainer, it should still be mentioned, because it has been unfortunately witnessed firsthand. If a manager finds out that one of their Cast Members has been rude to a Guest or fellow employee, expect swift action to be taken.
11. Having a five o’clock shadow – Have some stubble? Trying to grow out that beard since Disney now allows it? Unless you have a full beard and/or moustache that are finely groomed, you will be handed a dull razor and told to shave.
12. Hiding that new tattoo – Even if it’s a Hidden Mickey or an inspirational quote by Walt himself, Disney does not allow CMs to have visible tattoos. Don’t attempt to hide it with a Band-Aid; managers will not allow it.
13. Coming to work high – Making the Magic Kingdom just a bit more magical.
14. Coming to work drunk – That is definitely not water in that water bottle.
15. Trying to befriend the character performers if you are not in Entertainment – When it comes to Cast Members hanging out with other Cast Members, some groups mix and others just don’t. If you see Cinderella, Belle and Peter Pan eating lunch together, don’t stop and ask to sit with them or tell them how cool they are. They already know.