4. Euphemisms

Naturally, cast members want guests to have a magical day, unburdened by the cares of the real world. This leads to the common misconception that nothing bad ever happens at the theme parks. To preserve this fantasy, employees use euphemisms to describe not-so-magical things. One of the better known is the phrase “protein spill,” which refers to the discharge of bodily fluids such as vomit.

5. Unusual shifts

At both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, balancing employees is an ongoing concern. If one attraction, restaurant, or shop has too many workers during a particular shift, and another has too few, some employees might be temporarily relocated. Known as deployment, this is a complicated process for the person who is deployed, who now has to return to Wardrobe for a new outfit and learn new procedures in the assigned location. Deployment has its own subculture, with certain spots considered better or worse places to deploy, and each location exhibiting its own feelings toward those who are deployed.

In addition, Walt Disney World cast members can pick up shifts that don’t fit the norm. For example, PAC, or parade audience control, involves setting up and taking down the ropes and sidewalk tape needed for every parade performance. Before and during the parade, PAC cast members hang out with guests, provide entertainment such as hula hoop contests, and answer questions. PAC shifts are a unique part of what keeps Disney running smoothly, but to an outsider, the term can be quite confusing.

6. Location-specific language

Each work location has its own verbal shorthand that makes perfect sense to those who work in that area, but is not well-understood even by cast members from other locations. A great example of this is Kilimanjaro Safaris. Since the ride’s setting is an African game reserve, the theme carries throughout the location. Pram parking would be stroller parking anywhere else, and conversations are regularly peppered with Swahili terms. Wishing guests luck on their 2-week safari is common, and some employees like to stay in character throughout the day.

Language is a funny thing. Even when everyone is speaking English, the sheer diversity of themes and back stories across the complexes create a rich fabric in which even two employees in the same department can be confused by each other’s phrasing. Guests listening in sometimes feel like they just landed on Mars. Next time you’re at a theme park, keep an ear open to see how many new words or phrases you can hear.