Main Street U.S.A. has a new sound coming from Casey’s Corner, and it comes from someone who knows Walt Disney World well. Carol Stein, a cast member of 36 years, has stepped up to the piano at the Magic Kingdom eatery, bringing decades of music and Disney experience to one of the most recognizable spots in the park. Here is a look at her story, her long career across the resort, and the philosophy that guides her playing.
A Lifetime at the Keys
Carol’s connection to music started early. She began reading music at age two and has been playing piano since she was four. That head start grew into a lifelong passion, and by her own account, she cannot remember a time when she was not at the piano.
Even with that experience behind her, stepping into a new role still carries a mix of excitement and nerves. Carol has spent time preparing for the job, learning fresh songs and revisiting favorites she had not played before, all with the goal of bringing the right energy to guests at Casey’s Corner.
From the Comedy Warehouse to Main Street
Carol’s Disney career began in 1990 at Pleasure Island’s Comedy Warehouse, where she performed for guests night after night. A Central Florida native, she grew up with Walt Disney World nearby, which makes her long run at the resort feel like a full-circle story.
Since those early days, Carol has played at a range of venues across the property. Her stops include the Rose & Crown Pub and festivals at EPCOT, the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which she names as her favorite. Casey’s Corner now adds a new chapter, with Carol playing the ragtime classics that suit the location’s turn-of-the-century Main Street theme.
The Music She Loves to Play
Ragtime may set the tone at Casey’s Corner, but Carol’s tastes run wider. She has a fondness for the work of composer Alan Menken, including music from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and she enjoys weaving those pieces into her time at the piano.
For Carol, the appeal goes beyond the notes. She points to the energy that live performance creates, and the chance it gives her to connect with guests in a personal way. Playing someone’s favorite Disney song, or introducing a guest to a new one, is part of what makes the role meaningful to her.
A Philosophy Inspired by Tinker Bell
Ask Carol about her approach, and she ties it to a favorite character. Tinker Bell, she explains, tinkers with things and fixes what is broken, and Carol likes to do the same through her music. If a guest is feeling down, she wants to lift their mood. If someone is already happy and has a special song in mind, she enjoys playing it for them.
That idea of spreading a little joy sits at the center of her performances. After more than three decades with the company, Carol still looks for new ways to create memorable moments for guests, one song at a time.
Closing Thoughts
Carol Stein’s move to the Casey’s Corner piano brings a seasoned Disney performer to a beloved corner of the Magic Kingdom. With a career that stretches back to 1990 and a genuine love for both music and the parks, she offers guests a warm, personal touch on Main Street U.S.A. Next time you find yourself there, listen for the piano and see which song she has ready to play.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
