Working as a Walt Disney World Cast Member affords you the opportunity to spend many hours each week at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” While they fulfill their professional duties in the enchanting environment of Walt Disney World Resort, it also means at times working in extreme weather, with large crowds of people, and/or adapting to new itineraries when unexpected circumstances arise. Disney Cast Members work very hard and more than deserve the benefits that accompany their position.
The 2023 Disney Cast Member benefits include common items like paid time off, health insurance, and retirement programs and also consist of opportunities for self-improvement through wellness programs, tuition assistance, and career development. Cast members are also invited to participate in numerous community outreach projects and can enjoy free theme park admission.
In addition, Disney Cast Members can take advantage of special previews to new attractions and shows as they did with the return of Magic Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After and the debut of Journey of Water Inspired by Moana in EPCOT. Cast Members are also invited to exclusive after-hours events in the parks just for them and fun team building functions like C.R.O.W., the annual Canoe Races of the World that take place in Magic Kingdom.
Another annual event just for Disney Cast Members takes place later this month at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. On September 24, 25, and 26, the doors will open for the Cast Appreciation Marketplace. This once-a-year pop-up event offers official Disney merchandise to Cast Members at deep discounts, up to 75% off of the retail price! This year Cast Members were permitted to pre-register themselves and guests to enjoy this exclusive shopping experience. Reservations of day and time are required and can be accessed online by Cast Members only.
While Cast Members can enjoy a discount of 10-20% in most Disney-owned gift shops, the Cast Member Appreciation Marketplace is a great opportunity for them to stock up on a large variety of items for themselves and gifts for loved ones. Many of the offerings may be from years passed or another season, but retain their quality and function just the same. Cast Members who have shopped at previous Marketplace events report purchasing Halloween and Christmas home décor, Starbucks tumblers, and all sorts of Disney accessories for a fraction of the retail price. All sizes and varieties of clothing articles can also be found at the pop-up including spirit jerseys, joggers, and button-down shirts. Also found in years passed were designer Disney purses and bags at a deep discount!
For all of their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the Magic of Disney comes to life, Cast Members are more than deserving of the benefits and special incentives afforded to them like the annual Cast Appreciation Marketplace that will take place in the coming days. Are you one of the lucky Cast Members or guests with a reservation to shop? What are you hoping to find at this year’s pop-up? Tell us in the comments below!
Featured Photo by Disney
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
