5 Genuinely Shocking Cast Member Secrets That Will Change How You Do Disney World

While Walt Disney World is best known for world-class attractions, food, and hotels, the heart and soul of the resort has always been — and will always be — its Cast Members.

Now, some of the CMs on our team have let us in on some secrets that could change the way you approach your Walt Disney World vacation.

There’s a Lightning Lane “Grace Period”

While we certainly wouldn’t advise arriving late on purpose, don’t fret if you find yourself running behind reaching a ride. During various tests with the system, we’ve discovered that there is a 3-hour grace period where you can still scan into your Lightning Lanes even if it’s past your scheduled return time.

Now, bear in mind, of course, that Disney can change this window at any time, especially during a busier time. Still, it’s absolutely worth checking to see if your Lightning Lane still works even if you arrive at the ride after your scheduled time.

Cast Members Don’t Know Everything

While Cast Members around the resort will surely be willing to help you, not every Cast Member is going to know everything that is happening at any given moment, including major construction projects.

After all, things at the resort can change daily for a litany of reasons, and sometimes — with as frequently as Disney drops news —  things can be a lot to keep up with, especially if your question doesn’t directly apply to their role.

Party Size Matters

While the ideal way to ensure you dine at your Walt Disney World restaurant of choice is to make an Advance Dining Reservation, if you find yourself without one when you arrive at the park, there’s something you can do. Certain Disney World restaurants allow you to walk up to the host stand or to join the Mobile Dine Walk-Up Waitlist on the My Disney Experience app. Our former Cast Members have a couple of tips in that scenario.

According to one CM, those staffing some restaurants actually know how many walk-ups they can accommodate before the restaurant opens, which means that as soon as those spots are filled, they cannot take any more guests. So, if you are trying to eat at a popular restaurant last-minute without a reservation, make sure to get there right as the restaurant opens to see if they can accommodate you.

Party size also plays a part. If you are joining the Mobile Dine Walk-up Waitlist, you will need to put in your party size first to see if the app can find you a spot in line. According to a former CM, larger parties are more likely to get a walk-up since the assignor wants to seat as many people as they can. In some cases, they even say strangers decide to share a table in order to eat at the restaurant.

Magical Moments are NOT Guaranteed

Magical Moments are extra-special actions taken by Cast Members for guests to make their day, well, magical.  Things like a room upgrade at a Disney hotel, a complimentary treat, or getting picked to do something special, like be part of a show. These small actions used to fly somewhat under the radar, but — like many things — the internet had a negative effect on them. See, guests began to EXPECT them on their vacation because they read about someone else’s experience online.

Bottom line: Guests cannot expect a magical moment to happen, and should NOT ask a Cast Member to make one happen. These are so special because they are rare. Relatedly, this is a reminder to be kind to Cast Members. They work so hard, and they do so much for guests all day.

Mickey Pretzels are actually FROZEN

We can hear you screaming, “Say it ain’t so!” but alas, it’s true. The iconic Mickey Pretzels you know and love come frozen and are then sprayed with water, salted, and warmed.

…They’re still delicious though.

Next time you’re heading to Walt Disney World, keep these Cast Member secret tips in mind! Stay tuned to AllEars for more!

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What’s your go-to Disney World secret? Let us know in the comments below.

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