The Disney Trend That Changed my Park Day
I had seen this new, fun, and unique trend circulating on DisneyTok (AKA TikTok) for a while. I loved watching the videos, but I asked myself whether I dared to do it myself. Maybe I would leave this to the pros; they had the courage, and the camera angles all worked out.
Fast forward, I stood in the Disney Parks in front of a souvenir kiosk, grabbing an autograph book as a twenty-something-year old. I haven’t had an autograph book since I was a baby, when a hug from Pooh Bear would envelop me. I wanted to do a “how many characters can I meet in one day” challenge for my new Disneygram page.
But instead of grabbing one autograph book, I grabbed two.
Courtesy of The Midnight Monorail
Yes, I bought two of the exact same autograph books with the money I could have used to buy four churros. I decided that I was going to take on another challenge and also make friends with as many cast members as I could.
The idea is simple: Buy or bring an autograph book to the parks, but instead of filling the pages with character signatures, ask the cast members to sign it - the same cast members who help make the parks magical every single day, who spread Pixie Dust, and who keep Walt’s dream alive.
I didn’t know how to start, I didn’t know how to ask, or what to say. My friend and I decided to play some fair-style arcade games at Pixar Pier, and one of the sweetest cast members helped us out. Once we had finished playing, I scanned the pier, and there weren’t any large crowds, long lines, and cast members were laughing and talking with one another.
“I have a weird question,” I blurted out, “I’m asking cast members for their autographs as a thank you for keeping the magic alive. Would you like to sign my book?” I took the blue autograph book out of my backpack.
Suddenly, asking wasn’t this incredible feat I had to conquer, because this cast member was surprised and honored that I would ask her to sign my book. She took a couple of minutes to sign, not knowing what to write and wanting to make it perfect.
What started as something I didn’t even think I could do once turned into something so much bigger and something I will do every time I come to the parks. Instead of rushing from ride to ride, I was starting conversations with cast members and getting such excited responses from people who I think sometimes feel forgotten, overlooked, and ignored.
It was incredible to see authentic smiles on their faces and to see such magic come over their faces. I believe that we’re so busy stacking our lightning lanes, rushing around, and trying to make the best of our days that we forget to treat the cast members like people.
They might work at Disney, but they are still human. Every cast member - photopass photographers, merchandise sellers, candy makers, custodians, and cashiers - they all keep Disney what it is. And they really do make Disney the place so many of us love.
If you decide to do this fun activity the next time you go to the parks, I promise that you will not regret it. And, if this isn’t your style, take time to talk to the cast members all around you like a person. It will make your day and theirs!
