Have you ever seen magic in action? That’s what the incredible members of the Cast Activities, Recognition & Experience Team (“CARE”) at Walt Disney World Resort do to make sure our cast members feel recognized every single day of the year – after all, we are the heart of the magic! And, as part of our extended celebration of Global Recognition Week with Disney Parks, Experiences & Products, I want to show you how the CARE Team took cast appreciation to the next level.
We began the week popping over to various backstage areas in an EARidescent van to surprise thousands of cast members with themed merchandise as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration. Cast members hugged Mickey Mouse plushes, celebrated each other’s accomplishments and created magical memories. But, each stop had an additional surprise, when a handful of cast members were honored with certificates highlighting their dedication to recognizing and appreciating their fellow cast.
“If I recognize my cast members, then they are empowered to recognize others,” explained Maddy Turpin, a Guest Experience Manager at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Global Recognition Week awardee. “They need to know that their work has purpose.”
And, as the sun set on Friday evening, we ended the week with a special Beachside Bash party thanks to Magic Backstage, a sweepstakes program just for cast members. Hundreds of cast gathered with their friends and family at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort to dance the night away and enjoy a special viewing of Disney Enchantment – the new nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park. It was a party filled with joy, gratitude and plenty of pixie dust.
There are certain moments in life that you never forget, and attending these events with the CARE Team made the list. Each stop over the week filled me with gratitude, and I felt energized to keep recognizing my fellow cast members for all they do each and every day. After all, we are one family, and we are the magic.
