Losing the magic?

[simplyannie23]

Hi everyone! I'm Annie, and this is my first post here, I've been lurking for a while though, so bare with me!(; I'm hoping to be apart of the CP in Fall 2012, and I have tons of questions about the CP!

One of my most important questions is for anyone who has already been in the CP program. Has the program made Disney lose some of it's magic for you? Since you know the ins and outs, and the less magical side (I'm supposing) of Disney?

I was thinking that Character Attendant might be something I'm interested in applying for but I think that role would be definitely be one of the less "magical" ones. I'm just wondering!

 

[jlg263]

I honestly think it has to do with your personality. I've heard of a lot of people feeling like they've lost the magic, but for me I feel like it only enhanced it! I really like seeing all of the behind the scenes stuff because it's so interesting to see how such a GIANT operation is run! Also, I find it much more magical to be able to play at the parks without being on a strict time-line. When you're there for 5 months there's no pressure to do everything in just a few days, so you're able to appreciate the little things more. You get to walk slower, eat slower, spend more time in the shops...it's so nice. You can even people-watch and really see other people experiencing the magic! I mean, after all, we're all adults here...we know the truth...it's not like you're going to see something and be like "but i thought that was real!!". You'll just see more in-depth how things are done and what it takes to make the magic real for guests (especially children).

Not only that but you get to CREATE magic at work! And there's nothing more awesome that that

 

[slp1650]

I agree with Jig263. It definitely will depend on your personality, but the backstage part can hold its own magic. Yes you see the skeleton of the operation, but that's where the magic that guests see is created. For me, that's a whole new level of magic.

Disney does offer tours backstage now and I've done quite a few of those, so much so I can do a few of them myself. However, I'm always so entranced with what is going on.

For me, I think the magic will come from seeing the guests' reactions to everything. To say "I was a part of that", that's where the magic for me lies...

 

[Joanna71985]

For me, I haven't lost any of the magic working at Disney (in fact, I think it may have gotten stronger).

 

[Dreamstuff]

I love Disney more than before if that's even possible.
I think working there has only strengthened the magic, it's not in the fireworks and shows anymore for me (though those are still super-magical) but in the friendships and the stories of how things came to be, and the guest interactions and the watching a child light up and an adult cry when they come across certain things. The magic has become more real for me...and for most people I think.

 

[Frizzbird]

I agree with everyone else it doesn't ruin the magic. Your definitly shown a different side of Disney that isn't always pleasent but the parks are still very special. You just end up seeing a different form of the magic. I can also say as a Character Attendant my role didn't destroy the magic in any way. In fact you get to play a big part in making the magic. You get to see and facilitate special things like a special needs child meeting their favorite character. There is really nothing better than that.

 

[disneymegs]

I agree! It creates a whole new kind of magic. It's pretty awesome to be a part of that magic. Even if it isn't "real", it's still incredible how we do this everyday.

 

[merfsko]

All depends on how you approach it. I know a couple people you got really cynical, but to be honest, I don't think they really understood the Disney magic before working there.

Before I went, I was really worried about losing the magic- I almost didn't apply because of it. But it is absolutely worth it, because being a CM has it's own magic to it.

 

[CorEeyore]

Didn't ruin the magic for me. The only time it got even close was when I was walking around Magic kingdom backstage and saw the costuming rooms.....if you are worried about losing the magic then I would steer clear of those. Which gets complicated since you want to be a character attendant...but really. Seeing characters without their heads on and heads on spears....sort of plays with ruining the magic.

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

Didn't ruin the magic for me. The only time it got even close was when I was walking around Magic kingdom backstage and saw the costuming rooms.....if you are worried about losing the magic then I would steer clear of those. Which gets complicated since you want to be a character attendant...but really. Seeing characters without their heads on and heads on spears....sort of plays with ruining the magic.

But not really because you know they aren't real. You know those character room exsist (way before you work there) yet when you go to the parks you light up like a christmas tree when you see Mickey!!

It will only ruin the magic if you let it.

 

[littlewitch34]

Some days you might feel a little bit less than magical (you had a long line at the checkout counter, guests weren't quite as nice as you'd hope, etc) but then you will go somewhere and either see, experience, or make some magic, and you'll feel better about it again.

I'm being honest here. Is every day absolutely 100% fantastic? Absolutely not. If you go to the parks for fun after a 12 hour miserable shift, will it feel magical? It might feel a little less than magical to me... yesterday I worked an opening shift from 9:30 to 4:30 after closing the night before at 12:30 am. I got six hours of sleep because of the bus rides taking a long time. Did I feel like it was magical when I first walked into Epcot after my 9:30 to 4:30? No... but the moment those fireworks went off for Illuminations, I got goosebumps and a grin on my face that I couldn't even try to hide. Magic lost? No way!

 

[MelissaMouse]

Disney World and the way it operates is magic. Being a Cast Member also has completely different magic in itself. I see the Disney park as a big stage, We ARE Disney. We play the part to give the guests the best experience at the happiest place on Earth. Plus, there are so many little stories guests may not know that cast members do. Now, when I visit with family or friends, I can tell them little stories and facts about Disney and they love the little secrets Disney holdS underneath the surface

 

[Jessica527]

I know that my best friend knew more than she wanted to about Disney World. The great thing is that she came home even more excited about Disney. And now that she knows more, she even takes the opportunity to send me mail from Cinderella or share the magic with others.

She creates a whole other level of magic for her friends/family.

 

[CorEeyore]

hmm....I am going to stick with what I said. Yes, I knew they existed. I'd just prefer to not see it.

 

[grlwonder]

I think that the college program makes the magic even greater. I'm waiting to do the college program because I want to help make that magic. I love making peope happy, and that is what Disney is about. Who doesn't want to make a childs first trip magical, it's the biggest reason why I love Disney. I think doing the college program would make me even more crazy about Disney, because I've always been fasinated with what goes on backstage.

 

[Frizzbird]

hmm....I am going to stick with what I said. Yes, I knew they existed. I'd just prefer to not see it.

good luck love. Especially if you work at MK. Entertainment costuming is right near the entrance to the utilidors. Although it sounds like you may have already had that experience.

As I mentioned before though, even that aspect doesn't ruin the magic. As an attendant I know very well just what my favorite character Donald looks like on the inside and in a state of undress. However that doesn't change my love of him. I geek out just as much as I ever did when I meet him. He is still just as "real" as he ever was. And ironically when working with him I geek out just as much.

I may be biased in this statement but people in entertainment are probably some of the most character loving people at Disney. My entertainment friends and I character hunted more than any of my other friends. If seeing a characters in a state of undress ruined the magic, then you would think entertainment folk would be most effected, but there not.

So no worries. Being an Attendant doesn't ruin the magic. It just makes it all that much more awesome (IMO).

 

[CorEeyore]

So I guess there you have it. Different for everybody!

 

[savannahjean85]

I know it did not ruin the magic for me though my way of thinking did change, but it is all based on the area you work in and your attitude. I was attractions and got Big Thunder and loved it. My group of CPs loved disney and we made work fun. Cause honestly working in MK is no picnic you work long hours and the park is normally the busiest but with that said we got to watch fireworks every night and work during the parties. My fiance got RPW in DAK which was not even a ride, he lost his magic on program. He worked with a lot of old cms who were just miserable and the nasty attitude affected him. Also he had to constantly pick up parade shifts at other parks to make money. He still loves the company but his attitude did change.