3. Replacing items

Disney wants guests to be happy, so all front line cast members are empowered to spend a few dollars replacing lost or damaged items at the company’s expense. The classic example that all cast members learn in training is that of a child who drops his ice cream bar. Rather than having to seek out a manager and go through a complicated paperwork trail, a cast member can approach the family and walk them over to the nearest stand to replace the ice cream. Obviously there are more stringent procedures for higher-priced products, but seeing the smile on a guest’s face is worth it to almost any front line cast member.

4. Chatting you up

In general, Disney cast members are a chatty bunch. While they have to balance conversation with their other duties, they are always happy to converse whenever possible.

Want to practice your language skills? Head over to the World Showcase. Cast members on the International Program come over to work for a year at their home country’s pavilion. They are happy to talk to guests in either English or their native language about their country, the pavilion, their experiences, or anything else.

Many cast members love sharing insider tips and tricks, from their favorite Illuminations viewing spot to what time to arrive to score a celebrity autograph Fast Pass during Star Wars Weekends. Some are eager to tell you everything they can think of, while others need a bit of prompting. Either way, if you want to know the best way to do something at Walt Disney World, ask a cast member or two. Remember, they spend the better part of their lives at the parks!

5. Making the impossible possible

For many cast members, their favorite moments are the times that they can go way above and beyond the call of duty. A family receiving a substantial room upgrade, a child sharing a ride with a favorite character, and a honeymooning couple getting a same-day reservation for the California Grill during Wishes are all extremely tough for cast members to pull off, but it doesn’t stop them from trying now and then.

Many families vacation at Walt Disney World for years and never receive this sort of nearly-impossible pixie dust, so please don’t expect it or, worse, demand it on your next vacation. Just know that in some cases the stars align just right, and cast members are able to pull off those truly “Wow” moments. You never know, if you are pleasant and friendly and just going about your business, someday it could happen to you!