When you're no longer a Cast Member

By Robert Niles


Published: July 13, 2009 at 8:22 PM

At Theme Park Insider

At what point do you stop being cast member?

Sure, there's the last day at work in the parks. But not always. My last summer at the Magic Kingdom, I worked as a "CT," or seasonal, employee, pulling weekend shifts at Tom Sawyer's Island and weeknight shifts at parade audience control. (On weekdays, I was working as a news intern for Orlando talk radio station WDBO-AM.) I didn't take special note of my final shift as a Disney World cast member because I hadn't thought it would be my last. My plan was to come back from graduate journalism school and work the Christmas holidays at Disney. But the local newspaper up in Indiana hired me instead, so I called up and quit my Disney job, to start my journalism career.

But in some sense, I never stopped being a CM, even after that day when I quit. Obviously, my love for theme parks has endured, and I continue to use this forum to help folks get the most from their theme park visits, just as I did (in a far more limited way) working inside the parks.

And when I visit the parks themselves, whether I am at the Magic Kingdom or another Disney park, I still find myself... slipping into the CM vibe. On Natalie's birthday at Disneyland last week, I chased down one of the Main Street Vehicles to return two hats to a mother and daughter, after they'd blown off in the street in front of me. Later, at Small World, I smiled silently at an older woman whose friend was fumbling with a camera while trying to take a group picture. The woman asked her friend to hand me the camera, and I took the picture, with everyone included. A couple of lost guests stopped to ask me questions. I picked up a piece of trash from the street.

I don't slip into this same mode when visiting other companies' parks. And frankly, I don't feel it as strongly outside the Magic Kingdom and its older twin, Disneyland. But five summers of working in the Magic Kingdom taught me habits I, obviously, have yet to break. 

You know what? I'm happy with that. Creating magic is really just about creating a friendly environment where folks are always ready to help one another. At one point, that was my job and Disney paid me to do it. Today, creating that magic is its own reward, helping me feel the friendship and appreciation of folks whom I can have an opportunity to help, in whatever way. (And since I don't work for Disney anymore, that can include talking about rival parks, too.)

Maybe some people never stop being a cast member - at least not entirely. Thank goodness for that.

To see the original post and all the comments, click here!

The Luckiest Boy in the World

Today, June 22, 1968, Disneyland's Cast Members Tom and Janice Nabbe are married. Tom's career started when he was just 12-years-old - as the park's first Tom Sawyer. (He will transfer to Walt Disney World in Orlando as part of its opening crew in 1971, and later be named a Disney Legend.)

This is his amazing history!



The last time Tom Nabbe paid to get into a Disney Park, it was July 18, 1955 — the first day Walt Disney opened his new Park to the public.

Tom was a rusty-haired 12-year-old, enjoying his day at Disneyland. The very next day he landed a job as a “newsie,” hawking “The Disneyland News” to Main Street Guests.

In 1956, Walt Disney recognized the “Tom Sawyer” in a young Nabbe, and he became the “Luckiest Boy in the World.” That’s what the cover of  the April 7, 1957 issue of “Parade” magazine said, beneath a full-color
photo of Tom dressed as Mark Twain’s paragon of American boyhood.

“I used to approach Walt every time I saw him around the Park,” Tom said of his yearlong pursuit of Disney and the starring role on Tom Sawyer Island.

Disney’s first response to Tom was “Why should I put you on the island when I can put a mannequin there? Especially considering the dummy won’t be running off for hot dogs every half-hour.”

Disney, quoted in the “Parade” article, had a somewhat more gracious recollection: ” He was friendly and bright — and he sure looked the part.” One job requirement was that Tom had to keep a C average in school. So every quarter, the boy brought his report card directly to Walt for inspection. It was perhaps the hardest part of playing the character.

After outgrowing the role of Tom Sawyer, Nabbe went on to manage other attractions. In 1964, he met his wife, Janice, while they were working together at Frontierland’s Oak Tavern at Disneyland. They were married on June 22, 1968.

In 1971, Tom was transferred to Walt Disney World in Orlando as part of its opening crew, where he started as the Transportation Supervisor for the Monorail System. He also helped in the opening of Disneyland
Paris.

Forty-eight years later, in June 2003, 60-year-old Tom retired from his job as manager of distribution services at Walt Disney World. He was the last working member of Club 55, a group of original Disneyland Cast
Members named for Disneyland’s inaugural year and for their chief qualification of membership — a paycheck from Walt Disney dated 1955.

Shortly after his retirement, Tom received the highly selective honor of having his name on one of the windows down Main Street at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

In September 2005, he was inducted as a Disney Legend during a ceremony that took place at Disneyland. His wife Janice and son Ken were in attendance as he received this honor. Since then, he has spoken at
numerous Disney enthusiast events, telling of his experiences as the “Luckiest Boy in the World”.

Ignite Summer Nights with Disney Magic!

Looking for summer excitement? The Disney Theme Parks provide options galore by celebrating the sun-lovin' season with events that'll keep fans of all ages in a "pixie dust state of mind." "Summer Nightastic!" – the popular nighttime entertainment extravaganza – returns with a V.I.P. (Very Important Party) schedule you won't want to miss. From Disneyland to Walt Disney World, there's something for everyone looking to forego the typical sand-in-your-sandwich beach escape. Here's the 411 straight from Park insiders ... and there's plenty of family fun to choose from!

DISNEYLAND RESORT

From June 11 through August 29, "Summer Nightastic!" takes center stage at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California. Brand-new shows join old favorites to spark the nights with pure Disney magic. Fantasy springs to life in the highly anticipated "World of Color," an original nighttime water spectacular with more than 1,200 choreographed fountains, 30 high-definition projectors, music, and animated Characters from timeless Disney tales like "The Lion King," "The Little Mermaid," Disney·Pixar's "Finding Nemo," "Wall-E," and "Toy Story." Held nightly at Paradise Bay in Disney California Adventure, "World of Color" promises to transport audiences into another dimension of classic Disney storytelling, so nestle in early for the perfect viewing spot.

In Disneyland Park, "Fantasmic!" applauds the triumph of good over evil as a 40-foot, fire-breathing Maleficent battles Mickey while towering over pyrotechnics, video, water, live actors, and 3-D animation along Frontierland's Rivers of America. Insider tip – the best viewing is along the River, near the less crowded Haunted Mansion area. Pixie Hollow Enchantment is Fantasyland's must-see, fully orchestrated show aglow with lights, color, and pure Disney magic. Photos with Tink and her Fairy friends are available before 8 p.m., but the show runs continuously throughout the night.

Shake your groove thing at Tomorrowland's TLT Dance Club from sundown to closing time. Local DJs spin today's hottest dance music during the week, while live bands rock the weekends. Cap off the night with "Magical," a fireworks display bursting with color, music, pyrotechnics, and a special appearance by Peter Pan and Dumbo. Here's an added bonus for pin collectors – commemorate your visit with a special limited-edition "Summer Nightastic" Disneyland pin featuring Dumbo flying over Sleeping Beauty Castle.

While you're here, check out an attraction inspired by the carnival-style games that epitomize summer. "Toy Story Mania!" at Disney California Adventure delivers midway amusements with an interactive, 4-D twist. Join Woody, Buzz, and the gang as they introduce their new "Toy Story 3" pals Buttercup, Trixie, Dolly, and Mr. Pricklepants at Disney California Adventure.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

For the first season ever, "Summer Nightastic!" lands at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, from June 6 through August 14. Guests will be treated to all-new entertainment as well as additions to old favorites ... with a few surprises guaranteed to make the night sizzle.

One glance at the Twilight Zone® Tower of Terror after dark and it's clear something strange is brewing at Disney's Hollywood Studios. As an eerie green glow emanates from the abandoned shafts, a host of unexpected sights, sounds, and sensations – including four frightful new drops – are sure to thrill night crawlers right out of their seats.

Epcot's "Sounds Like Summer Concert Series" headlines some of the area's best tribute bands as well as several new acts – Beginnings (A Tribute to Chicago), Satisfaction (A Tribute to the Rolling Stones), and Karin Lawson (A Tribute to Janet Jackson). Where to go and when? Relive the carefree memories of summers past at the America Gardens Theater adjacent to the American Adventure Pavilion from June 12 to July 31.

Brighten your nights at the Main Street Electrical Parade and the Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular, both at the Magic Kingdom. The return of the Main Street Electrical Parade features thousands of dazzling LEDs lighting up new floats inspired by Pinocchio and Snow White, with Tinker Bell leading the way. Music and bursts of color will dazzle at Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular, the perfect ending to a lazy summer day.

Though Disney Water Parks are not specifically part of the "Summer Nightastic!" event, Guests can meet Lilo & Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon or giggle with Goofy over at Blizzard Beach from mid-May through the end of August. Best times to hit the Water Parks? After 2 p.m. to avoid the morning crowds. Schedules subject to change.

Cruise over to Disney Parks for the hottest summer fun this side of the equator ... just don't forget your sunscreen!