Disney Cast Shine During Exclusive EARidescent Evenings
Originally published at Disney Parks News
Being part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World Resort as a cast member has been such an inspiring experience filled with countless shared moments of magic and wonder. Cast members have enjoyed complimentary resort hotel staycations, put on brand new EARidescent nametags and even been among the first to experience out-of-this-world theme park attractions, and we’ve done it all together.
This summer, cast members came together again to enjoy another special experience: “Cast Member EARidescent Evenings.” This first-of-its-kind series of 15 after-hours theme park events — designed just for cast members to celebrate all the magic we create — was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. On each of these magical nights, the theme parks stayed open late for thousands of cast members to enjoy and came alive with joy, excitement, and of course, some really great tunes.
“This was the first time we’ve done anything like this, and it was incredible to see cast members enjoying the parks as our VIP guests,” said Walt Disney World Ambassador Raevon Redding. “You could really feel the excitement in the air and that sense of pride in being a cast member.”
Choosing a favorite part of the experience is a nearly impossible task. From satisfying our cravings with unlimited, complimentary access to our favorite Disney snacks…
…to riding popular attractions with little-to-no wait time, and finding our groove dancing along to hits at the EARidescent DJ stage…
…to capturing memories that we can look back on for years to come, there were so many ways to enjoy these evening outings.
But the best part? Getting to experience our beloved theme parks alongside fellow cast members with loved ones. My own EARidescent Evening felt like one big party among friends and left me feeling full of pixie dust for weeks to come.
“I had a great time with my sister, Ana,” shared Meredith, a custodial cast member at ESPN Wide World of Sports. “We laughed, we danced and we shared magical moments.”
“It meant everything to me to be able to share this experience with my significant other,” said Kristina, an information designer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “I can’t believe how much we were able to squeeze into three hours. I really felt the pixie dust as we ran around the park collecting delicious snacks and riding all our favorite attractions with no wait times. I’m so grateful for amazing opportunities like EARidescent Evenings that you can only experience by working here.”
Of course, all of this was possible thanks to the cast members who enthusiastically brought these events to life. From welcoming attendees with flair to keeping the operation running smoothly and everything in between, cast members created happiness in true Disney fashion and celebrated the important role they play in our Walt Disney World story.
“This event was created by and for cast members, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to commemorate this special time in our history,” said Walt Disney World Ambassador Ali Manion. “Cast members truly are the heart and magic of Walt Disney World, and I can’t wait for all the future moments we’ll share together as the 50th Anniversary celebration continues.”
Be sure to follow along with us on Disney Parks Blog and #DisneyWorld50 on social media for all of the latest as The World’s Most Magical Celebration continues.
